Wednesday, August 12th, 2015 Edition

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Wednesday, August 12, 2015/ Shawal 26, 1436 AH . . . putting the people first

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Vol. 16 No. 84 N150

484 Days after

Over 20 killed in fresh Borno blast

Will the abducted Chibok schoolgirls ever be rescued?

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Treasury looters face trial soon- Buhari << pAGE 2>>

l As Abdulsalami cautions on Jonathan’s probe

President Muhammadu Buhari (3rd left), Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (2nd left), former Head of State and Chairman, National Peace Committee on 2015 Elections, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (left), Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar (4th left), National President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor (4th right), Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Primate of Anglican Church of Nigeria, Nicholas Okoh, and others, during a visit by the National Peace Committee on 2015 Elections, yesterday at the State House, in Abuja.

Electricity firms defrauding T consumers, says Senate

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

he Senate yesterday passed a resolution urging the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to immediately abolish the fixed charges, otherwise called estimated billing, with which the power distribution companies charge power consumers.

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Musical chairs at NNPC consume subsidiary MD’s << pAGE 19>>

Police dismiss cop for killing two nursing mothers << pAGE 7>>

Reps probe N5bn police recruitment fund >> pg 3

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News CONTENTS News 2-11 Editorial 13 Op.Ed 14 Letters 15 Politics 16-18 Business Stockwatch

19-22 23

S/Report 24-25 Property 27 Motoring 28 Arts 30

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

Electricity firms defrauding consumers, says Senate sensitise electricity consumers on the remedies available to them in the event of inefficient services by distribution companies.

“NERC should make a regulation to mandate the DISCOs to discontinue the practice of making consumers pay for meters, poles, and transformers which by law, are properties of the DISCOs, but where the consumers purchase those items, they should give notice of the purchase to the DISCOs and should be entitled to recover their expenses from subsequent consumption of electricity”, the Senate said.

While calling for inquiry into the numerous complaints before the NERC by electricity consumers in line with the provision of section (74), subsection (1)(b)

of the Power Sector Reform Act, the Senate expressed concern that even those who have the prepaid meters are also billed a fixed rate per month, irrespective of whether or not they consumed electricity.

In his concluding remarks, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, lamented that after the unbundling of the Nigeria power sector, there is yet to be any noticeable change in the power situation of Nigeria.

Saraki also pointed out that there is something fundamentally wrong with the privatization programme, hinting that either those that bought the distribution companies lack the financial capacity to deliver, yet the regulatory body is ignoring them.

He therefore said that Nigerians are hoping for changes in the power sector, adding that it is time for Nigeria to review the challenges facing the power sector reform.

Moving the motion earlier, Sam Anyanwu said the NERC has the duty to licence and regulate persons engaged in the generation, transformation, system operation distribution and trading of electricity.

He said the distribution companies, since the takeoff of their operation, have been ripping off consumers through fixed charges and bulk metering across the countries.

He warned that given the present economic situation in Nigeria, a lot of Nigerians, especially the poor, would not be able to access electricity, which he said is one of the very basic needs of life.

in the collection, disbursement and utilisation of national funds.

“We have really degenerated as a country. Our national institutions, including the military, which did wonderfully on foreign missions in the past, have been compromised. But we are doing something about it. The military is now retraining and morale has been resuscitated.

“As Petroleum Minister under Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo in the 1970s, I could not travel abroad until I had taken a memo to the Federal Executive Council asking for estacode. Now, everybody does what he wants.

“That is why security-wise and economically, we’re in trouble,” President Buhari told his guests, adding that those who have stolen the national wealth “will be in court in a matter of weeks and Nigerians will know those who have short-changed them.”

The General Abdulsalamiled committee had cautioned President Buhari on the need to follow due process in his determination to probe corruption in the administration of his predecessor, former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Briefing State House Correspondents after a meeting with the President yesterday at the Villa, Reverend Father Matthew Kukah, Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese, who was mandated to speak on behalf of the committee by its chairman, said they had earlier met with Jonathan and members of the political parties on the need not to intimidate the people and overheat the polity.

Asked about the position of the committee on the

ongoing Buhari’s probe into alleged corrupt practices in the Jonathan’s administration, Kukah said “It is not heating up the polity. In our conversation with former President Jonathan and members of the parties, I don’t think any Nigerian is in favour of corruption or is against the President’s commitment to ensuring that we turn a new leaf.

I think what we are concerned about is (the) process. It is no longer a military regime and under our existing laws, everybody is innocent until proved guilty.”

He continued: “Again our own commitment is not to intimidate or fight anybody. The former President’s commitment and what he did still remains spectacular and I think that President Buhari himself appreciates that. So our effort really is to make sure that the right thing is done.”

Asked whether it was true that Jonathan actually approached the committee to intervene in order to stop Buhari from probing his administration, Kukah said “Anybody is free to come to our committee but President Jonathan never by telephone or another means talked to the committee.

We went to see him, but that is after we had already seen members of the political party, members of the civil society. We planned to see the Speaker because we couldn’t see him yesterday (Monday).

This is a much planned series of intervention essentially just to hear out everybody and I think the good news is that Nigerians are committed to a new nation.

They are committed to ensuring that the gains and blessings God has given us come to fruition.”

On why the committee took it upon itself to intervene, he said “This is not an intervention; it is just a hearing out process.

When we had an election, it was like a wedding. Now the reality of government is how the marriage and people need to be encouraged.

We need to reaffirm that this is our country and the only thing we can collectively be opposed to is injustice, iniquity, corruption and in that regard, we all had one single conversation.”

According to him, Buhari has given the indication that the committee should continue to function even as he pointed out that the international community had welcome the contributions of the Abdulsalami’s panel to the peaceful conduct of the 2015 general election Members of the National Peace Committee who accompanied Gen Abubakar on the visit were Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, His Eminence, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Archbishop Nicholas Okoh, Primate of the Anglican Church of Nigeria.

Others were Justice Rose Ukeje (rtd), Prof Ameze Guobadia, Vanguard Newspaper Publisher, Sam Amuka, Dame Priscilla Kuye, Senator Ben Obi, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, and Dr Arthur-Martin Aginam.

The National Peace Committee, formed before the 2015 general elections, was granted permission by the President to transform to a National Peace Council.

l Wants estimated billing scrapped Contd from Cover page

T

his was part of the resolutions which the Senate passed yesterday after the debate on the motion titled “Unfair Trade Practices of Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs) in Nigeria”, which was sponsored by Sam Egwu and David Umaru.

The Senate also urged the NERC to direct NERC to stop the practice of compulsory bulk metering of villages and communities in the rural areas, arguing that consumers have the right to decide if to become part of bulk metering or otherwise.

The Senate also urged NERC to put measures in place, in alliance with the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) to

Looters of Nigeria’s treasury face trial soon-Buhari

By Lawrence Olaoye

P Mark’s witnesses abscona from court – Page 17

Metro

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Int’l 39 S/World

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Digest 40 Sports 41 Columnist 48

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resident Muhammadu Buhari said Tuesday in Abuja that the prosecution of persons who have stolen national resources will begin in a matter of weeks.

Speaking at a meeting with members of the National Peace Committee led by Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar in the Presidential Villa, President Buhari declared that his administration was irrevocably committed to doing all within its powers to break the vicious cycle of corruption, unemployment and insecurity in Nigeria.

“Nigeria has to break this vicious cycle before we can make progress,” the President said, adding that his administration was diligently getting facts and figures pertaining to the nation’s stolen funds, before proceeding to the prosecution of identified culprits.

President Buhari told General Abdulsalami and members of his committee that the Federal Government, under his leadership, will not only ask for the return of stolen funds that have been stashed in foreign banks, but will also ensure that those who stole the funds are put on trial in Nigeria.

The President also said that as part of its actions to address the national problems it inherited, his administration was reorganising Nigeria’s revenue generating institutions.

The President explained that a single treasury account had been established for all Federal revenue to ensure greater probity, transparency and accountability

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PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

News

Buhari orders reunification of IDPs with families

By Lawrence Olaoye

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Ministry of Special Duties and InterGovernmental Affairs to intensify efforts to re-unite families whose members are currently scattered in different camps for Internally Displaced Persons.

Buhari, who expressed particular concern about the wellbeing of children in the camps, said that appropriate mechanisms must be put in place to ensure the proper up-bringing of the children so that they don’t grow up to become another national problem.

The President, who spoke after receiving a briefing from the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Special Duties, Dr. Jamila Shu’ara, also called for a follow-up on the supervision and audit of constituency projects.

Officials of the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory (MFCT) also briefed President Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa today.

At the end of the briefing, Vice President Osinbajo urged the MFCT to explore alternative sources to boost its revenue base and reduce its dependence on the currently lean resources of the Federal Government for the development and maintenance of infrastructure in Abuja.

“With the coming of the FCT Internal Revenue Board and property taxation, you must be able to generate substantial income to take care of your needs,” the Vice President told the Permanent Secretary of the MFCT, Mr. John Chukwu and other officials of the Ministry.

He praised the Permanent Secretary and his team for a “very comprehensive, very detailed and adequate reporting” on the activities of the Ministry.

The Permanent Secretary said that all was now set for the introduction of a new tax regime in the Federal Capital Territory.

Over 20 killed in fresh Borno blast

From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

T

ragedy struck the community of Sabon Gari village in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno state yesterday, when an Improvised Explosive Device, (IED), allegedly buried by suspected Boko Haram insurgents went off, killing over 20 persons.

Similarly, several others were wounded in the explosion which was detonated inside the main market of Sabon Gari village.

Sabon Garivillage is located

along Maiduguri-Damboa- Biu highway, a distance of about 140 kilometers from Maiduguri, the capital of troubled state.

Our correspondent reports that the latest killing incident was the second incident in less than a week along same area. In the last incident hich happened earlier last week, notorious insurgents ambushed commercial motorists, persons and abducted two young men.

Security sources and members of the Youth Vigilante, told newsmen that the explosive was buried in the center of the

market which attracts serious commercial activities.

Abdul Isa told newsmen on phone that: “Many people were killed in Sabon Gari market along Maiduguri-DamboaBiu highway this (Tuesday) afternoon when bomb explosion rocked the market.’’

He said: “Our men heard loud explosion at about 1:35pm, when they got there, people were scattered, some beyond recognition.”

He added that the incident was not suicide bombing but rather from a planted bomb at

the centre of the market.

Another member of the Youth Vigilance Group in Sabon Gari, Yusuf Musa told newsmen on phone that 20 corpses were picked after the bomb attack at the market.

Musa said 25 other persons were injured in the attack which occurred at about 1:35 pm on Tuesday.

He said we were called to evacuate the corpses and assist the injured to hospital during which “I counted 20 dead bodies and our men assisted 25 injured persons to health facilities.”

Muslims praying for peace and prosperity of Nigeria, yesterday in Ibadan.

Photo: NAN

El-Rufai retires Balarabe Musa’s son, other Perm Secs, From Mohammad Ibrahim, Kaduna aduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai yesterday retired more Permanent Secretaries in the state Civil Service, among them was the son of former state Governor, Alhaji Abdulkadir Balarabe Musa.

The son, Ibrahim Balarabe Musa was the Permanent Secretary, Youth, Sports and Culture in the state.

Others affected by the retirement include Adamu Makadi, permanent Secretary, Local Government and Ishaku K. Shekari Accountant-General of the state.

It could be recalled that the state

governor few weeks ago retired about 20 Permanent Secretaries in the state.

This was contained in a statement signed and made available to newsmen in the state

by Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Samuel Aruwan.

The governor also appointed

Umar Hassan Waziri as new Accountant-General for the state.

They affected permanent Secretaries were also directed to hand over to the most senior director in their ministries.

The statement added that the governor has expressed the appreciation of the state for the services of the retired officials.

Police Officers/Men in The Country, Improve Police Welfare and Capacity to Close The Wide Gap of Policing in The Country”.

In the motion which also called on the Police Service Commission to heed the call for the recruitment of more police personnel as well as enhance the capacity of policemen in the country by ensuring that adequate packages are provided to policemen and officers as contained in Prayers 1 and 2, Hon. Abonta stated that the role of the Nigerian Police as the principal law enforcement agency in Nigeria was enforced by statutory provisions which includes the Nigerian Police Act. He noted that the United

Nations recommendation of 222 Police officers/men per 100,000 people as against Nigeria’s Police population figure which the immediate past minister of Police Affairs, Caleb Olubolade put at 370,000 to about 170million Nigerians is a gross inadequate.

“Upon a visit to the Police Service Commission on Monday 11th May 2015, the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase called on the Commission to recruit more people into the Nigeria Police, stating that the Force is under-staffed.

Abonta, a third-timer in the green chamber expressed regrets that according to the Police Chief, about 20 to 30 policemen

die on a monthly basis and no provision had been made for their replacement.

“In spite of the inadequacy of policemen/officers, lack of police welfare including salaries, financial inducements, capacity building and proper accommodation; the last of which was described as a “shame” by the ex-President Jonathan when he visited Ikeja Barracks in July 2013, does not encourage their optimal performance and constituted the reason for a purpoted strike action by policemen sometime in February this year”, he said.

Members during the debate expressed divergent views for and against the motion pointing out the merits and demerits of its

propositions.

Also yesterday, the House summoned the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emiefele to appear before it’s ad-hoc committee and explain the bank’s decision to ban deposit of foreign currencies into domiciliary accounts.

The House in a motion under the matters of urgent public importance sponsored by Rep Emmanuel Ekon (PDP Akwa Ibom), on the “Need For the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to Address the House on The CBN’s Foreign Exchange Policy on Rejection of Foreign Currency Deposits by Commercial Banks in Nigeria”.

K

Reps to probe N5billion police recruitment fund

By Umar Muhammad Puma

T

he House of Representatives yesterday resolved to set up an Ad-hoc Committee to probe the N5billion police recruitment fund appropriated for by the 7th Assembly and report back to it within 4 weeks.

The lawmakers also urged the Federal Government to recruit more hands into the nation’s Police force as a way of mitigating the effects of dwindling manpower in the force and tackle insecurity in the country.

The House in a motion sponsored by Rep Uzoma NkemAbonta (PDP, Abia), and titled: “Urgent Need to Recruit More

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

Page 4 Report

Tackling Nigeria incessant floods

By Ochiaka Ugwu

O

nly last Monday, the Federal Government raised alarm of an impending flooding from the excess water that will be released from the Ladgo Dam in Cameroon.

Apart from the water from the Cameroun dam that has became a yearly ritual with no plan by either federal government or any other agency to find a permanent solution to it, heavy rains are expected to result in massive flooding across the country soon, with potentials to pose serious threat to lives and property. Given to this ugly reality, this natural but avoidable disaster has persisted.

The central government seemed helpless in this situation as they warned seriously that it could result in various flooding which could include river flooding, coastal flooding and flash flooding.

According to the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Nana Mede, who spoke at a press briefing at the ministry’s headquarters on Monday in Abuja said, the government was deeply concerned about the likely loss of lives and property aside other environmental consequences which the floods can cause.

Mede also expressed optimism on government’s capability to arrest the situation. She said that it has become pertinent for citizens living along flood plains to prepare for relocation to areas considered to be safe and remain at alert for any eventuality.

We all know that water is vital to life. No animal or plant life can exist without it. The land will not yield without supply of adequate water. Yet the same water causes havoc and becomes a terror in the form of floods when the rivers overflow their banks due to excessive rains in their catchment areas.

In Nigeria today, almost every year floods are common in one part of the country or the other.

During rainy season our rivers and dams are swollen and cause disastrous floods which cause heavy destruction to life and property.

The swollen rivers and dams inundate fields, destroys crops, house, villages. causing loss of human life, cattle population and destruction of property. The water washes away everything that comes in its way. The rivers often change their course submerging large areas of land.

Floods cause extensive damage. Apart from destroying crops, cattle, houses and all other things coming in its way, farmers have lamented that flood take away with it the upper fertile crust of land. Many villages are submerged by the flood waters and low lying areas turn into huge lakes. The stranded people have to be evacuated to higher and safer places. Those who cannot be transported, have to

A flooded area be supplied with food anyhow.

They do not cause immediate damage only, but leave behind many problems for the health and civic authorities. The flood waters take a long time to recede. Even after months, large areas submerged in water appear to be big lakes. Water could either be pumped out or allowed to evaporate in sun.

This caused a health hazard.

Law and order problems also come up. Malaria, cholera and other diseases sometimes come up as epidemics in flood affected areas. They take a heavy toll of life even after waters have receded. Water logging in vast areas is another problem faced during and after floods.

However, incessant floods in Nigeria have been blamed on heavy rainfall during rainy seasons for a couple of months and other man made problems like waters released from dams.

Due to excessive rains all-round, the rivers and their tributaries overflow. More-and-more water from their catchment areas drain into rivers, resulting in floods.

Letting out of excess waters

from river basin’s personnel also embark on increased discharged of water in several rivers, flooding the areas which suffer immense loss.

Silting the river beds with mud over a period of time mostly by local farmers to prevent too much water from entering their farms also reduces their water flowing capacity, as it constantly reduces its depth. It also results in floods. Sometimes there are huge landslides in the hills and large amount of rocks and other debris fall into river resulting in wide floods. These may be termed as natural cause of floods which are beyond human control.

In the last 40 years or there are about, our vast forest areas have been cleared by people.

The trees have been cut in large numbers. Indiscriminate falling of trees over a period of time has left the mountains barren. When it rains in the high mountains, all water now goes straight to rivers resulting in floods.

Experts have said that in forests, the soil is soft due to trees and their roots. A large amount

“

of water percolates below the surface and becomes available to man as subsoil water. Now, in the absence of trees, this water also passes into rivers resulting in greater damage due to floods and less availability of ground water in future months. This is a man made reason of floods which has to be corrected by constant sensitization of the populace.

The nation has to suffer heavy losses due to floods every year. Nigeria is a developing country and may not be able to afford such tremendous losses.

It has been assessed that almost 10 million hectares of land is flood prone. Floods in such vast areas cause huge destruction and irreparable loss to our economy. National Emergency and Management Agency (NEMA) has spent large sum on relief and rescue due to floods and about 6.5 million acres of crop is submerged; with many livestock and a large number of people perish. It was recorded in 2013 that a road network of nine billion Naira worth went with the flood in Anambra

Floods cause extensive damage. Apart from destroying crops, cattle, houses and all other things coming in its way, farmers have lamented that flood take away with it the upper fertile crust of land. Many villages are submerged by the flood waters and low lying areas turn into huge lakes.

State. It is more disheartening that most of these damages are done in the rural areas, though cities are not always total free from the catastrophes they always leave on their wake. Most farmers pityingly have to watch helplessly the tragedy of having their crops, cattle and homes ruined by surging waters.

It has been suggested that the principal remedy of recurrent floods is massive afforestation and soil conservation programme throughout the country. A programe to reforest the land will be a beginning in this direction. The second remedy to curb foods is to trap some of the early heavy rain water underground in artesian basins which could be used during dry season. Multipurpose projects could be taken up, which would not only control floods, but would also augment power supply.

Floods are causing damage for last several years. Based on this, a national programme for effective flood control measure should be launched that will construct embankments, improvement of channels, raising the village level, protection of town and cities.

It will also consolidate on the benefits arising out of executed work and additional works of embankments, river training work.

The need to reduce the suffering of vulnerable Nigerians and the destruction it will cause demands action.

Only roadmap, policy statement and discussions are not going to help, unless and until the Government machineries at all levels start implementing those well-laid-out plans gathering dust in wooden cupboards, from the very day it was articulated.

PAGE 5

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

News

Jang left N222.3b debt, says Transition Committee From Ado Abubakar Musa, Jos

T

he Plateau State Transition Committee set up the Plateau state government after the 2015 governor ship election, has yesterday presented its report alleging that the immediate past administration of the former governor , Jonah David Jang, has left about 222.3 billion naira debt profile from 2007 to May 2015.

The committee under the chairmanship of the state Deputy Governor, Professor Sonni Gwanle Tyoden which accused Jang of looting billions of naira also in the report alleged that the former governor of running an outright government of sectional ism and ethnicity at the detriment of others.

The committee which came out with various findings of its

investigation. Part of the report reads , “ from the records, between May 2007 and May 2015, the sum of N525.35 billion was the total income accruing to the State, statutory allocations inclusive, but the state was left with a debt of N222.3 billion by May, 2015. In other words, the sum of N747.65 billion could be said to have been expended on Plateau State citizens, in the last eight years. Looking at the State in its current condition, we are at a lost where all this money went to.

Second, the Central Bank of Nigeria remitted the sum of N2billion to the coffers of Plateau State Government for the benefit of small and medium scale industries in the state.

However, about 90% of this amount which was remitted to the state on the 17th of March, 2015

was drawn in two days (between 24th and 26th March 2015), for unexplained expenditure, without a single small and medium scale enterprise in the state benefitting from the money, yet the handover notes dated 29th May 2015, stated that the government was yet to access the fund.

Third, and in addition, various sums totaling N6.1 billion were transferred from the accounts of SUBEB, SURE-P and Ministry of Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, to State Government accounts, without justifiable explanations on how the funds were used.

Four, on the 27th of May 2015, four political appointees of a certain government agency who were not entitled to severance allowances as specified by the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission, illegally

paid themselves the sum of N30million, severance allowance.

Five, the hand-over notes received from the proceeding government claimed the level of indebtedness of the government was N103.9 billion as of May, 2015. Our findings put the figure at N222.3 billion. Furthermore, what was left as credit in all the government accounts put together was N93million.

Six, while the outgone government claimed to have spent N8.6 billion on the new government house at little Rayfield, our findings put the figure at N16.4 billion and work is still on-going.

Seven, the sum of N28.2 billion was raised from the capital market on the eve of the departure of the former government ostensibly to refinance existing state loans in three commercial

banks. Government will need to have a second look at the status of the projects covered by the bond.

Eight, the sum of N420 million was said to have been released to Kaiser Trading House Ltd for the supply of fertilizer and the establishment of the fertilizer project in Foron. A visit to the site shows no development on ground.

Nine, in the same vein, the sum of N2.28 billion was said to have been invested in the Kuru Cassava project. While work has started at the site, there is need for further investigation to determine whether or not the amount of money said to have been expended, is commensurate with what is on the ground. In addition, the whereabouts of two containers with tools and imported equipment for the project which could not be traced by the committee, need to be established, the report added.”

Atiku extols Oyegun’s good virtues, fighting spirit at 76

By Umar Muhammad Puma

F

L-R: National Coordinator, National Malaria Elimination Programme, Dr. Nnenna Ezeigwe, Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr Paul Orhii, Director of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Dr. Dr Bridget Okoeguale, and Vice President, GHIP Africa, Dr. Patrick Lukulay, during a stakeholders forum to disseminate anti malaria medicines quality monitoring report, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

We’ve reduced level of fake drugs to 3.6%, says NAFDAC

By Doyin Ojosipe

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ational Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reduced counterfeit of antimalaria drugs from 19.6% in 2012 to 3.6% in 2015.

The feat was realized as a result of a National survey on quality of anti-malaria medicines.

In a statement signed by Dr. Abubakar Jimoh, Director Special Duties, the nation-wide survey conducted in six geopolitical zones in the country was jointly undertaken by the National Malaria Elimination Programme of the Federal Ministry of Health and NAFDAC

with the funding support by United States Pharmacopeial and USAID. Happy about the feat, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii said, “The introduction and deployment of new anticounterfeiting cutting-edge technologies such as TRUSCAN, Mobile Authentication Services (MAS), Mini-laboratory and Deep Infra-red technology by NAFDAC under his watch were majorly responsible for the ground breaking success so far recorded in ensuring safe and good quality medicines in the country.”

While reiterating his determination to completely

eradicate the menace of counterfeit drugs in the country very soon Dr. Orhii noted that the Agency has again done Nigeria and Africa proud with the remarkable achievement coming closely on the heels of the recent seizure of N5billion counterfeit drugs evacuated from 5 warehouses in Lagos.

The Director-General thanked the USP, USAID, Federal Ministry of Health and other partner agencies for their support towards the anti-counterfeiting war.

Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health, Mr. Linus Awute who chaired the survey report dissemination meeting in Abuja commended

the United States Government for providing the needed fund for the survey while noting that the cheering news of the reduction in counterfeit drugs came at a time Nigeria has recorded progress in other public health issues.

Mr. Awute who was represented by the Ministry’s Director of Public Health, Dr. Bridget Okwuagwale reiterated Federal Government‘s determination to wipe out disease burden such as malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. The governor in his remark during the presentation of the report assured that his administration would religiously implement the report.

ormer Vice President Atiku has said Nigeria’s democratic struggle for good governance is incomplete without a mention of the unquantifiable contributions of the All Progressives Congress, APC National Chairman, Chief John Oyegun, who admirably led the opposition to power for the first time in Nigeria’s political history.

In a tribute to the APC National Chairman on the occasion of his 76th birthday anniversary, the former Vice President noted that Chief Oyegun demonstrated admirable leadership finesse and sagacity that propelled the former opposition to victory during the 2015 general election.

According to Atiku, the story of opposition on merger in Nigeria to oust PDP from power would be incomplete without recognizing Oyegun’s effective leadership.

He explained that holding the opposition partners together despite efforts by the former ruling party was no mean achievement, and that Oyegun deserves credit for being “a capable captain in a rough political sea.”

The former Vice President said sustaining unity is one of the greatest tests of any leader, and that Oyegun demonstrated these requisite qualities remarkably.

The Turaki Adamawa said Oyegun is one of the finest and gentle politicians he has ever known and interacted with, adding that there is a lot of great virtues to learn from the APC National Chairman.

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

PAGE 6

News

10 years after, Plateau varsity to graduates 2 set of students

L-R Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engineer Adamu Ismaila, Permanent Secretary Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Engineer John Obinna Chukwu, Director of Treasury, Malam Ibrahim Bomoi, jointly briefing journalists after their meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday at the State House, in Abuja.

By Maryam Garba Hasasan

E

- Photo: Joe Oroye

Gunmen kill former legislator, 2 others in Benue From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

U

nknown gunmen yesterday killed three persons including a former lawmaker, Douglas Begha and injured several others in Zaki-Biam, Ukum local Government Area.

Peoples Daily learnt from an eye witness that the deceased lawmaker was in his residence in Kendev village Kilometer 3, ZakiBiam when the gunmen invaded his house and shot him dead.

Confirming the report, Deputy Police Public Relations Officer,

DPPRO, ASP Matthew Oku said at about 8pm police received information that three unknown armed men operating on a motorcycle invaded the house of Hon. Begha at Kendev Village, shot and killed him on the spot.

Oku disclosed further that the gunmen also wounded Begha’s son, Aondowaser aged about 12 years old, adding that the gunmen while escaping shot and killed a cyclist, wounded the passenger he is conveying, snatched his motorcycle and escaped.

“Police went into action

and recovered the corpses and deposited same at St. Anthony’s hospital Zaki Biam while the two injured persons are responding to treatment.”

The DPPRO who posited that the new Commissioner of Police in the state, Dibal Yakadi had already stepped into the matter, explained that investigation was in progress as plain cloth detectives had already been dispatched to the area.

He however, noted that no arrest had been made at the time of filing this report but assured that the police would not rest on its oars

until the culprits are brought to book.

Recall that in the last few months, the Benue North-East had been under sever attack by yet to be identified gunmen who had killed several persons including the political god-father of former Governor Gabriel Suswam, Chief Atoza Ihindan.

Only last week, eight persons were killed with others injured in Zaki Biam by unknown gunmen who were riding on a motorcycle in a night attack.

Senate tasks CBN over BVN registration

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

S

enate yesterday tasked the Central Bank of Nigeria ( CBN) and other banks to carry out rigorous awareness campaign in rural areas ahead of the October 31, 2015 deadline for Bank Verification Number (BVN) registration.

This was sequel to a motion moved to that effect by the Senate’s Deputy Minority Whip, Aboodun Olujimi ( PDP Ekiti South).

She said the BVN exercise may deny rural bank customers access to banking activities if sensitisation was not intensified.

While commending attempt by the apex bank to provide a central database for the country’s bank customers, she expressed concern that most rural bank customers were not aware of the exercise.

She said “We appreciate the fact that the Bank Verification Number will help the banking system to track transactions across banks in Nigeria.

“There is however the concern that the people in the rural areas are not carried along due to the inability to access print and electronic media”.

In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, who presided over plenary, said the motion was apt in view of the October 31 deadline, which might affect many rural dwellers.

He said while the exercise was a laudable one, the CBN and other stakeholder should ensure that no Nigerian irrespective of his or her location, was negatively affected.

He stressed that BVN is a laudable project but it should be inclusive and there should be more awareness particularly in the rural areas.

“They should go the extra mile to ensure their customers participate in the exercise.”

Supporting the motion, Sen. Philip Gyunka (PDP Nasarawa North) said the CBN ought to make provisions to accommodate rural dwellers, involved in strenuous jobs like farming.

He said farmers in his

community had complained that their finger prints could not be captured in the exercise.

“CBN should provide alternative means of capturing those in the rural areas so as not to contravene 42(1) of the Nigerian Constitution.

“Going against this constitutional provision is trying to deprive them of their rights,’’ he said.

On his part, Sen. Enyinaya Abaribe (PDP-Abia South) called for a unification of data from agencies saddled with the responsibility of collating data.

He lamented that Nigerians were often made to go through the rigour of registration for difference purposes when their information could be centralised.

“I support this motion because it is difficult to register to vote, go through the rigour of another biometric data capturing for drivers licence and also dragged into registering for national identity card.

“We are carrying all manner of identifications that are not linked

in any way and we are concerned.

“This has to be part of what we will discuss with the CBN governor when he comes. ``We will discuss how to make life pleasurable for an average Nigerian,’’ he said.

Sen. Shehu Sani (APC-Kaduna Central) expressed concern with the poor state of banking in the rural areas.

He said attempts to promote banking in the villages had not been successful and something urgent should be done to carry them along.

His words:` The CBN should know that our people in the rural area are still not banking friendly. “`We should be cautious with the policies we come up with in this country because we are a developing country.

“Exercises like this that thrive in developed countries can’t be successful in our country.

Whatever can be done to encourage rural dwellers to bring the little they have to the baking should be done”.

xecutive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Professor Julius Okojie, has assured the Plateau State University, BOKOS, that the two sets of final year students of the university that are yet to graduate 10 years after the establishment of the institution due to problems facing it, will be given special concession to enable them graduate after due process is followed.

Okojie gave the assurance yesterday in Abuja when the state Governor Simon Bako Lalong led a delegation of stakeholders in the state education sector on a courtesy call to the Commission.

He said for the affected students to graduate, their case must be deliberated over at a meeting of the Commission Senate adding that accreditation of the 17 courses must also be done for that to happen.

As a recipe for addressing the problem, Okojie said the university must restructure it academic calendar first for the benefit of the affected students.

He said once, the problems facing the institution is addressed; a new Governing Council for the university will be in place within a week.

He called on the Governor to put the necessary structure needed in the university in place which he said is part of the problems currently facing it as revealed by facts findings of a team of inspectors sent on inspection to the school by the commission.

He said the university also needs to be rebranded and be given a new name after Nigerians who have contributed to the development of the state and or the country.

In his remarks, the Governor, Simon Lalong said, he made the visit to the Commission his top most priority when he assumed office because as Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly, he presided over the passage of the Bill for the establishment of the university.

He said his government is committed towards enhancing the university and addressing its problems as a matter of urgency.

According to the Governor, other challenges facing the university include the non -accreditation of 17 programes, needless interference in the school matters by the former Pro- Chancellor of the institution Prof. Sam Ale which he said led to the suspension of the former Vice Chancellor of the university without due process, continuous protests by students and parents and the school’s inability to graduate two sets of final year students in the last year ten years among others.

He appealed to the Commission to give the institution additional 6 months to complete the on -going projects which are parts of the requirements for accreditation.

He said as part of efforts to revamp the university, his government will dissolve the Governing Council of the university and reconstitute it with reputable people as members, reinstate the suspended Vice Chancellor and suspended staff and implement the white paper of the visitation panel to the university among others.

On security problem, the governor said his administration has taken proactive measures to address it adding that when all the steps taken to bring development to the school are put in place, it will address the belief that the delay for the graduation of the two sets of final students of the school was caused by the non- accreditation of some programs will be cleared.

He commended Okojie for setting a record for being the first Executive Secretary of the Commission who witnessed the establishment of 50 out of the 147 federal and state universities under his regime.

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PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

News

Police discover girl’s dead body in Bauchi, arrest boy friend From Ahmed Kaigama , Bauchi

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Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Malam Sule Yau Sule (middle), in a group photograph with members of the NIPR, during the membership and accreditation of the committee, yesterday in Abuja.

- Photo: Mahmud Isa

Police dismisse cop who killed 2 nursing mothers

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

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uthorities of the Nigerian Police Force, have announced the dismissal of a Police Corporal who ran amok, killing two nursing mothers at Fugar community in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo state.

The victims of alleged extrajudicial killings were said to have sat under a canopy at a funeral in Ivhiokhile quarters in Fugar when the suspected killer fired at the unarmed women, sparking outrage by members of the community.

Corporal Ali Christopher with Force No. 444040, attached to the area Commander’s office, Auchi, the administrative headquarters of Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State was reported to have gone berserk on Saturday, June 27, 2015.

Peoples Daily reports that the

armed Policeman identified as Corporal Ali Christopher, went berserk and gunned down the women at a funeral in Fugar town, the administrative headquarters of Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State last June, has been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force.

Ali’s dismissal followed the outcome of Edo State Police Command’s Orderly Room Trial which found him culpable, according to the Public Relations Officer for Edo Police Command, DSP Stephen Onwochei who disclosed this to newsmen while giving update of the case yesterday.

“That case has been thoroughly dealt with, two police officers were arrested, at the end of investigations, one officer was found to be culpable.

“That person has been tried in Orderly room, he is a corporal, and as I speak with you he has

been dismissed.

“Hopefully by next week (this week) he shall appear in court”.

DSP Onwochei stated.

He however advised police officers to be guided by Force Order 237 which spells out the use of arms by officers.

DSP Onwochei equally appealed to members of the public to always keep a reasonable distance from any officer bearing arms.

It was gathered that the police bullet narrowly missed a twomonth-old baby strapped to the back of his mother before hitting a woman on her neck.

Reports have it that one of the victims identified as Sandra Imhaku lost her husband last year while expecting the baby as she alone cared for four children before her life was sniffed out by the trigger, that fateful Saturday.

It was also reported by People Daily, 29th June this year that

Sandra Imhaku was rushed to Irrua Specialist Hospital, Irrua where she died the following day, while, the other woman’ Mrs. Saliu, an indigene of Fugar came from Warri, Delta State with her husband to attend the funeral of her in-law’ one late Mr. Itu Joseph.

She was said to have collapsed and died instantly following the shooting.

The double tragedy struck when one of two policemen alleged to have accompanied a traditional ruler from Uzaire clan HRH. Imonike Omogbai who was a guest at the burial, started shooting sporadically for God’sknown-reason.

It was learnt that the shooting came to a tragic climax when the cop held the riffle with one hand, with the other hand, opened the door for the traditional ruler to enter his car as they were about leaving the funeral venue.

Soldier, five others shot by gunmen in Plateau From Ado Abubakar Musa, Jos

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n an added string of attacks and killings in the axis of Barikin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau state, six persons including an STF security personnel were yesterday reported to have sustained gun injuries when gunmen alleged to be of Berom parentage stormed Bisichi vilage in Barkin Ladi local

government area of the state.

The Media and Information Officer of the Special Task Force (STF), Captain Ikedichi Iweha confirmed the attack.

Sarki Ibrahim Isa who is a community leader in Bisichi revealed that five men including a soldier from the community had been shot by the gunmen. But nobody among the victims died.

The community leader said

the perpetrators surrounded and attacked the community around 7am and opened fire at people.

He added that the victims as the time of filing this report said the victims were not been able to rushed to the hospital because the roads were blocked by the attackers.

Ishak said, “We have just seen the STF, they have arrived but we are not sure if the gunshots we are

still hearing is from the STF or our attackers. So we still cannot leave,” he said.

Peoples Daily gathered that the STF personnel who moved to the area repelled that attack.

Recall that 2 persons were killed in same village on Saturday. various attacks and killings had virtually taken place in the Barikin Ladi LGA of the State.

he Bauchi State Police Command has found a dead body of 28 years girl named Iklimi Alhassan who alleged to visit her boy friend from plateau state, just as they arrested the boy friend and one other lady.

The Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Command DSP Haruna Mohammed,confirmed the incident to newsmen in Bauchi yesterday, saying , “you may recall that on the 9/8/2015 at about 00:50 hrs,a young lady was sighed laying unconscious along Maiduguri bye pass near Awalah roundabout Bauchi.”

According to him, the Police Patrol team attached to Tafawa Balewa Housing Estate Division visited the scene and rushed the victim to ATBU Teaching Hospital Bauchi were she was certified dead on arrival by a medical doctor and corpse deposited at the Motuary for postmortem examination.

DSP Haruna said “Discreet investigation revealed the identity of deceased as one Iklima Alhassan, female and 28 years of Bukuru in Jos,Plateau State. She visited her boyfriend one Nasiru Usman Banki male and 30 years whose house is metres away from where the victims body was recovered.”

The Police spokesman said “She was alleged to have met another lady one Fatima Bala Isa female and 22 years of Makera ward at her boyfriend house which resulted into a fight.”

He said both the deceased boyfriend and the other lady were arrested and they are assisting the Police with useful information that could help to ascertain the cause of her death.

Motorcycle passengers robbed at gun-point

By Osakhare Erese, Asaba

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wo female motorcycle passengers were on Tuesday robbed at a filling station situated almost at the outskirt of Oleh/Emede road in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State by two suspected robbers, one of whom was armed.

According to one of the victims Stella, (Surname Withheld), the incident occurred between 10-11am on their way to Uzere, a neighbouring community for a marriage ceremony, when the bike man said he wanted to fill his fuel tank, not knowing they were being trailed by the robbers.

She further stated that hardly had they mounted the bike after the sales to head for their destination, when the unmasked men appeared and one of them pointed a gun at them demanding that they hand over all that were in their possession, which they did.

She said though, the robbers made away with their handbags containing money and an android cell phone, but only took the keys to the motorcycle from the owner adding that the whole incident and the preceding argument portrayed a conspiracy among the robbers, the fuel attendant and the bike man.

She, however, affirmed that she will be able to identify the armed one if situation called for it.

The state Commissioner of Police, Alkali Baba Usman who confirmed the incident said the Police will make the state uncomfortable for all forms of criminal activities.

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PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

News

Gombe NEMA warns public over flooding

From David Hassan, Gombe

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he National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Gombe has warned general public to take precaution over possible flooding in their areas.

The Head of operations of the agency Gombe office, Mr. Saidu Ahmed Minin who gave the warning yesterday in Gombe during a one day workshop on strengthening flood risk awareness in corporate

mitigation into development and relief project management solid and liquid waste in flood mitigation also said the workshop is timely in view of fact that rainy season had started creating havoc in some part of the country He said the agency had put more effort to ensure that issue of flooding in the country to be a thing

of the past, noting that its Agency also have role to play in identifying activities, programmes and project that will go a long way in preventing flood disaster in the country.

According to him, the agency has drawn public awareness to improve basic knowledge about flood hazard, adding that the reduction of future flood damages

through state and community flood plain Management regulations most be sustained.

Speaking further, the Head of operations of the agency encourage private partnership in flood risk management in order to create awareness among key actors in waste management through public and private sectors on effect on

L-R: Commonwealth Secretary, General Ambassador Kamalesh Sharma, in a handshake with President Muhammadu Buhari, during his visit to the president, yesterday at the State House, in Abuja.

Floods destroy properties worth N100m in Bauchi From Ahmed Kaigama ,Bauchi

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eavy downpour in Bauchi state as flood disaster destroyed properties and houses worth one hundred million naira in three local government areas.

The Secretary of humanitarian coordination team of the State Emergency Management Agency SEMA, Abubakar Umar made this known while briefing newsmen in Bauchi on the extent damage by the flood in the state.

He said hundred of farmlands and houses were destroyed by flood in Misau, Darazo and Tafawa Balewa local government areas of the state.

Abubakar said: “There were reported cases of flood in three local governments of the state. In Misau local government, it was reported that over 80 houses were affected and 197 farmlands were submerged by flood” “In Darazo local government, over 200 houses were affected and in Tafawa Balewa local government, over seven villages were affected by flood this year” He explained that the State Emergency Agency in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders were working to ensure that relief materials were provided to the affected communities.

The secretary who said that most of the flood victims were taking refuge in the houses of their relatives, advised residents in the state against building houses on water ways as bauchi state was among the states predicted to experience flood this year.

In his remark, the Disaster Management Coordinator of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Yahaya Inuwa Bello said that the red cross in the state has carried out sensitization campaigns through their divisional offices in Itas- Gadau, Zaki and Gamawa local governments as part of efforts to reduce the level of damage caused by flood.

“What we did last month, was to carry out Advocacy and sensitization campaign to people living in communities along Gongola- Jama is river basin areas. Through our divisional offices in the communities, people were educated on the danger of staying in flood-prone areas” He said

inefficient solid and liquid waste management system during flooding.

He called on the participants to be attentive and contribute meaningfully to the workshop so that the participants will be able to benefit from the workshop by means of preventing flood disaster in their area.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Lagos govt denies sponsoring pilgrims for 2015 hajj From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

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he Lagos State Government yesterday denied sponsorship of pilgrims for the 2015 hajj as being speculated in some news media, even as the Amirul Hajj restated the state’s readiness to conduct a hitch free hajj.

Reacting to publications in some dailies that some pilgrimage forms allocated to key officials of the state government have

been hijacked, the Amirul Hajj and Chairman of the Adhoc Committee on 2015 Hajj, AbdulLateef Abdul Hakeem, in a statement said the State government does not sponsor pilgrims to the holy land and that the State government is only interested in making sure the State pilgrims are well taken care of.

“I wish to inform the general public that Lagos State has not sponsored or intend to sponsor

any pilgrim for the 2015 hajj operations, what we were mandated to do is to coordinate the affairs of all intending pilgrims for this year’s hajj, ” he said.

The Amirul Hajj added that the State involvement as a responsive and responsible government is limited to medical and general welfare.

He said, “we are giving support by providing Welfare personnel, Medical officials and Clerics to

guide them and ensure that they remain good ambassadors”.

“Lagos State Government recognizes the fact that pilgrimage is a private affair of individuals but the primary essence of governance is to ensure the welfare of the people within and outside the State so that they remain law abiding”, he said.

He therefore urged all intending pilgrims to expect hitch free hajj operations and be good ambassadors of the state.

Brig-General Yahaya assumes duty as 4-Brigade commander

Group names library after slain Oshiomhole’s Aide

From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

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uthorities of the Nigerian Army, has announced the appointment of BrigadierGeneral Foruk Yahaya, as the 35th Commander, 4-Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Benin City.

Yahaya whose areas of jurisdiction include, Bayelsa, Delta and Edo states, replaces Brigadier-General Olajide Laleye, former Spokesman of the Nigerian Army, who has been redeployed to The Nigerian Army Headquarters Infantry Corps and Centre, Jaji as Chief of Staff.

The notice was contained in a statement by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Capt. Joseph Unuakhalu, at the

Weekend in Benin City.

The statement said: “following the appointment of Major-General Tukur Yusuf Buratai as the new Chief of Army Staff, the Nigerian Army leadership deemed it necessary to carry out a general redeployment of Officers to fill in the gaps created by the exit of some Senior Staff Officer who applied for voluntary retirement from service.”

Yahaya was the Principal General Staff Officer at the Ministry of Defence, Abuja, until his present elevation, according to the statement.

The official handing over procedure was conducted last Weekend outside the prying eyes of the Media for an undisclosed reasons.

T

he national leadership of Network of Civil Society Organization of Nigeria (NOCSON), has named their Human Rights Library after the former Principal Private Secretary to Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde was allegedly shot and killed on 4th May 2011 by suspected hoodlums, leaving on its wake, tears and wailing.

President of the group, Comrade Abraham Oviawe, dropped the hint during the inauguration of the Secretariat of NOCSON, tagged: “Human Rights House” at the Weekend on Ikpoba-slope in Benin.

Samuel Oviawe, said the naming was in recognition of his contribution in advancement of Civil Society Organization in Nigeria.

He tasked Stakeholders including the Nigerian Police Force and the Department of the State Security Service (DSS) to check the rising cases of alleged extra-2-judicial cases and reign of impunity in high places in the Country.

According to him, “unraveling the mystery behind the death of Olaitan has been an uphill task, particularly as the investigation reports from two government/sister security agencies who ordinarily ought to have synergy remain contradictory in terms”.

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

Page 9

News

Group frowns at FG over dissolution of MDA boards

By Albert Akota

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he recent dissolution of federal board and parastatals by the Federal government has continued to generate concern, as Coalition of Civil Society Groups yesterday at a press conference questioned the rationale behind a directive that spared the boards of Federal universities while others were dissolved.

Addressing the pressmen in Abuja, president, Comrade Bassey Etuk Williams, said the coalition was taken aback over the recent pronouncement of the dissolution

and even more disappointed that a counter circular directing that the boards of Federal universities be retained was later sent from the office of the Head of Service of the federation.

Bassey wondered if due diligence was not carried out before the dissolution, asking why giving special preference to Universities among other tertiary institutions owned and managed by federal government.

He also asked if the President is oblivious of the fact that university councils in Nigeria as so constituted are made up of politicians, whose membership

were products of high political lobby and compensation of political allies, which shortchanges the interest of our educational system?

He said If the change mantra is anything to go by as continuously proclaimed by the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, it should be all encompassing, saying “It is true that the Academic Union of Universities had an agreement with the Federal government regarding the tenures of this councils, yet we make bold to say that the selection process for their appointments sacrifices

competence on the altar of politics.” The coalition therefore request for a dissolution of Federal University boards with an honest intention and deliberate effort to reconstitute them while allowing due process take centre stage. Adding that in a worst case scenario, the board chairmen and members that were dissolved be swapped among universities to prevent some from consolidating on any form of fraud within familiar territories.

He said: “we request that the disparity among the federal tertiary institutions should not be further encouraged by the Federal

Kwara Youth Council backs Buhari’s antigraft efforts

L-R: Executive Director/ Chief Executive Officer, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Ado Muhammad, Chairman, Expert Review Committee (ERC) on Polio and Routine Immunisation, Professor Oyewole Tomori, Senior Adviser, Global Immunisation Division Centre for Global Health, Dr. Stephen Cochi, and Director, Polio Eradication of World Health Organisation (WHO) headquarters, Dr. Hamid Jafari, during the 30th meeting of Expert Review Committee (ERC) on Polio and Routine Immunisation in Nigeria, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

From Olanrewaju Lawal,Ilorin

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Post insurgency plan: Borno builds seedling production centre

From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

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s part of its post insurgency plan to provide jobs opportunity for the unemployed youths, Borno state government has built an ultramodern farm centre for the production of improved seedlings aimed to multiplying yields for farmers.

Towards this end the government has equally procured a total of 845 additional tractors bringing about 2000 so far in stock.

Governor Kashim Shettima

disclosed this yesterday while inspecting the equipment at the Borno State Agricultural Mechanization Unit, saying government has also took delivery of 1416 planters to add to its stock.

Governor Shettima said all the farming implements were imported as part of the government’s post insurgency plan for commercial agriculture in rural areas soon as Boko Haram insurgents are defeated.

The governor also assessed 25 combined harvesters acquired by the State noting that in the whole of Nigeria, there are currently a total of 56 combined harvesters

out of which Borno alone has 25.

Shettima also assessed dozens of green houses and machines installed at the seedlings production centre located which is expected to be the supplier of improved seedlings required by farmers to have high yields such as what obtains in developed countries.

He equally also inspected equipment for drip irrigation as well as large cooling systems needed in nursing seedlings, both of which have been installed at the seedlings production centre.

Shettima said government acquired so much agricultural

equipment and has sponsored citizens to India and other countries for training on usage, maintenance and re-installation of the equipment.

According to him, government was set for post insurgency agricultural activities but was awaiting window of peace in rural communities.

He noted that the State plans to establish agro processing factories to take advantage of high production of tomatoes, pepper and other crops in different parts of the State. He also said the State had taken delivery of large, medium and small scale rice mills.

Ahmed disclosed this in llorin on Tuesday.

According to the Institution, the suspended students are Adeyemi Iretiola ND/13/PA/ FT/1545, Alimi Sikiru ND/13/PA/ FT/1640 and Abu Abdulrahman .ND/13/PA/FT/1752 all from Public Administration Department.

The statement stated that the Polytechnic practice is to place any student under investigation

on suspension pending the outcome of the investigation of the alleged cases “A report from Oke-Oyi Divisional Headquarters of the Nigeria Police had been received by the Polytechnic Authority in respect of your alleged involvement in Secret Cult.

“Consequently, I am directed to inform you that the Management has approved your immediate suspension from the

Polytechnic pending the outcome of the investigation by the Police”.

The statement added that the Polytechnic Authority had directed the affected students to stay away from the Polytechnic pending the time their case will be determined.

It could be recalled that the institution on Tuesday last week ordered the suspension of eight Students over their involvement in alleged criminal activities.

Kwara Poly suspends 3 students over cultism

From Olanrewaju Lawal,Ilorin

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he management of the Kwara State Polytechnic,Ilorin,has approved the immediate suspension of three students of the institution for alleged involvement in Secret Cult activities.

The management, in a statement signed by the Principal Assistant Registrar (Academics) of the Polythecnic, Alhaji Yahya

Government and therefore ensure that the board members are in total compliance with the new administration zero tolerance to corruption.

“A review of Federal Board appointment that will consider competence which will add value to our educational system and productive should be constituted to ensure the desirables is achieved and maintained.

“ASUU leadership should be more concerned about reviving the educational structure via introduction of new curriculum while they leave the administration for the administrators.”

he National Youth Council of Nigeria(NYCN),Kwara State chapter has declared its total support for President Muhammadu Buhari anti-graft policies.

The State Chairman of NYCN,Comrade Kazeem Adekanye,who made the declaration in a statement issued to mark the World Youth Day;theme;Civic Engagement”, stated that the anti-graft policies of federal government would provide enabling environment for Nigeria youths.

“We believe that youth should be more patriotic, and support the anti corruption crusade of the Federal Government as way to ensure better future for us all.

“Without any doubt, the incessant attacks of insurgents in some part of Northern part of Nigeria have affected many youth and displaced many Nigerians. We therefore appeal to the federal government to hasten the rebuild of the region and create enable environment for our youth.

“In the same vein, we solidly support the resuscitation of textile industries and other ailing companies across Nigeria.

We believe that their returns would provide jobs for millions of youth.”

The Council which frowns at the manner of youth involvement in drugs abuse said, they should be more engaged in activities that could develop the nation.

“We are using this year’s International Youth Day; theme“Youth Civic Engagement”, 12th August every year is a date set aside by the United Nations (UN) to celebrate the Youth.

We urge the teeming Nigerian youth population to reflect on this year theme and shun all acts that can distabilise the peace and unity of Nigeria.”

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PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

News

Corps members can’t choose where to serve, NYSC rules

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

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lowing a recent media report that prospective Nigerian polytechnic and university graduates would chose their preferred state of deployment for national service, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), yesterday said corps members cannot chose where to serve but may propose a geopolitical zone other than their own for consideration.

The scheme also said pregnant women and nursing mothers may also be excluded in the service pending the time they will be physically fit to fully participate in all the service activities including the physical drill during the

21-day orientation course.

The NYSC Coordinator in Kaduna, Mr. Hillary Nasamu, who stated this in a chat with National Vice President (zone A) of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Yusuf Idris, in kaduna yesterday, added that women in these categories have actually not been participating effectively in the programme since their inclusion.

According to him, “It is in public domain that as from next orientation in October, corps members will now be given room to propose where they will like to serve other than their state of origin and their area of cultural endowment.

“They will be given the privilege

to suggest not to chose. There is a different between corps members chose where they want to go and corps members proposing where they want to serve.

“For example, every state has carrying capacity and when people are now saying corps members should chose where they will serve, it may mean when some states will be having more than their carrying capacity, others nay not even get anybody wishing to serve there.

“So what the Director General, Brigadier General Johnson Olawumi, said was that if for example, you are from South-east and you said you want to go to North-central, there

are many states there which could be considered as option for that person who prefer North-central”, he clarified.

In his response, Comrade Idris promised the readiness of Journalists in the zone to compliment the efforts of NYSC towards grooming Nigerian youths at graduate level to be better citizens and leaders in the nearest future.

He however commended the scheme over the introduction of skill acquisition and entrepreneurial programme, saying it has been yielding expected results as the question of what next after NYSC has been graciously answered.

Overseer, Department of Land and Country Planning Kaduna state, Alhaji Ibrahim Husaini, briefing journalists on the progress in Millennium City, yesterday in Kaduna.

Photo: Bashir Bello

Proliferation of private schools worrisome, says Ex-police affairs minister From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

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ormer Minister of Police Affairs, Dr. Ibrahim Yakubu Lame has expressed worry that the emergence of private schools or educational institutions is lowering the standard of education in the country.

He observed that many wealthy individuals in the country opts for the establishment of private educational institutions because they want have easiest way of accumulating money and wealth.

“You don’t joke with education, you don’t give educational platforms for money making, and the best way to approach the problem is to start from the beginning, police makers, top government functionaries and businessmen must not be allowed to take their children to private

schools”.

Lame, also a proprietor of private schools in Bauchi and Abuja said however that private schools are meant to supplement public schools but not to replace them, describing it as disservice to Bauchi and the country to allow private schools to flourish.

Dr. Ibrahim Lame, who was fielding journalists’ questions in Bauchi Tuesday, stressed the need to devote enormous resources for the rehabilitation, rebuilding and repositioning of public schools which, he argued, would make people recourse to those schools.

“If we do that you will see that many people will take their case to public schools and that will help in reducing the number of mushroom private schools and only genuine private schools will remain, and you

discover only people who really need to go there will be there”.

This, he said, is the trend all over the world but in Nigeria the private schools are replacing the public schools which they cannot because that is not their functions, as private schools function is not mean to provide public education.

He also argued that private schools don’t have the capacity and disposition to take over the functions of public schools as they were not meant to do that because their driving force is essentially commercial.

“But that is not saying there shouldn’t be private schools, but those private schools should be guided by certain specific objectives and desires to strengthen the public schools but not to replace them”, he stated.

Dr. Ibrahim Lame further

observed that once the public schools are properly functioning, majority of the private schools will close down, as only the best genuine will remain with fewer people taking their case to those schools.

He cited example of private schools such as Harvard and Cambridge, among others, that are contributing to the development of specialized knowledge where people all over the world go to strengthen their earlier foundations.

Lame said public schools are meant to prepare citizens to be good and acquire skills, and described as dangerous trend the allowing of preparatory stage of children to be in private hands who are not prepared, not qualified and don’t have the environment to provide teaching, knowledge and character to our children

Senator Abana donates N2.3m worth relief materials to Yobe IDPs From Uche Uche, Damaturu

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southeast senator of the federal republic of Nigeria, Senator Ikechukwu Abana has donated relief materials worth N2.3 million for distribution to the internally displaced persons in Yobe state.

Items donated includes 500 kilogrammes of rice, 10 cartons each of vegetable oil, milk, tea and bar soap, 10 bags of flour, 50 cartons of indomie, 50 pieces each of women wrappers, and men wears, 240 sets of men and women shoes among others.

Presenting the materials to the state emergency management agency (SEMA), the donor said the gesture is a token for his sympathy for those victims of insurgency who has been forced out of their homes and made refugees in their own state.

Being a well known and recognized philanthropist who has been engaged in charity work for six years now, helping people across the state in different areas including rendering free medical treat, awarding scholarships to students both at the secondary school level and university among other assistances across the state, cannot fail to sympathize with the IDPs and Yobe state government and people adding that Yobe is like a second home to himself.

He however assured that the present federal administration is more serious now than ever before in dealing with the problem of insurgency and based on the promises of president Mohammadu Buhari, the insurgency would soon come to an end.

“I want to assure you based on what the president himself said and promised, this insurgency will before the end of this year,” the senator affirmed.

Receiving the items on behalf of the staff and management of SEMA, the director of search and rescue of the agency, Alhaji Goni Bilan, who represented the executive secretary of SEMA, Alh. Musa Idi Jidawa, assured the donor that the materials would first be presented to the state governor, Alh. Ibrahim Gaidam and would be distributed accordingly to those for whom it is meant for.

He commended the effort of senator Abana for his large contributions to the socio-economic development of the state in many ways. “ I want to say that you are one of the greatest philanthropist Yobe state has ever seen because, as an outsider, you have invested so much in the state, you have assisted so much in the socio-economic development of the state, what you have done for this state is unparalleled,”

Page 11

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

EDITORIAL

ontrary to the celebrated claim that Nigeria is the biggest economy in Africa, President Muhammadu Buhari, Monday, gave an alternative picture that the country is not rich after all. Buhari said at a meeting with the outgoing President of the African Development Bank, Dr Donald Kaberuka, that the impression that Nigeria is a rich country is erroneous because it faces decay in social services and critical sectors like education and health. The president then sought the support of AfDB to generate employment.

Officials of the Jonathan administration had frequently mesmerized Nigerians with statistics of our nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and fast growth rate. They had claimed these factors had made Nigeria the fastest growing economy in Africa.

The then Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Mr. Olusegun Aganga, the Minister of Trade and Investment, were the loudest officials dishing out these suspicious statistics. But if our GDP is so great and the rate of our growth is so high, why is poverty staring so many Nigerians in the face? And why is President Buhari saying now that the country is not rich as was claimed by spinners of Jonathan administration.

In November for instance, the World Bank’s Country Director, MarieFrancoise Marie-Nelly, said that 100 million Nigerians live in extreme poverty. She gave the remark at the

bank’s Country Programme Portfolio Review in Enugu. Ms Marie-Nelly said the number of Nigerians living in destitution makes up 8.33 per cent of the total number of people living in destitution worldwide.

But in an angry reaction to the statement,

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Truly, Nigeria not rich yet We also wish to point out that Nigeria, a richly endowed country is being impoverished by pervasive corruption, and we accordingly enjoin the current administration not to bathe an eyelid in its commitment to demolish this cankerworm. the Chief Economic Adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Nwanze Okidegbe, described the statement as “spurious and astonishing” and a contradiction of the bank’s previous position on the level of poverty in Nigeria.

He recalled that during a visit to Nigeria in May 2013, World Bank’s Vice President for Africa, Makhtar Diop, had declared that poverty in Nigeria had fallen under

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Jonathan administration from 48 per cent to 46 per cent.

“The question that arises from this absurdity therefore is: who is right?” he asked.

To answer the then Chief Economic Adviser, we make bold to say that the World Bank did not reveal any new figures. This has been the recognized poverty level in Nigeria since 2010 at least. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said in February 2011 that 112 million Nigerians are poor going by the economic situation in the country that year. While 100 million are in absolute poverty, 12.6 million are moderately poor. In February 2012 the NBS reported that poverty has risen in Nigeria, with almost 100 million people living on less than a $1 (£0.63) a day, despite economic growth.

In 2013, the National Bureau of Statistics again stated that about 112 million Nigerians live below the poverty line.

And “that the population of Nigerians in poverty has increased considerably”.

Government spinners should have asked Nigeria’s Statistician General who heads the National Statistics Bureau which collects these data from over 20 million Nigerian households, over the years. This is a more honourable path to follow than engaging the World Bank in a public debate. We also wish to point out that Nigeria, a richly endowed country is being impoverished by pervasive corruption, and we accordingly enjoin the current administration not to bathe an eyelid in its commitment to demolish this cankerworm.

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PAGE 12

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

Opinion Reversing the shame of Africa

By Ahmad Salkida

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ecently the European Union (EU) coast guard dug up from beneath the Mediterranean Sea several hundreds of bodies of young Africans drown in a desperate attempt to cross to Europe. The desperation tells another sordid story. Young Africans, full of life, have been shortchanged by a myriad of misfortunes in their native homes. Wars, terrorism, poor governance, corruption, unemployment, famine have combined to render the youths of Africa a most miserable and uncertain future.

Interest in the nationalities of the young Africans swarming the Mediterranean Sea and daring deaths at every opportunity reflects countries embedded in all sorts of misfortunes, largely inflicted by its leadership. Hardly surprising is that none of the desperate young Africans is from the Republic of Rwanda.

A thing or two about Rwanda: a little over two decades ago, driven by corruption, hate and nepotism the country descended into the lowest abyss of human depravity and genocide. Rwanda

By Malam Ali Garba

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e live in the age of unreason, an age where everyone expects some form of improvements in their lives while at the time being oblivious of their responsibilities.

Everyone has developed the ‘entitlement mentality’ – he/she is entitled to some favour, job, benefit or otherwise preferential treatment. Consequently, everyone is on ‘autopilot’, as it were, and waiting for a ‘second person’ to act so that their problem would go away. A problem is always associated with and blamed on a ‘second person.’

Rare is the individual who blames himself/herself for a problem and takes the courageous next step to solve it. The vast majority blames others and waits for these others to change. Many others await the arrival of the Messiah or some form of a miracle or a Jegaquine drug to solve their problems. And so, where we should work we pray, and where we should pray we complain and where we should both work and pray we do nothing at all but despair.

Take commercial and industrial activities in Kano, for instance. In the last several decades we have experienced ‘boom time’, ‘bad time’, and, in recent time, we seem headed to ‘burst time.’ In the Boom, the Bad and the Burst times three unreasonable species (the Good, the Bad and the Ugly) co-exist and combine to create a situation therein. First is the specie called customer (the Good), who demands for quality and functional goods consistent with his perception of their value in use. The customer is unreasonable and often unpatriotic for his demands and more often buys from alternative sources, including and especially from overseas. The customer will go to any extent, including paying

became the embodiment and poster child of Africa’s horror and shame.

But with a sustained momentum of inspiration and vision, President Paul Kagame has led a most hateful, divided, impoverished and desperate society into a model of reconciliation, good governance and national ascendancy.

How has it been possible that within a timeframe of a decade, a virile African leadership has been able to lead a failed state into a model of economic prosperity, while other African countries with far less trouble, better economic and social endowments are sinking daily into the categories of ‘failed’ and ‘failing’ states? Take, for instance, Nigeria, Cameroon, Senegal, Congo, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, Sudan and Libya etc. Each of these countries, by its natural endowments and human resources, harbours more potentials than any single European country. However, the youths, who are the future and potentials of posterity of these countries, are on a daily basis embracing certain deaths in attempting to escape the

inhumanity that profiles their African existence.

In the 21st century Africa, over a century after slavery and colonialism, our values are still subjected to those below the inhumanity of slavery. In simple terms, European slave masters came over to Africa, deployed weapons to pursue, capture and take Africans into slavery. Today, Africans are designing their own schemes in pursuit of the aspiration to be enslaved, which is what the mass migration to Europe signals.

The challenges in Africa are real, but the solution lies in Africa, and not abroad. Rwanda, led by an African has given eloquent testimony to this. It is a viable model. Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal and even the troubled rich Libya can borrow a leaf from the Rwandan model and save this generation of Africans the enduring shame of today.

“The reality is, Africa is being ripped off big time,” says former African Development Bank president Donald Kaberuka.

“Africa wants to grow itself out of poverty through trade and investment–part of doing so is to ensure there is transparency and

sound governance in the natural resources sector.”

However, transparent and fair trade between Africa and the rest of the world, especially the Western world, seems unattainable for now; but it is too late for Africans to lay idle and lament. Developments in places like diamond-rich Botswana and once impoverished agrarian Rwanda reveal that if African countries do the right things, they can experience stable and transparent economic growth and turn the lives of their citizens around within a short period.

Imagine Nigeria with a population of over 170 million– the biggest African market, the most enterprising and energetic young demographic, with professionals and highly creative people. What else would one need to become a world power other than these elements? Still the Nigerian dream and aspiration of a strong nation, leading the rest of Africa, remains a dream.

For now. According to a former World Bank vice-president for Africa, Oby Ezekwesili, Nigeria– Africa’s biggest oil producer–has lost at least $400bn (£250bn) of its oil revenue since the

country’s independence in 1960.

Meanwhile, about 90 percent of the people live on less than $2 per day. Yet that cannot be all of the story of Nigeria.

The last general elections in Nigeria were eloquently described as a watershed, with the narrative leading to the elections built around change.

Nigeria needs change. Nigeria needs to lead Africa to an enduring change, however for Nigeria to succeed in this, she needs to look in the direction of a tiny East African country that is not all that perfect, but which continually strives towards excellence by doing the right things so far.

The challenges in Africa are real, but the solution lies in Africa, and not abroad. Rwanda, led by an African has given eloquent testimony to this. It is a viable model. Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal and even the troubled rich Libya can borrow a leaf from the Rwandan model and save this generation of Africans from the enduring shame of today.

Ahmad Salkida, a freelance journalist and conflict analyst, can be reached on Twitter @ contactSalkida.

The age of unreason outrageously higher prices, to obtain what he wants. This action of the unreasonable customer is causing the extinction of many business firms that has failed over the years to give him the desired benefits and quality leading such businesses from boom to burst.

Second specie is the businessman (the Bad) who is keen to reap much where he/she has sown little. The unreasonable Kano businessman makes little investment in technology and methods of doing his/her business, engages not with or seeks to refine his tools of trade, has no symbiotic relationship with his powerful stakeholders, and seeks only short-term and maximum profit.

The businessman also cares little for the laws of the land and stands accused for conniving with and bribing government officials to avoid taxes, levies, fines and punishment. This action, in part, has recently led to the extinction of a government but is, ironically also, leading to bad times and possible burst time for the businessmen.

The third specie is the government (the Ugly), which is [was] corrupt, arbitrary, inconsistent, irresponsible, unaccountable and very, very, naïve. In the last several decades businessmen and their customers had reason to wonder whether in fact there was a government. Basic and fundamental infrastructure, such as electricity, to support business operations has either failed or has become unavailable.

Freedom of movement was restricted because of an insurgency, which the government had no clue of and no motivation or incentive to tackle. All over the place, goods of varying quality and

relevance are ‘dumped’ in the market because of the failure of government officials to do their work. There appears to be no functional policy that supports or encourages the businessmen. While all this is going on the government is beating its chest for all kinds of funds and policies set aside and designed to support business. The only sound the businessman hears is the noise of empty drums, which are becoming an assault and insult to his ears and common sense. By its action, the unreasonable government has caused the extinction of many firms.

And upon this entire crisis the species are living unreasonably – passing blame for the crisis to one another. One case in point is the recent impounding of Nigeria bound goods worth over N100.00 billion in Maradi, Niger Republic – a very fine example of government arbitrariness and unreasonableness.

With the election of a new nononsense government with zero tolerance for corruption every agency of government is suddenly awake and seeking to impress The Boss. And so, without warning and on the basis of a ranting of a latter day Robin Hood the Nigeria Customs Service decided to ‘work’ – to check and stop smuggling after being idle, turning their heads the other way and keeping a blind eye to it for ages.

Interestingly, these same ‘smuggling’ activities are done ‘legally’ at the nation’s seaports in Lagos and Port Harcourt under the approval of the same Customs Service. All that the Custom Service needs to do, therefore, is to institutionalise the same ‘legal’

process and procedure – license clearing agents, set up offices to clear goods and collect duties, etc., in the dryports in relevant parts of the country.

But as always in Nigeria, it is better to give an impression of action than to take real action. Why work if you could blame someone else for a problem?

Why set up and institutionalise a proper and ‘legal system’ if it is easier to blame the businessman for conniving with the Chinese to smuggle goods? The former is hard work and routine, which no one would notice. The latter creates visibility, an impression of action and seriousness and a good sign of patriotism.

There are many idle ‘professionals’ in the eco-system that have raised hyperbole and jargon to the level of an art – it is better to confuse the audience than to admit ignorance. These idle people try to provide explanation and a way out for this ‘mutual death wish’ situation. Like the Ajino Moto Economists of the last two decades, these ‘professionals,’ are essentially bystanders with no commercial or intellectual engagement with the market.

Detached and with little stake in the issues at hand (living at the expense of government and society), the Laxyconomists, Straytegists and Vodoopreneurs (yes, including yours truly), with a pretentious claim to expertise, but with neither rigour nor relevance, use flawed methodologies, reach ridiculous conclusions and prescribe simplistic, disintegrated, disjointed and unworkable solutions that lack synergy, track and tack.

These solutions, all of them ‘bought’ by the government, include billions of

naira set aside for business development, multiple and duplicitous institutions and numerous counterproductive and confusing policies with the claim of supporting businesses while actually ensuring the extinction of businessmen.

Again, it is better to give an impression of action than to take real action. And few pay attention to a simple maxim – it is the result not the activities that defines performance.

Taking action to achieve result requires taking responsibility to advance the mutual, collective and common interest of all the three unreasonable species. It also requires looking at the problems and issues holistically not in piecemeal. This time is probably the best time to do this. Everyone, especially the customer and the businessman voted for change. All of them genuinely want change and are probably genuinely willing to cooperate to bring it about.

The new government is seen as the change agent. It won the election because of its promise to bring change. Almost everyone believes the government is capable and credible enough to bring, institutionalise and sustain the change.

The customer wants change that supplies products to solve his problems efficiently, effectively and conveniently.

The government wants change that creates employment, increases its revenue and facilitates economic and technological development at some reasonable pace and speed.

The businessman wants change that ensures ‘investment friendly’ environment, which is secure, predictable, reasonable and competitive.

Malam Ali Garba can be reached on babankowa@me.com

PAGE 13

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

Comment

Waiting for President Muhammadu Buhari

By Jibrin Ibrahim

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he reality of our economy is that very difficult choices would need to be made in terms of expenditure and there would be losers and gainers in the short and medium term.

It is therefore important that government articulates the economic policy arguments so that citizens can respond in terms of their criticisms and preferences.

Those of us who devote ourselves to engaging policy are facing very frustrating times because we do not have a clear view of what is being proposed. Over and above the issue of political appointments, engaging the policy debate is very crucial.

We all remember “Waiting for Godot”, an absurd but unforgettable play by Samuel Beckett, in which two characters, Vladimir and Estragon, wait endlessly and in vain for the arrival of someone named Godot. Having read and written so many articles on the virtues and vices of the long wait for President Buhari to make his key political appointments, it’s not surprising that the Beckett play comes to mind. No one is suggesting that it’s absurd to wait so long for key appointments to be made. Maybe the absurdity is in the neurosis affecting the over 5,000 people waiting and praying for appointments into the Buhari Administration. If some of the appointees in waiting head for mental breakdown from the long wait and above all from not

knowing whether their names are on the list or not, the implication might well be that they don’t have the mettle to serve in the government. My own anguish is not about appointments but about the policy direction of the government.

Just before the inauguration, the APC Policy Directorate held a major conference in preparation to execute a strategy of “hitting the ground running” as soon as their party takes over power. The buzz at the conference was that major policy decisions, especially politically difficult ones, must be made immediately and quick WINS must be obtained by the end of the first hundred days in office.

The idea was that by riding on the crest of newly acquired legitimacy and popularity, significant gains could be made before expected criticisms begin to affect the credibility of the government. The underlying assumption is that all new regimes coming into power in a context of very high expectation start losing their popularity on assuming office even if for the sole reason that people’s expectations are unreasonably high. President Buhari is certainly coming into office within the context of very high expectations. The reality about the man Buhari is that he sticks to his convictions rather what others might expect of him.

One key issue at the conference as a “consensus” was an immediate cancellation of fuel subsidy before resistance to such an unpopular move builds up. I certainly had the

impression from the conference but also from the press that fuel subsidy would be abolished within the first week of the Buhari Administration. It did not happen and in general things went quiet as the whole country waited for political appointments and policy announcements that never came. It took almost two months before we started hearing that the abolition of fuel subsidy would not happen, at least not in the total and immediate manner we had been led to believe. For thirty years, I had stubbornly campaigned against removal of fuel subsidy until a few months ago when I caved in to the idea that it was impossible to control corruption in the fuel subsidy so we might as well cancel it and use the money for other social projects that would benefit the masses. Just to sow confusion in my mind and confuse me, President Buhari appears to be sticking with my old argument that the masses would suffer more from the removal of fuel subsidy, hence the way forward is not continue but to control the corruption. My concern however is that there is no formal policy position on the issue to engage with. We have to rely on a few sentences with hints and innuendoes to read the policy framework of President Buhari on fuel subsidy.

The broad framework of the budget for next year has to be prepared by September to meet the timelines of the National Assembly and waiting for Baba Buhari is beginning to pose challenges for

effective take-off of the CHANGE we have been promised.

Of course the larger issue is that there is no economic policy team to spell out the direction of the government so that the debate can take off. There is a media team that makes a lot of announcements and pronouncements on behalf of the President but the poor guys have precious little to say on policy for the simple reason that they have not yet been told what it is. On Friday, the President announced at the National Defence College that the military has been directed to start producing arms for Nigeria.

It’s good talk but it would be useful to know what the statement means. Nigeria has no machine tools industry. Way back in 1971, the Nigerian Steel Development Authority was established to set us along the path of an iron and steel industry and Ajaokuta was established in 1975 and programmed to go into production in 1981. It never happened.

Does producing our arms mean assembling or actually developing a machine tools industry? It would be useful to have a policy team that could speak a bit more to some of these bits of information we are being fed.

We have also been told that next year’s budget would show a significant increase in its capital allocation which is excellent news. Meanwhile, the market for petroleum is not improving and fuel subsidy might not be cancelled. At the same time, the war effort would continue to be a huge burden on

the economy. In this context, it would be useful to know where the money would be coming from.

The reality of our economy is that very difficult choices would need to be made in terms of expenditure and there would be losers and gainers in the short and medium term. It is therefore important that government articulates the economic policy arguments so that citizens can respond in terms of their criticisms and preferences.

Those of us who devote ourselves to engaging policy are facing very frustrating times because we do not have a clear view of what is being proposed. Over and above the issue of political appointments, engaging the policy debate is very crucial. Of course we have had access to the programme and policy framework of the ruling APC. It is however a bold and well thought out campaign framework that made more claims that could be met in this difficult economic climate. Now that power is in the bag, we need to know what specific policy options would be prioritised.

I am aware that we have been told to wait until September to know what is going on. The broad framework of the budget for next year has to be prepared by September to meet the timelines of the National Assembly and waiting for Baba Buhari is beginning to pose challenges for effective takeoff of the CHANGE we have been promised.

Jibrin Ibrahim writes in from Abuja

Tapping from Yemi Osinbajo’s call on nation building...

By Dike James Chigbue..

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n order for us to understand the input recently made by his excellency prof Yemi Osinbajo on the call for us to work on nation building I will like to draw our attention on a similar stand by quoting a philosopher in Prof.

Ibrahim Gambari, former under Secretary General and adviser to United Nations Secretary General, and I quote: “ I would like to emphasise the fact that nations just don’t happen by historical accident; rather they are built by men and women with vision and resolve. Nation-building is therefore the product of conscious statecraft, not happenstance.

Nation-building is always a work-in-progress; a dynamic process in constant need of nurturing and re-invention.

Nation-building never stops and true nation-builder never rest because all nations are constantly facing up to new challenges” This great and even patriotic call is most often misplaced by some of our leaders,unfortunately people in nigeria and most third

world countries see leaders as only people in political offices but the truth remains we are all leaders in our various areas and the need for change starts with us,individually before we hope to lead others.

Recently, Vice President osinbajo led the nigeria delegation to Ndola, Zambia for the inauguration of the $420 million cement plant and 30 KV coalpowered station built by Nigeria’s foremost businessman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote. , he didt only use that opportunity to show that nigeria was showing its self as a regional power house but also used the opportunity to call on Africa to rise up from our present state to become global players in the world However, Vice President Osinbajo hit the nail in the head by mentioning what the problems are in africa and where the solution lies, in his words “One of the key challenges to rapid growth in Africa is extreme poverty; Africa unfortunately remains the poorest continent in the world; the implications are illiteracy, poor health, and low income per capita.

Consequently, despite our large population our markets are not deep; most cannot afford goods and services; this is a crosscutting Africa problem but the only solution is substantially investing in human capacity development.

We simply must spend money on the people; we must spend more on education, technology and healthcare; we must invest in technology, infrastructure to enable our bright boys and girls to hone their skills in the competitive world of technology” On this note I think we must listen,reflex deeply and hencefourth use the words from Vice President Osinbajo as our

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working principle, he should not only be commended but his words should adequately be put into action by other political leaders in nigeria; our governors and local government chairmen acknowledging that Nationbuilding has many important aspects.

Firstly, it is about building a political entity which corresponds to a given territory, based on some generally accepted rules, norms, and principles, and a common citizenship. Secondly, it is also about building institutions which symbolise the political entity – institutions such as a bureaucracy, an economy, the

If there is anything I know about the US presidential election, it is almost like a case of “lose the poll and win the election”.

judiciary, a civil service, and civil society organizations etc. Above all else, however, nation-building is about building a common sense of purpose, a sense of shared destiny, a collective imagination of belonging. Nation-building is therefore about building the tangible and intangible threads that hold a political entity together and gives it a sense of purpose..

I would like to conclude by making emphasis that nations are built by men and women who have the will and vision to accomplish greatness, not for themselves, their immediate families and friends, but for their country.

I believe that if we can find the will to offer such a leadership just as Vice President Osinbajo has done in his call for African to stand up and support it by strong and dependable political and economic institutions for integration of African economies and cooperation between member countries, Africa will be indeed great.

Dike James Chigbue writes in from Abuja

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

PAGE 14

News We will complete all on- going projects Ganduje

Intending Muslim pilgrims performing Tawaf (moving round the Kaaba, as part of the pilgrimage rituals), during a mock Hajj exercise organised by the Directorate of Islamic Affairs, Nigerian Army, yesterday in Lagos.

From Edwin Olofu, Kano

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ano state governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has reassured people of the state that all on-going projects inherited from the immediate past administration in the state would be completed.

Inspecting the two kilometer multi-billion naira Sabon Gari Flyover in Kano metropolis the governor explained that although the project slowed down for a while, the contractors have been given more funds and the project is progressing smoothly.

He maintained that the project is significant because it will reduce congestion along the busy Murtala Muhammad way – Ibrahim Taiwo road – Sabon Gari axis in the central part of Kano metropolis.

Accompanied by the state Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, Hon. Shehu Haruna Lambu, the governor commended the contractors for quality work and directed them to ensure that it is completed within the agreed period.

Meanwhile, Governor Ganduje has directed the contractor handling Hadejia road – Dakata – Bela – Inusawa road, covering Nassarawa and Ungoggo local government areas of the state, SKY Nigeria Ltd., to deploy more men and equipment to the site to speed up the work.

The governor, who visited the site to assess progress of the work lamented that the pace of its execution is not satisfactory because the contractor’s commitment seemed lukewarm.

“Considering the length of this project which is about 10 kilometers, the prevailing rainy season and the concentration of people in this domain and I don’t see how you can do this work with just three tippers and a grader”, he stated.

While expressing concern over the hardship cased the people by the delay in executing the project, the governor promised to visit the site again in the next three days, adding that his administration would not condone shoddy project execution.

In another development, Governor Ganduje inspected ongoing clearing of culverts and drainages in Kano city, which entails 28 major drainages, will cover 22. 22 kilometers and would cost the government about N39 million.

Photo: NAN

Harmonize biometric data, Buhari charges agencies

By Lawrence Olaoye

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resident Muhammadu Buhari has charged government agencies to harmonize the collection and usage of biometric data in the country, instead of replicating their efforts in this regard.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, the Predident made the charge after receiving a briefing on the activities of the National Population Commission from

the Chairman, Eze Duru Iheoma (SAN), who led other National Commissioners to the Presidential Villa, Buhari wondered why each agency would gather its own biometric data, when such data could easily be shared.

“It will be more cost effective if you work together. It helps even the credibility of the election process, as Nigerians of voting age can be identified easily,” the President said.

Government organizations that currently collect biometric data include the National

Population Commission, National Identity Management Commission, Federal Road Safety Commission, Independent National Electoral Commission, among others.

Buhari added that all the agencies should work collaboratively, instead of going in different directions, stressing that adequate data was necessary for planning and development in any country.

Eze Duru Iheoma had briefed the President on what will be required for the commission

to conduct a national census next year, 10 years after the last exercise, as stipulated by the United Nations.

A national population census, the chairman said, would cost about N273 billion, while about N10 billion of the amount would be needed immediately.

He told the President that a biometric-based census was being proposed because it will eliminate multiple respondents, and ghost respondents, while making the outcome easy to audit.

2 die, 16 others injured in Ogun multiple accident From James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

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student of the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta (MAPOLY) identified as Adekoya Emmanuel and a bus driver have been confirmed dead, while 16 others were critically injured in a multiple accident which occurred at the notorious Onipepeye village along the Sagamu Abeokuta expressway yesterday.

The accident, which claimed the life of Adekoya and the bus driver occurred around one in the afternoon and it involved a Mercedes Benz Jeep 500 ML with registration number (LAGOS) KRD 933 BC and two fully loaded passenger buses; a white coloured Mazda with registration number (OGUN) XC 878 JBD, a NISSAN bus with registration number (OGUN)

SRA 229 XA. Our Correspondent learnt that the driver of the Mercedes 500 ML which was on its way outside Abeokuta, lost control and skidded off its lane and rammed into one of the passenger buses coming towards Abeokuta before the second bus also unknowingly rammed into them.

Confirming the accident, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the state Traffic Compliance and Enforcement agency (TRACE), Babatunde Akinbiyi explained that both the MAPOLY student and the driver of one of the buses died on the spot.

TRACE image maker said that 12 out of the critically injured passengers were taking to a private hospital in the Panseke area of Abeokuta, while four others, which included a 7 year-old girl were taking to the State Hospital, Ijaye, Abeokuta

for treatment.

Adebiyi, who explained that the sum of N150, 000 was recovered from the scene of the accident, stated that corpse of the passenger bus driver had been taken away by his relatives who thronged the venue of the accident, while corpse of the MAPOLY student was deposited at the State Hospital in Ijaye.

3 dead as bus collides with trailer in Lagos No fewer than three persons, including the driver of a 13-seater inter-state passenger bus on Tuesday lost their lives in an accident along Ajah-Epe expressway in Lagos.

The Director, Lagos State Fire Service, Mr Rasak Fadipe, made the disclosure to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), saying that the remaining 10 passengers sustained various degrees of injury.

Fadipe said that they got information about the accident involving the bus belonging to the Young Shall Grow Motors and the trailer conveying a caterpillar at about 9 a.m.

He said the bus had Reg. No. AAA 868 XJ. Fadipe said preliminary investigation revealed that the bus driver in an attempt to overtake the heavy duty truck coming from Epe hit part of the caterpillar.

He explained that the caterpillar loaded on the truck was wider than the normal road.

Fadipe said that it took some time before they were able to evacuate the dead bodies and the injured passengers.

The director said that Lagos State Ambulance Service conveyed the corpses and injured persons to Epe General Hospital. (NAN)

Kebbi Muslim students hold Arabic quiz, essay competition From Ahmed Idris Birnin Kebbi

T

he Muslim Students Society of Nigeria Kebbi State chapter has organised both Western and Arabic quiz and essay competition for the

month of 1436 A.H. (2015 C.E).

The competition took place at the Nagari College Birnin Kebbi with the aim of boosting the both western and Arabic education.

Addressing participants from the various secondary schools

across the 21 local government of the state at the closing ceremony, the chairman of the occasion and the Amirul, Yusuf Abubakari, said that the winner of the competition would represent the state at the national level.

He assured the participants that the penal committee would be just and fair to the each students while admonished them to be proactive during and after their presentation.

Speaking early, the

representative of the State Ministry of Science and Technology Aliyu Shehu Jega thanks the organisers, and assured them of government commitment toward promoting the education system.

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Engineer urges Al-makura to sustain electrification From Muhammad Lawal, Lafia

E

ngineer Abubakar Ango an electrical engineer and indigene of Gitata, Panda development area of Karu LGA in Nasarawa State has tasked Governor Umaru Tanko Almakura on sustaining the mass electrification project embarked upon by his administration during his first tenure.

Engineer Ango, in a chat with our reporter yesterday, described the electrification on project as quite laudable in view of its potentials to

boosting the socio-economic well being of the people in the state through job creation, stressing the need for its sustenance and realization.

He however advised the government on the need to ensure that a concrete foundation is provided for the take-off of the project, especially that the present was done without recourse to a better and concrete foundation for it to be able to stand the test of time.

Ango stated that when it is successfully realigned, it would make the state a model and at the

same time attract a number of investors.

He however lamented the that lack of support from the out gone lawmakers in the state especially regarding the Farin-Ruwa electrification project, which is there to serve as a source of the electricity, apart from the one to be tapped from the national grid.

The electrical engineer commended the people of the state for electing the governor for a second term in office as well as electing the peoples general, President Muhammad Buhari,

adding that they have really shown that they are interested establishing good governance that would seek to fulfill their dreams.

Engr Abubakar Ango advised the governor to, apart from effort to revamp the Farin-Ruwa electrification project, he should ensure that other sources of renewable energies that are available in the state such bio-mass, solar and wind –mill were fully harnessed to add to the energy sources especially that they are quite profitable, environmental friendly and bring returns on investment.

L-R: Speaker, Oyo state House Of Assembly, Hon. Michael Adeyemo, member, House of Representatives, Ibarapa Central/North, Hon. Adegbenga Ojoawo, and former Chairman, Ibarapa Central Local Government Area, Mr. Akinyemi Akinlabi, during the APC town hall meeting in Igangan, Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo state on Monday. Photo: NAN

Ambode asks PMB to disband task force for act of lawlessness From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

L

agos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to disband the Presidential Taskforce Implementation Committee on the alienation of Federal Government Landed Properties.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, the governor said members of the Task Force are carrying out duties inimical to the interest of the State and Federal Government in Lagos.

The governor’s call is coming on the heels of several petitions lamenting the nefarious and reprehensible

activities of the Presidential Task Force on the alienation of Federal Government Landed Properties in Lagos.

According to him, the Task Force, whose existence and legality was still in doubt have unlawfully embarked on a brazen seizure, take over and appropriation of state and federal government properties.

He said the activities of the Task Force has left in its wake a near total destruction, displacement, stoppage including unprovoked mass harassment, intimidation, molestation and denial of the original owners of the land and properties.

Governor Ambode expressed concern that the activities of the Task Force

is coming despite their knowledge of an existence of a consent judgment duly entered into by the same committee and some of the petitioners on one hand and an order of Interlocutory Injunction granted by the High Court of Lagos State, with the restraining orders widely published in newspapers.

The governor therefore called on President Buhari to immediately disband the Task Force, so as to forestall a breakdown of law and order, stressing that their activities presently constitutes a security risk in the state.

It would be recalled that the committee began its operations during the era of the Jonathan administration.

Bill seeks to introduce new logo for Kaduna State From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

A

bill seeking to introduce a new logo in Kaduna State yesterday passed second a reading on the floor of Kaduna State House of Assembly.

The bill which was deliberated by the House at its plenary sitting was to create an official logo for Kaduna State.

According to the proposed bill the purpose of creating the logo is to clearly identify and encapsulate the policy thrust of the government by articulating the direction and focus of the key sectors constituting its fulcrum.

A copy of the bill reads thus: “From the date of commencement of this Law, all official communication, correspondence and transactions by government, government establishments, ministries, departments and parastatals shall bear the official logo.

“Non-compliance with Section 5 of this law shall constitute a gross misconduct and shall be dealt with in accordance with the Civil Service Rules or other extant Laws on the subject,” it reads.

The assembly however referred the bill to a joint committee of Youth and Sport, Commerce and Industry, Tourism and Justice to look into it and report back to the house on Thursday.

The Assembly also screened and confirmed nominees for the Chairperson of the State Independent Electoral Commission, SIECOM, Dr. Mrs. Saratu Binta Dikko Audu and her Commissioners.

SIECOMCommissionersscreened include: Hassan Mohammed, Bitrus Edward Gwadah, Rilwanu Adamu Yahaya, Nkom Andrew Andarawus, Mrs. Safiya Umar Balarabe and Ahmad Nuhu Bammalli.

Speaking with assembly correspondents shortly after the plenary sitting, Chairman of the House committee on Information, Honourable Nuhu Goroh Shadalafiya commended the caliber of persons selected for the affairs of the electoral umpire body in the state.

Group condemns Sen Sani over comment against El-Rufai From Mohammad Ibrahim, Kaduna

A

group under the umbrella of Kaduna All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Leaders Forum yesterday condemned in strong terms comment attributed to SeAnator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Senator Shehu Sani against the state Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai.

The group described such comments as unpalatable and malicious and capable of creating division in the party.

Chairman of the Youth leaders’ forum, Malam Aminu Lawal Na’anty disclosed this to newsmen in

the state.

It was gathered that Senator Shehu Sani had in an interview with a national daily (not Peoples Daily ) blamed El-Rufai for introducing unpopular policies targeted as masses.

According to him, the state government is not putting the masses into consideration through its policies, describing the policy as harsh and inconsiderate.

“We are surprise that such comment is coming from Shehu Sani , and it is not only mischievous, but arrogant.

“Therefore we the APC Youth leaders Forum in Kaduna State have condemned in strong term

the unpalatable utterances made by Senator Shehu Sani against the State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai about his policy implementation for the state”.

He explained further that they were against Shehu Sani ‘s comment because his utterances are misleading, and they can create division and hatred among the APC followers and the good people of Kaduna State.

Na”anty said their group disassociated themselves from such comments against the El-Rufai and urged him to come out to apologize publicly to the government of Kaduna State or else they will have nothing do with the senator in future, politically.

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PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

Politics

Bindow commends business mogul for donating N100 m to IDPs

From Umar Dankano, Yola

G

overnor Muhammadu Umaru Jibrilla Bindow of Adamawa State has described the donation of N100 million Naira by a Borno business mogul, Alhaji Muhammad Indimi to Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, in the state as commendable and timely gesture considering the plight of victims of security challenges in the North Eastern state.

Bindow expressed his feelings over the development in an interactive session with

members of the correspondents’ chapel in Yola yesterday stressing that people in hardship always appreciate any assistance or support from good Samaritans in the society.

Recall that Dr. Indimi as a philanthropist made the donation of the said amount (N100m) on Monday during a courtesy call on Governor Bindow at Government House Yola, stressing that the gesture is to support the cause of the Internal Displaced Persons in which he is one of them.

Indimi who came from Maiduguri in Borno State, challenged the big personalities

parading themselves in the north eastern Nigeria for not doing much to support the cause of the Internal Displaced Persons in their region.

He commended the Federal Government for the restoration of normalcy in the North Eastern part of the country which he said had suffered gravely from the activities of Boko Haram militants.

He promised to attract foreign investors to the region as soon as issue of insecurity challenges bedeviling it is over.

Answering a question on his recent trip to

Dubai, Bindow said some foreign investors from Dubai emirate have indicated interest to invest in Adamawa State in constructing a 300 bed space capacity hospital which will be operated by them for 20 years and thereafter to be handed over to the ownership of the state government.

He therefore appealed for support and the cooperation from all and sundry in the state and country at large so that his administration will be able to fulfill all its campaign promises to the electorate.

Benue govt begins probe of Suswam’s administration From Uche Makurdi

G

Nnorom,

overnor Samuel Ortom of Benue State yesterday commenced the probe of the Suswam administration with the constitution of two panels of inquiry.

The committee include, commission of inquiry to investigate funds that accrued to the state from 2007-2015 which is headed by Justice Margaret Kpojime and the commission of inquiry into sale and lease of government property chaired by Barr.

Moses Atagher.

Inaugurating the commissions at the Benue Peoples’ House, Governor Ortom reeled out their terms of reference, stating that the judicial commission on verification of funds accruing/ received and the utilization of Benue State funds is to identify all revenue resources and total amount of revenue which accrued to Benue State governm nt between June 2007 to May 2015, specially ascertain how much were actually received by the State government from Federal Allocation from Federation Account, local government funds, internally generated revenue, IGR, bonds and loans, excess crude account, small and medium Enterprises, SME funds, ecological funds, VAT, SURE-P funds, SUBEB, MDGs any other funds.

He also said the commission is ascertain in quantum of shares/stock owned by the Benue State Government in Dangote Cement Compay PLC, Brnue Brewery Limited, and other companies and enterprises, ascertain the circumstances that led to the sale of such shares/stock and their worth or value, identify the investors who bought these shares/ stock as well as determine whether the transitions followed due process of law,

ascertain the where about of the proceeds of the sale.

Similarly, the commission is to determine if the government has any equity left in the said companies and the value of such equity while ascertaining if the funds realized in all the above stated were appropriated, ascertain too, the application and utilization of such funds, establish misappropriation if any and identify the person or persons involved and recommend appropriate actions to, the government.

The second commission is mandated to amongst others, identify all government properties that have been sold/leased since June, 2007, determine the status and correct value of such properties as the time of sale/lease, identify those who bought or took on lease such properties and in case of lease, determine what improvements have been made and the subsisting interest of the government in the transaction, determine the value of the sale/ lease and establish whether the transactions were in the interest of the government and if due process was followed, determine whether the terms of the lease agreement have been compiled with and generally, review all such transactions and advise government on the appropriate actions in the interest of the people and good governance.

The governor said the objective of the commissions are not meant to witch hunt anyone but to set records straight, urging them to uphold the rule of law and due process I the discharge of their assignment.

Both commissions are given a period of six (6) months from the date of their first public sitting or such an extended time as may be permitted by the governor to submit their recommendations

L-R: Deputy Chief Whip, House of Representatives, Hon. Pally Iriase, Deputy Speaker, Hon. Lasun Yusuf, and Speaker, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, during the inauguration of selection committee, yesterday at the National Assembly, in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Senate President not behind delay of Kwara govt. cabinet formation From Ilorin

T

Olanrewaju

Lawal,

he Kwara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied rumours making the round that the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki was behind the delay in the formation of Kwara State executive.

The party said the former governor of the state was not interfering in the affairs of the state government.

The APC chairman in the state, Hon. Ishola BalogunFulani made the clarification at a news conference in Ilorin.

Balogun said Saraki had no time to interfere in the day to day running of the affairs of the state.

He noted that the running of the state is solely the responsibility of the state

Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed stressing that the governor has been performing his duties creditably well to the satisfaction of the people of the state.

Balogun-Fulani said the party has passed a vote of confidence on Governor Ahmed for excellent performance.

“We want to correct the insinuations that the absence of our leader and Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki has been affecting the running of the affairs of the state.

“We want to say unequivocally that Dr Saraki had never interfered in the running of the state. Whenever he comes home, he only attends to the party matters and this is done openly at the Charity House where most party members are present.

“We are happy and

proud to note that our amiable Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed has been running the state excellently well. This is the reason why we passed a vote of confidence on him.

“So, we urge the good people of Kwara State to ignore those who are peddling the unfounded rumour and continue to support the administration of Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed.”

The party Chairman added that the delay in formation of state executive was not peculiar to Kwara State alone, noting that there are states in the South- West and even in the Northern part of the country that were yet to constitute their cabinets.

He assured the people of the state that preparations are in top gear to appoint credible people as commissioners and advisers”.

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PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

Politics

Kebbi Guber: Tribunal dismisses PDP’s petition against Bagudu

L-R: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, welcoming former Nigeria Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Alhaji Maitama Sule, during his visit to the vice president, yesterday at the State House, in Abuja. Photo: Joe Oroye

From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

T

he Kebbi State governorship election petition tribunal sitting in Birnin Kebbi has yesterday dismissed the petition of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, General Bello S. Yaki, on grounds that the petition was abandoned and the petitioner failed to file the petition within given time frame.

Peoples Daily can recall that Gen. Bello S. Yaki of PDP challenged the victory of Governor Atiku Bagudu’s election that was held in April.

Delivering judgment, the tribunal chairman, Hon. Justice Kazeem Olarewaju held that after consideration of arguments by counsels, the petitioner abandoned as well as failed to file for pre- hearing notice within time frame.

“I, Justice Olarewaju, chairman of the tribunal, therefore dismiss the petition for being abandoned before tribunal” he declared.

Counsel to the governor, Yakubu Maiyau (SAN) said in a motion sought for the tribunal to dismiss the petition having been abandoned.

Maiyau has also argued that the petitioners failed to file their prehearing notice and other documents before the tribunal.

He then appreciated the tribunal for dismissing the petition since it was abandoned by the petitioners, adding that the pre- hearing notice was filed after the stipulated time, which had expired, with the panel of the tribunal having no right to hear the petition.

Maiyau therefore, urged the tribunal to dismiss the petition based on the issue he had raised before the tribunal.

The counsel to the petitioners, Tunde Onomosi, argued that the petition was not abandoned and all other processes were filed within the stipulated time.

Bar. Onomosi urged the tribunal to disregard the motion challenging the petition, adding that the respondents counsel was only trying to buy time.

Appointments: PDP supporters mocking us in South-east —APC chieftain

By Umar Muhammad Puma

A

chieftain of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) Prince Paul Ikonne, has revealed that the leaders of the party are being mocked and unnecessary under intense pressure over non appointment of South-easterner yet in President Muhammadu Buhari’s government.

He however assured that, the president has just started making his appointments and the region will get its share of appointments when the time comes.

Speaking in an interview yesterday in Abuja, Ikonne who commended the president

over the appointment of the new NNPC Group Managing Director, Mr. Ibe Kachikwu whom he said was a very good choice considering the president’s resolve to overhaul and tackle corruption in the petroleum sector.

Ikonne however informed that chieftains of the party were under severe pressure due to apprehension being expressed by some people from the South East about seeming neglect of the people of the South East in terms of the appointments made so far by the president.

“To be very honest with you we are under pressure, serious pressure, because it is like PDP

El-Rufai retires Balarabe Musa’s son, other perm sects, appoints new AG From Mohammad Ibrahim, Kaduna

K

aduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai yesterday retired more Permanent Secretaries in the state Civil Service, among them son of former state Governor, Alhaji Abdulkadir Balarabe Musa.

The son, Ibrahim Balarabe Musa was the Permanent Secretary, Youth, Sports and Culture in the state.

Others affected by the retirement include Adamu Makadi, Permanent Secretary, Local Government and Ishaku K. Shekari Accountant-General of the state.

It could be recalled that the state Governor few weeks ago retired about 20 permanent secretaries in the state.

This was contained in a statement signed and made available to newsmen in the state by Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity,

Samuel Aruwan.

The governor also appointed Umar Hassan Waziri as new Accountant-General for the state.

They affected permanent secretaries were also directed to hand over to the most senior director in their ministries.

The statement added that the governor has expressed the appreciation of the state for the services of the retired officials.

On the biography of the new Accountant General the statement reads “The new Accountant-General is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). He studied Accounting at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and graduated in 1995”.

Born in Zaria in 1971, Waziri has worked with Shell Petroleum Development Company as internal auditor. He was most recently running his own accounting firm.”

people and those that didn’t believe APC will see the light of the day are just mocking us but we are not disturbed, we know that they wouldn’t have their way because they are using it to cause disaffection and trying to bias the minds of the South-Easterners about their involvement in APC, that wouldn’t work because we know that the President has promised us.

“During campaign he came to South-east and he made promises and I believe he will keep to his promises. I have no doubt in my mind that when Mr. President turn to South-east he will balance the equation, don’t forget there still some key

positions left that he has not fill the vacuum, so I am optimistic that at the end of the day he will do justice to South-easterners,” he said.

The former defunct ACN governorship candidate said the president knows people to work with from the South-east.

“He knows there are credible people, who are discipline, people who are clean and those are the people he will fish out.

And fortunately, some of them have been working with him for years, so my advice is that he should go for those people.

South-east has credible people, people who are dignified, who are committed.” He added.

Mark’s witnesses abscond from court From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

T

hree witnesses who were supposed to testify for former senate president Sen. David Mark at the National and State Legislative Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Makurdi, the Benue State capital yesterday absconded.

Sen. Mark who opened his defense at the tribunal was scheduled to call 8 witnesses just as his lead counsel Kenneth Ikonne, lead counsel had at the commencement of proceedings, expressed concern that he may have lost some of his witnesses to the All Progressives Congress, APC. However, a drama ensued when the 6th witness for the day was called and it was discovered that he and the other 2

had disappeared in spite of the fact that they had earlier been mobilized to court.

Something strange seems to be happening here. My witness came to me to say that he has gone to the APC. He spoke with other witnesses and now I cannot see them in court”, he lamented.

The ascended witnesses include, Onazi Emmanuel, Paul Okpe Anyebe, Julius Ali Testifying before the court earlier, witnesses told the court that the March 28 election was free and fair. When shown voters register for their polling units however, they were not ticked to indicate accreditation, the court heard.

The matter is adjourned for 13th August, 2015 for continuation of defense

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PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

Politics

L-R: Member, Senate Ad hoc Committee on Debt Management, Senator Duro Faseyi, Chairman of the committee, Senator Kabiru Gaya, a member of the committee, Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim, during the committee’s meeting with Director General of Debt Management Office, Dr. Abraham Nwankwo over the second tranche of the World Bank loan to Edo state government, yesterday at the National Assembly, in Abuja.

Ex- labour leader faults committee to collate demands of LGs in Bauchi From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

A

one-time labour leader in the state, Comrade Abdullahi Shehu has described as conflicting to democratic tenets the government’s planned committee to collate needs or demands of people across the twenty local government areas of the state.

Comrade Abdullahi Shehu explained that it is incorrect in the context of western democracy for the Bauchi state government to constitute such a committee as, according to him, democracy always exist with representation.

Shehu told newsmen yesterday in Bauchi that every local government in the state is being represented in the state

House of Assembly, hence it is the duty of any representative to assess and collect data of what are his/her people’s demands.

“A representative’s ability to talk, dialogue and convince but not enforce his colleagues in the legislature to accept certain things to be done in his area or constituency is the essence of any democratic dispensation”, he said.

According to him, it is the ability of a representative to get whatever for his people that will be used as a scale in next elections, as collecting needs, demands and data by any committee means a blueprint for everybody.

The former labour leader also observed that constituting such committee that would collect allowance from the state

government and equally be hosted by the local government councils would mean creating opportunity for corruption to thrive.

Comrade Abdullahi Shehu therefore advised the state government against the setting up of the planned committee, saying such gathering or collation of data is the job of members of the state House of Assembly.

He also faulted as unconstitutional and an infringement of the rule of law the setting up of the assets or property recovery committee by the state government.

Shehu noted that the immediate past government at that material time has every right to sell or allocate the disputed properties or assets, saying in governance you do not

come to unwind resolutions, policies or programmes.

He emphasized the need that people who worked for the state be dignified, else there will come a situation when people will not like to take up positions or appointments.

“You cannot be an SSG, one of the highest positions in government and then a committee that is not a court and have no any institutionalized calling by the law to go and ransack your house and do whatever it want, it doesn’t have that power constitutionally”, he frowned.

Comrade Abdullahi Shehu stated that people rights must be respected until they are proven guilty by a court of law but not a committee that lacks constitutional powers to arbitrate.

He also described the recovery committee as uncivil in nature, comprising of retired soldiers, serving police and state security service personnel, among others, that is in conflict with creeds of democracy.

“I’m not saying people should steal and go but lawful organs should find out what happened in a problem, and the court is the arbiter but not a committee because people have been pronounced guilty already, and I think this is wrong”.

He observed that there is nowhere in the Nigerian constitution where a committee will be set up to withdraw or take away things that one is perceived to have been misappropriated or embezzled as it is only a court that can do it.

Ortom laments infrastructural decay in judiciary From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

B

enue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has lamented over the decay of government structures, while imagining how judges in the state are able to dispense justice under a harrowing situation where offices have been overtaken by

ant hills The governor who made the lamentation yesterday in Makurdi, during an interview with newsmen after a scheduled inspection of facilities at the state Ministry of Justice, expressed disbelief at the rot in facilities at the ministry.

“It is a shame that we have

such in the state especially for the judiciary who are supposed to work under a conducive environment to administer justice. Am really saddened by what I have seen”, he frowned.

Governor Ortom also acknowledged that over N500 million was allegedly sunk into renovation of the entire

ministry by the immediate past administration of governor Gabriel Suswam, which was not executed, however, promised to include the renovation of the ministry in the 2016 budget.

On the insecurity challenge facing the state especially the high wave of criminality and secret cult activities, Ortom

said, “ at the expiration of the three (3) months grace given to possessors of illegal arms and ammunition to surrender, we will go out headlong and track down hoodlums wherever they hide and deal with them”, even as he pledged to tackle the incessant herdsmen/ farmers clash.

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PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

Clean-Up: NNPC sacks MDs of Subsidiaries, appoints 4 New Group Executive Directors

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) yesterday sacked Managing Directors of its subsidiaries; PPMC,WRPC, NGC, NPDC, NAPIMS among others.

A statement by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, NNPC, Ohi Alegbe said that the Corporation also appointed four new Group Executive Directors to man the four new Directorates that have been approved by the Presidency.

According to the statement, the new Group Managing Director, Dr. Emmanuel Ibe

â&#x20AC;Ś Reduces Top Management Staff from 122 to 83

Kachikwu, disclosed that the new appointments are in line with the Federal Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aspiration to transform the Corporation into a lean, efficient, business-focused, transparent and accountable national oil company in keeping with international best practices.

The appointments which were approved by President Muhammadu Buhari, include Dr. Maikanti Baru, Group Executive Director, Exploration & Production; Mr. Isiaka Abdulrazaq, Group Executive Director, Finance & Services; Engr. Dennis Nnamdi Ajulu,

Group Executive Director, Refining & Technology; and Dr. Babatunde Victor Adeniran, Group Executive Director, Commercial & Investment.

A new Company Secretary/ Legal Adviser and Managing Directors have also been appointed for the Strategic Business Units.

They are: Chidi Momah, Group General Manager, Company Secratarty & Legal Adviser; Mrs. Esther Nnamdi Ogbue, Managing Director, Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC); Engr. Chinedu Ezeribe, Managing Director, Warri Refinning

& Petrochemicals Company (WRPC); Mr. Babatunde Bakare, Managing Director, Nigerian Gas Company (NGC); Mr. Inuwa Ibrahim Waya, Managing Director, Hyson; Mr. Abubakar Mai-Bornu, Managing Director, Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC); and Mr. Ladipo Fagbola, Managing Director, NNPC Retail.

Others are: Mr. Rowland Ewubare, Managing Director, Integrated Data Services Ltd (IDSL); Mr. Modupe Bammeke, Managing Director, NNPC Prpoerties; Mr. Abdulkadir Saidu, Managing Director, Duke Oil; and

Mr. Dafe Sejebor, Group General Manager, Nigerian Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS).

The Corporation also retired 38 Top Management Staff reducing the number from 122 to 83.

Also in line with the aspiration to reposition the Corporation, 12 personnel have been recruited from the private sector into the Top Management cadre to jump-start a new business outlook to enhance the operational environment as a profit-driven business as against the current civil service orientation.

L-R: Group Head, Public Sector, Jaiz Bank, Ismaila Adamu, Jaiz Bank Company Secretary, Rukayat Salaudeen, Specialist Contracts, Islamic Development Bank (IDB), Ahmed Reheimi, ED, Operations/IT, Jaiz, Hassan Usman, Managing Director, Jaiz, Muhammad Nurul Islam, Legal Director, IDB, Mansur Noibi, Khalifa Taha Hamood of IDB, and ED, Business Development, Jaiz Bank, Mahe Abubakar, after the signing of an MoU between Jaiz and IDB on Hadaya collections, yesterday in Abuja.

Jaiz, IDB sign MOU on Qurbani collection

By Etuka Sunday

J

aiz Bank Plc and Islamic Development Bank (IDB) yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding authorizing Jaiz Bank as the sole collector of Hadaya (Qurbani or animal sacrifice) collections

from intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

The pact was signed by the Managing Director of Jaiz Bank, Muhammad Nurul Islam and the Company Secretary, Rukayat Salaudeen on behalf of Jaiz bank, while Ahmed Reheimi and Mansur Noibi signed for IDB.

A letter of appointed earlier convened by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) mandated Jaiz Bank to collaborate with the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) based in Jedda to ensure the success of the collection.

The arrangement is a social

development project aimed at catering for the welfare of vulnerable in poorer countries.

An intending pilgrim pays the Hadaya fee to Jaiz Bank or other designated bodies and a coupon will be issue to him/ her in Saudi Arabia for the slaughtering of animal.

The MD of Jaiz Bank Muhammad Nurul Islam assured of the success of the arrangement, while Ahmed Reheimi of IDB revealed that money paid by intending pilgrims who are not able to perform the Hajj would be returned.

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PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

Aviation

Aero receives free ambulance from NECA

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left – right: Former Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major General S.Y. Audu (Rtd); Head, Corporate Communications of Dana Air, Mr. Samuel Ogbogoro and Head of Security, Mr. Ossai Edwin Ayogu during the presentation of an award of excellence to Dana Air as the Best Security Conscious Airline 2014/15 by the International Institute of Professional Security

Aeronautical engineers urged to improve ethical practice Stories from Suleiman Idris, Lagos

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igeria’s aeronautical engineers and other professionals in the aviation sector have been have urged to improve on the ethic of their practices because of their pivotal role in the development of the country’s aviation industry.

Stakeholders also want them to standardize the practice of their members in order to compete with counterparts in developed countries still occupying positions otherwise could have been man by Nigerians.

Speakers at a one day seminar for Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) Aeronautical Division held in Lagos also decried the inability of professionals in the industry to participate in developmental activities in the country which they affirmed has relegated the sector to the background.

Chairman of the occasion,

Prince Julius Adeluyi insisted that the strengthening of the aeronautical division of NSE would be beneficial not just to the industry, but to the country at large.

He explained that the only way they could be recognized in the scheme of things was for them to speak in unison and make their voice heard.

Adeluyi explained that there was hope for the country if professionals could shun sharp practices, obey etiquette and show contentment in carrying out their jobs, maintaining that a professional with integrity would always carry out his duties professionally without being monitored.

In his remarks, the Interim Chairman of NSE, Aeronautical Division, Grp. Capt.

John Obakpolor (rtd) called for engineers and other professionals in the sector to restrategise and move the sector forward.

He further used the opportunity to condemn the call for the removal of some charges collected by the agencies in the sector, stressing that any removal at the moment would spell doom for the parastatals.

In his presentation, ‘Public Procurement: Avoiding and Navigating Procurement,’ Guest Speaker, Director-General of Bureau for Public Procurement, BPP, Engr. Emeka Ezeh urged professionals in the sector to avoid corrupt practices in their procurements of facilities and goods for the sector.

Ezeh noted that since the agency was set up, corruption had greatly reduced in the system.

According to him, there are three stages of corruption in procurement, which BPP had identified in the system; prebid, bid and post bidding stages, stressing that some of the stages were regularly being checkmated by the bureau for more efficiency.

“In a bid to reduce corruption to the barest minimum, we encourage anonymous whistleblowers through emails and other means to inform us of any shady deals in the system. This singular act has helped us to save the country several billions of naira. There are several petitions that have been received and treated by us.

“The law allows for emergency procurement, but this should not be something that is deliberately done to undermine the system.

If we get to know of this, such a person or organization would be death with accordingly.”

The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, (FAAN), Engr.

Saleh Dunoma commended the engineers for contributing positively to the development of the sector in the country and advocated strict adherence to the Public Procurement Act so as to safeguard the integrity of the profession.

NAMA reviews MOU with NCAT on training of personnel

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n a bid to further strengthen capacity of air traffic management in the country, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency said it has held crucial deliberations with top officials of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, leading to the review of existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two organizations

on training of personnel in the Operations Department of the agency.

The MOU, which was drafted at the NAMA headquarters in Lagos covered areas such as course duration, deployment of NAMA staff to NCAT, review of school fees, accommodation facilities and improved quality of training to reflect practical field experience.

Speaking at the event, the Director of Operations, Mr Uzoma-fyneboy, who represented the Managing Director, Engr.

Ibrahim Abdulsalam, commended NCAT for providing the much needed high level manpower to drive aviation in Nigeria over the years.

He also expressed confidence that the updated MOU would proffer ways of charting a new

course for the training schedules and also clear other grey areas that were hitherto associated with their training relationship.

Also in his remarks the leader of NCAT delegation and Deputy Rector of NCAT, Mr Joseph Achimugu canvassed for “a better work synergy between NAMA and NCAT as this would ultimately raise the bar of aviation safety in the country.”

igerian airline, Aero Contractors has received an ambulance from Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) and Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) for winning the Exceptional Safety Culture Award.

The award was won following a rigorous audit by a team of consultants from NECA/NSITF on Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) policies, procedures and culture.

Commenting on the award and the kind gesture from NECA, the Acting Managing Director of Aero, Capt. Russell Leefoon said “Aero won the Exceptional Safety Culture Award for 2014, after a thorough audit from a respected and professional team of Safety Consultants from NECA/NSITF on the airline’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) policies, procedures and Culture.

“We are delighted that our hard work to ensure highest safety standards is being recognized by reputable organizations like NECA and NSITF. “Aero is in business to ensure that the travel experience for travellers in Nigeria and other regions in Africa is of global standards. We are here for the long haul to raise the bar in aviation service standards in the country.”

FAAN set to hammer tanker drivers over parking

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he Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Engr Saleh Dunoma has reiterated the resolution of the authority to ensure absolute compliance of all tanker drivers to the rules of engagement, as far as parking and operating around the airport environment is concerned.

He stated this in Lagos at an interactive forum with a team of journalists from the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents.

Engr Dunoma noted that the notorious act of parking tankers along the airport road would no longer be tolerated as the act was capable of jeopardizing safety and security of the airport, which would adversely affect airport users.

He noted that an adequate parking space had already been provided for the tanker drivers by the authority and there was a standing agreement between the Authority and leaders of the tanker drivers’ union to only make use of the aviation designated trailer parks for parking purposes, except during loading or discharging of fuel at the tank farms.

He directed relevant security agencies to rise up to the challenge of enforcing strict compliance with the extant rules of parking for tanker drivers within the airport environment.

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

Pension/Insurance

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CPS: 26 states record compliance ...PenCom Stories from Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

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he National Pension Commission (PenCom) has said that as at the end of the first quarter, 2015, 26 State Governments had enacted laws on the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) while the remaining 10 were at the bills stage.

According to a report from the commission, eight out of the 36 states had commenced remittance of contributions into the RSAs of their employees

while six have commenced the funding of their Retirement Benefit Bond Redemption Fund Accounts (RBBRFAs).

Lagos State, said the report had remitted N10.00 billion, while Ogun, Niger and Rivers States had remitted N1.43, N9.10 and N3.10 billion into their RBBRFAs respectively as at the end of the quarter under review.

As part of the strategies to increase the level of compliance and awareness about the scheme, the Commission facilitated, organized and participated in a

two day sensitization workshop on CPS for key stakeholders in Minna, Niger State.

The participants were drawn from across the Ministries Departments and Agencies of Niger State and its Local Governments as well as the State Pension Board.

In the effort to encourage the informal sector participation in the CPS, the Commission developed and distributed the Framework for the informal sector participation in the CPS to all stakeholders for comments.

The inputs from various

stakeholders have been collated and subsequently incorporated into the Framework. Consequent upon this, the Commission commenced work on the Guidelines and other modalities that would facilitate the participation of the informal sector in the Scheme.

Review of the report showed that membership to Retirement Savings Account (RSA) increased from 6.3 million as at the end of fourth quarter of 2014 to 6.5 million at the end of the first quarter, 2015. This represented an increase of 1.86

per cent accounting for the highest proportion of scheme memberships.

However, membership of Closed Pension Fund Administrators (CPFAs) declined by 0.09 percent during the period, the Approved Existing Schemes remained constant at the level of previous quarter figure of 40,951.

Decline in membership of CPFAs was ascribed to the retirement of some members of the Scheme and some redundancies in the sponsoring institutions.

L-R: Assistant General Manager, Five Star Logistics Limited, Mr. Nicholas Bruce, representative of Executive Secretary, Nigeria Shippers Council (NSC), Mrs. Okam Ada, Executive Director, Stars Investment Company Limited, Iroghama Obuoforibo, and President, Women International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTER), Jean Chiazor-Anishere, during the WISTER Nigeria Business Luncheon/Lunch of Membership Directory, recently in Lagos.

Photo: NAN

Staco settles N1.762bn claims in 2014

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taco Insurance Plc has settled claims worth N1.762 billion to its policyholders in the 2014 financial year.

The company’s Chairman, Mr. Dere Otubu, while presiding over the company’s 19th annual general meeting in Lagos stated that Staco would ensure all genuine claims were paid during the outgone year, even as he assured that prompt settlement of claims would remain the company’s watchword.

According to him, gross premium income rose to N5.96 billion 2014 financial period from N5.764 billion in 2013 while underwriting result rose to N2.3 billion in 2014 from N2.12 billion in 2013.

Profit before tax,however, dipped to N137.68m in 2014 from N570.01 million in 2013, while its profit after tax reduced from N481.33 million in 2013 to

ICT million in 2014.

N95.9 The firm said that its total assets increased by 17 per cent from N8.3 billion in 2013 to N9.7 billion in 2014, while its shareholders funds rose from N3.0 billion to N3.1 billion during the same period under consideration.

During the period under review, its investment income increased by nine per cent from N146 billion to N159 billion Otubu said the company was determined to continue the consolidation of its footing in the nation’s insurance industry.

He opined that the firm was able to make a remarkable outing within the period under review in spite of the harsh business and economic environment occasioned by sharp decline in the price of crude oil and consequent drop in the value of the naira.

Mutual Benefits grows by 397%

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utual Benefits Assurance Plc has posted a profit before tax of N4.5 billion in the period ended 31st December, 2014.

Thus representing a 397 per cent growth when compared to N911 million recorded in 2013.

Groups asset base grew by 31 per cent from N32.2 billion in 2013 to N42.4 billion 2014 while 190 per cent was recorded in shareholders’ funds from N2.1 billion 2013 to N6.2 billion in 2014.

Policies written within the period increased by 45 per cent, thus leading to a 90 per cent rise in gross written growth from N8.1 billion in 2013 to N15.4

billion in 2014.

Addressing shareholders at the company’s 19th annual general meeting in Lagos, the Chairman, Mr. Akin Opeodu, acclaimed that the firm recorded a nice outing within the period. “2014 was a year of commendable increase in all areas of the opening results of your company.”

He attributed the nice performance to the commitment and hard work of its employees and management of the company.

According to him, improved performance paved way for attraction of more business both in the private and public sectors.

With an adequate investment strategy in place, he said the group’s asset base grew by 31 per cent from N32.2bn in 2013 to N42.4bn in 2014.

The chairman said that the improved financial position and performance during the year brought about an increase of 190 per cent in shareholders’ funds from N2.1bn in 2013 to N6.2bn in 2014.

“Efforts are already in place to make improvements on its underwriting performances, business processes and decision support system, rates, and products to favourably position the company for these challenges,” he said.

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PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

Business Edo calls for protest to end illegal revenue collection From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

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do state Internal Revenue service (EIRS), has urged members of Civil Society in the state to embark on a mass rally against unauthorised revenue collectors in the state, declaring that the appearance of success so far must be sustained.

Executive chairman of EIRS, Chief Oseni Elamah may the at the inauguration of Network of Civil Society Organization (NOCSON) Secretariat in Benin City, last Weekend in Benin City, the Edo state Capital.

Elamah called on the Coalition of the willing to assist the government in phasing-out the activities of the “faceless individuals” that posses as agents to the government by constituting themselves to the wheel of progress.

“If you do not have identity, you cannot speak for the voiceless...We want to let Edo people know that as taxpayers, they also have Rights.

“All manners of harassment and extortion of people must stop”, he said.

He said contrary to impression, most revenue collectors in Edo State were neither working for the government nor remitting money to the government coffers.

“As CSO’s, you have responsibilities to prevent people from been harassed or intimidated, end up in private pockets”, acording g to him.

The Commissioner of Police Edo state, Mr. Samuel Adegbuyi, said the bond between the Nigerian Police Force and Civil society Organization have been further strengthened.

He Edo state Police Command under his watch frowns at cases of alleged extra-judicial killings, would be become history when stakeholders are sufficiently abrest of the Rights and defended.

“Human Rights is the conscience of the people and as the defender of the people, I want to assure that henceforth human Rights violation will not be tolerated.

“If there is any role for us to play here, please tell us. Today’s event has further strengthen the bond between police and Civil society Organization”, he said.

Former Secretary to Edo state Government, Pastor Osagie-Ize Iyamu, the state Commissioner, Public complaints commission, Mr. Felix Alari and the Special adviser to the West African Bar Association on anti corruption, Reverend David Ugolor delivered goodwill messages at the occasion.

PTDF mandate critical to survival of oil, gas sector-Chalker

By Etuka Sunday

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he co-ordinator, Nigeria’s Honorary International Investor Council, Baroness Linda Chalker says the mandate of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund in building capacity for the oil and gas industry is critical to the survival of the Industry and for maximising the benefits of the oil and gas resource in Nigeria.

A statement by the Head, Press and External Relations, PTDF, Kalu Otisi Esq said, Linda Chalker who in the last 30 years has been canvassing for new investments into Africa visited PTDF Corporate Office for a courtesy call on the Executive Secretary, Femi Ajayi.

According to her, “Unless you build capacity you would not get the best out of your industry, and it doesn’t matter whether it’s in the oil industry or any other industry, Capacity building helps government to make better use of their resources”.

...Wants PTDF Scholars engaged by IOC’S

Baroness Chalker argued however that for such trainings to be meaningful, and sustainable, the trainees must be effectively engaged and made to practice the skills they acquired in the course of their training.

“When you train people, you want them after the period of training to go on using that training , and you would only persuade a funder of training to bring in more people in if they are going to go on using the best outcomes of that training” she added.

On whether the international oil companies who are in joint venture partnership with the Federal Government in the development of the nation’s oil resources should be compelled to employ Nigerian professionals trained by PTDF, Baroness Linda Chalker cautioned against that but advised that the Fund should adopt the dialogue option.

“You need to know if the

IOC’S value the training you are giving as appropriate to their needs, to fill their skills gaps.

Unless you do that, and you don’t do it just once off, you have to repeat it and update it to make sure the training you are giving is what the customer wants. I think a dialogue with the IOCS is essential” she said.

It will be recalled that at the Close-Out of the 2012/2013 research Cycle of PTDF Annual Research Grant Competition, the Executive Secretary, Femi Ajayi made a case for oil companies in the country to be compelled to employ Nigerian professionals who passed through PTDF capacity building programmes, to help in developing the oil and gas sector.

90% of Nigerian oil is produced by joint venture companies (JVC).

The Federal Government equity share in the project is 60 percent while 40 percent is for the IOC’S. Ajayi posited that if Nigeria

controls the large share of the JVC, then it must be able to have its professionals employed in the project.

He said PTDF spends huge money in manpower development through research and training of Nigerian professionals in engineering, geology, geosciences, management, economics and relevant fields in the petroleum and solid minerals industry. “ If we put so much money in training these people and don’t have any value domestically, it means that we are spending without getting result. We need political will to compel oil companies to employ our trained professionals to work in the sector.

We don’t need to wait for them to do that, they need to be compelled to do so, by so doing, government is getting value for the money it is spending in training, research and development,” he said.

L-R: Economic Officer, U.S. Embassy, Mr. Joel Kopp, Director-General, National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Aminu Jalal, U.S. Counselor for Economic Affairs, Mr. Alan Tousignant, and Director of Policy and Planning, NADDC, Mr. Luqman Mamudu, during the visit of the U.S. officials to the council, recently in Abuja.

Photo: NAN

Nigeria to hit 8,000MW by 2016, needs N15bn From Ayodele Samuel,Lagos

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ower generation in the country is set to hit 8,000 megawatts by end of next

year.

Deputy Managing Director, Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Atiku Abubakar speaking during inspection of some power projects in Lagos said about N15 billion is required to achieve the 8,000 megawatts of electricity.

Abubakar however attributed the improved electricity generation in the country to

adequate gas supply to generating stations.

He said the TCN has the capacity to transmit about 5,300 megawatts of electricity across the country. “ we have been able to reach the highest peak so far in July of about 4,652 megawatts while the transmission capacity remains a little above the power generated so far.”

“As generation is improving, we are expected to expand transmission capacity to be able to evacuate all that is being generated

in the stations for distribution.

“I can assured that we have our plans, targeting projects that are very critical which have been mapped out so that within the shortest possible time, will be able to hit 8,000 megawatts transmission capacity by end of 2016,” he said.

Abubakar said that interested investors who were willing to invest in the transmission segment had been shortlisted, adding that over 30 investors that could deliver on project had been chosen.

“we are trying to see that they are capable both technically and financially, because it is expected that they will fund the project”.

“Presently, we are in the process of coming up with the frame work which will enable them to recover their investment in time.

“Since Federal Government will not give them sovereign guarantee, we are coming up with modalities of repayment from our billing charges and internally generated revenue for over a period of time,” Abubakar said.

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PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

Stock Watch:

Friday, August 7, 2015

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Peoples Daily, WEDNESday, AUGUST 12, 2015

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Special Report

Exploring China’s black market for organ donations

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hat was the choice Lian Ronghua, 51, faced earlier this year.

Both her sons were suffering from uraemia - a condition that leads to kidney failure. But only one of them could receive their mother’s organ. Their father suffers from high blood pressure and could not donate.

In the family’s small rented

apartment, Ms Lian struggles to talk about that time.

“I don’t know why both my sons are ill,” she told me, tears streaming down her face.

In the end, the decision was taken for her. Her eldest son, Li Haiqing, 26, decided his 24-year-old younger brother, Haisong, should get their mother’s transplant.

“I wanted to give my brother

the kidney as he’s younger and has a better chance of recovery,” said Haiqing, who was forced to give up his medical studies because of his illness.

“Of course I hope I get a kidney before it’s too late. But if I don’t, I’ll just need to keep on doing dialysis.”

Media caption One 21-yearold man sold his kidney for £4,000: “I was blindfolded and

Li Haisong’s life is on hold while he waits for an donor who may never arrive

It is the unimaginable decision that no mother should ever have to make: choosing which of her sons might live or die.

“

Perhaps the biggest problem confronting the government is persuading the public to donate in the first place. Many Chinese believe the body is sacred and should be buried intact in a show of respect to their ancestors. Largely for this reason the country’s donor rates are among the lowest in the world - 0.6 donations per million people compared with 37 per million in Spain.

Lian Ronghua says she doesn’t known why her sons are ill, but she could not save them both herself driven to a small farmhouse... of this year - although officials those with connections will be I woke up and my kidney was admit it will be tough to ensure able to jump the queue.

Perhaps the biggest problem compliance. gone” Now the government says confronting the government is But his chances of getting a transplant are slim - China it will only rely on public persuading the public to donate in the first place. suffers from a huge organ donations.

Many Chinese believe the It set up a national organ shortage.

For years it harvested the bank which in theory is body is sacred and should organs of executed prisoners to supposed to distribute organs be buried intact in a show of to those who are the best match respect to their ancestors. help meet demand.

Largely for this reason Following international and most in need.

But critics say that the the country’s donor rates are condemnation, Beijing says it ended the practice at the start system is open to abuse and among the lowest in the world

- 0.6 donations per million people compared with 37 per million in Spain.

‘My kidney was gone’ The government says that more than 12,000 transplants will be carried out this year an increase on the number of operations carried out when it used prisoners’ organs.

But with an estimated 300,000 people requiring organs, the huge demand has created a thriving black market.

After weeks of investigation, a young man who sold his kidney agreed to speak to me as long as we protected his identity.

Lifting up his T-shirt, he showed me the tell-tale surgical scar where his organ was removed.

The 21-year-old says he sold his kidney for $7,000 (£4,500) to pay off his gambling debts.

He describes the dark, secretive world where the traffickers operate after arranging the sale online.

“At first I was taken to a hospital where they collected blood samples and carried out check-ups,” he told me.

“I then waited at a hotel for several weeks until the traffickers found a match.

“Then one day a car came to pick me up. The driver told me to put on a blindfold. We drove for around half an hour along a bumpy road.

“When I took my blindfold

off I realised I was at a farmhouse. Inside there was a full surgical theatre. There were doctors and nurses in uniforms.

“The woman receiving my kidney was there with her family. We didn’t speak.

“I was scared but then the doctors put me to sleep. I woke up in a different farmhouse my kidney was gone.

“The buyer wanted life and I wanted money.”

It’s an extraordinary account that we cannot independently verify.

But it lifts the lid on this lucrative illicit trade where the traffickers use military-style tactics to keep it hidden in the shadows.

One of those who will not be buying an illegal organ is Li Haiqing, whose younger brother received their mother’s kidney.

He is desperate for a transplant but says he will only accept a legally obtained kidney.

While he waits for a lifesaving operation, he needs to go the hospital three times a week for dialysis.

His life is on hold. He hopes to one day build a successful business but that dream may never happen.

Like many others here, he fears he will die before ever getting a transplant.

Source: BBC

Li Haiqing said he still hoped he would one day receive a kidney

One man told the BBC he was operated on at a farmhouse he was driven to blindfolded

China used to remove organs from executed prisoners for transplants, a practice which was widely condemned

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PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

Property Stakeholders call for regulation of house prices

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takeholders in the built environment have said that there is a need for a regulatory framework that will prescribe the prices at which houses should be sold in the country.

The stakeholders, who spoke at the recently concluded threeday Abuja Housing Fair, which was organised by FESADEB Communications Limited, noted that the move would eliminate excessive profiteering by landlords and property developers.

“There is a need for a regulatory framework that will cap prices at which houses can be sold. This is to checkmate excessive profiteering by private landlords and estate developers, and save low-income

earners from exploitation.

“There is also a need to encourage corporate organisations to incorporate the provision of homes for the communities as part of their corporate social responsibility,” a communiqué issued at the end of the fair read in part.

It added that the private sector and development partners needed to drive research for and development of alternative building technologies in terms of providing the financial resources and technical assistance for tested solutions to drive structural transformation.

According to the communiqué, the challenge of poor infrastructural facilities to providing affordable

housing needs to be addressed.

Participants at the fair noted that the Federal Government had over the years put in place a number of initiatives to grow the housing sector, the most recent being the setting up and operationalisation of the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company; and the development of the Land, Housing and Urban Development Roadmap to promote national building standards in collaboration with private developers to enhance the implementation of the government’s housing vision.

Another, according to the participants, is the establishment of vocational training centres to build the capacity of unskilled workers involved in the housing delivery

chain.

The communiqué, however,stated that in spite of the potential for growth in the mortgage market proffered by these initiatives, the evolution of the housing sector had remained replete with new dynamics, which required sustainable solutions to broadening access to affordable housing.

The communiqué added, “Part of this solution is building synergy among all the stakeholders and adopting a value chain approach to housing delivery in Nigeria. Over the years, focus has been on closing the housing deficit gap, which in the real sense is misleading and not sustainable. This has resulted in treating the various components

of the housing delivery chain as individual entities, hence it has yielded unsustainable results.

“For more sustainable progress to be made towards solving Nigeria’s housing problems, there is a need to de-focus closing the housing deficit gap, and to pursue overarching value chain and market-based approach, which links together all the various components of the housing delivery chain.

“Some of the approaches currently adopted to address the supply and demand sides of housing finance are fashioned ‘top-down’, bereft of sufficient stakeholder participation and inclusive engagement that are critical for successful implementation.”

According to the communiqué, the stakeholders noted that high cost of housing as well as limited debt finance options and mortgage insurance appeared on top of the lists of issue affecting access to housing finance.

China to construct coastal highway for Liberia -Foreign Minister

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A tipical Nigerian duplex

UK commercial property demand rises as supply falls

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emand from business for commercial property in the United Kingdom rose for the eleventh consecutive quarter, while available space fell for the ninth successive period, the latest sector market survey report shows.

According to Propertywire. com, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors said that as a result, rents are expected to rise at the fastest pace since its survey began in 1998 with 46 per cent more respondents forecasting higher, rather than lower, rent rates going forward.

Offices remain the segment of the market where rental expectations remain most

buoyant, while retail continues to lag although even in this area, momentum is picking up, while prices are expected to keep rising over the next 12 months.

The picture is not dissimilar in the investment market, where purchase enquiries rose again; 53 per cent more surveyors reported an increase in prospective investors over the quarter.

Meanwhile, availability continues to decline, exerting further upward pressure on capital values. There were also reports of greater overseas buyer interest, with 36 per cent more respondents seeing more enquiries from overseas investors.

Across the whole of the UK, but excluding London, 95 per cent of

respondents believe that current commercial market valuations are either at or below fair value; this is roughly unchanged since the first quarter of 2015. However, in London 50 per cent of contributors now feel that commercial property valuations are ‘expensive’, an increase from 45 per cent in the first quarter.

RICS says it was interesting that given the upcoming referendum on the UK’s position in the European Union, when asked if Britain leaving the EU would have significant negative implications for the commercial property market, 44 per cent of respondents felt it would, while 32 per cent believed it would not. Reflecting the high degree of

uncertainty, 24 per cent reported they did not know at this point.

“The results of the latest survey suggest the price of commercial real estate will continue to move higher over the next 12 months and quite possibly by another 10 per cent,” said Simon Rubinsohn, RICS chief economist.

“Fortunately, the strength of the occupier market is providing some underlying support for the market. Indeed, the feedback we are getting from around the country tells us that the economic expansion is continuing to broaden out with both tenant demand, and just as significantly, investor interest, rising in all areas,” he added.

ugustin Ngafuan, Liberia’s Foreign Minister said on Sunday in Monrovia, that China will build a new coastal highway for Liberia as part of assistance to Liberia’s recovery from the Ebola epidemic.

Ngafuan made the statement at a news conference with China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi who is visiting Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone, the countries hardest hit by the epidemic.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Liberia’s existing coastal road is vital for commerce as the country rebuilds after a civil war that ended in 2003.

The road connects the capital to the border with Ivory Coast via the port city of Buchanan, where exports of iron and timber pass through but much of the road is unpaved. ``China has agreed to help Liberia with the construction of a secretarial complex which will host about 10 ministries. ``China will construct a coastal highway for Liberia. ``China will use its global fund for Africa to finance the projects and seek partners,” Ngafuan said.

Ebola has killed more than 4,800 people in Liberia and almost 11,300 people in the three countries since the outbreak began in December 2013.

China, Africa’s biggest trading partner, had also sent hundreds of medical workers to Africa and contributed aid of more than 120 million dollars to the anti-Ebola effort, after initially facing criticism for not doing enough. (Reuters/ NAN)

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PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

Property Sparklight says Ogun is investment destination

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he Chairman, Sparklight Group, a real estate development group of companies, Chief Toyin Adeyinka, has described Ogun State as investors’ destination of choice.

Adeyinka, in an interview with journalists, said the state government had given priority to infrastructural development, the provision of affordable housing and creation of more jobs for the people.

He said the development had attracted his company to partner with the state government on affordable housing provision in parts of the state.

Adeyinka said, “The present administration is so passionate about development and has done so much for us. The governor has invested a lot in the state and we are also ready to continue partnering with the government to further enhance the growth of the state.

“We have put a lot of our resources here in the state and we are grateful to the governor for his efforts in realigning towards the success of our projects.”

He also called for a review of the Federal Government’s policy

on housing in order to tackle major challenges that developers were facing in providing affordable housing.

“We are faced with difficulties in accessing government land, followed by non-availability of funds, the cheapest fund available to estate developers in Nigeria is the Estate Developers’ Loan of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria.

There is also the problem of the cost and availability of local building materials,” he said.

He added that the housing

policy needed to be reviewed in order to critically address these challenges.

“The government can use real estate construction and agriculture to drastically reduce unemployment and align our economy to the path of growth,” he noted.

Meanwhile, the firm said in a statement that in line with its vision of providing affordable housing for the masses, it had organised an open house programme to showcase the different housing projects in three of its estates in

Lagos and Ogun states.

The statement read in part, “The programme is scheduled to start with the Gateway Sparklight Estate Phase ll in Ibafo,while the Rockview Estate, Abeokuta follows immediately between August 11 and 15. The Gateway Sparklight Estate and Rockview Estate are projects funded by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria through the Estate Developers’ Loan Scheme.

“Sparklight is in partnership with two primary mortgage banks, Trust Bond Mortgage Bank and

Mutual Alliance Mortgage Bank Plc, in providing decent and affordable housing for Nigerians through the National Housing Fund loan scheme. We are poised to provide quality housing for the masses, thus contributing our quota to affordable shelter provision for Nigerians.”

It added that the open house for the Grace Court, which is expected to accommodate over 100 families in two and three-bedroom flats, would take place at a future date in September.

Property of the Week

Typhoon Soudelor kills 26 in eastern China

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he death toll from Typhoon Soudelor, the 13th typhoon to hit China in 2015, has risen to 26 with seven people still missing in east China. In Fujian Province, where the typhoon made landfall on Saturday, seven people have died and three remain missing, the provincial flood control authority said on Tuesday.

Soudelor is the most violent typhoon to hit Fujian in a decade, with torrential rain and gale-force winds destroying houses and causing landslides and floods.

Rainfall of more than 500 mm was recorded in six counties, causing rivers to rise to alarming levels and flood water affecting the provincial capital of Fuzhou for 38 hours.

In Fujian, 513,900 residents have been evacuated, 6,900 houses destroyed and 112,060 hectares of crops damaged, resulting in direct economic losses of 9.7 billion yuan (1.5 billion dollars).

The typhoon also wreaked havoc in the neighbouring provinces of Zhejiang, Jiangxi and Anhui.

In Zhejiang, 14 people died and four are missing. Four died in Anhui, and in Jiangxi, one person died after being struck by lightning. After ripping through Taiwan, Soudelor landed in Fujian’s Putian County on Saturday night before moving to neighbouring provinces.

(Xinhua/NAN)

Lagos set to combat street trading

T

he Lagos State Government said it has concluded arrangement to combat t he me nace of s tre e t trading and hawking within the metropolis.

This, the Ministry of the Environment noted in a statement, was part of efforts to attain a cleaner and healthier environment.

The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Oluwatoyin

Onisarotu, was quoted as saying that traders that failed to abide by the state environmental sanitation laws would be dealt with accordingly.

“It is disheartening to see how our major roads and highways such as the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Ikorodu Road, Agege Motor Road, Victoria Island, Ikoyi-Obalende, Ojuelegba-Stadium, Surulere, Oyingbo, Carter Bridge, Idumota,

Oshodi, Ketu, Mile 12, Third Mainland Bridge, Cele, Iyana-Ipaja, Agbado, Oke-Odo, Airport Road and Ikeja, among others, have been converted to illegal markets,” he said.

Onisarotu said traders engaging in the illegal act should desist as the government would not allow anything that could derail its efforts of achieving a cleaner environment in the state.

“The Environmental Sanitation Law forbids anybody from converting the road median, setbacks and walkways for any trading activities,” he added.

According to him, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, has mandated law enforcement officers and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with the provisions of the sanitation laws with immediate effect.

PAGE 28

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

Hyundai Tucson is high fun to drive

Motoring

T

he term “compact crossover” often seems like a misnomer these days, but the 2014 Hyundai Tucson is bringing compact back. Measuring just 173.2 inches from nose to tail, the Tucson is about 7 inches shorter than Toyota’s RAV4 and a whopping 14 inches shorter than Chevy’s Equinox. Not surprisingly, the Tucson trails most rivals in passenger and cargo space, but it compensates with great maneuverability and a surprisingly high fun-to-drive factor. If you’re looking for more of a hatchbackon-tiptoes than a true

SUV, t h e Tucson could be a nice fit.

Notably, Hyundai has burnished the 2014 Tucson’s credentials with some key enhancements, including tweaked styling and a revamped model lineup that bids adieu to last year’s sparsely equipped GL trim level. The formerly midgrade GLS is now the base trim, which means that even the cheapest 2014 Tucson comes with a respectable roster of standard features.

There’s also a well-stocked SE trim level that bridges the gap between GLS and Limited, and the infotainment scene gets an update with a pair of new touchscreens: a humble 4.3-inch unit that’s standard on SE and Limited and a 7-inch setup with updated software on the Limited’s optional navigation system.

Furthermore, both engines have been redone and now boast direct fuel injection technology, though oddly, their fuel economy and output numbers remain about the same.

The 2014 Hyundai Tucson does have its flaws, even putting aside concerns about its size. The rear seat, for example, doesn’t slide fore or aft, although it does gain a reclining function this year. Also, the base 2.0-liter engine lacks punch, and the Tucson’s sporty handling comes at a price, as ride quality is decidedly on the firm side. The versatile 2014 Mazda CX-5 is a dynamic alternative, especially with its 2.5-liter engine, while the 2014 Ford Escape is similarly entertaining and offers more high-tech features.

If you’re open to going even smaller, consider the chic 2014 Mini Countryman or the less chic but more affordable Nissan Juke. Finally, the Kia Sportage is mechanically related to the Tucson, and offers available turbocharged power for those interested in even sportier performance.

Overall, the

Tucson remains a solid option, particularly with all those improvements for 2014. If you’re looking for a value-packed crossover SUV that’s light on its feet and cake to park, Hyundai’s still got one of the better solutions on the market.

The 2014 Hyundai Tucson is a five-passenger compact crossover SUV that’s offered in three trim levels: GLS,

S E and Limited.

The GLS starts with the 2.0-liter engine, 17-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, LED running lights, a rear spoiler, cloth upholstery, air-conditioning, full power accessories, a trip computer, a height-adjustable driver seat, 60/40-split-folding rear seatbacks with recline, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with auxiliary controls and a six-speaker CD sound system with iPod/USB connectivity and satellite radio.

The SE gets the bigger engine, automatic headlights, foglights, heated side mirrors, sport body cladding, roof rails, a 4.3-inch central touchscreen display, a six-way power driver seat (with two-way power lumbar), heated front seats, cloth/premium vinyl (leatherette) upholstery and rear climate vents.

The Limited turns on the charm with 18-inch wheels, chrome exterior trim, keyless ignition/entry, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a rearview camera, Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a retractable rear cargo cover.

The Limited is eligible for the Technology package that adds LED taillights, a panoramic sunroof, an upgraded sevenspeaker sound system, a 7-inch touchscreen, HD radio and a navigation system.

The 2014 Hyundai Tucson offers two different engines, each paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The GLS comes with a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder that produces 164 horsepower and 151 poundfeet of torque. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 25 mpg combined (23 mpg city/29 mpg highway) with front-wheel drive and 23

combined (21 city/25 highway) with all-wheel drive.

The SE and Limited step up to a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 182 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy stands at 23 mpg combined (21 mpg city/28 mpg highway) with frontwheel drive and 22 combined (20 city/25 highway) with all-wheel

drive.

Standard safety features on the 2014 Hyundai Tucson include antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, active front head restraints, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, a hill-holder feature and hill descent control.

The Blue Link telematics suite, standard on Limited, includes emergency safety assistance, stolen vehicle tracking, geofencing (allowing parents to set limits for teen drivers) and other smartphone-based features via the Blue Link mobile app.

In Edmunds brake testing, the Tucson came to a stop from 60 mph in 123 feet, an average distance for this segment.

In government crash testing,

the Tucson received four out of five stars for overall crash protection, with four stars for overall frontal impact protection and five stars for overall side impact protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Tucson its top rating of “Good” in the moderate-overlap frontal-offset, side-impact and roof strength tests. Its seat/head restraint design was also rated “Good” f o r

whiplash protection in rear impacts.

I n the IIHS’s small-overlap frontal-offset test, however, the Tucson earned the lowest “Poor” rating.

The 2014 Hyundai Tucson has an unusually stylish cabin, highlighted by a sleek dashboard that complements the exterior’s striking lines. In spite of the emphasis on style, the controls are generally clearly labeled and simple to use, with extra credit due this year for the Limited’s much-improved optional touchscreen interface.

The default 4.3-inch touchscreen on the SE and Limited is less impressive, but still a nice bit of standard technology at this modest price point.

Source: Edmunds.com

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PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

Arts & Culture

Nigerian artistes top list of 2nd edition of AFRIMMA in Dallas

N

igerian artistes topped the list of the 2nd edition of the African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) scheduled for Dallas in October.

A statement from the organisers obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja said that the Award, which would hold at the Black Academy of Arts and Letters was to celebrate the beauty of African music and artistry.

The statement noted that ``the show will honour some of Africa’s top music artistes, producers and cultural influencers.’’

It stated that the Best Male West Africa category had the highest number of Nigerian nominees, including Davido,

Wizkid, Flavour and Olamide.

AFRIMMA, also the Crossing Boundaries With Music Award, had the highest number of Nigerians, including Wale, Nneka, Asa, Jidenna and Tinnie Tempah.

Nigeria’s P-square was also nominated for the Best African Group.

Also, the Best Newcomer category was topped by Nigerian artistes Kiss Daniel, Korede Bello and Lil Kesh.

The Best Collaboration category was flooding with nominee collaborations with various Nigerian artistes such as Kcee, J Martins, Burna Boy, among others.

Similarly, Nigeria’s DJ Jimmy Jatt and DJ Exclusive were nominated for the Best DJ Africa

award.

For the AFRIMMA Video of the Year, Ojuelegba by Wizkid, Golibe

by Flavour and My Darling by Tiwa Savage were nominated.

Mavin Records CEO, Don Jazzy, was nominated for the Music Producer of the Year, alongside Shizzi.

The Best Rap Act category had Phyno, Olamide and new Chocolate City CEO, M.I Abaga.

The Song of the Year category featured Nigerian hits like Ojuelegba by Wizkid, Godwin by Korede Bello and Shoki by Lil Kesh ft Olamide and Davido.

The Artiste of the Year category featured four Nigerian artistes namely Yemi Alade, Wizkid, Flavour and Davido. (NAN)

Economic crisis proves no tragedy for Greek theater Spectators are seen before a performance of Aristophanes’ 2,400-yearold play ‘Ecclesiazusae’ (The Assembly Women) at the ancient Greek amphitheatre of Epidaurus, southern Greece.

By Lefteris Karagiannopoulos

O

n a stiflingly hot summer night, the ancient Greek amphitheatre of Epidaurus is packed to capacity for a performance of a 2,400-year-old play by Aristophanes -- testimony to Greeks’ enduring love of theater despite years of grinding economic crisis.

While cash-strapped Greeks forgo the cinema and other luxuries, theater ticket sales are booming -- even if theaters struggle to cover their costs and actors often go unpaid.

Greeks can often catch echoes, even in ancient drama, of their current tribulations -- and Aristophanes’ comedy of political intrigue “Ecclesiazusae”, or “The Assembly Women” -- in which women take control of Athens and set up a communist-style government -- is no exception.

The main female character is dressed as the fiery leftist speaker of Greece’s parliament, Zoe Konstantopoulou.

“Times are more difficult financially, but I would never abandon the theater. It’s a form of cultural education. One can’t replace that,” said Maria Tsilibi, a teacher, one of the 20,000 people who flocked to watch “Ecclesiazusae”.

“It’s an important part of our history.”

The very words “theater”, “tragedy” and “comedy” are Greek, harking back to Athens’ golden

age in the fifth century B.C. when dramatists such as Aristophanes, Sophocles and Aeschylus used venues like Epidaurus to explore the human condition.

“I have reduced my spending on cinema, drinking, parties, but I still haven’t cut down on theater,” said student Spyros Giannakakos. “It is part of our national pride; we can achieve ‘catharsis’ through it and this is what we need today.”

Catharsis, a key concept of ancient Greek drama, denotes cleansing but it does not come without sacrifice, say both actors and theater owners, who paint a grimmer picture about what is going on behind the stage.

HARD TIMES “The theater’s audience is loyal and growing, but that shouldn’t hide the fact that today’s plays are made on very low budgets and many actors are unpaid, primarily the young ones,” says Nikos Chatzopoulos, general secretary of the Actors’ Union.

Unemployment among actors has reached a whopping 92 percent, he said, yet drama schools still churn out about 500 actors annually.

The number of plays performed in Greece is set to increase to around 1,000 next season, starting in October, from 858 last year, said Maria Kryou, theater editor of Athinorama, Greece’s most popular city guide.

“People still visit theaters because the ticket fees are much lower than they used to be. But

the plays are not profitable for theater owners. Only about 15 theaters manage to make ends meet and cover their costs,” the Athina Theatre’s manager Dimitris Fotopoulos said.

Cinemas -- another Greek word -- are having a tougher time.

“Our official data shows a definite decline in (sale of) cinema tickets,” said Annie Kazerou, spokeswoman for the Greek Film Centre.

“From 11.7 million tickets in 2010, they amounted to only 8.9 million last year. This year, even though there was an ambitious start due to some big Hollywood productions, the numbers have dropped,” she said, adding that they had taken a hit when the government imposed capital controls this summer amid fears that Greece might have to quit the euro.

As a result of a new bailout Greece is negotiating with the European Union and International Monetary Fund, value-added tax in cinemas will now rise to 23 percent.

By contrast, the Greek government will cut VAT on theater tickets to just 6 percent to help support the domestic arts scene.

The Gazarte and Athinon Arena music venues in Athens have moved from staging concerts to plays.

Tickets to plays with well-known actors that once cost 20 to 40 euros are now 10 to 25 euros -- or with promotions and subscriptions even cheaper. A cinema ticket costs 5 to 8 euros.

FROM THE LIVE STAGE with Patrick-Jude Oteh 0803 700 0496, 0805 953 5215 (SMS only)

GREETINGS FROM LOYOLA MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY, LOS ANGELES

W

ho kills for love of God Kills love, Kills God Who kills in the name of God Leaves God without a Name!

Excerpt from Wole Soyinka’s Samarkand I have been here for about a week now. My work here is principally to attend the annual conference of the African Theatre Association (AfTA) which LMU/LA is hosting in 2015.

It is very hot and I get this feeling that I am in Nigeria. Wild fires are expected to break out very soon as the heat wave will likely spiral out of control.

In the Foley Theatre conference room, over fifty delegates are seated discussing theatre in the Motherland and the Diasporas.

Most of us had met in Ghana in 2014 but the 2015 conference did not attract the huge number that Ghana attracted most likely due to the cost of getting to Los Angeles. By all reasonable standards, the cost is prohibitive and I am here courtesy of the US Mission Nigeria which provided me a ticket. The city is a huge city and from my location on Manchester Boulevard, the ‘city center’ is 4hours and 30 minutes away. It is also the city of the rich who flock there due to the very friendly weather. It is also a city full of migrants both legal and illegal who are all here in search of the elusive Golden Fleece. It is also a city of dreams and a graveyard of dead dreams. Hollywood is not far away – the home of real and make believe dreams.

The city has reinforced for me the brutal fact that if you are coming here, you must have a plan! I am sure that most of the people that one encountered as homeless and struggling came here decades ago with half baked plans that had no basis in reality. On my way, from the hotel to the conference venue, there is a wooden path I have to trek through. In one of the corners of this groove lies a young man of about thirty years. He sleeps on my way in the morning and talks to himself on my way back with all his earthly belongings in a shopping cart. Or what about the drug crazed young woman who follows or leads her dog down this same path without shoes. I tell you this are very demoralizing sights. I still say it, even if you get a free visa, do not come to America without a concrete plan.

The inspirational news is that in 2008, Professor Wole Soyinka had the premiere of his poem, Samarkand at the Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles. It is a performance of one thousand people which is still a reference point seven years later. It is a market that started at the lawns of the Foley Building and ended up both inside and the stairs of the Sacred Heart Chapel. With all sense of humility and adoration, only a Professor Wole Soyinka could have pulled off such a feat. How else would you explain the University’s President accepting kola nut and palm wine from Ifa Priests? How else do you explain an Ibo man presiding over the breaking of kolanut and prayers in Ibo praising both ancestors and hosts? How else do you explain an Imam leading prayers and heading towards the Church? And how on earth do you explain the poem Samarkand being read on the altar where the Holy Mass is celebrated? How do you explain actors, actresses, masquerades and Ifa dancers in Church? And the actors and actresses include Priests and Nuns?

To understand all the above, you must realize that LMU/LU is a Catholic University run by the Jesuits. I note to my fellow conference attendees that every University in Nigeria should send their Advancement Center Directors to the university to experience and learn fundraising and naming. Practically every building or stone on the expansive campus is named after someone, a family or a foundation. Simply amazing and the University Hall is one which equal I am yet to see anywhere.

The production of Samarkand definitely left a remarkable imprint on the minds of many of the people who still reside on the campus. How is Professor Soyinka doing? You now have to explain that Nigeria is not a street and Professor Soyinka lives far away from you but he is doing quite well as he is frequently in the news! This is one of the enduring powers of the arts. And if it is memorable as Samarkand was, then you have what equals a well of inspiration.

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Arts & Culture

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

Feature A Reading Culture Is Good for

By Alexander K. Opicho

T

he Western world has a passion and regard for book reading. Reading has been ingrained and socialised into the European and American social systems. The cultural overture of all this is redolent in the United Nations Organization calendar which has the World Book Day usually marked on April 23. On this day the UNESCO focuses on perpetrating worldwide access to all kinds of books, especially the books whose reading is informal and also for reasons of pleasure.

This date April 23, was artfully elected by the western societies because it also marks the death of two great European literary figures; Miguel de Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote and William Shakespeare, in an often feted honor of their joint and several contributions to world literary civilization. This cultural arm of the United Nations organ does express their respect for reading and pertinent reading culture by similarly celebrating this day as the World Book and Copyright recognition Day. In this similar regard, Koichiro Matsuura, Director General for the World Book and Copyright Day has on several occasions argued that books represent political, emotional, cultural, artistic, historical and linguistic as well as sub-linguistic diversity which is merely implied access to both formal and informal learning, intellectual freedom and global peace.

Since its establishment in 1995, the World Book Day has now attracted nearly 80 countries to participate in its programs designed to promote books, journals, novels, novella and general reading. It is generally this spirit that purports to internationalize reading culture that has made UNESCO also get involved with information processing activities like translation and publication programs in the developing countries of Africa and Asia.

This Western spirit that inspires the reading culture and formation of reading institutions need to be benchmarked by societies in the developing world, especially African countries to encourage young and even old people to read not just for commercial gain alone but for leisure and cultural development.

Such efforts will be in tune with the struggle to overcome the negative effects of electronic entertainment on the reading culture among the youth in the developing countries.

In African countries like Kenya, the drop in the reading culture among the youth is basically ascribed to electronic entertainment. The social media like Tweeter and Facebook has made young people

“

both the Poor and the Rich

POEM OF THE WEEK

Symphony of Words

By Adeola Ikuomola

in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and other East African countries to lose interest in books. Majority of young people in high schools, colleges and universities pass their free time watching conveyor belt creations like moving pictures and colorful multimedia displays. Recently in preparation of this article I interviewed a couple of Teachers, librarians and educational institutes administrators about the reading habit among the youths in Kenya.

It was discouragingly revealed that fewer and fewer children are reading these days. Although the literacy rate is not declining, the number of books read and the number of children who read for pleasure is dwindling. Books are seemingly incapable of competing for young people’s attention.

Research studies conducted in America, Germany, Switzerland, Britain and many other countries have frequently said the buck stops at the table of parenting. The studies show that there is always a positive correlation between children exposed to reading by parents who themselves regularly pick up a book to read and the inculcation of an ardent reading culture into these same children as they grow up.

Readers give birth to readers and thus absolute readers are likely to give birth to absolute readers.

However, economic and budgetary constraints in African countries, Asia and Latin America hinder the young person from an opportunity to have a reading mother or a bookworming father.

Life’s pressures in these societies often prevent parents from reading on a regular basis. This reality again brings the African or any society to the sad truth that the

knowledge gap will arise due to the current generation growing up without reading and passing their intellectual heritage on to the next generation.

Books are not only agents of culture and knowledge. They can also be a source of livelihood in the society. In the last few years some African countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa have seen a rise in book profits, general increase in literary output and diversification of the publishing and book trade. But at a global level, the studies conducted in Germany by the Bertelsmann Stiftung show that the number of adult informal book readers has increased over the last decade and thus making books profitable products. On another front when a writer wins a prize, his or her livelihood also changes. When a Teju Cole wins the International Literature Prize 2013 for his novel Open City, his livelihood actually changes from just being a Nigerian in the diaspora to an Afropolitan.

It is actually inevitable that there is no greatness without reading. The primary logic behind this premise is that good reading precedes all manner of greatness.

Simple historical analyses outrightly show that all great men read. From Jesus to Muhammed, Jewarlal Nehru to Thomas Jefferson, Luther King to Lenin, pertinent truth exudes no other historiography other than reading to greatness.

A recent example is evident in the personal culture of the once Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. Dmitry was and still is an intellectual who enjoys reading. One time the News agencies reported that the Russian president Dmitry Medvedev had purchased a novel by Stieg Larsson

However, economic and budgetary constraints in African countries, Asia and Latin America hinder the young person from an opportunity to have a reading mother or a bookworming father. Life’s pressures in these societies often prevent parents from reading on a regular basis.

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.

Further revelation came that the authors which Dmitry enjoy reading are Chekhov, Bunin Dostoyevsky and Vladimir Mayakovski. Dmitry devours non-Russian writers also with the same fervor. Modern writers like Pelevin and Murakami are among whom the former Russian president reads. Vladimir Putin also enjoys reading books.

His reading culture enjoys a good stature. His good reads are usually mostly on history and politics.

Putin likes Sergei Witte and the Russian philosopher Ivan Ilyin.

He has on umpteen times quoted Ivan Ilyin in his public speeches. It is worth mentioning that Putin’s reading culture and passion for books transcend the rudimentaries into praxis as observed in where he personally staved the budget for the construction of statues and tombstones on the graves of Ivan Ilyin and Ivan Shmelev. These two Russian writers died when they were out of Russia, but they were later on exhumed to be reburied officially in Russia. Also Persian poet Omar Khayyam is among the writers that president Putin has fondness for in literature. Barack Obama the current president and one of the most intelligent American presidents during the last and current century, is voraciously fond of literature. Obama reads everything that his hand comes across. As a young man Obama liked a fairytale by Maurice Sendak Where The wild Things Are, and Tom Mboya’s Freedom and After.

Recently Obama and his daughter Malia have read the book by Yann Martel titled Life of Pi. This book is a story about a boy and a tiger. Obama said in one of his interviews that it was a wonderful book that thrilled his daughter. The book has whole chapters on Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. There is also a lot of philosophy discussed in the book.

This hints at the cradle of Obama’s intellectual greatness.

References; Yann Martel; Life of Pi Source: Africanwriter.com

The opposite of love is death, Hate is too weak an adjective To stand against the power of love – I am bemused by the magic of this invisible earth Giving birth out of the passions of history – Where do I go to find the realm of infinite love?

For I am mapping out new paths Into the kingdom of prosperity Through the labyrinth of my mind Making affluence my companion The mythical goddess of possibility my counsel – Death is my ultimate evidence That life is real and thoughts are but A metaphor of things yet to come – Oh, sacred flower of a dreaming heart Show me the recipe of God’s alchemy To transmute thoughts into things Imagination into image nation and dreams into reality To render all things good in the end – Pain and suffering evaporate into the ether Of God’s crescent space and His mind made visible In the invisible sphere of human thought – Time becomes empty, shaping out the seasons of life Healing myself of regrets and mistakes Before the empty slight of the traitors’ eye Ungrateful multitudes who couldn’t appreciate my song So I depart from the material realm into the spirit world Learning at last the meaning of the Emerald text “As above so below, as within so without…”

Till earth becomes one with heaven – I am but a miracle made alive by love Dreaming, dreams of a dreamer who has but glimpsed The infinite world of endless possibilities – So I sing my song all over again, Symphony of Words Out of the note books, from the Promised Land –

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PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

FRSC confiscates 300 ‘fake’ driver’s licence in Zuba By Stanley Onyekwere

O L-R: Newly promoted and award winners of Lydia prizes, Cecilia Akano, Bisola Adediran, Deborah Adediran, and Adewumi Adeyemo, displaying their promotion and award certificates, during the award ceremony, on Sunday at the Faith Baptist Church Federal Housing Authority Housing Estate, in Lugbe, Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Cleric tasks Muslims, Christians on unity

By Usman Shuaibu

A

rchbishop of Heavenly Kingdom church International in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Layi Balogun, has called on both Christians and Muslims to genuinely unite as a people, in the interest of building and sustaining peace in the society.

Balogun, who made the call in an interview with Peoples Daily at the Church office in Gwagwalada,

stressed the importance of unity in any society.

The cleric urged Muslims as well as Christians to tolerate each other for the benefit of mutual understanding of their religions they are worshiping.

Also, he appealed to Muslim and Christian religious leaders to always preach the words of God as contained in the Qur’an and Bible respectively.

He explained that the holy Qur’an serves as a guard for

Muslims while the Bible also serves as a guard for Christians.

He pleaded with religious leaders to devote their time to pray for Nigeria leaders, so that they would govern the country with fear of Almighty God, at all times.

Furthermore, he charged the political leaders to gear towards implementing policies and programmes that would be of benefit to the majority of people who voted them into power.

According to him, every

leader will be accountable to his stewardship in the Day of Judgement.

The clergyman, who is the president of the Heavenly Kingdom Bible Institute of Theology in the FCT, however, called on the FCT Administration and other governments to make education compulsory and affordable for every Nigerian child, to enable them contribute towards national development.

Community berates Kwali Chair over dearth of social amenities

By Usman Shuaibu

S

ome inhabitants of Nytse Mwamwa Community in Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have lampooned the chairman of the area council, Ibrahim Daniel, for allegedly failing to provide basic necessities of life for the people in the area.

The residents accused the chairman of nonchalant attitude towards the community, saying that no project was executed in the community since he assumed office in May, 2013.

The residents also tonguelashed the council chairman for not giving the desired attention to rural communities and villages in Kwali, in terms of projects initiation and execution.

Spokesman of the community, Mr. Illiya Musa, who revealed this in an interview with Peoples Daily at the weekend, maintained that despite persistent appeals by his people to past chairmen of the council, noting had been done to alleviate their suffering in the community.

Nevertheless, Musa specifically pointed out that the current

chairman of the council had neglected the community in the area of infrastructural development.

He added that the people of the community are yet to enjoy the dividends of democracy from the area council.

The Community leader, who expressed dismay that the people of the community had been drinking the same water with domestic animals in the community, called on the chairman to drill boreholes, in order to boost potable drinking water in the community.

Also, he noted that the situation

of roads (especially the road from Kwaita to the community) in the community were very bad, while adding that absence of electricity had worsened the situation in the area.

Furthermore, Musa accused the past chairmen as well as current chairman of the council of failing to build a health care centre in the community.

He therefore urged the present chairman of the council to deem it necessary to provide a clinic in the community, to carter for the medical needs of the people.

fficials of the Federal Road Safety C o m m i s s i o n (FRSC), the Zuba unit command has confiscated three hundred (300) fake driver’s licence from motorists in the area.

The FRSC officer in charge of the area, Chorrie Muta’a, who disclosed this recently, reiterated that the issuance of fake licence was a criminal offence in which the corps has been preaching against.

Noting that the perpetrators of the act would be made to face the full wrath of the law, he commended the leadership of the commission for taking strong measure to tackle the menace.

He pointed out that the success recorded was due to the constant patrol along the busy Zuba / Kaduna and Zuba / Gwagwalada road, during which violators of traffic rules and regulations were caught.

According to him, FRSC is committed to reducing road traffic crashes to 20 percent and mortality rate by 35 percent.

The Zuba FRSC boss revealed that the unit command would soon embark on series of enlightenment programme in motor parks, markets and worship centers to sensitise motorists to exercise caution at all time.

PAGE 32

Photo Splash

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

Scraps dealer attending to a client, yesterday at Utako, in Abuja.

Roasted corn seller sweeping her premises, yesterday at Jabi Motor Park, in Abuja.

Water hawker struggling with his wheel barrow, yesterday at Utako, in Abuja.

Man hawking garden eggs and cucumbers, yesterday along Airport Junction, in Abuja.

Man tying empty cement bags dealer, yesterday at Utako, in Abuja.

Photos: : Joe Oroye

PAGE 33

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

Metro Principal Two brothers in trouble over seeks alleged theft of car batteries parents’ T support on provision of classrooms

wo brothers, Tassiu Mohammed, 23, and Saminu Mohammed, 25, yesterday appeared in a Mararaba Grade 1 Area court, over alleged theft of car batteries.

The brothers who reside at Mararaba were arraigned on a twocount charge of criminal conspiracy

and theft.

The prosecutor, Cpl. Friday Adaji, said that one Marcus Sana of Oando Filling Station, Aso Pada Mararaba, reported the matter at the Aso Pada Police Station on Aug. 10.

Adaji alleged that the accused persons conspired and stole two car batteries, one from a Honda car,

and the other from a Toyota Carina parked inside the filling station.

He said that they were caught and arrested while leaving the filling station.

The prosecutor said that the alleged offences contravened sections 97 and 287 of the Penal code respectively.

The accused, however, denied the allegations levelled against them.

The Presiding Judge, Albert Maga, granted them bail in the sum of N100, 000 each, and one surety each in like sum.

He adjourned the case till August 20, for further hearing. (NAN)

By Usman Shuaibu

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he principal of Hayil Sa’id Model, a basic learning institution, in Gwagwalada area council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hajiya Hajara Musa, has called on parents as well as the general public to help the school management to build more classrooms to enhance learning there.

The principal, who made the appeal during the school’s graduation/ speech and prizes giving day ceremony, in Gwagwalada, disclosed that a total number of 117 students graduated in this year’s academic session.

Also, she solicited for support of parents and highly placed individuals to provide more computers and play stations (vides games) for the nursery section of the school.

She further pleaded with philanthropic organizations to come to the aid of the school, by building a modern library, an administrative block as well as staff quarters for the betterment of the staffers and students in the institution.

She expressed joy that since inception of the school, the students had been performing well in their examinations, as according to her, the management of the school and teachers were trying their best to see that they inculcate esteemed moral values on the students.

The principal equally appealed to the parents as well as guardians to deem it necessary to pay their wards’ school fees as at when due, so as to enable the management of the school to achieve its academic goals for the students.

Musa however advised the graduands to be good diplomats of Islam and the school wherever they may found themselves.

Popcorn and groundnut seller waiting for customers, yesterday along Jabi Park in Abuja.

How DPR sealed off 34 petrol outlets in Abuja F or allegedly profiteering and selling petroleum products above government approved prices, a total of thirty-four (34) filling stations in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and environs were sealed by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR).

According to a recent statement by the DPR Zonal Operations Controller, Mohammed Usman, disclosed that 12 of them were sealed last week, during a surveillance that was carried out by four teams covering Abuja and

its environs.

It named the stations as Harry Pet filling station in Gwagwalada for selling PMS at N110, Drison Oil filling station at Giri for selling PMS at N100 and Ohinoyi Oil in Kwali for under dispensing with -3770 mls.

Also, sealed were Gausiya filling station at Giri where one pump was sealed for underdispensing with -740 mls, Adelhi Ltd filling station at Masaka for selling. PMS at N105 and Hariz Pet at Masaka sealed for selling PMS at N110.

Oando Plc at Maraba Aso was sealed for suspected diversion of PMS (45,000 litres), Mobil New Nyanya had one pump sealed for under-dispensing with -730 mls and Badeggi Petrol station at Dikko Junction sealed for selling PMS at N110.

Others were Edewa Ltd at Kwamba Suleja sealed for selling PMS at N105, Shemaco filling station, Kwamba Suleja was sealed for selling PMS at N97 and Dee Jones,Kwamba, Suleja was sealed for selling PMS at N105 and under dispensing with -420 mls.

“A total of 46 filling stations were visited and the exercise indicated availability of PMS in the stations with some queues observed,” “But the sealed 12 stations had brought to 34 the number of filling stations sealed by the DPR in Abuja and environs,” it said.

The statement noted that the affected stations were to remain sealed for at least one month as well as forfeiting their bridging claims for the products in question.

(NAN)

PAGE 34

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

Money Sense

How to buy a new car and avoid scams

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sing our advice and tools, you’ll get a great deal that is still more than fair for the dealership. If you aren’t prepared then prepare to get ripped off, it’s that simple. People have no problem taking weeks to plan a vacation, but don’t spend a few hours doing research before they buy a $30,000 car. You will be able to save a ton of money if you follow our advice.

The best price doesn’t mean you got a good deal A good deal means that you were treated fairly and the dealership made a reasonable profit. The most important thing you will read here is to make sure that you don’t just focus on the final price. Dealers will play the “Cash Flow Shell Game” so they can rip you off while making you think you are getting a good deal.

When is the best time to buy a car?

There are two “best times” to buy. The end of December is a good time. Everyone is out buying XMAS gifts, leaving dealer lots void of customers, motivating them to cut prices and break year end sales records. Another good time to buy is July through October as dealerships sell off cars at lower prices to clear space for the new models.

All Prep work can be done from your PC, Tablet or Smart Phone The last time I bought a new vehicle I was able to do all my homework without leaving my house. Back in the “old days” you would waste hours at many dealerships. Luckily the internet

was invented so now you don’t have leave the comfort of your couch. There are many great sites that allow you to relax, Once you have determined the dealer with the best price, you take all of your research to them and calmly negotiate the best deal.

Invoice prices, rebates and incentives As you follow this guide you will find that there are a few critical pieces of information that you will need to make sure you are getting a great deal. They are invoice price, rebates and incentives. The most important thing to remember about the invoice price is that it is not the amount the dealer paid for the car.

What are secret incentives?

Secret factory to dealer incentives can be N200,000 – N1,200,000 in addition to known rebates! Because of these secret incentives, if you buy a car at invoice, the dealer earns thousands more. You should haggle over this incentive, as many dealers willingly give up all or part of this incentive, making your cost lower.

Competition gets you the best deal Once they see that you are prepared, it will work to your advantage. The deal will now proceed on your terms, not theirs.

Don’t enter a dealership without having multiple price quotes or you’ll overpay by thousands.

Commissioned salespeople fear “The Folder” because they know you did your homework. They rely on uneducated car buyers

who don’t do any research before they go shopping.

Warning about car dealership advertising The number one goal of any car dealer is to get you in the door. If you aren’t there they can’t pull any tricks or scams on you. They hire the best advertising and marketing companies to come up with ads to get you there.

Advertisers spend millions in psychological wording research to trick you. Pay very careful attention to the fine print when it comes to advertising. When you see a TV commercial it is impossible to read it unless you are watching on a DVR and you can pause it. I don’t know why it is legal for them to put these legal statements in such a small font and displayed for such a short time that no human can possibly read it.

When an ad says 1.9% APR,

look for the “*”. The fine print will say “with approved credit only” or “qualified buyers only.”

The 1.9% reels you in. You must have perfect credit to get the 1.9% rate. Most people will not qualify.

Other scams you may hear: “We’ll Get You Out Of Your Current Lease No Matter How Much You Owe!” “We’ll Pay Off Your Loan No Matter How Much You Owe!” “We’ll Give You N1,000,000 For Any Trade-In!” “Don’t Make A N1,000,000 Mistake!”

“No Reasonable Offer Will Be Refused!” (Except yours, because it’s unreasonable) In the examples above, the dealer is not doing you any favors; they want you to buy a car from them at full MSRP. They also want your trade-in so they can give you N8,000,000 below market value and resell it for a higher price. Sometimes an ad can make you think that trading

“

“We’ll get you out of your current car, and then roll what you owe plus penalties into your new car purchase so you can pay off 2 cars!”

in a car relieves you of your loan or lease obligation. It does not!

This important fact gets many buyers into trouble. You are actually taking on increased debt when you thought you were dropping one debt for another.

They lied to you in their ad, they are not doing you any favors.

They are piling on more debt.

It’s a very clever trick, but now you’re onto them. Next time you hear those ads, you’ll know what they’re up to. The ads should be worded “We’ll get you out of your current car, and then roll what you owe plus penalties into your new car purchase so you can pay off 2 cars!”

Don’t trade in a car you owe money on. Aside from adding to your debt, you are inviting other problems. Since the dealer doesn’t care about your finances, it is possible that they don’t pay the bank on time and this can lead to penalties for you.

Misleading Advertising Alert!

How car dealers profit from new car purchases You think new car dealers have just one way to coax money out of you when car buying?

Thank you for playing. Some new car dealers convince you to spend so much, you didn’t know you were taken for a ride! Car buyers who brag of high trade in value were asleep at the wheel leaving money on the table in other parts of the deal.

The dealership is always trying to maximize their profit.

Of course they should make a fair profit on the deal but they shouldn’t rip you off. They trick you into a bad deal using what I call the “Car Dealer Cash Flow Shell Game™”

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PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

International Farkhunda: The making of a martyr international_peoplesdailyng@yahoo.com

ANALYSIS

By Zarghuna Kargar

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n March a mob in the Afghan capital set upon a woman who had been falsely accused of burning the Koran, beating her to death in a frenzied attack.

As the mood of righteous anger turned to grief and shame, there were mass protests and a trial but some of those convicted have now had their sentences cut, and others are already out of jail.

It was two days before Afghan New Year. Farkhunda Malikzada cheerfully promised her mother, Bibi Hajera, that she would help prepare for the festivities when she returned from her Koran reciting class. Then she gave her nephew a kiss and walked out the door.

Farkhunda was 27, working as a volunteer teacher while she studied Islamic law. She wanted to find a husband and start a family, but she also dreamed of becoming a judge. “Farkhunda was brave and she wasn’t afraid of speaking her mind,” says Bibi Hajera.

What happened to her daughter that day shocked the country and made headlines around the world.

On her way home, Farkhunda stopped by the Shah-e Du Shamshira shrine, in the centre of Kabul. She said her prayers and then got into an argument about the selling of charms little scraps of paper bearing Koranic verses.

Farkhunda regarded these as superstitious and un-Islamic.

She was trying to make this point to the caretaker at the shrine, Zain-ul-Din, when he began shouting: “This woman is an American and she has burned the Koran!”

A crowd gathered. Some began to film what happened next on their phones. The footage is extremely disturbing, but Bibi Hajera has watched it.

Farkhunda, veiled, stands just inside the gate to the shrine, denying that she has burned the Koran.

“The Americans have sent her!” a man shouts. “Don’t call me American!” says Farkhunda.

“If you say anything I will smash your mouth,” replies the man.

“Don’t film me brother,” pleads Farkhunda. “It’s not filming,” says the man holding the phone, before adding: “Why did you burn the Koran? Don’t you have any shame?”

Farkhunda is pulled out from the shrine, pushed to the ground and kicked. “Kill her!” comes a cry. Then, after gun shots from the police, the crowd moves back to reveal a figure sitting

A poster of Farkhunda Malikzada

upright on the tarmac, her veil and headscarf gone, her hair in disarray and her hands and face red with blood. Dazed, Farkhunda stares up at the camera. One of her shoes has fallen off.

“What pains my heart is when she’s sitting like this and her head is bleeding,” says Bibi Hajera.

“The police are just standing there. Why don’t they bring a car over, or a policewoman?”

Before long, police gave up attempting to hold the crowd back. Footage shows them watching as Farkhunda is struck down, kicked, beaten with sticks, and run over with a car that drags her 200m down a street.

“They neglected their duty,” Gen Zahir Zahir, Kabul police’s criminal investigation chief, told the BBC. “Even if they had lost their lives, it was their duty to prevent Miss Farkhunda from being martyred in this way.”

That afternoon, a teenage boy, Yaqoob , was helping to mind his uncle’s shop selling sunglasses. He was, his family

says, a good boy, looked up to by his younger sisters.

But when the mob arrived on his doorstep dragging Farkhunda’s body, Yaqoob joined in. Farkhunda was thrown on to the dry riverbed, and Yaqoob can be seen on video picking up large rocks and throwing them on to her.

After the stoning, Farkhunda’s body was set alight, signalling the end of the prolonged attack.

Find out more ◾Watch the Our World documentary The Killing of Farkhunda on the BBC iPlayer (UK only) ◾Listen to the radio version on the BBC World Service website ◾Viewers in North America can watch the documentary on BBC World News America on Thursday 13 August (click here for transmission times) The mobile phone footage of the killing was soon uploaded and shared on the internet. Many people boasted online about

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their role in the attack, or made clear their support.

Although President Ashraf Ghani condemned the lynching and ordered an investigation, some officials were quick to endorse it - including the deputy minister of information and culture, Semin Ghazal Hasanzada and Kabul police spokesman Hashmat Stanekzai.

The following day, after Friday prayers, some prominent imams also praised the crowd’s actions.

Farkhunda’s family were told by police to leave Kabul for their own safety.

But by the evening of the following day, the narrative had changed. An investigation by the ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs found no evidence that Farkhunda had burned the Koran.

The imams and officials retracted their statements of support for the lynching, and in time Hasanzada and Stanekzai were sacked.

“We went to the mortuary. I opened the plastic bag with the

My friends and I, we promised each other, ‘We won’t let any man touch this coffin,’” says women’s rights activist Sahra Mosawi. “They’d come forward to carry the coffin and we said, ‘Don’t touch it. Where were you that day when 150 men attacked Farkhunda? Where were you?

zip,” remembers Bibi Hajera.

My friends and I, we promised each other, ‘We won’t let any man touch this coffin’ Sahra Mosawi, Women’s rights activist “I said: ‘Farkhunda, my child.’

I spoke to her and cleaned her hands and face. Her hands and feet were burned and bruised all over, her face was burned all over. “’Why did they do this to you, my girl?’ I felt she was telling me, ‘I was innocent. I was innocent, mother.’”

Farkhunda went from being a figure of loathing to a martyr. More than 1,000 people gathered for her funeral. In an unprecedented act for a country where burials are often maleonly events, her coffin was carried to the grave by women.

“My friends and I, we promised each other, ‘We won’t let any man touch this coffin,’” says women’s rights activist Sahra Mosawi. “They’d come forward to carry the coffin and we said, ‘Don’t touch it. Where were you that day when 150 men attacked Farkhunda? Where were you?’

“It was the first time in Afghanistan that I had seen women supporting each other and standing together like that.”

Two days later, on 24 March, thousands of women and men marched through Kabul, chanting “We are all Farkhunda!” and demanding justice. Some of the protesters painted their faces red to mirror the image of Farkhunda’s bleeding face.

Forty-nine men were charged in connection with the murder.

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

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International

Angola eggs: Plans to destroy 11 million illegal imports

Nigeria ‘blocks recruitment’

by Islamic State militants

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bout 24,000 people were stopped from leaving Nigeria in the 15 months to March because of suspicion they could become involved in jihadi activities, prostitution or slavery, the country’s immigration agency has said.

Many of them were suspected to be heading to join militant groups such as Islamic State (IS), the agency added.

Others tried to reach “greener pastures” to escape poverty, it said.

Nigeria is Africa’s most populous state, and has high levels of poverty.

It has also been hit by a six-year insurgency waged by militant Islamist group Boko Haram, which pledged allegiance to IS in March.

The agency said Nigeria was a “catchment area for recruiters because of the high number of jobless people” in the West African state.

It had therefore intensified immigration checks to bar young Nigerians with “doubtful intentions” from leaving the country.

“The terrorist group has a syndicate that arranges travel documents, visas, ticket and money for their recruits,” it added, in a statement.

Many people leave Nigeria in the hope of finding a better life in Europe Officials were also tackling illegal immigration, said Chukwuemaka Obuah, the agency’s spokesman.

“We have always had problems of Nigerians going abroad for greener pasture. We look at the age of the intending traveller and the person he is travelling with, put them by the side and profile them thoroughly,” he added.

The UN’s Office on Drugs and Crime estimates West African trafficking victims, many of whom come from Nigeria, make up about 10% of those forced into sex work in Western Europe.

Last week, India detained two Nigerian students for allegedly trying to cross to Pakistan with the aim of finally reaching Iraq to join IS, media reports said.

Boko Haram’s alliance with IS may be motivating young Nigerians to join the Middle Eastern group, reports the BBC’s Bashir Sa’ad Abdullahi from Nigeria’s capital Abuja.

They may have also been influenced by IS propaganda available on social media sites, he adds.

Angola’s government wants to boost consumption of domestically produced food

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ngola will destroy 11 million eggs imported illegally into the country, the agriculture minister has said.

The chicken eggs were brought in without an official health certificate, Afonso Pedro Canga is quoted by the state news agency

as saying.

He did not say from where the eggs, seized at the port in the capital Luanda, had been imported.

Angola’s government said in January that it wanted to boost consumption of domestically

produced food and drink.

Speaking at an agricultural fair in the south-western city of Lubango, Mr Canga said the production of eggs in Angola was increasing to meet demand.

About 25 million eggs were laid each month, and he wanted

this to increase by 10-15 million, Mr Canga said.

The authorities seized 26 containers full of eggs, each 40ft (12m) long, according to Jornal de Angola.

Angola has a population of 24.3 million.

University of Manchester board game to train African midwives

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niversity researchers have created a board game designed to help African midwives prevent women dying in childbirth.

The game, called Progression, has been made by the University of Manchester’s school of nursing and midwifery.

It has been designed to help in the use of a chart which many midwives find difficult to complete.

The partograph records heart rate, blood pressure and temperature and is used to detect problems during labour.

The game’s creators noted that midwives generally struggle to use the chart as a decisionmaking aid.

This prevents it being used properly to prevent death and illness during childbirth - a major problem in developing countries.

With this in mind, Progression involves charting a series of findings from a woman in labour.

As players move around the board they land on spaces which trigger a randomly selected card question, which they have to answer to keep moving.

A pilot scheme carried out with 165 midwives in east Africa has just concluded and indicated the game was well-received.

Prof Dame Tina Lavender,

who led the project, said: “The crucial benefit of using this game is that it allows midwives to make mistakes without endangering lives.

“The game is designed to provide new knowledge, revise what they already know and discuss with other players the best ways to support women. The feedback from midwives working in these countries during the pilot was overwhelmingly positive.”

Cameroon police ‘free children after years in chains’

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ilitary police have raided a house in Cameroon and freed around 70 children who were being held captive and were suffering from disease and hunger.

Some of them had spent three years in chains and had scars inflicted from beatings, officers

told local media.

The head of an Islamic school who owned the house in the northern town of Ngaoundere has been arrested.

The arrested man denies any wrongdoing, saying parents willingly sent their children to his “correctional centre”.

The Koranic school master is also reported to have married two young girls who were imprisoned in the house.

The military police, known as gendarmes, say all the children are now free and are being given medical help before they being reunited with their families.

The BBC’s Randy Joe Sa’ah in the capital, Yaounde, says the raid followed a tip-off given to the gendarmes.

A few adults were amongst the captives, including one man whose relative allegedly wanted to be rid of him because of an inheritance dispute, he says.

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PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

International

Japan restarts first nuclear power plant since Fukushima

Asia & Middle East

Iraq reforms: Parliament backs PM Haider alAbadi’s plan

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Many local residents are unhappy about the Sendai plant restarting

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apan has restarted its first nuclear reactor under new safety rules following the 2011 Fukushima disaster.

All Japan’s nuclear plants were gradually shut down after a series of meltdowns at the Fukushima plant sparked by the tsunami and earthquake.

But after passing stringent new safety tests, Kyushu Electric Power restarted the number one reactor at its Sendai plant on Tuesday morning.

There is still strong public unease about a return to nuclear power.

Protests have been taking place outside the Sendai plant and at Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s residence in Tokyo, about 1,000 km (600 miles) away.

The BBC’s Rupert WingfieldHayes in Tokyo says that after being told a disaster like Fukushima could

never happen, public confidence has been shaken.

A total of 25 plants have applied to be restarted, he says, but all are facing legal challenges from concerned locals.

Kyushu said reactor No.1 at Sendai began operating again at 10:30 local time (01:30 GMT).

TV images showed the plant’s control room as workers turned the reactor back on.

Kyushu Electric spokesman Tomomitsu Sakata said the reactor had gone back online without any problems.

It will be about 24 hours before a full reaction takes place, and the plant is expected to start generating power

by Friday. It will reach full capacity some time next month.

Prime Minister Abe said on Monday that the reactors had passed “the world’s toughest safety screening”.

“I would like Kyushu Electric to put safety first and take utmost precautions for the restart,” he said.

Many local residents are unhappy about the Sendai plant restarting Since shutting down all nuclear plants, Japan has been relying on imported fossil fuels for its energy, at huge expense. The government has said nuclear power must resume to cut both import bills and growing CO2 emissions.

Experts have also warned that reactors left idle for years tend to experience teething problems and that such a mass restart of dormant reactors has never been attempted before, says our correspondent.

Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority approved two reactors at the Sendai plant last September under stricter safety rules. The second reactor is due to be restarted in

October.

More than $100m (£64m) has been spent on fitting new safety systems at the Sendai plant.

But local residents say the new safety regulations are not stringent enough - they are worried about potential dangers from active volcanoes in the region.

Protesters were rallied by Naoto Kan, prime minister at the time of the Fukushima crisis, who told the crowd: “We don’t need nuclear plants.”

He said the Fukushima disaster had “exposed the myth of safe and cheap nuclear power, which turned out to be dangerous and expensive”.

One of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded struck off the coast of Japan in March 2011, triggering a huge tsunami which damaged the Fukushima nuclear plant, leading to meltdown.

Bashar al-Assad’s cousin held over ‘road-rage’ killing

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yria’s army has arrested a cousin of the President, Bashar al-Assad, after a colonel was shot dead in a traffic dispute, the state news agency says.

Suleiman al-Assad was held in the coastal city of Latakia, a stronghold of the regime.

Khodr al-Salem, the governor of Latakia, said Suleiman al-Assad - the son of the president’s first cousin Hilal - was arrested at a farm.

Reports in Syrian media say the colonel was shot dead in front of his children.

The Associated Press news agency

said Suleiman al-Assad had been on the run since the murder of Col Hassan alSheikh last week. He is the only suspect in the case, the Sana news agency said (in Arabic).

The BBC’s Rami Ruhayem, in Beirut, said the murder had led to large protests in Latakia. While

protestors chanted slogans supporting the president, they also called for the execution of his cousin.

Latakia is a stronghold of Syria’s Alawite community - the Shia heterodox sect to which the Assad family belongs.

The group makes up 12% of the 23 million population, and while there

Thai King Bhumibol recovering from ‘water

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he king, seen here in a 2010 photo, has rarely been seen in public in recent years Thailand’s revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej has been treated for hydrocephalus, or an excessive build-up of fluid on the brain, and is now recovering, say

authorities.

The 87-year-old, who has been in hospital since 31 May, also had a lung inflammation which has since subsided.

The monarch has had frequent bouts of ill health in recent years.

He is seen as a pillar of stability in Thailand which saw political strife culminating in last year’s coup.

Though the king has no formal political role, he is seen

by Thais as a symbol of unity, having ruled since 1946, and his

health is closely watched.

Last October he had his gallbladder removed. He was in Bangkok’s Siriraj Hospital for seven months, and was discharged in May this year, only to return to the hospital a few weeks later for medical tests.

raqis on the streets of Bagdad have cautiously welcomed Mr Abadi’s proposals The Iraqi parliament has unanimously approved reforms aimed at stamping out corruption, reducing government waste and easing sectarian tensions.

Prime Minister Haider alAbadi’s programme was pushed through without debate, according to parliamentary speaker Salim alJuburi.

Under the plan, Mr Abadi will cut spending and eliminate senior posts.

It follows recent anti-government protests over an unreliable electricity supply amid a major heatwave.

Thousands of people have turned out in Baghdad and other cities to vent their anger at the authorities and pressurise them to make changes.

Iraq’s system of sharing government jobs has long been criticised for promoting unqualified candidates and encouraging corruption.

The country has three vicepresidents - two from the Shia Arab majority and one from the Sunni Arab minority - and three deputy prime ministers - a Shia, a Sunni and a Sunni Kurd.

As a result of the reforms, senior political appointments will no longer be based on sectarian or party quotas, and the posts of vice-president and deputy prime minister will be abolished.

Constant power cuts have angered many Iraqis, who blame the government Mr Abadi’s seven-point plan also includes a requirement for a number of government positions to be filled with political independents - a move aimed at cracking down on corruption.

Officials’ benefits will also be reduced.

The changes come after weeks of protests by voters angry at the way the country is governed and at the lack of investment in infrastructure.

In some areas of Iraq it is common to have only a few hours of electricity each day.

Police have been deployed to keep protesters at bay Tensions have become particularly fraught during a heatwave that has seen temperatures rise to 51C (123F).

Frequent power cuts have made the sweltering conditions even more unbearable.

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

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International

MH17: ‘Russian missile parts’ at Ukraine crash site

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ragments of a suspected Russian missile system have been found at the Flight MH17 crash site in Ukraine, investigators in the Netherlands say.

They say the parts, possibly from a Buk surface-to-air system, are “of particular interest” and could help show who was behind the crash.

But they say they have not proved their “causal connection” with the crash.

MH17 crashed on land held by Russian-backed rebels in July 2014, killing all 298 on board.

There were 283 passengers, including 80 children, and 15 crew members on the Malaysian Airlines airliner.

About two-thirds of those who died were Dutch nationals, with dozens of Malaysians and Australians among the rest.

Ukraine and many Western countries have accused pro-Russian rebels of shooting down the plane, saying they could have used a Buk missile system supplied by Russia.

Russia and the rebels deny any responsibility and say the Ukrainian military was to blame.

The Joint Investigation Team (JIT) said in a joint statement with the Dutch Safety Board that the parts had been “secured during a previous recovery mission in eastern Ukraine”.

“The parts are of particular interest to the criminal investigation

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Pro-Russian rebels control the area where the MH17 crashed as they can possibly provide more information about who was involved in the crash of MH17. For that reason the JIT further investigates the origin of these parts,” the statement said.

Fred Westerbeke, a spokesman for the Dutch Prosecutor’s Office, said that seven fragments had been found which were definitely not part of the aircraft, and further investigations had shown that they were probably from a missile system.

“We are going to need more investigation to really find out what exactly this is and if it is part of a possible system that took down MH17,” he added.

“If we can establish that, then we can say that it is a breakthrough.”

The Dutch safety board is characteristically cautious. For now it is insisting that no causal connection can be established between the discovered parts and

the crash.

The aircraft is widely believed to have been downed by a surface-toair missile. Indeed the investigators’ preliminary report - released last September - noted that the damage to the aircraft’s fuselage and cockpit indicated impacts from a large number of high-energy objects from outside the aircraft; consistent with an engagement by a Buk-type missile.

separatists exchange artillery fire daily in the Donetsk-Luhansk conflict zone.

A spokesperson at Amnesty International’s Kiev office, Bogdan Ovcharuk, condemned Ukraine’s new book ban.

“This is a very slippery slope indeed,” he told the BBC. “It’s one thing to restrict access to texts advocating violence, but in general banning books because their authors have views deemed unacceptable to politicians in either Kiev or Moscow is deeply dangerous.

Both sides need to de-escalate this ‘culture war’ as soon as possible.”

Nationalists have rallied in Moscow in support of the Donetsk separatists

Russia also has a blacklist of banned books and other publications, called the Federal List of Extremist Materials. It runs to more than 1,000 banned titles, and is published on the Russian Justice Ministry website.

It includes texts by jihadist groups and Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Blowing Up Russia: The Return of the KGB, a book by ex-Russian intelligence agent Alexander Litvinenko, who died from radiation poisoning in London in 2006. UK authorities accuse Russian state agents of killing him.

The Russian books now banned in Ukraine include works called The Ukrainian Front - Red Stars over Maidan, Battlefield Ukraine - The Broken Trident, Forward to the USSR, Superman speaks Russian and Kiev

Kaputt.

Sergei Glazyev is an economic adviser to President Vladimir Putin.

A prominent Russian TV presenter, Sergei Dorenko, is also a blacklisted author now in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian committee’s statement said the ban was aimed at “safeguarding Ukrainian citizens against the use of information warfare and disinformation methods, against the spread of hate ideology, fascism, xenophobia and separatism”.

Criticising the ban, Sergei Dorenko said it would hardly be effective in the internet age.

The hostility between Russia and Ukraine has spread to cultural life as a whole, since Russia’s March 2014 annexation of Crimea.

Megyn Kelly not apologising for debate comments

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ox News presenter Megyn Kelly has said she will not apologise for asking Donald Trump tough questions in the TV debate for Republican 2016 hopefuls.

She began her programme on Monday night by saying it’s “time to move forward” after days of attacks against her from the hotel tycoon and his followers.

In Thursday’s debate, she put Mr Trump on the defensive about remarks he made in the past about women.

The New York businessman is

Ferguson anniversary: State of emergency declared as dozens arrested

M

Ukraine bans 38 Russian ‘hate’ books amid culture war kraine has banned 38 books published in Russia, alleging that they spread “hate ideology” and “separatism”.

The ban includes works by Russian nationalists Alexander Dugin, Eduard Limonov and Sergei Glazyev.

The blacklist was published by the Ukrainian State Television and Radio Committee. It accused Russia of waging “information warfare” against Ukraine.

Ukraine and Western leaders say Russia is fomenting separatism and helping the insurgents in eastern Ukraine.

“Information war” is seen as part of Russia’s “aggression” against the pro-Western government in Kiev.

Ukrainian troops and pro-Russian

Europe and Americas

ahead in a crowded Republican field.

After the debate in Cleveland, Mr Trump said Ms Kelly “had blood coming out of her eyes, blood coming out of her wherever”.

He denies he was referring to her hormones but the comments got him removed from a conservative event at the weekend.

After refusing to apologise, he instead demanded the popular news anchor say sorry for asking unfair questions.

But Ms Kelly told her viewers she

“will not apologise for doing good journalism”.

All eyes were on Trump after the debate She called her questions during the debate, including one about his namecalling of women, “tough but fair”.

“We agree to disagree,” she said on her show.

The women ‘live-tweeting’ their periods In a round of TV interviews on Tuesday, Mr Trump revealed that Fox News boss Roger Ailes phoned him to

defuse the tension.

The former star of The Apprentice also repeated his pledge to consider running as a third-party candidate should he lose the Republican nomination.

Grilled about his policy proposals on CNN’s New Day, he argued that having flexibility is better than making specific plans.

“I know exactly what I want to do, I just don’t want to announce it yet,” Mr Trump said. “I’m just not prepared to tell you right now.”

ore than 20 people have been arrested in Ferguson, Missouri, amid protests marking the anniversary of the death of unarmed black teenager Michael Brown.

A state of emergency was declared, as officers in riot gear forced people off the streets on Monday night.

A police spokesman said 23 people were detained, but “there were no shots fired, no smoke or tear gas used”.

On Sunday, Tyrone Harris, 18, was critically wounded after being fired on by police in Ferguson.

The authorities say Mr Harris was armed and opened fire, but his father has described their account of events as “a bunch of lies”.

Prosecutors have filed 10 charges against him, including assaulting an officer.

The shooting followed a day of peaceful and sombre commemorations in memory of Michael Brown.

The 18-year-old was shot in August 2014 by a white police officer who was later cleared of any wrongdoing by a grand jury and the US Department of Justice.

The death triggered a wave of protests over alleged racism and the use of excessive force by US police officers.

Prominent activist Cornel West was among those arrested in St Louis on Monday Demonstrators marched past a rioting flashpoint on West Florrisant Street On Monday night marchers chanted, beat drums and carried signs in memory of Brown - but some demonstrators also attacked officers, according to the St Louis police department.

It tweeted: “Officers are being hit with rocks and bottles. We continue to support free speech, but agitators who ignore orders to disperse risk arrest.”

By early morning on Tuesday, most people had left the areas where confrontations had occurred.

‘Give us space’ Ferguson resident Roberta Lynch, 51, said relations with police had not improved in the year since Michael Brown’s death.

“They are doing the same old stuff, taking our rights,” she said.

“They need to give us our space.”

Earlier on Monday, police arrested about 50 protesters - including civil rights activist Cornel West - who staged a sit-in outside the main courthouse in St Louis.

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

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PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

Digest

How spicing up dinner could save your life

A study of nearly 500,000 middle-aged people found that those who ate a spicy meal every one or two days were far less likely to die than those who infrequently ate the food

By Ben Spencer

P

eople who eat spicy food every day have a lower risk of an early death, research suggests.

Scientists found that spicy food was linked to fewer deaths

from cancer, heart disease and breathing problems.

A study of nearly 500,000 middle-aged people found that those who ate a spicy meal every one or two days were far less likely to die than those who infrequently ate the food.

Scientists suspect that capsaicin — a chemical contained in chili peppers — has anti-obesity, antioxidant, anti-inflammation and cancer fighting properties.

A study of nearly 500,000 middle-aged people found that

those who ate a spicy meal every one or two days were far less likely to die than those who infrequently ate the food The research, published in the British Medical Journal, was based on a study of 487,000 Chinese people, each aged between the ages of 30 and 79.

Each participant was questioned about their general health and eating habits, and then tracked over the following seven years, in which time 20,224 of them died.

The researchers, from Oxford University, Harvard School of Public Health in the US and the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, found that people who ate spicy food every one or two days were 14 per cent less likely to die than those who ate it less than once a week.

Frequent consumption of spicy foods was particularly linked to a lower risk of death from cancer, heart disease and breathing problems.

The authors stressed that because they had only looked at broad statistical trends, and not at the exact role spice had played in each case, they could draw no concrete conclusions

about cause and effect.

But they cited previous research which has linked capsaicin to resistance to obesity, cancer and other diseases.

Scientists suspect that capsaicin — a chemical contained in chili peppers — has anti-obesity, antioxidant, anti-inflammation and cancer fighting properties. File image Experts last night welcomed the findings — but stressed that they should be treated with caution.

They pointed out that Chinese people have a different diet and lifestyle to those in the West.

Professor Kevin McConway of the Open University, said: ‘It’s important to realise that the study gives very little encouragement for the stereotypical English pastime of going out for several pints of beer and a hot curry.

‘The relationship between eating spicy food and a lower death rate was apparent really only in people who didn’t drink alcohol at all.’

Source: co.uk

Scientists suspect that capsaicin — a chemical contained in chili peppers — has anti-obesity, antioxidant, anti-inflammation and cancer fighting properties. File image

Dailymail.

SporT 41 Page

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

Liverpool puts Lucas Leiva on sell

>>>Pg 43

Fans call for annual remembrance of Samuel Okwaraji

T

wenty six years after the sudden death of ex-international, Samuel Okwaraji, sport enthusiasts yesterday urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to institute an annual programme in his remembrance.

They told newsmen in separate interviews that the late player should be properly immortalised. Okwaraji slumped in the 77th minute during a World Cup qualifying match between Nigeria and Angola played at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos State, on Aug. 12, 1989 and was later pronounced dead.

The result of an autopsy carried out on his corpse revealed that the 25-year-old player had an enlarged heart and high blood pressure that resulted to congestive heart failure.

Bright Omokaro, a former Super Eagles player, said that it was unfortunate that the memory of the player was fading away from the heart of Nigerians.

Omokaro noted that a sports’ facility should be named after Okwaraji in order to give the present crop of footballers the push to want to represent the country well.

“It is very unfortunate that we lost Okwaraji, 26 years ago and don’t get to hear anything about his contribution to football when he was alive.

“This was a man that played professionally outside the country but travelled to Nigeria at his personal expense to represent the country during which he met his untimely death.

“Twenty six years gone and no single stadium or sporting event was named after him, and we expect the present footballers to be committed when playing for

Nigeria,’’ he said.

Another ex-international, Etim Esim, said it was pathetic that nothing had been done to appreciate the family of Okwaraji since his untimely demise.

Esim noted that Okwaraji death was a peculiar case because he died while representing the nation, compared to other exfootball or sports men who have passed on due to old age.

“Rashidi Yekini was celebrated in far-away Portugal when he died but we cannot celebrate a man that died on active duty and 26 years after his death, there is nothing to show for it.

“Many of our colleagues have passed on over the years without anybody knowing about it, I hope things will change for the better,’’ he said. Also, a former Super Eagles player, Friday Ekpo, told newsmen that a charity match should be played annually in Okwaraji’s honour.

He said that such honour should cut across all sports to remember past heroes who had contributed to the development of football and sports generally in the country.

“A competition or match should be organised in his memory so that generations yet unborn will know that there was once a football legend by the name Sam Okwaraji who played passionately for Nigeria,’’ he said.

The only significant thing in memory of Okwaraji was a bust erected in his honour at the National Stadium, Lagos.

The late midfielder, who had eight appearances for the national side, also played professional football for Dinamo Zagreb FC of old Yugoslavia, VfB Stuttgart FC of Germany and SSV Ulm FC of Germany.

Samuel Okwaraji

sports@peoplesdailyng.com, SMS- 08142929046

Federation Cup: Osaghale, Clement chase goal scoring record

>>>Pg 42

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PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

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.

T

6TH KANO STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING 5TH AUGUST, 2015 (20TH SHAWWAL, 1436AH)

he esteemed Kano State Executive Council held its 6th sitting under the Chairmanship of His Excellency, the Executive Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, OFR during which memoranda were presented for consideration and approval. In his opening remarks, the Chairman, after welcoming members, reminded them about the on-going preparations for the celebration of his administration’s 100 days in office and reiterated his avowed commitment to complete all on-going projects and empowerment programmes inherited from the previous administration in the state as well as introduce new ones for the overall physical and human development of the state as lucidly elaborated in his inaugural speech on May 29, 2015.

During the sixth sitting, a record of thirty-eight (38) memoranda were presented before the Council by MDAs for consideration and Twenty (20) approvals with financial implication totaling the sum of N368,856,641.76 were granted thus: a. Request for Funds for the Fortification of Embankment Protection Along Challawa Bridge The request from the state Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport is for the kind approval of the Council for the release of N39,477,565.28 for the execution of fortification works on embankment protection of Challawa Bridge (Panshekara-Challawa Bridge) following persistent erosion of the embankment sides of the road which if left unattended could jeopardize the safety of the road and lead to its dilapidation. The Council, after due consideration, approved the release of the amount requested for the

Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, OFR execution of the vital project. b. Memorandum on the Structure and Functions of the Newly Established Salary and Wages Directorate arrangement. Upon this, unguided policy for the allocation The present administration’s commitment toward of pieces of land for the construction of corner shops was ensuring prudence and accountability in the management introduced, culminating into the purported allocation of of public finances has been exemplary which informed the pieces of land for this purpose at the premises of Sani decision to establish the Directorate under the Office of the Abacha Stadium, an action which does not conform with Head of Civil Service to check any possible leakages in the the principle of due diligence of land allocation as well payment of salary via e-payment system. The objective is as negating the sincere desire of Government to provide to ensure efficient and effective salary administration for a conducive sporting environment in line with global best the state public service in line with global best practices. practices. This development, if allowed to materialize, In view of this noble objective, the Council considered and will no doubt compromise security at the Stadium during approved the structure of the Directorate for its smooth events, compromise/disturb the conducive social/sporting take-off. environment in market place, block the rear part of the c. Memorandum on the Kano State Model main bowl of the stadium (emergency exit) and discourage Contributory Healthcare Scheme interested persons from patronizing the complex.

The memorandum, submitted by the state Ministry Toward that, Council in a formal response mechanism of Health, drew the attention of the esteemed Council to to check and correct this unpatriotic act, hereby revoked all the attempts made by the previous administration toward allocations to this effect. the implementation of the National Health Insurance e. Request for Funds for Statewide Free Eye Scheme (NHIS) in the state which is an initiative of the Treatment to People with Visual Impairment in the Federal Ministry of Health toward providing a sustainable state method of funding for affordable, easily accessible and The Council’s kind attention was drawn to the need to qualitative healthcare delivery services to the majority of provide statewide free eye treatment to people with visual the population. The NHIS was first introduced in 1999 impairment in view of the prevalence of varied eye diseases for federal civil servants with option for states to adopt or among the people which if not promptly treated can lead adapt. The Council was further notified that all attempts by to total loss of sight. The absence of eye clinics across the previous governments in the state to replicate the scheme majority rural local government areas makes access to these in the state proved abortive due to cultural and religious services difficult and expensive to the poor. The Council impediments. In view of its immense benefits, the Council was, therefore, requested to approve the release of the sum was requested to consider and approve for the setting up of N61,800,000:00 to Messrs Sight Boost Nigeria Initiative of a committee to ensure the take-off of the scheme as to facilitate the conduct of the programme expected to amended which approval was granted. target 44,000 patients in the three senatorial districts of the d. Memorandum on Plans for the Construction of state which approval was readily granted.

Shops at Sani Abacha Stadium f. Request for Funds for the Production The Council was reminded about Government plans and Launching of a Video Cassette on the State for the commercialization of Sani Abacha Stadium in a Government’s Development Projects bid to ensure enhanced revenue generation and improved The request for the release of N500,000:00 is aimed management under Public Private Partnership (PPP) at propagating the laudable achievements of the present

administration in various fields of human endeavour like provision of critical infrastructures, education, women and youth empowerment, health, among a host of others.

In view of its relevance and significance in disseminating vital information to the public on government’s accomplishments, the Council approved the release of the recommended trimmed down amount to Hajiya Maryam Ahmad Garkuwa to embark on the project. g. Request for Funds for the Payment of Registration Fees and Conduct of 2015 Health Information Technician Examination in Respect of Health Information Technician Students of the School of Health Technology, Kano The request is from the School of Health Technology, Kano through the state Ministry of Health for the release of the sum of N2,452,000:00 for the above stated purposes. The conduct of the Information Technician National Examination is organized by the Health Record Officers’ Registration Board of Nigeria and the requested amount will cover student’s registration fees, cost of air tickets, accommodation, feeding and logistics for external examiners who will oversee the examination. The Council readily approved the release of the amount requested. h. Request for Funds for the Clearing and Evacuation of Drainages Within Farawa Legislators’ Quarters The request from the Ministry of Environment is for the release of N1,865,371:73 for the clearing and evacuation of existing drainages within the Legislators’ Quarters to ensure free flow of rain water. The Council, however, approved the trimmed down sum of N1,500,000:00 for the execution of the project, while REMASAB is to be responsible for the collection and disposal of the sludge and debris. i. Requests for Funds for the Conduct of Empowerment Packages for the Training of 1,000 Informal Sector Operators and 1st and 2nd Batches Training of 1,000 Beneficiaries Under the Central Bank of Nigeria Entrepreneurship Development Programmes The two requests are from the state Ministry of Commerce, Industries and Cooperatives for the release of the of N9,990,000:00 for the training of 1,000 informal sector operators and the sum of N24,300,000:00 for the 1st and 2nd batches of the CBN entrepreneurship Development Programmes under which another 1,000 candidates will benefit. The Council readily approved for the release of the combined sum of N34,290,000:00 for the conduct of the two highly rewarding training programmes. j. Request for Funds for the Construction of Drainages at Farawa Legislators’ Quarters With the onset of the rainy season and the need to avert flooding at the Legislators’ Quarters with its possible negative consequences, the esteemed Council was informed of complaints from the Hon. Members of flooding whenever it rains thereby calling for urgent action to be taken to avert any unforeseen calamity. Accordingly, the state Ministry of Environment submitted a request for the sum of N9,285,584:55 for the construction of 330-meter long 1.0-meter deep by 1.5-meter wide drainage with cover slabs at different locations within the quarters. Having considered the significance of the project, the Council approved the amount for its execution. k. Request for Free Donation of Drugs and Medical Consumables to Children Living With Diabetes The request emanates from the state Ministry of Health for the Government to donate drugs and other medical consumables to children living with diabetes as most patients cannot afford the cost of medication which calls for urgent government’s intervention to alleviate the sufferings Contd on Page 42

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PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

of the patients. Accordingly, the sum of N2,823,950:00 was requested for the free donation of the drugs and medical consumables and the Council approved the sum of N2,000,000:00 for the purpose. l. Memorandum on Agreement Between Kano State Government and the Embassy of France to Promote and Make Attractive French Higher Education System to State Indigenous Students The memorandum is from the state Ministry of Justice in which the esteemed Council was reminded that the Embassy of France had earlier, via a letter dated 12th June, 2015 addressed to His Excellency, expressed willingness to collaborate with Kano State Government to sponsor qualified students of Kano State origin to French educational institutions in France for undergraduate and post-graduate studies. The Council considered and approved the draft of the agreement. m. Request for Funds for the Provision of Working Materials for the Development of Layouts Designated by the State Government At Various Locations in the State The state Ministry of Land and Physical Planning submitted the request to the Council for the release of the sum of N4,740,000:00 to enable it provide working materials for the development of layouts designated by the State Government at various locations in the state. Already, the ministry, through the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA), has provided a total number of 6,008 plots at Western Bypass, Fari/Gurjiya, Northern Terminus, Southern Terminus and Kwankwasiyya Phase II. However, the plots are open due to lack of enough working materials to facilitate proper demarcation thereby becoming susceptible to encroachment by farmers and local plot vendors. Considering the relevance and significance of the request, the Council approved the trimmed down sum of N4,500,000:00 for the provision of the working materials for the proper demarcation of the plots to guard against their encroachment. n. Request for Funds for the Execution of Renovation Works at the Ministry of Planning and Budget The Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport forwarded the request for the sum of N3,818,101.93 to carry out renovation works at the Ministry of Planning and Budget. The attention of the Council was drawn to cases of leakages affecting some offices including that of the Hon. Commissioner thereby making the working environment to be anything but conducive. Accordingly, the Council approved for the release of the amount to carry out the renovation works in good time. o. Request for Funds for the Sponsorship of the State Nominee/Delegation to Attend the 37th King Abdul-Aziz International Qur’anic Recitation Competition at the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia The request is from the State Sharia Commission informing the Council on the forthcoming 37th International Qur’anic Recitation Competition that will take place at King Abdul-Aziz University, Saudi Arabia in November, 2015 and that during the last National Qur’anic Musabaqah (Competition), organized by the Centre for Islamic Studies of Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, held in Auchi, Edo State in January, 2015, Muhammad Inuwa Adam, who is of Kano State origin emerged the overall winner by taking 1st position in the 2nd category which qualifies him to represent the country at the international event. In view of the above, the Centre for Islamic Studies requests the State Government to sponsor some stakeholders that will accompany Muhammad Inuwa Adam to Saudi Arabia for the competition at the cost of N7,061,600:00. However, the Council approved the recommended trimmed sum of N2,530,800:00 to enable five officials of the Commission accompany the participant to Saudi Arabia. p. Request for Funds for the Procurement of Two Additional Operational Vehicles for the Ministry of Justice The state Ministry of Justice submitted before the Council request for the provision of two operational vehicles to facilitate attendance of both criminal and civil cases at Magistrate, High Courts, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court within and outside the state as the ministry has been experiencing transportation problems which hinders the smooth discharge of official responsibilities particularly at the eight (8) High Court Divisions under its jurisdiction spread across the state. Having obtained quotations from three reputable companies for the supply of the vehicles, the ministry forwarded the request to the Council for its kind approval. The Council, therefore, approved the release of N9,600,000:00 for the supply of one Toyota Hilux Double Cabin and N8,800,000:00 for

the supply of 18-seat Toyota Hiace bus while directing the ministry to further submit estimates for the repairs of its grounded vehicles. q. Request for Funds for the Production of Tourism Promotional Materials for the State Tourism Board The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Cooperatives and Tourism forwarded the request on behalf of the State Tourism Board for the production of tourism promotional materials titled Great Kano Durbar Festival Booklet, Tourists Guide Pamphlet and Kano State Tourism Potentials and Attractions Sites at the cost of N1,800,000:00 essential for the promotion and marketing of the State’s tourism potentials. However, the Council approved the recommended trimmed sum of N900,000:00 for release to the Tourism Board to facilitate the production of the vital documents. r.

Request for Funds for the Registration and Conduct of Examination in Respect of Community Health Extension Workers (CHEW) and Junior Community Health Extension Workers (JCHEW) Students of the School of Health Technology, Kano The request from the state Ministry of Health is for the release of N4,989,000:0 for the registration and conduct of examination for the two (2) categories of students of the school effective 19th – 30th August, 2015 by the Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria (CHPRB) which requires all affected schools to pay for the registration fees of their students as well as shoulder the transportation, feeding and accommodation of the external examiners/supervisors. In view of the significance of the request, the Council approved the release of the amount for the purposes stated.

S. Request for funds for the sponsorship of 5no.

Nurses to undergo Post-basic Psychiatric Nursing Training (2015/2016) at the Federal School of Psychiatric Nursing, Kware, Sokoto state.

Council appraised the request for funds for the sponsorship of 5No. nurses to undergo Post-Basic Psychiatric Nursing Training (2015/2016) at the Federal School of Psychiatric Nursing, Kware, Sokoto State for the period of six months. The course would expose the officers to new trends in psychiatric nursing specialty. Accordingly, Council considered, and approved the release of the sum of N1,543,000.00 to enable the 5No. officers attend the course at the Federal School of Psychiatric Nursing, Kware, Sokoto State UPDATE ON ACTIVITIES OF THE 6TH EXCO SITTING COURTESY CALL TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR BY THE NATIONAL MEMBERS OF THE JIBWIS AND THE SUNNAH NETWORK FOR GANDUJE 2015 Council witnessed the courtesy visit by the National Members of the Jama’atu Izalatul Bidi’a Wa’iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS) under the leadership of Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, ably represented by its PRO and Chairman, Sunnah Network for Ganduje 2015, Malam Ali Dan Abba, to congratulate His Excellency, the Executive Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, on his recent election victory and offer their condolences over the death of a renowned Islamic cleric in the State, Late Sheikh Aminuddeen Abubakar, who died while performing Lesser Hajj (Umrah) in Saudi Arabia, praying to Allah to grant the deceased Jannatul Firdaus.

OFFICIAL WORKING VISIT TO THE STATE IDPs CENTRE BY HIS EXCELLENCY, THE VICE PRESIDENT Council noted the successful official working visit to the State on Saturday, 1st August, 2015 by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbanjo, where he was hosted to a State Lunch organized by the Government in honor of Malam Garba Shehu, SSA Media & Publications to Mr. President.

Accordingly, Council congratulated the appointee and thanked the President for appointing the illustrious son of the State. Similarly, the Vice President visited the State Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) home established by the previous administration where he commended the Government for the continued management of the place.

REPORT OF THE INTERACTION BETWEEN KANO STATE TEAM AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (ED) OF ISLAMIC DEVELOPMENT BANK OF NIGERIA Council noted the successful meeting between the State Government Team and the Executive Director of the

Islamic Development Bank (IDB) on 30th July, 2015 at the Kano House, Abuja where the Executive Director advised the State to hasten and develop detailed proposal in the areas of Agriculture, Water Resources and others to take advantage of the very competitive and Shari’ah-compliant financial resources available at the Islamic Development Bank (IDB).

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE COMPLETION OF THE ONGOING PROJECTS IN THE STATE Council witnessed the presentation of report by the Committee on the Completion of all On-going projects inherited from the previous administration, to strategize plans for their successful completion especially projects such as construction of roads, public buildings and other infrastructures. Accordingly, Council commended members of the Committee and assured that Government would consider the implementation of the recommendations.

PROGRESS REPORT ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF FERTILIZER BY THE STATE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE & NATURAL RESOURCES Council noted the progress report on the distribution of the subsidized fertilizer to farmers across the State.

Consequent upon that, Council urged large/medium-scale farmers to continue patronizing the scheme.

COURTESY CALL TO THE GOVERNOR BY THE KANO STATE SPONSORED STUDENTS STUDYING IN EGYPT Council noted the farewell visit of some State sponsored students studying in Egypt to the Executive Governor on 4th August, 2015. During the visit the students appreciated the efforts of the Government in meeting all their demand and assured their good behavior and dedication to their studies.

5TH DELEGATES CONFERENCE OF THE NIGERIAN UNION OF JOURNALISTS (NUJ) Council noted with delight the successful conduct of the 5th Delegates Conference of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) on 24th July, 2015 in Abuja, where His Excellency, the Executive Governor, graced the occasion.

Furthermore, the leadership of the union express gratitude to the Governor for attending the occasion and promised to cooperate with Government in meeting the yearning of the people.

WORLD HEPATITIS DAY CELEBRATION BETWEEN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND PHILLIPS PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY IN THE STATE Council passionately noted the efforts of the State Ministry of Health in conducting World Hepatitis Day as response to United Nations Declaration. At the occasion, the general public where sensitize on the effect of Hepatitis on human life and were enlightened on the importance of preventive immunization.

TRIPARTITE MEETING ON ROUTINE IMMUNIZATION (RI) PROGRAMME BY THE 3 PARTIES (STATE GOVERNMENT, DANGOTE FOUNDATION AND BILL & MELINDA GATES FOUNDATION) Council noted the successful conduct of the tripartite meeting on Routine Immunization (RI) by the 3 parties to the MOU (Kano State Government, Dangote Foundation and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation) where the partners were engaged via video conferencing. However, it was agreed, based on the data presented, that Kano State had recorded significant progress in its Routine Immunization (RI) programme. It was based on administrative data that, Penta 3 coverage has risen from 36% in 2012 to 84% as at June, 2015 over the same period, Penta 1 to Penta 3 dropout rate decreased from 21% in 2012 to 11% as at June, 2015. Against this background, Government urged for the extension of the programme to 2016 and acknowledged the support provided by other partners working with the State to improve RI and other health care services.

PREPARED BY: COUNCIL AFFAIRS DIRECTORATE, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, KANO.

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

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THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.MARK OBASE - CHAIRMAN 2.OLASOJI OLAYINKA - SECRETARY 3.ROSELINE OMONIJO 4.ENEMALI ILAH THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO PROVIDE ESSENTIAL ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTUCTURE. 2.TO PROMOTE PEACE AND HARMONIOUS COMMUNITY COEXISTENCE. 3.TO PROVIDE SECURITY FOR ITS MEMBERS. 4.TO CATER FOR THE GENERAL WELFARE OF ITS MEMBERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE PAN-AFRICAN SOCIETY FOR SOCIAL & ECONOMIC CHANGE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

PUBLIC NOTICE CHERUBIM AND SERAPHIM CHURCH OF ZION, NIGERIA-UGBONLA

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REMOVAL AND APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE: 1.THE RT. AND MOST REV. DR. ELISHA LENE OGUNFEYIMI - REMOVED 2.SNR. APOSTLE SUNDAY FESTUS ALAGBA - REMOVED 3.SNR. APOSTLE ISAIAH ORSELAJU JEMINE - REMOVED 4.SNR. APOSTLE ELIJAH AKINLEMIBOLA OGUNJI - REMOVED 5.APOSTLE ASERY OLORUNTIMILEHIN - REMOVED 6.APOSTLE REUBEN URUNNE OMOPE - REMOVED 7.APOSTLE ALEXANDER U. SHYLLON - REMOVED 8.APOSTLE JOSIAH AIYEJENUTAJU IGBON - REMOVED 9.RABBI EBENEZER EGBONTOLORUN OMOSONE - REMOVED 10.RABBI JAMES ENEWE KOMATIMI - REMOVED 11.APOSTLE SAMUEL OLAWUMI AYODELE - REMOVED 12.JOHN OLUYEMI OGUNFEYIMI - REMOVED THE NEW TRUSTEES ARE: 1.DR. HENRY MOBOLORUNDURO OGUNFEYIMI (JP) - NEWLY APPOINTED 2.BOANERGE CLAUDIUS OLA OMOGBEMI - NEWLY APPOINTED 3.SENIOR BOANERGE MANASSEH AJODUN ISOGUN - NEWLY APPOINTED THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS CHANGES SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRARGENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA

COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990 PRIVATE COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES, ETELESON MERCHANTS NIGERIA LIMITED. RC.129561 (IN VOLUNTARY WINDING UP) NOICE. OF FINAL GENERAL MEETING: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT PURSUANT TO SECTION 468(2) OF COMPANY AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990, THE FINAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE ABOVE NAMED COMPANY WILL BE HELD AT NO. 3, BRIGHT STREET, (3rd FLOOR FRONT) P.O. BOX 6250, ONITSHA, ANAMBRA STATE ON THE 17th DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2015 AT 2:00PMFOR THE PURPOSE OF LAYING BEFORE SUCH MEETING THE FINAL ACCOUNT OF THE COMPANY AND GIVING ANY EXPLANATION THEREOF. DATED THIS 3rd DAY OF AUGUST, 2015.

BY ORDER OF THE LIQUIDATOR SIGNED: SIR VICTOR EJIMOFOR EKWO AND DR. OLIVER NWABU ONWUGHALU

PUBLIC NOTICE SOLID EVANGEL FAITH BIBLE CHURCH THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.BULUS ISHAKU 2.GOWON USMAN EGBUNU 3.EGBEOLA OLAWALE MARTINS 4.LILIAN COSMAS

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.REV. JOHN LISBON ABIDDE 2.PASTOR (MRS) PATRICIA EBICABERE ABIDDE 3.PASTOR (MISS) JOSEPHINE AYEMI 4.PASTOR FESTUS TUVATA 5.BROTHER GODSPOWER ABIDDE

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO PROMOTE SOCIO-ECONOMIC GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA. 2.TO APPRAISE ANALYZE AND REVIEW SOCIO-ECONOMIC POLICIES IN AFRICA.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST ALL OVER THE WORLD. 2.TO TAKE CARE OF THE WELFARE OF ITS MEMBERS. 3.TO ESTABLISH LOCAL BRANCHES FOR THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL WORLDWIDE.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: NDUBUISI OZOKOLI

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE DEVELOPMENT MONITOR INITIATIVE

PUBLIC NOTICE TEENAGERS SOLID BASE FOUNDATION

PUBLIC NOTICE TABBITAL PULAKU NJODEJAM FOUNDATION

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.OKWUDILI UDEH - FOUNDER/TREASURER 2.FRIDAY OZOCHI - CHAIRMAN 3.UZOCHUKWU IKEJIOFOR - SECRETARY 4.BRIGHT UCHENDU - PATRON 5.FRANK ENEH - FINANCIAL SECRETARY 6.CHUKWUMA OZOKOYE - VICE -CHAIRMAN 7.ONYEAHUNAM CHIDOZIE - WELFARE OFFICER 8.CHIJIOKE CHIME - MEMBER 9.PHILIP EDE - MEMBER 10.OGECHI IKE - MEMBER THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO ASSIST THE LESS PRIVILEGED AND INDIGENTS IN THE SOCIETY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.YAHAYA KING HUSAIN 2.BARR. SWANGA DANJIN 3.BARR SEUN OLOKEOGUN 4.HRH OBA OMOTUNDE ALABA EBIYANMI ADAKO 5.ABDULAZEEZ ALIYU THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO RENDER WELFARE SERVICES TO DESERVING CITIZENS IN THE AREAS OF EDUCATION, HEALTH AND CHARITY. 2.PROTECTING AGAINST ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION. 3.PROMOTION OF HEALTH SECTOR. 4.REFURBISHING THE TRANSPORTION SECTOR. 5.TO SET UP A SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE LESS PRIVILEGED YOUNG BOYS AND GIRLS WHO DESIRE HIGHER EDUCATION BUT ARE HANDICAPPED BY REASON OF POOR PARENTAGE. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

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, 1990.

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, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Gloria Nwakaego Onovo 2. Victoria Chinasa Onovo 3. Sunday Okafor Onovo 4. Chiemeka Edwin

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Bobboi Abdullahi Abba 2. Alhaji Shehu Abdu

The Aim and Objectives: 1. For child moral upbringing, training and education.

The Aim and Objectives: 1. To unite the fulani,s and farmers.

2. To bring an end the crisis between the fulani’s and farmers.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Okwaraocha Philip

Signed: Secretary

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PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

PUBLIC NOTICE NEW LIFE FRIENDS ASSOCIATION, BRIDGE HEAD CHAPTER,ONITSHA

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1,Ogbummuo Jonathan 2, Eze Nonso 3, Okereke Chukwuma 4, Onyemaobi Peter 5,Okolioji Sunday THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1) To foster the interest of members.

2)To help in the empowerment of business men in the society.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: by Barr. Ikedigwe Peace E. 07031354454.

PUBLIC NOTICE CHRIST KINGDOM COMMUNITY CHURCH THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.REV. MICHAEL ABIODUN OLA - GENERAL OVERSEE 2.MRS. BAKAM OLUWATOSIN JUMAI - SECRETARY 3.MRS. JOYCE OLA - TREASURER 4.MR. OLA MICHAEL JESUTOBI - MEMBER THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO PREPARE MEN FOR THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST THROUGH EVANGELISM, ESTABLISHMENT OF EVANGELICAL MISSIONS, CHRISTIAN CENTRES AND ANY OTHER PLACE OF CHRISTIAN WORSHIP IN ANY PART OF THE WORLD IN ORDER TO FULFIL THE GREAT COMMISSION. 2.TO ORGANIZE CRUSADES, OUTREACH PROGRAMMES,BIBLE STUDIES, CAMP MEETINGS SEMINARS AND TEACHINGS IN ORDER TO FACILITATE THE STUDY, UNDERSTANDING AND PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF THE HOLY BIBLE. 3.TO PUBLISH OR CAUSE TO BE PUBLISHED ON ITS BEHALF, CHRISTIAN LITERATURES LIKE TRACKS, MAGAZINES, PERIODICALS, BOOKS AND THE LIKES FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROMOTING THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST TO THE WHOLE WORLD. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED BY: NANGWANG NANCHANG ESQ. 08036373931/ 08110804595

PUBLIC NOTICE DESIRE OF NATIONS INTERNATIONAL WORSHIP CENTRE

This is to inform the general public that the above named Organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1) OKPEKE GABRIEL ONU - CHAIRMAN 2) NYOR TERFA FRED - SECRETARY 3) OKPEKE CHRISTY IZOGHELE- TREASURER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1) To demonstrate God’s Love through to the Nations and people of the world.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguyi Ironsi Street Maitama Abuja, within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Pst. GABRIEL OKPEKE

PUBLIC NOTICE TRUE TEAM SUPPORT INITIATIVE This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ChineduEgbenumolise - Chairman 2. NwabuezeEhighibe - Vice Chairman 3. Mr. Maxwell Enuesike 4. Henry Eziefule - Secretary 5. Ojealaro Lucky - Treasurer 6. ChidiebereOnwumere AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To engage in public awareness and conference that will expose Nigerians to norms and values for a virile, peaceful, united, progressive and discipline society.

2. To create awareness in the consciousness of all Ngierians to their rights and privileges, responsibilities and obligations as citizens of Nigeria.

3. To create a platform that will articulate the view and ideals of Nigerians silent majority.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off AguiyiIronsi Street, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: E. R. OPARA & CO.; 07087009008

PUBLIC NOTICE ITSOGHENA ORPHANAGE HOME

PUBLIC NOTICE OKOLO EMEKA INITIATIVE FOR HOPE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. DEACONESS VERO OSHIOTSE FOUNDER/ PRESIDENT 2. MR OSHIOLE SAMUEL SECRETARY GENERAL 3. MRS ELIZABETH ABU -MEMBER 4. MR OSHIOLE VICTOR-MEMBER 5. MR OSHIOTSE GODWIN -MEMBER 6. MRS MOHAMMED RAMOTU -MEMBER 7. MRS MOMODU NANA-FATIMA - MEMBER THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. TO PROVIDE ACCOMMODATION AND NUTRITION FOR ORPHANS AND HOMELESS CHILDREN. 2 .TO PROVIDE MEDICAL AND PYCHO-SOCIAL SUPPORT FOR ORPHANS AND ABANDONED CHILDREN. 3. TO PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL AND VOCATIONAL SUPPORT FOR ORPHANS AND ABANDONED CHILDREN. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

SIGNED: CEDARWOOD SOLICITORS 08050605543.

PUBLIC NOTICE Commercial Tapwater Operators and suppliers Association of Abuja

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.ALH AMINU MUSA 2. ALH ABDULAHI TOFA 3 .MR ABDUGAIYU LAWAL 4 .MR MATHIAS ANEKE 5 .HAJ. HAJARA SALAWU 6. ALH MOHAMMED MADAKI.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: I. OKOLO EMEKA LOTACHUKWU 2.RT. RV. OKOLO EDWIN CHUKWUEMEKA 3. ASOMUGHA CHUKWUNONSO FELIX THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: I. To provide relief and opprtunities for the less priviledged in the society.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: Uche F. Oraekeyi Esq. 08035987541

PUBLIC NOTICE BENEVOLENCE IN CHRIST INTERNATIONAL MINISTRY

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1 OF 1990.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: To foster mutual understanding, harmonious, relationship, corporation, unity and love among the members and water board staff.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PASTOR CHARLES SUNDAY ODENIGBO 2. ROSELINE BIODUN ODENIGBO 3. FAITH ADAEZE ODENIGBO 4. JOSHUA-CHARLES UGOCHUKWU ODENIGBO AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO FEED THE POOR. 2. TO WIN SOULS FOR CHRIST. 3. TO EMPOWER WIDOWS. 4. TO CARE FOR THE OLD AND VERY AGED.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

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

SIGNED: Secretary

SIGNED: PASTOR CHARLES SUNDAY ODENIGBO

PUBLIC NOTICE NYERERE ANYIM GLOBAL FOUNDATION This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Dr. NyerereAnyim 2. Mrs. ChiomaChrystableNyerereAnyim

- Chairman - Secretary

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To provide educational assistant for the indigent people.

2. To build and run schools in order to provide scholarship.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off AguiyiIronsi Street, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: BARR. IFEANYI-KANU OLUCHI JOY 08038658520

PUBLIC NOTICE MISSION AID REHABILITATION AND DISCIPLESHIP (MARAD) This is to inform the general public that the above named Organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of Companies and Allied Matters Acts,1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. DrBayo, Nanette olohita - Chairman 2. Princess Sarah Uwabor - Secretary 3. Pastor solomonfolunrosho - Member AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. Reaching the unreached with the Gospel of Jesus.

Any objection(s) to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off AguiyiIronsi Street, Maitama-Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

Sign: BARR SOLOMON WISDOM AKHIGBE 08037257296

PUBLIC NOTICE DISCIPLES OF NATIONS DELIVERANCE CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor Godwin IhekwoabaObinyere - Chairman 2. Pastor Mrs. Stella OluchukwuObinyere - Secretary 3. Pastor Sampson OsitaOdupute 4. Chief Emmanuel Wilbrayi 5. Caleb Chigbogu Godwin AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach and propagate the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2. To win souls for the kingdom of God. 3. To establish local branches for the propagation of the gospel worldwide.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off AguiyiIronsi Street, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: BARR. IFEANYI-KANU OLUCHI JOY; 08038658520

PUBLIC NOTICE

CENTRE FOR CRITICAL AND CREATIVE THINGKING DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA (CCCTDA) This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration Under Part “C” of the companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. Dr. Mercy OvuokerieOgbe - President 2. Mr. ElohozinoEfue 3. Rev. Wellington EkaweleOgbe 4. Mr. OgbeOyiye I. Emmanuel 5. Arc. Esther Ewoma Wellington - Secretary AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To derive a culture of excellence in thinking and performance through the development of critical and creative thinking as core social values and key organising concepts for all educational, social and attitudinal reforms in Africa societies.

2. To carry out research and programs that will promote critical and creative thinking in Africa.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar – General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off AguiyiIronsi Street, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

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PUBLIC NOTICE MISSION AID REHABILITATION AND DISCIPLESHIP (MARAD)

This is to inform the general public that the above named Organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of Companies and Allied Matters Acts,1990.

PUBLIC NOTICE CHANGE ORGANISATION NIGERIA

The general public is hereby informed that the above named has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1 of 1990.

PUBLIC NOTICE BASIC FOUNDATION FOR SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL WOMEN & YOUTHS

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Dieseruvwe Stephen Kweku 2. Wokoma Donald Benibo 3. Orhorhoro-Otu Nicholas Okeoghene 4. Adole Tracy (Mrs.) 5. Nomuoja Benjamin Ejiro 6. AgbensonVictorsonUsiodamwen 7. Temisaren Raymond Ufuoma AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To engage in public petition platform.

2. Giving actionable voice to the Nigerian people.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off AguiyiIronsi Street, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Sign: BARR SOLOMON WISDOM AKHIGBE 08037257296

The general public is hereby informed that the above named has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Madam Esther Egigia 2. Mrs Esther OjongAyuk 3. Comrade EdemEdem 4. Mrs. Alice Egbung 5. Mr. EgbeAnotha 6. Mrs. EseNwakama 7. Mr. Solomon AchuAgbor AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To support and promote socio-economic development of rural woemn& youths.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off AguiyiIronsi Street, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: JOHN SAMUEL OPEYEMI

SIGNED: BOARD CHAIRPERSON

PUBLIC NOTICE IKOT EDEGHE DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION ABUJA CHAPTER

PUBLIC NOTICE HOLYGHOST GOSPEL MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL

PUBLIC NOTICE HAPPYFEET INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN FOUNDATION

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. DrBayo, Nanette Olohita 2. Princess Sarah Uwabor 3. Pastor Solomon Folunrosho

- Chairman - Secretary - Member

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. Reaching the unreached with the Gospel of Jesus.

Any objection(s) to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off AguiyiIronsi Street, Maitama-Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

The general public is hereby notified that the named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Abuja for the registration under part C of the companies and allied matters Act No I of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Obong Paul Ata - Patron 2. Peter Attat - Chairman 3. Rosemary Ndah - Vice Chairman 4. David Isaac - Secretary 5. UduakobongUdoh - Treasurer 6. Nsikak Ata - Fin. Secretary AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To foster the welfare, unity and harmonious interpersonal relationship 2. To assist members in time of need.

3. To contribute to the implementation of developmental projects in our village.

4. To promote our cultural values amongst members.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris cresent off AguyiIronsistreet, Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Sign: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE ANAMBRA INDIGENOUS ELECTRICAL DEALERS ASSOCIATION ALABA

The general public is hereby informed that the above named has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990 NAME OF TRUSTEES 1. Olikenyi Peter Chukwueme - Chairman 2. Elochukwu Charles Aganama - Secretary 3. OkpalaIkechukwu Pius 4. MalachyOkafor 5. Madu John Azubuike 6. Obi NichodemusNwakaibie 7. Orji Sunday Christopher 8. Dara Gregory 9. Chukwuekpe Sunday Nwagbuewu 10. Unoka Cletus AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To cater for welfare of members.

2. To provide financial assistance to members.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar- General Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent Off AguiyiIronsistreet, Maitama, Garkia, Abuja within 28 days of this publication

The general public is hereby informed that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

The general public is hereby informed that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor John OcheAbah 2. Mr. Lawrence IsituaWemambu 3. Evangelist Miracle Chijioke 4. Pastor Philip Haruna Daniel 5. Elder Sunday Ogbe

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. George Ochieze 2. BabatopeOmokafeAliu 3. Victor Ochieze 4. OluwoleAsalu 5. Clifford Ananaba

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To propagate the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to all nations.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To carry our humanitarian services in the society.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off AguiyiIronsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B. 198, Garki, Abuja within Twenty-Eight (28) days from the date of this Publication

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off AguiyiIronsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B. 198, Garki, Abuja within Twenty-Eight (28) days from the date of this Publication

Signed: SECRETARY

Signed: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE ORIZU-DELA EMENIKE FOUNDATION

PUBLIC NOTICE LEADINGEDGE INITIATIVE

The general public is hereby informed that the above named has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990

The general public is hereby informed that the above named has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990

NAME OF TRUSTEES 1. Chief Jonathan Orizu - Chairman 2. Dr. IfeanyiOrizu 3. Pastor Mrs. UchennaChukwu - Secretary 4. Mr. KenechukwuOrizu 5. Mrs. UchennaOrizu 6. Mrs. Nneka Obi AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To empower the less privileged through scholarship in education.

2. To provide community based project, drainages and electricity.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar- General Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent Off AguiyiIronsistreet, Maitama, Garkia, Abuja within 28 days of this publication

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. AkinolaOlumideIyadunni 2. AkinyemiOluwatokesiEbunoluwa 3. Dr. AbolajiOdunola 4. OgunrindeOpeyemiMicheal AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To actively engage youth/towards national development.

2. To impact, develop and influence youth to contribute towards nation building.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar- General Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent Off AguiyiIronsistreet, Maitama, Garkia, Abuja within 28 days of this publication

Signed: BARR. REMS EZEANI; 08027974978 (SOLICITOR)

Signed: ATABOH & CO. SUITE 212 ANBEEZ PLAZA WUSE ZONE 5 ABUJA 08027439246, 08054492707

PUBLIC NOTICE NGWA BIG BROTHERS ASSOCIATION

PUBLIC NOTICE OGO YORUBA UNITY INITIATIVE

PUBLIC NOTICE DESTINY VISIONAIRE CLUB

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration Under Part “C” of the companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1 OF 1990.

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Oladiran Peter Abiodun 2. Prince AdedokunOlogbenla 3. Benedict OlusegunOlabode 4. Samuel Komolafe 5. Barrister YinkaOpaleye

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. UgbuanyiHyginusEjike 2. Pele Adesoji Clement 3. Nwaogwugwu Alexander THE AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To support members financially through a monthly contribution.

2. To support the elderly and motherless babies.

3. Provision of free business advisory services to members.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off AguiyiIronsi Street, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: SECRETARY

THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. Iheanyi John Nwabeke - Chairman 2. Hon. Okey Paul Nwankwo - Secretary 3. OnyenkwereAchilihu 4. KenedyAlozie 5. Precious Okonko 6. EzeAlaribe 7. Precious Nwoha 8. AmadiEbere Peace AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To foster unity among members.

2. Youth empowerment and development program among Ngwa youths.

3. Progress and development of members.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar – General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off AguiyiIronsi Street, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

- Chairman - Secretary

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To promote unity among members.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

PUBLIC NOTICE UNITY BROTHERHOOD CLUB This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Onwuluba Anthony Oforka 2. NnadozieUche Martins 3. NmilioguNnamdi 4. Okeke Christopher AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To promote the unity and welfare of the club.

2. To be platforms on which brotherhood can be build by the social interaction of the members.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off AguiyiIronsi Street, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Page 47

PUBLIC NOTICE ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE FOR THE POOREST WOMEN AND ORPHANS

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. Shema’u Sabo-Adamu 2. HajiyaAishatu Ibrahim Abdullahi 3. AminuAbdullahi 4. MalamSalihu Mohammed Bappa 5. KuburatKhadeeja Ali 6. Aisha Abubakar 7. Zainab Sabo 8. SadiyaGarba AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To identify the focal development needs of the community based poorest women and orphans.

2. To enhance women skills and entrepreneurship.

3. To encourage girl-child education.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off AguiyiIronsistreet, Maitama, Abuja within 28 Days of this publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

Signed SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE JOEVERO CHARITY ORGANIZATION

PUBLIC NOTICE ASCRIBE WORSHIP MINISTRY

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. UlasiChiamakaNdidi - Chairman 2. BamideleMakinwa 3. IdrisOlubola Musa 4. Ulasi Prince Chidinma - Secretary AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To help the orphans, motherless, less-privileged, down trodden and the helpless in the society.

2. To assist destitutes, homeless, widows and outcasts in the society.

3. To encourage the youth, empower the youths, aged people and the society in general.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off AguiyiIronsi Street, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

Signed: SECRETARY

THIS SPACE IS FOR SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE THE CHRIST ORIGINAL CRUSADE GOSPEL CHURCH WORLDWIDE

The general public is hereby informed that the above named association has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Apostle (Prof.) Amos AkerekoroOwolabi 2. Pastor David IkudaisiOgunleke 3. Pastor (Mrs.) Esther AdejokeOwolabi 4. Pastor Jeremiah OyeyemiOwolabi 5. Pastor Joshua OluwasegunAbiose AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To preach and propagate the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2. To win souls for the kingdom of God. 3. To establish local branches for the propagation of the gospel worldwide.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: EZEJI GLORIA 08038769236

PUBLIC NOTICE Emergency & Risk Disaster Managers Initiative of Nigeria

Signed: SECRETARY

This is to inform the general public that the above named initiative has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Prof. BuLAMA KAGU 2.HON. TUJJANI INUWA DUSTE (MNI- OON) 3. ALHAJI KABIRU SARAKI 4. MR OKODU NNAMDI 5.MR. ANIYOM AKAMKPO 6. COMRADE ELIJA OLU ABIOLA AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO Strengthen public knowledge about disaster preparedness and early response to emergencies.

2.To assist in rehabilitation of disaster victims especially internally displaced persons.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguyi Ironsi Street Maitama Abuja, within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: secretary

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I formaly known as BASHAR ABUBAKAR B/K Now wish to be know and addressed as BASHAR ABUBAKAR BIRNIN KEBBI TOWN. All formal documents remain valid. genera public should take note.

I formerly known as BELLO BABA KAWU now wish to be known as LAWA GAMBO all former documents remain valid Bauchi State Judiciary and General Public take note

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. BulusMakama - Chairman 2. Joyce Makama - Secretary 3. Uzor Jonathan Oguaghamba AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To train worshippers who will raise an offeringof praise to the Lord in spirit and truth, without hypocrisy, bringing down the glory of the Lord for the salvation of men and healing of the nations.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off AguiyiIronsi Street, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

CHANGE OF NAME

THIS SPACE IS FOR SALE

I formerly known as MISS ESTER ENEZE AUDU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ESTHER ENEZE CHIRSTIPHER. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, Formerly known as Nwachukwu Ijeoma Grace, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chukwuma David Ijeoma Grace.

All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

THIS SPACE IS

THIS SPACE IS

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

I, Formerly known as MISS PATIENCE AWUBI ABAH Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. PATIENCE AWUBI AONDOAKAA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I FORMALY KNOWN AS ANAS MU’ALLAIDI USMAN NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADRESSED AS ANAS MUHAMMAD USMAN. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

THIS SPACE IS FOR SALE

www.peoplesdailyng.com

. . . putting the people first

wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2015

QUOTABLE QUOTE Our social services have to be seriously rehabilitated. We need urgent attention in areas like education, and health services, not only in the north eastern part of the country, but all round the country.

- President Muhammadu Buhari

SPORTS Nigerian varsities admission crises latest

Mourinho banned Carneiro from Chelsea bench

C

helsea club doctor Eva Carneiro is reporedly to be banned from sitting on the Blues bench during matches.

The Premier League’s most talked-about doctor indeed, its only talked-about doctor hit the headlines at the weekend when she was given a public dressing down by Jose Mourinho after the 2-2 draw with Swansea. Carneiro responded with a Facebook post which is unlikely to have gone down well with Chelsea.

Mourinho blamed the medical staff for being too quick to rush to treat Eden Hazard when he went down in the later stages of the match, hurting Chelsea’s chances of scoring a winner.

FA rejects Chelsea appeal on Courtois’ red card

C

helsea’s appeal over Thibaut Courtois’ suspension after he was shown a red card in Saturday’s 2-2 draw at home to Swansea City has been unsuccessful.

Courtois, 23, was sent off for denying Bafetimbi Gomis a clear goal-scoring opportunity when he collided with the Swansea striker on the edge of the penalty area 52 minutes into the Premier League clash.

A statement on the FA website read: “A claim of wrongful dismissal submitted by Chelsea in relation to Thibaut Courtois has been unsuccessful following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing earlier yesterday.

Courtois will now serve a one-match ban, which will see him miss Sunday’s meeting with Manchester City. Asmir Begovic is set to continue in goal for the game.

Thibaut Courtois

Advert: 0806 business: 0704 news: 0814 lagos: 0805 0803

T

he Federal Republic of Nigeria is organised into 36 States and has in addition a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja. Each of the States now has at least one Federal Universities and one or more State or a Private University. In all there are over 140 accredited universities in Nigeria but with a limited carrying capacity of about 300,000 admissions each year currently.

The number of applications for admission each year is currently not less than 2,000,000. Hence only 3 out of 20 applicants may get a place, if admissions are evenly distributed. Admissions are however never evenly distributed, but skewed by universities, parents abilities to lobby and pay for education, carrying capacities of institutions, government interferences, etc.

Before 1970 Nigeria had only 5 Universities (Ibadan, Ife, UN, Lagos and ABU). University of Benin was established thereafter. We would however recall the dramatical and exponential expansions witnessed in the number of universities as a result of the oil boom years of the 1970s and most recently during the last 16 years of democracy in Nigeria.

Since 1999 tertiary level of education has expanded to reach every State of Nigeria including about 3 universities in the FCT. The Federal government and the State governments were previously the only bodies licensed to operate universities. Recently, licenses have been granted to individuals, corporate bodies and religious bodies to establish private universities in the country.

The National Universities Commission (NUC) is the major accreditation and regulatory body that enforces uniform standard and sets admissions capacity of every university in Nigeria. Similarly the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board has the sole responsibility to conduct entrance examinations to the tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

These two independent bodies together with various universities function to manage admissions. In order word these three organisations are to carry out the Education policy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, if there was one. If a crisis ensues we can trace such to the doorstep of one or all the three.

Is there a defined government education policy in Nigeria beyond politicians making noises at campaigns? When a State or Federal government agent is pronouncing a “Free Education for All Policy” in his State or at the Federal level does the individual understand the importance and implications of the pronouncements? So far we have several education policies but for which Nigeria has not signed up to as a policy. (1) The policy that the economy should determine the university admissions from year to year. In that case NUC should harvest inputs and requests from governments and industries on forecasts of immediate future manpower needs. The universities would then be billed to train students to meet demands in numbers, competences, and types. Both government and industries should

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Wednesday Column

By Prof.R.A Ipinyomi

Prof. Ojerinde sponsor the training. (2) University education is a right to be made available to qualified applications.

This policy envisions that everyone who passes JAMB minimum score must be given admission. Thus the JAMB, NUC, and universities will share the burden of placing students and training them as requested by the demands from applications. No industry is obliged to engage a graduate it did not request for. Graduates are on their own after graduation. (3) Parents and guardians are responsible for the education of their children but government is to provide the opportunities and places. This is a shared responsible where parents have major inputs especially to determine who gets what level of education in the family subject to family resources.

In my 37 years as a lecturer in Nigerian Universities (1978 to date) we have been exposed to students’ plights, patents’ desires and limitations, governments’ easy pronouncements and in abilities, NUC so called carrying capacity and a respective university actual carrying capacity, unqualified university administrators at the hem of affairs and very prudent others, government wastages in the form of contracts awards to frivolous items and lack of priorities and consistent continuity amongst others. I can say clearly that Nigeria has no consistent commitment and policy towards the education of its youths.

However I can also appreciate the efforts of individual parents Nigerian parents, missionaries, NGOs, foreign partners and others in ensuring that education is made both available and affordable to Nigerian youths. Over the years we have noticed competitions amongst states. Up to the 1970s we used to described university students from the core northern Nigeria as “over pampering to read“ and the whole region educationally less developed.

States like old Ondo State in the West, old Imo State in the East were topmost in education. Today the very reverse is the case because of several improvements by States like Jigawa

from old Kano, Kebbi from old Sokoto State and many others. This background information may help in solving admission crises into our universities.

If a nation like Nigeria will still keep treating some parts of its components as special under its so called Federal Character, creating proportional admission like 40% merit, 30% catchment areas, 30% educational level developed areas, then we can have some applicants scoring 250 and not get the admission while another scores 200 and is admitted. Meanwhile the one that gets only 200 scores and the admission may be more able to afford the price of any university in the country. Similarly if parents are unable to select courses or universities appropriately then we have a situation where mostly the applications go to one university and very few to others. People should know by now that if you make an application to join the police we won’t post you to the army after the unsuccessful interview. You make it or fail where you apply. It is the same in the university where if a student who scored 270 failed to get the medical admission he may not be considered for zoology where the cutoff is say 200. Some universities and JAMB in their magnanimity are trying to transfer applications to ensure their admissions. From my experience students who initially applied for Engineering but found Physics, Medicine but were given Biochemistry, Law but got Linguistics had always performed poorly because of low morale.

Students do better when they get where and what they apply for.

I worked with some private Universities while on sabbatical and saw their operation, motivation, and understanding about education.

Private universities are more inclined to getting their money back quickly, proprietors using their universities as prestige boosting, some of them overly bossy, and imparting their religious sentiments more than meeting a national education goal.

JAMB or NUC should not stress them. On one occasion I had to confront a private University proprietor to consider the difference between having only 150 students a year and charging them N 600,000 per annum and 1000 students at N 250,000 per annum. The other aspect in most of the private universities in Nigeria is that the bulk of their lecturers are drawn from Federal universities as visiting lecturers. Therefore the class of private universities we have in the United States of America (where all universities are privately owned) even in South Africa, will take a century to get here. Many of the private University proprietors in Nigeria are less dedicated to educational pursuits as they are to

their private ambitions.

Hence we recommend that eventually the Federal government of Nigeria should only provide an education policy but hands off the actual running or owning universities. Communities, religious organisations, private individuals, endowments, should own and run University education in Nigeria but umpire by NUC for accreditation and JAMB for entrance examination. The Federal Ministry of education should give scholarships to students or supporting grants. Such grants may be used by the benefitting students in any class of universities and must be able to pay full tuition, feeding, accommodation and books. JAMB examinations should be annual, standard (a little above O’Level), and each successful candidate should able to use their result within 3 years.

At present each result lapses after the academic year. It should have a duration. By the time a student is applying for admission all the major requirements (O’ level, A’s level, JAMB) should be in. Students should be allowed to apply separately to three university choices, separately to 3 polytechnics, and so on. Do not discriminate from admission level and later wish to equate and compare different education trainings later.

The so called admission crises into Nigerian Universities an applicant is likely to face in the current era are mostly self-inflicting. The crises are results of lack of planning, public misunderstanding of Nigeria education policy, politicians and legal practitioners undisclosed interests, and applicants failure to know their abilities. I have often warned parents and prospective students to pursue a university education rather than a university course. It suffice to get any university degrees for anyone to be very successful in life. You don’t have to read a special course to be the president of Nigeria, a Senator, State Governors, a Dangotate, or Bill Gates of this world. If parents and their children are properly counselled and they are able to accept our counsel there will be only few crises in our choices.

Prof. R. A. Ipinyomi is of the University of Ilorin

DAN GAYE

Boko Haram reaches out for dialogue-Group

Where is Shekau?

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