Monday, October 28, 2019 Edition

Monday, October 28, 2019/ Safar 29, 1441 AH

Vol. 32 No. 080 N150

2026 Days after

U/17 W’Cup: Go for gold, Buhari charges Golden Eaglets

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. . . putting the people first

The nation awaits rescue of the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls

FG to introduce 3 new visa types

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Disobedience of court orders stalling nation’s devt - CJN >>>page 5

As S/Court hears Atiku’s appeal Oct 30

People using canoes for movement due to flood at Unguwar Tana in Jimeta Town, yesterday in Yola North LGA of Adamawa State. Photo: NAN

Kaduna NUT disowns planned teachers protest

Why we suspended LG secretaries, PHC directors -Bauchi govt.

Masari sets agenda for NGF security C’ttee

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 28, 2019

News

News 2-14 Editorial Op.Ed

11 12-13

Politics 15-17 Feature Business Metro

From Ahmad Mohammed, Bauchi

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19-20 21

World Analysis 22 Africa News

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World News

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L-R: Founder / Pro-Chancellor, Baze University, Sen Datti Baba-Ahmed, Vice President, Prof, Yemi Osibanjo, Former Vice President , Namadi Sambo and the Governor of Ekiti State, , Kayode Fayemi, during the Investiture of the Chancellor and the 6th Convocation ceremony of Baze University on Saturday in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Power Minister expects timely delivery of Zungeru Hydroelectric Project Page 2

Digest

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Feature

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Sports 30-31 Back Page

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News

Why we suspended LG secretaries, PHC directors -Bauchi govt.

CONTENTS

U/17 W/Cup: Go for gold, Buhari charges Golden Eaglets after trouncing Hungary

By Lawrence Olaoye

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari has charged the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria to win the golden cup of the 2019 Under 17 World Cup holding in Brazil.

While congratulating the nation’s squard for their fantastic performance at the opening match for trouncing Hungary 4-2 at the group opening match of

FIFA World Cup Brazil 2019 on Saturday, Buhari, in a statement made available to newsmen by his spokesman, Mallam Garba Shebu, said “It was a wonderful display that I am very proud of. You showed that there is nothing that cannot be achieved with determination and perseverance.

“I have followed your journey leading to your arrival in Brazil

for the competition. I have equally noted your determination and confidence throughout your preparations.

“I have no doubt in my mind that you are determined to win the competition for an unparalleled sixth time.”

He assured them of his continuing personal support and that of Nigerians for the entire period of the tournament.

The President also urged the team to continue demonstrating the resilient spirit of the Nigerian, and bring the cup home, adding that he will personally be monitoring their progress in the tournament.

Buhari equally congratulated the handlers of the team, urging them to be sensitive to the needs of the youngsters in their burning desire to bring victory and honour to their fatherland.

Kaduna NUT disowns planned teachers’ protest From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

K

aduna State wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT has dissociated itself from planned protest by some groups of aggrieved teachers on the issue of the delay in the payment of the September salaries The State Chairman, Comrade Ibrahim Comrade Ibrahim Sirajo,, disclosed this during a press conference held in Kaduna yesterday.

Sirajo who spoke on behalf of the State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) said the Union is not and will never be party to such protest. Therefore, those having intention to do so should desist from it.

According to him, the Union is pleading with the entire teachers in the state to be calm and exercise patience over the delay in the payment of the September 2019 salaries, as the Union and government are working seriously to settle the

issues.

“It should be noted that, some LGEA teachers have started enjoying the New Minimum Wage.

“Furthermore, the Union wishes to categorically state that, the rumour going round that NUT Endwell subscription will be raised to N4,000.00 and that the Endwell is a scam, is not true.

“We call on the entire teachers and the general public to disregard such malicious

information as those doing so, are ignorant as far as the operations of the Scheme is concerned.

“All other increments in the past were done in consultation with the teachers/subscribers.

“While the Union pleads with teachers to stay calm and face their jobs diligently, we assure all our members of our resolve to protect their interest at all levels as we engage government to find a lasting solution to their problems,” he said.

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 28, 2019

auchi State government has suspended with immediate effect, all local government education secretaries and their treasurers, as well as directors of Primary Healthcare in the 20 local government areas of the state to ensure sanity in the payment of workers’ salaries.

The State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Dr Ladan Salihu who disclosed this in a press statement distributed to reporters in Bauchi over the weekend, said “the move was part of efforts to ensure sanity in the payment of workers’ salaries and the Governor directed the affected officers to handover the affairs of their offices to their immediate subordinates, as their suspension is to ensure that the on-going Investigation in the payment of workers’ salaries is not compromised.”

The statement said the state government has found it expedient to make a further statement regarding the payment of salaries as more than forty one thousand civil servants on the government payroll in the administration of salaries and pension in the state and local government were been paid without Bank Verification Number(BVN).

The statement explained that this represents more than 40% of the state’s workforce as the total number of staff on the state and local government payroll is 83,885, while state and local government pensioners is 17,314, resulting to the total payroll staff strength of 101,199.

It said the official breakdown of civil servants in Bauchi State without BVN is 5,316 in the state civil service, 19,605 in local education authority, 1,933 in primary healthcare, 4,705 in directorate of local government, 4,019 in state pensions, while 5,870 in local government pensions: The statement disclosed that already the state government has directed that salaries meant for the 41,488 names on the payroll without BVN be warehoused by the state’s Accountant General pending further Investigation.

News Editor, Ese Awhotu

Oil contracts: Stakeholders want local content to boost jobs, economy

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

A

group of concerned stakeholders in the Nigerian oil and gas industry have raised an alarm that paucity of jobs for indigenous contractors in country’s oil and gas industry responsible for unemployment and greatly affecting the economy, with a potential to subvert all the hard work of President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration on the economic development of the country.

Speaking at an interactive forum with some newsmen on Sunday in Abuja, spokespersons

of the group, Engr. Zaharadeen Ahmed and Mr Kingsley Okoro, stated that a lot of the oil multinationals like Shell, Chevron and Halliburton have placed a lot of their projects on hold for undisclosed reasons.

They deplored the drought in Engineering, Ptocurement, Construction and onshore Commissioning (EPC) contracts which are key areas for indigenous/local contractors in the sector.

“New contracts for Tank Fabrication, Pipeline laying and other locally executed contracts which formed the nucleus of

the local economy had not been negotiated or awarded for a while while the once previously awarded but not concluded had been placed on hold.”

They further disclosed that local contractors have been unable to meet their financial and other commitments thereby leading to massive staff layoff in the sector which is frustrating the development of the oil and gas sector of the economy and the oilproducing areas.

They appealed for the IOCs to create partnerships with local contractors to develop programmes for indigenous

contractors to train and keep engage the oil and gas workforce of the country, especially at times of reduced contracts in the sector.

According to them, stop-start contracts a situation like we have now will keep the contractors uncompetitive, thus hindering them from reaching their full potential.

“However with a planned contracts management system without interruptions contractors would be able to have a more sustainable investment model and we can be more competitive and economical in our market,” they said.

Executive Secretary Pension Transitional Arrangements Directorate (PTAD) Dr. Chioma N. Ejikeme (2nd, R) at the on-going verification of pensioners by PTAD at Lokoja, yesterday in Kogi State. Photo: NAN

FG inaugurates milk collection centre in Kano

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he federal government on Saturday inaugurated a mini milk collection centre in Tassa Village in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area of Kano State.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Agriculture, Sabo Nanono, said that the centre would alleviate the plight of milk sellers and improve their business.

Mr Nanono said that the government would establish additional centres in other states of the federation in order to further improve the economic wellbeing of the people.

“Additional collection centres would be established in Gujungu and Ringim is Jigawa so as to get fresh and hygienic milk,” he said.

He further said that the federal government would establish Fulani settlements in order to settle the herdsmen in one place to eliminate herders/farmers clashes.

He said that the measure would also help to improve the business and economic life of the herders in the area.

The minister called on Fulanis in the state and other parts of the country to live in peace with farmers and other people in their host communities. ”I recently visited Bauchi and Gombe states on the issue and the government is committed to the project,” he said.

Meanwhile, the minister who also visited Gezawa Commodity Exchange Market identified the provision of Quarantine and Produce Inspectors as one of the major problems facing the export market.

“We have a situation where exportable commodities cannot be exported because of adulteration and misuse of fertiliser. ”We are thinking of having a Quarantine in Dawanau

International Grains Market, the biggest grain market in African because about 75 per cent of export, commodities pass through the market.

“The quarantine will help us to overcome some of the problems and it will help in ensuring that standards are met in the market for export of our commodities so that we avert this kind of problem affecting our operations and export,” he said.

In the area of extension workers, Mr Nanono said that there were only 14,000 agricultural extension service workers that attend to the needs of the huge number of farmers across the country.

He described the number as grossly inadequate to provide the necessary extension services support to no fewer than 70 million farmers in the country.

He said that the lack of

adequate extension workers was one of the challenges bedevilling the nation’s agricultural sector.

The coordinator of the market, Bichang Binfa, said that the market had 432 shops and only two mega warehouses.

Mr Binfa said that the market would create direct job opportunity for 1,500 people and 20,000 indirect jobs.

He said that they employed at least 50 graduates of Agriculture for extension services.

He also said that they developed over 3,000 cooperatives for no fewer than 80,000 farmers in the state.

He, therefore, appealed to the Federal Government to provide additional warehouses, silos, tractors and machines, among other facilities, in the market to enhance their business.

(NAN)

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 28, 2019

News

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

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he National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, NESREA, has flagged off an awareness programme to acquaint Nigerians with the best sanitation practices available and ensure compliance.

The exercise “Bringing Environmental Awareness to your doorsteps” was flagged of at the Palace of Sa’penyi of Garki in Abuja recently.

Bauchi governor mourns late DIG Danmadami

From Ahmad Bauchi

NESREA flags of awareness campaign on clean environment Speaking at the occasion, the Director-General/CEO of NESREA, Prof. Aliyu Jauro emphasized the importance of the campaign, stressing that Nigerians can no longer toy with their environment.

The DG said that poor sanitation has in the past been responsible for epidemics outbreak including cholera and malaria.

“These are the direct effect of stagnant water and improper hygiene,” he stated.

Prof. Jauro also disclosed that poor drainage culture, lack of proper information were other factors responsible for poor environmental practices.

He solicited the support of the Sa’penyi of Garki, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr) Usman Nga-Kupi to help reach out to the community to drive home the importance of the exercise.

The Director-General maintained that for an exercise of this nature to permeate to the

grassroots the support of the Royal Father was extremely necessary adding that Nigerians must imbibe good environmental practices.

Responding, the Sa’penyi of Garki, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr) Usman Nga-Kupi commended the Director-General and his team for the awareness campaign.

The traditional ruler stressed that manmade activities has continued to impact negatively on the environment leading to

Director-General Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr Osita Okechukwu (L) with family members during a Thanksgiving Service in honour of his late wife, Tina at St. Pauls Catholic Church Obodo Amankwo-Eke Community of Udi LGA, yesterday in Enugu State . Photo: NAN

Mohammed,

B

auchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has described the demise of late retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Dan Madami Sa’in Katagum as a great lost to the state.

Governor Mohammed who led top government officials on a condolence visit to the family of the deceased, in Azare Headquarters of katagum Local Government Area of Bauchi State over the weekend,condoled the Katagum Emirate over the death on behalf of the government and people of the state.

He said lateDan Madami had contributed immensely not only to the growth and development of the society, but to the advancement of the operations of the police.

Turakin Katagum, Alhaji Muhammadu Gadauji who spoke on behalf of the family of the late retired Senior Police Officer, expressed gratitude to the governor for the visit.

The deceased who is the Sa’in Katagum, died last week at the age of 85, left behind his elder brother Alhaji Dansidi kilishin katagum and 27 children.

Similarly, the governor has condoled Alhaji Abdulmuhi Muktar of Azare town over the death of his son, Malam Kama.

increasing health challenges.

“In the past we used to see timber; today it is almost extinct,” he disclosed.

He therefore agreed to throw his weight behind the scheme and promised to ensure the spread in the community adding that more awareness should be created and sensitization carried out, “Nigeria is our country and we should support laudable programmes to sustain the environment even if it means enforcing it.”

Gov. Okowa hails Egbemode's appointment as commissioner From Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

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elta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated former Managing Director of New Telegraph Newspaper, Mrs Funke Egbemode, on her appointment as Commissioner in Osun.

Egbemode, who is the President of Nigeria Guild of Editors, was sworn in on Thursday as Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation by Gov. Adegboyega Oyetola.

Okowa, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Friday, in Asaba said that Egbemode's appointment was well deserved considering her wealth of experience as a journalist of repute and erudite editor.

He noted that Egbemode had brought finesse and professionalism to media practice as she led New Telegraph and Nigeria Guild of Editors to greater heights.

The governor described the commissioner as a model who

had proved her mettle in the journalism, adding that her nomination as a Commissioner in Osun was well-deserved and an inspiration to other women striving to make a name in the profession.

He charged Egbemode to bring her wealth of experience to bear on her appointment in order to justify the confidence reposed on her by the Gov. Oyetola.

"On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I congratulate our friend and

former Managing Director New Telegraph Newspaper, Mrs Funke Egbemode, on her appointment as Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation in Osun.

“Your appointment didn't come to me as a surprise because we all know the stuff you are made of.

"You have effectively led the Guild of Editors to enviable heights and I have no doubt that you will help my brother governor, Oyetola, to inform the people of Osun on the activities of government.

Pregnant woman, three others killed in Edo road accident

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pregnant woman and three other people were killed on Saturday when a vehicle rammed on them at Uselu road on the Ugbowo-Benin highway.

A witness said the pregnant woman with three other people who were siblings were killed when an oncoming car skidded off its track and smashed them.

The witness said the dead people were all standing by the roadside, waiting to board a vehicle to convey them to market.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) learnt that the wedding

of one of the dead siblings had been scheduled to take place next weekend.

Monday Ikponwosa, who claimed to have witnessed the incident, said that it occurred at about 6:15 a.m. with the four people dying on the spot.

“A BMW car skidded off the road as the driver must have fallen asleep.

“There was a woman (an occupant) in the car. They must have been coming from an allnight church programme because there was bible in the car,” Mr

Ikponwosa said.

NAN reports that the Ugbowo road, which is the highway to Lagos en route Ore in Ondo State, has been blocked by protesting youths, who made bonfires on the highway.

A youth leader in Uselu, who identified himself simply as Evans, said the decision to block the highway was to protest the arrest of some youths by the police after the accident.

“The youths were carrying out a peaceful protest over the incident, which has become one

incident too many on the road when the police came and started shooting at us.

“Five of the youths were injured during the unprovoked shooting. One of them was shot in his shoulder, another in his chest and another in his hand.

“The police took the boys away with pretence of going to treat them. What we are saying is that until they are returned back to us, this road will remain blocked.

“Our pains over the accident are that these dead ones would have escaped if not for the heap

of sand that some people usually heap on the road and later sell to us.”

Mr Evans called on the Edo Government to open the drainage on the highway to avert accidents occurring on the road in future.

The spokesperson of the Edo State Police Command, Chidi Nwabuzor, described the incident as unfortunate.

He said that police officers had been deployed to the accident scene to ensure the return of smooth traffic on the highway.

(NAN)

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 28, 2019

News

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

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he Chief Justice of Nigeria,(CJN) Justice Tanko Mohammed, has said that disobedience of lawful court orders is capable of drawing the country back from growth and development.

Justice Tanko said “Needless to say that the disobedience of lawful court orders is antithetical to a nation’s growth and progress.

“It is our passionate desire to place the Nigerian judiciary in that strategic position,” he said.

He added that, “the Nigerian judiciary will always be the hope of everybody, irrespective of race and status in the society”, and that “We uphold the total adherence to the rule of law by all citizens because it is the bastion of genuine democracy.”

He said ”Like I always say, the Nigerian judiciary will always be the hope of everybody, irrespective of race, status in the society. We uphold the total adherence to the rule of law by all citizens because it is the bastion of genuine democracy.”

The CJN’s comment is coming just as the Supreme Court has fixed October 30, 2019, to begin hearing of appeal suit filed by the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 general elections, Atiku Abubakar, challenging the judgment of the presidential election tribunal, which affirmed the election of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Justice Tanko said this as he was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Law by the Nile University of Nigeria.

Speaking at the privately owned university’s 7th convocation ceremony, the CJN decried the spate of youth indulgence in vices and tasked educational institutions to rise up and halt the menace.

Further in his speech, the CJN warned that the future of the country would be bleak if the youth continue in vices such as kidnapping, armed robbery and others.

He added that the trend of such vices must be reversed as soon as possible, adding that the judiciary would continue to work for the progress and development of the country.

Disobedience of court orders stalling nation’s devt - CJN •As S/Court hears Atiku’s petition Oct 30 “It gives me a great pleasure to make this remark at the seventh convocation of this great University.

“As one of the awardees, I am greatly pleased as this shows that the efforts we put out in life can never go unnoticed and unrewarded.

“Sometimes we may feel frustrated, disillusioned or disappointed at some situations especially when our hard work is not being recognised. But here am I today, with an honorary degree as an act of appreciation for the

service I have put in for the nation.

“Nile University is one of the institutions that has put its mark on the ground in the Nigerian university system with the several achievements it has recorded.

“Some of the information available to me shows that the University has stretched its tentacles to further fields and is poised to surpass its peers in the world.

“In order to stamp out criminalities currently pervading our society and even in some universities and our campuses

across the country is sad indeed to say the least.

“It is very unfortunate to now see our students engaging in armed robbery, kidnapping, internet fraud, ritual killings, trafficking in illicit drugs and other vices.

“It is a trend that must as a matter of urgency be nipped in the bud. If our most cherished future leaders are allowed to wallow in such dangerous and inimical venture, then the future looks very bleak.

“Our hope rests on you and

you must not let us down. My candid advice to you is to avoid acts capable of smearing our reputation.

On Atiku’s petition, PDP disclosed the dated on its Official Twitter page yesterday.

The tweet reads, “Breaking News! The Supreme Court of Nigeria has scheduled to hear the Appeal of the @OfficialPDPNig and @atiku / @PeterObi, arising from the judgment of the Appeal Court, on Wednesday, October 30, 2019. It’s time to #RescueNigeria.”

.L-R: Head, Engineering Regulation and Monitory Department, Council Of Registered Builders of Nigeria , Engr. Agabi Joseph; National Program officer, United Nations Women, Mrs. Patience Ekeoba; Executive Director, Platinum Interventions Care Initiative (convener), Mrs. Blessing Mary; Assistant Director, Special Need Education, Universal Basic Education Board(UBEB), Mrs. Kwasau Hannah and Representative, women and Girls Advancement and Resources Centre (WAGRC), Miss. Blessing Owundiwe, during the stakeholders’ dialogue on building an inclusive society for persons with disabilities in Nigeria held yesterday in Abuja

FG to introduce 3 new visa types, says NIS

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he Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has said it will soon introduce various categories of visas for the country as part of its visa reform.

The Comptroller General of Immigration (CGI), Mohammad Babandede , disclosed this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin.

Mr Babandede said that the visa categories being considered were visa for tourists, visa for retirees outside the country who wish to retire in Nigeria and visa for incentive/investors.

According to him, “If you have money, genuine money, we are encouraging visitors who have intellectual capacity to assist in building capacity in Nigeria.

“If the visa is not going to break national security, good economy, we would encourage it to be delivered in a transparent way to cut corruption.

“We will ensure that Nigerians realise that there is reform based on the anti-corruption strategy of Mr President.”

The official told NAN that the 2019 Comptroller General of Immigration annual conference did a lot of group work towards achieving the various reforms in the Service within the shortest possible time.

He added that there were some quick wins that could be done immediately, noting that one of such was in the area of passport.

“As a quick win, we promised to make the prices of passport available to the public to see and read the price and pay for it.

“One of the quick wins we have done is to standardise the operations of the passport, we want Nigerians to know the process of getting passport and visa on the passport.

“So it’s not just the reforms, but what is in the reforms is for greater service delivery.

“The important thing is that in each reform we do, we consider national security,” he said.

Mr Babandede said that the current “Operation Swift Response” under the supervision of the office of the National Security Adviser was intended to

tackle border insecurity.

He said that the present borders’ closure has helped Nigeria to curtail not just the people who enter, but also Nigerians who take the bush paths to travel without passports.

He disclosed that a month ago, the NIS records showed that not fewer than 11,000 persons have been prevented from travelling out through illegal means.

The CGI added that the service also deported persons who were not supposed to be in the country.

Similarly, Kayode Eniolorunda, the Comptroller, NIS, Edo command, said that the CGI conference was the most important event in the calendar of the service.

Mr Eniolorunda said that this was because far reaching decisions and reform strategies were usually conceived and adopted during the conference.

He said that the state command’s hosting of the 2019 conference was in view of the theme which has to do with migration management and the role of NIS. He noted that irregular migration like human trafficking and smuggling in persons thrive and was very rampant in the state.

He, however, said that e-registration would commence in the state before the end of the year as equipment and facilities needed were already on the ground. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 28, 2019

PAGE 6

News

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

T

he Federal Government has advocated for a stronger collaboration with private medical practitioners to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, made the advocacy call on Friday in Abuja, at the 25th Annual General Meeting and Scientific

Polytechnic students bemoan poor budgetary allocation to education

FG seeks stronger collaboration on universal health coverage Conference of the National Guild of Medical Directors (GMD) on Friday in Abuja.

The minister was represented by Dr Sanni Gwazo, Director Minister’s office, at the programme themed; “Achieving Universal Health Coverage”, with sub theme “ Rethinking Business Models For Private Practice in Nigeria”.

The minister called on the private sector to provide enabling environment for the government on partnership that would work to drive the health

sector’s efficiency in the country.

On his part, the Chairman, House Committee on Healthcare Services, Dr Yusuf Sununu, said that the legislature would maintain an ongoing dialogue with professional groups and associations in the health sector to ensure UHC. According to him, “this is aimed at addressing issues of labour relations, welfare, and quality service delivery. ‘’ The House of Representatives will fund efforts to establish Special Hospitals

, research centres and rapid response units. ‘’They will be used for treatment, study, management and controlof serious diseases such as cancer, diabetes, renal disease, HIV/AIDS,Ebola, Lassa fever and cardiovascular diseases.

On her part, the Chairperson of Guild of Medical Directors (GMD) FCT Chapter, Dr Chiro Nwana said the conference provided a unique opportunity for stakeholders to come up with practical solutions to overcome

Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Balarabe (L), receiving the UN Sustainable Goals Development (SDGs) Award from the Executive Director, Connected Development (CODE)/ Founder of Follow The Money, Malam Hamzat Lawal, during the latter’s visit to the Governor’s Office in Kaduna State .

Photo: NAN

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

T

he National Association of Polytechnic Students, (NAPS) has frowned at the paltry sum allocated to education in 2020 budget draft.

National President NAPS Comrade. Mohammed Eneji made the lamentation in a statement made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday.

According to him, of the total N10.33tn budgeted for 2020 by the Federal Government, N48bn was allocated to education, saying it is time government at all levels brace up on education in Nigeria.

“We charge the Federal Government of Nigeria led

by President Muhammadu Buhari to give more priority to education in Nigeria by dancing to UNESCO tone of 26% allocation at all level, it will enhance the proper funding of our educational system and in no time, we would have world class institutions where research work will be done, “he said.

The association also called on other state governors to emulate their counterpart in Kaduna, Mallam Nasir Elrufai who enrolled his son in a public primary school within the state.

Eneji in his statement however, commended the Rector of DS Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic Itori, Ogun State.

Prof Alfred Fatade for the reversal of proposed increment in tuition fee and averting crisis in the school.

“We commend the governor of Ogun State in his effort to make quality education affordable for the poor, part of which he demonstrated by rejecting hike in tuition fee for state owned institutions.

challenges of the health sector.

She said one of the ways the government had engaged the private health facilities was through the NHIS where enrollees in the scheme could seek care in some of private hospitals, adding that there is low enrollment rate.

Nwana said that the improvement of enrollment can be achieved if patients are enrolled in facility of their choice as the private sector provides over 50 per cent of the healthcare in the country.

KOBA to Governor Sanwoolu: Immortalize late Oba Oniru

By Miriam Humbe

T

he Eko Boys High School Old Boys Association (EKOBA) has enjoined the Lagos State government to take steps to immortalize the Late Oba Idowu Abiodun Oniru of Iruland for his sterling contributions to the ongoing development of the State as a mega city.

National President of the Association Rilwan ‘Bola Fashina made the call during a condolence visit of the Association to the Oniru family last weekend in Lagos.

He stated that the late Oba’s legacies in the development of the over 700 hectares of land at Maroko now known as Iruland which comprises Victoria Island and its environs, perfectly complements the emerging Mega City status of Lagos State as the Centre of commerce and excellence in Nigeria.

Fashina said the Oniru

Royal Family Private Estate under the Late Royal Majesty’s rule has evolved into a modern, beautiful inner city of its own which has attracted banks, international public and private establishments, one of the best private schools in Nigeria, a vibrant international shopping complex, some of the best hotels in Nigeria, in addition to Fire and Police Stations, traditional market centre, modern medical facilities, petrol stations, workshop centres to mention but a few.

All of these establishments according to him, have continued to generate employment, create wealth and reduce poverty for thousands of Nigerians in support of the Nation’s economic advancement.

The EKOBA President also extolled the Late Royal Majesty’s dexterous and democratic management of men and materials which formed

the pivot of his leadership style that is evident in the rapid physical development of Iruland today with peace, tranquility and sanctity of the environment under which the Iru Royal Family Private Estate and Iruland in general has continued to flourish.

On Late Oba Oniru’s contributions to his Alma Mater, Fashina stated that the EKOBA Alumni association take great pride in having the King as one of them during his most eventful and impactful lifetime, pointing at his many positive and inspiring traits such as humility, milk of human kindness, selflessness, concern for the welfare of his friends and associates as well as philanthropy.

The Late Oniru was said to be supportive of all the efforts leading to the allocation of the large parcel of land at Abijo corridor for the development of a modern day new site for Eko

Boys High School by the Lagos State Government and the planned relocation of the school back to the Island, according to Fashina He was said to have contributed actively, morally and financially to the development and sustenance of Klub E’ 61, of which he was a very notable member, the National Association and many EKOBA Service Clubs, Fashina said.

In his response to the Old Boys Association, the Aremo, Prince Adesegun Oniru acknowledged the great comradeship that his late father enjoyed with members of EKOBA as well as his passion for the school as the first indigenous, non-denominational, private secondary school in Nigeria.

He pledged the commitment of the Oniru Royal Family to sustaining and building on the legacies of Late Oba Idowu Abiodun Oniru.

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 28, 2019

News

800 inmates in Delta Prison face death over congestion -Official From Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

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ension and fear of the unknown have continued to unsettle Ogwashi Uku Prison in Delta State following the congestion of the prison with over 800 inmates struggling for air of freedom within the prison’s premises.

The Deputy Controller, Ogwashi Uku Prisons, Frank Okonkwo who spoke to journalists in Asaba on Sunday confirmed that the prison was over congested with over 800 inmates instead of 160 capacity space for inmates, adding that if urgent steps were not taken to create enabling environment for the inmates, there might be death tolls almost on daily basis.

He said:” the prison at the moment is housing over 800 inmates instead of 160 inmates as designed, and we are in serious problems and if urgent steps are not taken to ensure that the inmates have air of freedom within the premises and in regard to their health especially the environment, We are appealing to Federal Government and state governments to come to our aid.”

Noting that the prison has been doing all within its ability to ensure that inmates are well taken care of in line with the ongoing reforms by Federal Government, Okonkwo said that the problem militating against effective performance on the side of the officers of the Correctional Service was the issue of mobility, adding” we have just two vehicles for the conveying of inmates to courts, this is not enough at all,if we can have an additional two vehicles,it will go a long way in helping us to perform better, and apart from issue of vehicles, the facility itself is not connected to the national grid, so we don’t have electricity, and in most cases, we have to run generator, and we will spend more money to power the generator almost every day” Okonkwo disclosed that though the inmates are feeding well, but will continue to face challenges in area of electricity, spacious environment, and provision of basic amenities if urgent care are not provided by the Federal and state governments, and however Commended the state for donating a bus to the service sometimes last year as the only vehicle conveying the inmates to court during their court days.

Meanwhile, ten convicted inmates of three Custodian Centers in the state have regained their freedom courtesy of the Forum of Political Appointees of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on Youth Development.

Executive Assistant to the Governor on Youth Development, Innocent Esewezie who confirmed this to Journalists in Asaba at the weekend, disclosed that the inmates were in Kwale, Warri and Agbor Correction Centers where the ten inmates with the Options of Fine were released, adding that the guesture was in tandem with the Youth Development programmes of the Okowa led administration .

Masari sets agenda for NGF’s security C’ttee From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

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overnor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State has asked participants of a technical committee on security for the Northern Governors Forum to focus attention on finding solutions to three key areas of banditry, and cattle rustling, kidnappings.

Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari was speaking when he declared open the Northern Governors Security Technical Subcommittee meeting held in Katsina.

The Governor requested

the participants to bring forth suggestions on how to control the borders because of the three key insecurity challenges that are daily being imported from neighboring countries.

He also asked the participants to accord roles to states and also what should be done at the local government level.

Governor Aminu Masari expressed the belief that participants have the sufficient experience to appropriately Advise accordingly, stressing that they should not advise superficially.

He said the participants outcome of the meeting should be based on the limited resources

and facilities available to the states for concrete solutions.

Earlier, the secretary to the government of Katsina State , Dr Mustapha Muhammad Inuwa in a welcome address expressed the hope that the meeting would discuss thoroughly the issues that would help to end the current insecurity challenges in the North.

He clarified that the sub technical committee was set up by the security committee of the Northern Governor’s Forum and not the whole Governors.

In a vote of thanks, the former commissioner of police for katsina and Kano states and current special Adviser on

security to Gombe State, CP Muhammad Wakili appreciated the Northern Governors Forum for taking the issues of security seriously and giving it the desired support and attention.

He said during his stay in Katsina, no request he made on security that was turned down by the Governor.

Therefore, CP Wakili said he was not surprised that Northern Governors Forum appointed Governor Aminu Masari as Chairman of the Security Subcommittee.

He assured that participants at the meeting would give in their best for security challenges to be overcome completely.

Chief of Air Staff, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar (M) with other senior and retired air force officers during the inauguration of the Nigerian Air Force School of Medical Sciences and Aviation Medicine, on Saturday in Kaduna State . Photo: NAN

Police, staff disagree on how kidnapped Kaduna students, teachers were released From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

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here seems to be no end to the controversies surrounding the release of kidnapped students and staff of the Engravers College who regained their freedom on Saturday26 October, 2019.

A staff of the school who broke news of their freedom in an interview said they were released in the early hours of Saturday, following an additional payment of N10 million ransom.

According to him, the N10 million was paid on Friday night.

It was learnt that the money was raised by public spirited individuals.

“We just collected the

children. They are all unhurt.

The N10 million was paid yesterday on Friday night and the bandits released them.

“The bandits moved them that night to a location along the Kaduna – Abuja Road.

They dropped them around Dutse village on the KadunaAbuja road at about 3 am in the morning and they called us to go there and pick them.

But in a sharp reaction, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO Yakubu Sabo Abubakar in a statement made available to the media stated that teams of Police operatives attached to Operation Puff Adder Kaduna acted on intelligence and intercepted the kidnapped students and staff of Engravers College

Kakau Daji Kaduna at Dutse in Chukun Local Government Area Consequently, all the eight kidnapped persons were rescued unhurt and have been reunited with their respective families by the Command.

The statement added that the Command wishes to assure the general public that, efforts are on to apprehend the perpetrators of this crime and bring them to book.

Similarly the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna State, Mr.Samuel Aruwan posted on his Facebook page declared; “We are relieved that this criminal violation of the right to liberty is over and that they are all back safely.

“The victims, most of

whom are minors, and their families will now be focusing on recovering from this undeserved trauma. We appeal for considerate reporting of their ordeal and respect for their privacy.

“As we continue to combat banditry, kidnapping and other crimes, the Kaduna State Government urges all our communities not to give comfort to criminals by dividing victims and inserting ethno-religious narratives for the activities of ruthless miscreants.

“The state government calls for vigilance in all our communities and continued cooperation with the security agencies in this battle to secure our state and all who live in it,” he said

PAGE 8

News

Gombe Assembly confirms 20 Commissioner -nominees

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he Gombe State House of Assembly has screened and confirmed 20 out of the 21 Commissionernominees submitted to the House.

The speaker, Abubakar Ibrahim, stated this during plenary on Friday in Gombe.

Mr Ibrahim said the remaining commissioner was Abubakar Bappa, was unavoidably absent because he was on official assignment outside the country.

He said the house will screen him when he returns to the country.

He said the 20 confirmed nominees were screened successfully in three batches, from Wednesday to Friday.

Mr Ibrahim said the successful candidates were Zubairu Umar, Ibrahim Waziri, Mohammed Gettado, Ahmed Gana, Julius Ishaya, Mijinyawa Yahaya, Ibrahim Alhassan, Naomi Awak, Dauda Zambuk and Aishatu Maigari.

Others are Hussaina Goje, Meshack Lauco, Adamu Dishi, Mohammed Magaji, Usman Jahun, Habu Dahiru, Mela Audu, Mohammed Adamu, Shehu Madugu, and Nasiru Aliyu.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya had forwarded names of the nominees to the House for screening and confirmation on September 30.(NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 28, 2019

FG distributes relief materials to Kebbi flood victims From: Ahmed Idris Birnin Kebbi

F

ederal Government has commenced the distribution of relief materials to the affected 2018 flood victims in Kebbi State.

The ceremony which was performed by the Kebbi State Governor, Senator Atiku Abubakar Bagudu said that about 149 trucks of fertilizer and agricultural inputs will

be distributed to the 11,345 victims of 2018 flood in Kebbi.

Bagudu, who is also the Vice-Chairman of the National Food Security Council, said that the distribution was part of the initiative of the council through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

“It is a very important day for us here in Kebbi. The support is for the farmers who had lost their crops in the 2018 flood.

The Federal Government in his

wisdom created the council with aim at ensuring the sufficiency and security of our food in this country, he added.

He further explained that the Federal Government has approved N23 billion for victims of the flood across the affected states.

Bagudu added that each of the victims will get nine bags of fertilizer, chemicals, chemical spraying machine and two bags of improved seeds, while called

M

inister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouk has directed National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and IDPs to provide support to the more than 2,000 persons displaced by recent attacks on some Kaduna villages.

T

he Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) says that about 16.3 million metric tons of solid minerals valued at $30 million was exported from Nigeria in 2017.

NEITI disclosed this in its latest report on independent reconciliation of company payments and government receipts audit in the solid mineral released in Abuja on Sunday.

It said that Nigeria’s total export was about ₦13.6 trillion with solid minerals contributing N77.23 billion or 0.57 per cent of total export in 2017”.

The report noted that a trend analysis showed that in 2015, solid minerals export was N1.94 billion.

News

Nigeria exports solid minerals worth $30m in 2017 – NEITI This, it said, witnessed a geometric leap to N11.16 billion in 2016 and an equally impressive figure of N77.2 billion in 2017.

“This is an indication that the solid minerals sector is steadily contributing to the federation’s export earnings but requires greater government attention.

“The major destination of Nigeria’s export during the year under review is China.

“The country accounted for 68 per cent of the total export value

during the year,’’ it said.

According to the report, other destinations are Malaysia, Vietnam and India.

The report, however, observed that export data received from the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) include minerals that were not captured in the production data provided by the MID as well as inconsistency in FOB value of minerals.

The report also contains comprehensive information and

data on how many licenses were issued as well as gross revenues that accrued to the federation account from both oil and non-oil sources for the year 2017.

It asserted that while Nigeria’s gross revenues stood at ₦7.4 trillion, revenues specifically from the solid minerals sector represented only about 0.05 per cent.

The report explained that the absence of an industry-specific fiscal regime made it difficult

L-R: Members House committee on Aviation, Hon. Kasimu Maigari, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi and Chairman House committee on Aviation, Hon. Nnoli Nnaji during aviation budget defence, at the National Assembly on Friday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Bauchi gov. donates 1m to singers From Ahmad Mohammed, Bauchi

T L-R: Minister of State for Health, Senator Olorunimbe Mamora; minister of Health, Dr.Osagie Ehanire and permanent secretary ministry of Health Alhaji Abdulaziz Abdullahi, during the 2020 budget defence before the house of representatives committee on diaspora, at the National Assembly, recently in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Attacks: Give succor to Kaduna displaced person, Minister directs NEMA From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna,

on the NGOs, security agencies and journalists to monitor the distribution.

In his response, the representative of the DG NEMA and also the Head of Account Unit, NEMA incharge of Sokoto Operations Office, Abubakar Yusuf, said that the government would distribute 149 trucks of fertilizer to the 2018 flood victims in eight local government areas of the state.

He said that the commission had enumerated about 11,541 hectares affected by the flood in the eight local government areas of the state, with 11,345 affected victims.

The affected Local Government areas are Bunza jega, Shanga,Kalgo,Birnin Kebbi, Dandi, Gwandu and Aliero local governments.

Page 9

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 28, 2019

Farouq, in a statement on and made available to the media in kaduna yesterday,, said that the ministry would continue to be responsive to the plight of innocent Nigerians who are victims of humanitarian emergencies, disasters and social challenges.

She said that no fewer than 15 villages in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State were attacked by bandits on Sunday, Oct. 20, leading to the displacement of 2,000

people.

The displaced persons are currently quartered at at a primary school in Birnin Yero.

“This is a very sad and unfortunate situation. I can imagine the distress and discomfort those affected are experiencing as a result of being sent out of their homes unceremoniously.

“I appeal to them to remain calm as government looks into the matter not just to provide immediate relief but to assist

them return to their homes as soon as possible,” Farouq said.

She explained that the ministry and agencies under her watch would do its best to ensure help got to people on time whenever any unfortunate incident occurs.

The minister further directed NEMA and NCFRMI to update her accordingly, to ease the process of providing lasting solutions to the predicament of the people concerned.

he Bauchi State Governor Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has donated 1 million naira to Kaura Singers Association.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Comrade Muktar Gidado who presented the money to the association on behalf of the governor in Bauchi over the weekend, explained that five hundred thousand naira is for two members of the association who were attacked at Reinsurance House before the 2019 general elections.

Gidado said the remaining five hundred thousand naira is for a member of the association who his vehicle was crashed.

He assured members of the association of the support of Governor Bala Mohammed to them considering their positive contributions towards ensuring his victory during election.

The Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Media stressed the need for mutual understanding among members of the group so as to overcome their challenges.

The chairman of the Association, Husaini Saila, who expressed gratitude to the governor for the gesture, observed that it will go a long way towards alleviate the sufferings of the beneficiaries.

Adamawa communities laud EU over portable water projects From Umar Dankano, Yola.

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he communities of Mubi North,Mubi South and Fufore Local Government Areas in Adamawa State have lauded the intervention of European Union,EU in the ongoing massive rehabilitation and construction of facilities to providing improved water supply scheme in the areas.

These local councils have been experiencing acute water shortage for years which have been causing outbreaks of cholera endemic claiming human and animal lives yearly.

A situation the state government sort to seek for necessary assistances from local and foreign partners like European Union and International Committee of the Red Cross,ICRC in areas of water supply and sanitation.

During an on the spot

assessment tour of the water projects in these councils with EU delegation and project Team of the state Ministry of Water Resources headed by the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engineer Micheal Medugu weekend projects were seen to have reached advanced stages of completion.

In an interview with journalists, Village Head of Gella town in Mubi South,Alhaji Haruna Ahmad expressed gratefulness to EU and the state government under Governor Ahmadu Fintiri for the intervention.

Ahmad said their communities initially rely on streams for drinking water stressing that the new water supply scheme is a welcome development to the area as everyone is happy about it.

Coordinator of Gella/ Gude Water Customers Association

(WCA) and Water Sanitation And Hygiene (WASH),Abubakar Baba applauded the effort pledging that his committee will ensure prudent collection of water tariffs in the areas.

While inspecting the progress of work at various project sites, Director Project of the Ministry Engineer Michael Medugu charged the contractors handling the projects to ensure the meet the April 2020 deadline for the completion of their projects and according to specifications.

At the MUBI Water Treatment Plant, the Project Engineer of the Contracting Firm, M. P. Infrastructural Nigeria ltd told the Monitoring Team that the renovation and rehabilitation works on the plant is almost 100% completed.

The plant built by the military during the defunct Gongola Sstate was abandoned

by successive administration thereby causing acute water shortage in Mubi leading to yearly outbreak of cholera epidemic until EU’s intervention.

The plant with a storage capacity of 2.5 million liters of water is expected to permanently solve the water problem in the area as its chemical house containing Lime tank,Chlorine tank and Alum tanks for clearing water are fully rehabilitated.

Engineer Medugu expressed dissatisfaction on the slow pace of the projects especially in areas of construction of administrative blocks at Gude and Gella water supply scheme centres and on the 200, 000 cubic liters of water elevated storage tank.

He warned the contractors to be up and doing to meet the target for the completion of the project.

to tie revenue flows from the solid minerals industry to the federation account.

It noted that the development also affected efforts at quantifying the contribution of the solid minerals sector to Nigeria’s GDP, which presently stands at current basic price of ₦113.7 trillion.

The report, however, highlighted that the sector’s contribution to GDP was an abysmal 0.11 per cent which showed a decline of 0.01 per cent and 0.02 per cent from the data of 0.12 per cent in 2015, and 0.13 per cent in 2016.

It further explained that out of 1,072 entities covered by the exercise, only transactions by 59 companies were reconciled.

“These 59 companies accounted for over 86 per cent of the total royalty payments made by the sector in 2017.

Royalties paid by 59 companies in 2017 was N1.3 billion as against the N1.4 billion paid by 56 companies in 2016 resulting in a decrease of about 7.7 per cent in revenue.

This, it said, might be an indication of lower investment in mining activities in 2017.

On payouts to the federating units from solid minerals revenue, it stated that the last distribution of solid minerals accumulated royalties occurred in July 2016, when the sum of ₦9.92 billion was distributed by FAAC. “The accumulated balance in the account as at December 31, 2017, was ₦8.54 billion. `As of April 30, 2019, the accumulated balance in the account increased by 66.4 per cent to ₦14.21 billion,” it explained.

However, the report noted the significant reforms and development in the sector which include increased funding from N1 billion in 2015 to N7 billion in 2017; “Approval of ₦30 billion ($100 million) as intervention fund to facilitate exploration projects towards the muchneeded geosciences data and other regulatory framework; “N5 billion support fund launched by the Bank of Industry for small-scale miners at 5 per cent interest rate; 150 million dollar loan secured from the World Bank for the Mineral Sector Support for Economic Diversification Project (MinDiver) which became operational in 2017, among others,’’ it added.

Amedu Onekpe & Co, an indigenous accounting and auditing firm, conducted the 2017 solid minerals audit for NEITI. (NAN)

PAGE 10

News Group urges WACOT to consider indigenes for employment

By Usman Shuaibu

A

community-based group, Youths for the Development of Mairuwa and Environs in Faskari local government area of Katsina State has accused the West African Cotton Company Limited (WACOT) situated in the area of bias against its host community.

The company, which came to the area in 1998, was established to boost agricultural production in the area, which is an agrarian community.

The group said WACOT has different departments and units which are headed by resourceful, industrious, and well experienced personnel with the largest department being the Personnel Department, which deals with management staff, labourers, inter-governmental relations, nongovernmental organisations and to some extent foreign investors. “Mairuwa town has been a peaceful place for WACOT and provide the company with all sorts of labour they may required, especially with the aforementioned category of workers, with the exception of personnel manager since the inception. “Despite the fact that about 80% of the workers are from Mairuwa town, no Personnel Manager has ever been employed from our area due to reasons best known to the company. “Whenever there is a vacancy for the said position, our people who are competent will apply but none has ben employed for the position of Personnel Manager since the inception of WACOT. “We find this unacceptable despite our hospitality to the company. We consider WACOT’s attitude as a demonstration hate for the entire Mairuwa community, which has hosted them for years of profitable business,� the group said.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 28, 2019

Niger govt. denies receiving $181mn IDB loan From Yakubu Minna

Mustapha,

T

he Niger State government has refuted not to have received $181 million loan from the Islamic Development Bank, IDB , as claimed by the Former Governor of the state, Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mrs Mary Noel Berje speaking on the development confirmed that the state government was in the process of securing the loan to dualize Minna-Bida road but the money has not hit the state account.

She recalled that the then Commissioner of Finance Alhaji Zakari Abubakar had on May 28th this year after the National assembly gave approval addressed the Press on the said

loan and the plan to dualized Minna –Bida Road was made public.

According to her, the state government has been opened on the issue of the IDB loan because the concept of the loan was made public and has been in public domain She explained that, “ the initial concept of the loan and the project to be carried out was passed to the national by the federal executive council for inclusion in the national borrowing plan, thereafter a consultant was engaged to assess what was required , so there is no way that money will be ready and work will not start on the MinnaBida road “. ‘The consultant provided us with the following components , the dualization of Bida-Minna road of about 82 kilometers

by two making 164 kilometres with other facilities, because the road was constructed in the early eighties and needed total reconstruction’.

It was gathered that the Government of Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello got the nod of the National Assembly to secure the said IDB loan this year after the request was earlier transmitted on 26th July 2017 but the request was not granted until May this year.

It was however, revealed that though the process of securing the loan has been completed at the National Assembly , the Money has not hit the state’s account .

The Former Niger State Governor had during PDP rally in Minna on Saturday claimed that , he secured the approval for the said loan but the physical money

was given to his successor .

The document further revealed that the IDB loan was approved by the National Assembly in May this year but the money has not been accessed by the state government as claimed.

It also revealed that the 8th Senate on 28th May 2019 received and considered the report tagged “ Report of the committee on local and foreign debt , Niger state’s development policy operation credit from world bank and Islamic development bank� and approval for the loan granted.

Investigation revealed that based on the report of the committee headed by Senator Shehu Sani then the Senate looked into it and considered it, thereby giving the state government the backing to access the loan for its viability but the government has not received the money.

L-R: Auwal Musa Rafsanjani of CISLAC, Transparency International-Nigeria / Amnesty InternationalNigeria, Ambassdor John Campbell former Ambassador to USA đ&#x;‡şđ&#x;‡¸Â in Nigeria đ&#x;‡łđ&#x;‡ŹÂ now with Council on Foreign Relations and Mr. Dave Peterson Senior Director, Africa Program from National Endowment for Democracy (NED ), after discussion on Nigeria’s Political Economy, state of Democracy, Human Rights and shrinking of Civil Space, in Washington DC at the African studies Johns Hopkins University, at the Weekend. Â

Recaptured lion: Collaboration key to biodiversity conservation -Conservator General

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

T

he Conservator General, National Park Service (NPK),Ibrahim Goni, said that collaboration of all stakeholders is key to biodiversity conservation.

Goni spoke on the backdrop of the recent event of a lion that Kano State government took to Karu Nassarawa State for an agric show that bolted from its mobile crate and was wandering inside the zoo. ``The Kano State government contacted us and we immediately deployed our team of experts lead by a veterinary doctor of the Service, Conservator of Park (CP) Abdulrahaman Mohammed

to the state for professional intervention. ``The collaboration between our professionals and the management of the Kano state zoo paid off, and this led to the safe return of the lion to its cage in the zoo�.

A statement signed by Media Assistant to the ConservatorGeneral, Yakubu Zull,said he commended the team for a job well done because according to him, transferring wildlife, especially carnivores and dangerous ones like lions, is a tricky task that requires meticulous planning. ``Lions present particular transportation challenges because of their size and the

danger they pose to humans, so to handle them must be well planned, prepared and effectively executed. ``The more we understand about how these animals behave, the easier it would be for them to be handled without harm to the animals and/or to humans�,Goni emphasized .

The CG further noted that although conservation might look like a big problem that’s best left to the experts to solve, there are small changes that we all can make in our everyday lives to conserve the nation’s biodiversity.

He commended the Kano sate zoo management for doing the right thing by contacting the

Service for professional help that averted possible calamity, unlike the whale that was washed ashore recently in Bayelsa state.

Recall that few months ago, a whale measuring about 30 feet was washed ashore at Ijaw kiri community water front, Brass Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.

Instead of calling on the appropriate authorities to handle it, some people in the community decided to subject the beached whale to an untidy fate.

Consequently, Zoo Managers should also pay attention to the welfare, training of Zoo curators, use of appropriate materials in the zoos and timely feeding of animals etc.

``We will continue to raise awareness through developing working relationships of mutual support with other organizations who share our goals. ``Biodiversity should be a top priority if we must achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). ``The SDGs acknowledge the clear connection between environment and development by integrating sustainability in all 17 of the Global Goals. ``SDG 15 aims to, ‘Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss,� he said .

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 28, 2019

PAGE 11

EDITORIAL

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Sustain the momentum

he World Bank has named Nigeria given to Nigeria as one of the top 10 among 115 countries that, in the past most improved countries that have year, launched the boldest “ease implemented the most reforms this year is of doing business� reforms. Altogether significant because we were not even able there were 249 such reforms which, to achieve some of the key reforms we had according to the bank, “made doing pursued, but what we have done so far is business easier for the domestic private being recognized. This validation confirms sector in the countries, paving the way for that our strategy is working and we will more jobs, expanded commercial activity, continue to push even harder to deliver and higher incomes for many.� In that more impactful reforms.� The President respect, Nigeria climbed 15 places from said further: ‘With the impending its 146th position in 2018 to place 131 this ratification of the Companies and Allied year. This leap forward is captured in the Matters Bill and the introduction of the bank’s Doing Business 2020 study.

Business Facilitation (Omnibus) Bill, The Doing Business Index is an annual 2019 in view, along with other pending ranking that objectively and ongoing regulatory, assesses prevailing business judicial and subclimate conditions across 190 national reforms, our countries based on 10 ease mandate to move into of doing business indicators. the top 70 doing business The index captures the ease The World Bank destinations by 2023 of doing business reforms remains achievable.� released its that have been validated by Buhari, in 2016, set up the private sector and offers latest rankings a Presidential Enabling comparative insights based Business Environment on private sector validation while Nigerian Council (PEBEC). Its in the two largest commercial secretary is Dr. Jumoke President cities in countries with a Oluwole. She explains: population higher than 100 Muhammadu The private sector million. In Nigeria’s case, the remains the fulcrum Buhari was of the ease of doing study focused on Lagos and Kano. Mr. David Malpass, attending the business interventions.

President of the World Bank, are committed to Russia-Africa We has been quoted as saying more engagements (with) “governments can foster reform-implementing economic market-oriented development organs of government and broad-based growth forum summit and the private sector by creating rules that help in the Russian players, and we are businesses launch, hire, and happy to see that these city of Sochi have resulted in a more expand.� According to him, “removing barriers facing favourable validation entrepreneurs generates better jobs, more of the reforms by the private sector. tax revenues, and higher incomes, all of This result (Word Bank’s validation) will which are necessary to reduce poverty serve as an encouragement to sustain the and raise living standards.� deepening of these reforms and make it The bank’s global rankings place India even more tangible for businesses and as “the most improved� economy for the the citizenry. The PEBEC is focused on third year in a row, moving up by 14 places delivering even more substantive reforms to number 63. The report notes that “the for the improvement of the general country made it easier to start a business business climate.� by abolishing filing fees, lowering the Coming from the World Bank, time and cost of seeking construction not given to flattery, we welcome its permits and making trade easier with favourable commentary on our country. It port improvements and an improved is an influential rebuttal of the impression electronic platform for submitting often given by doomsday prophets that documents.� The other seven economies Nigeria is fast losing its position as the where business climates improved the most favoured foreign direct investment most included Saudi Arabia, Jordan, destination in West Africa. We must Togo, Bahrain, Tajikistan. say that this improvement in score and The World Bank released its latest ranking is not one off. It has been so since rankings while Nigerian President 2017. Therefore, there should be no fear Muhammadu Buhari was attending the it won’t continue to be the case under Russia-Africa economic forum summit in this present government that started the Russian city of Sochi. In his reaction the upward climb. Let it sustain the to WB report, he said “the recognition momentum.

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Chairman “To be the market Malam Wada Maida, place of ideas and Oon, Fnge the leading player in the industry by putting the people first, upholding the Chief Operating Officer Editor, Daily truth, maintaining the Hameed M. Bello, PhD highest professional and ethical standards while Manager, administration delivering value to Hassan Hammanyaji our stakeholders�

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Letter to the Editor

Prof Abdalla and the Soaring Image of NOUN

By Gidado Yushau Shuaib

I

f the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) lasts until the end of time, and there is every likelihood it will, the name ‘Prof. Abdalla Uba Adamu’ will never go into extinction. It will face no compromise. Professor Adamu, the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN has paddled the university out of the doldrums to its present admirable position as a reputable citadel of learning. One won’t be wrong to call him ‘the changer of fate.’ Established in 1983 as a springboard for open and distance learning in Nigeria, the institution had to be suspended a year after.

However, its resuscitation began on 12 April 2000. Ever since, the institution had been witnessing one stride after another in the hands. Notably, however, the administration of Prof. Abdalla which started in 2016 has been eventful especially as the institution is seen to be witnessing a what may aptly be described as the transformation to a ‘giant’ institution, Starting from the swift relocation of its headquarters from Lagos to Abuja, the country’s ‘administrative capital’, up till the point of making the institution to have a blossoming student population unrivalled in Africa, all of which were made possible

by Prof. Adamu’s leadership ‘notoriety’. In ensuring a smooth relocation, Professor Adamu had to quickly fix the infrastructural gaps in the permanent site which was then under construction.

Concerned about qualitative education relevant to the modern world, Adamu introduced professional courses with ‘attractive’ modules including degree programmes in International Relations, French and Development Studies. He also introduced Master of Law (LL.M), Master of International Law and Diplomacy (MILD), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Law, M.Sc Public Health, Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) Economics, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Mass Communication, Master of Science (M.Sc) Cyber Security. Others include a Master of Science (M.Sc) Artificial Intelligence, Master of Science (M.Sc) Management Information System, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Cyber Security, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Artificial Intelligence, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Management Information System as well as its over 22,000 facilitators spread across the country.

Before Prof Adamu assumed office, the university was facing a hard time over the accreditation of some of its courses by the National University Commission (NUC).

With his Midas Touch, the school’s

Law programme is being fine-tuned for accreditation so as its students would soon be able to enrol in the Nigerian Law School. This, before Prof Adamu’s coming, was deemed arguably impossible.

Also, under his leadership, in 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari assented the amended NOUN Act. With this recognition, the university is placed at par with all recognised universities in Nigeria under the various Acts that amended the provision of higher education in Nigerian universities. The act opens a vista of opportunities for students of the institution that they did not have before.

Going back to the institution’s infrastructural achievements under Prof Adamu, one can beat his chest that it never had it better. And it is not solely at the headquarters that the infrastructural transformation has taken place, it is across its 78 study centres. At the headquarters, there is a 3-storey faculty building billed to house the remaining faculties in Lagos. Other structures built by the professor include: a magnificent library, a brandnew printing press, a convocation ground and a media centre.

The institution also unveiled its newly redesigned Olusegun Obasanjo Centre for African Studies, OOCAS, the centre was opened to collaborate with local and international scholars willing to dissect Africa, towards the goal of producing cutting-edge research that would showcase the African story.

Apart from academics, the professor has a strong passion for sports. This is apparently why he is seeing to the building of a recreation centre at the university’s headquarters. In the centre are two courts for basketball, one for volleyball and another one for football. These facilities are being routinely used by both staff and students; hence the institution stole the show at the recent NUSSA Games at the University of Ilorin and smiled home with the highest number of medals. NOUN had more athletes in the competition than any other university.

Daily, both global and local players in the sector of education troop into the university for all sorts of collaborations. Many a university in Nigeria and beyond are now using NOUN’s template because of its efficacy. Little wonder, the Society for Peace, Conflict and Practice and Canadabased Commonwealth of Learning conferred their fellowship this workaholic Professor.

These aren’t all the achievements of Prof Adamu at NOUN. These are only a few, yet they loudly position him as a man with the Midas Touch.

Shuaib wrote in from Abuja.

PAGE 12

Opinion

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 28, 2019

Introducing information technology law in legal education curriculum

By Abass Mohammed Oluwatosin

W

e live in an ever expanding information society, in an era where global computer networks, mobile telephony and digital audiovisual transmission are essentially the basis of functioning and smooth running of the society. Law is one of the fields of study that must move ahead or at least along with changes in lifestyle, culture and technology.

Apparently in Nigeria this change in the law appears rather tardy, especially in the adoption of information and communications technology (ICT) compliant laws. Taking into consideration the fact that technology has advanced the customary way of life in Nigeria, it becomes quite a necessity that the law and the teaching of law in Nigeria must move accordingly. One of the ways this can be done is by developing a course of study that aggregates the impact and implications of ICT in areas like forensic, commerce, e-governance, Intellectual Property and Contract Law into one study unit, to wit Information Technology Law. At present the changes brought about by the use of technology can be seen in law, legal education, research and practice. For instance, students, researchers and lecturers can in the comfort of their study tables access millions of research materials online including laws and judicial decisions of Nigeria and other jurisdictions. Also the ICT industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in the economy. Latest trends show that the ICT sector is gradually taking the place of oil as a major contributor to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). According National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the second quarter of 2018 GDP report provides that the ICT sector recorded 11.81 per cent growth, while the oil sector contributed 8.55 per cent to Nigeria’s GDP in the second quarter of 2018, down from 9.61 per cent in the preceding quarter.

All these raise several legal implications that need to be fully addressed and understood by lawyers and judges in Nigeria relying on outside expertise and the best place to start this transformation and readiness is the classroom.

The need for this readiness and transformation is further buttressed by the fact that there are still other areas that need to adapt to these developments. A good knowledge of the legal implications of ICT to our laws will help in the adaptation of our laws. For example our Copyright and Trademarks Laws have no provision for domain name registrations, company code and the likes. Internet crimes

like Cyber-crimes including hacking of accounts, cyber-squatting, etc., are yet to be properly covered. Our commercial laws did not contemplate electronic transactions and e-commerce – buying and selling through online stores like Ali express, Konga, Jumia, Kaymu, and OLX. Information technology has unarguably brought the markets to the rooms of prospective customers; making commerce easier and less cumbersome. One can simply surf through an online market store, select the desired merchandise, place an order online or via phone call, and in a couple of days have the goods delivered to one’s door steps. In the 2015 elections, the impact of information technology in the voting and accreditation of voters. The card reader changed the way elections are run in Nigeria.

The use of electronic card readers for voters’ accreditation drastically reduced electoral frauds to the minimal, indeed each voter was assured that his vote cast will count; but we are yet to attain electronic voting as a viable electoral option. In our film industry, information technology has aided in promoting our home made movies on the international scene.

YouTube, Instagram and movie websites and apps like Netflix, IrokoTV, IbagaTV, ApataTV make our movies accessible all over the world.

The talents and cultures of our people are thereby promoted and this inevitably attracts foreign investments in the tourism and culture sector including the Nollywood film industry.

The above are only but a few examples of the impacts information technology has had on different spheres of our lives. In law practice, the impact of information technology is very obvious. Law reports, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, case management, law materials, etc. are all accessible online. They are also easier and faster to access and more updated than the hard copies. In proceedings before the court, information technology has made a lot of impact. Court proceedings are conducted faster where the judge employs a stenographer skilled in the use of computer and recording compared to where the judge resorts to handwriting.

It is against this backdrop, therefore, that we must recognize the dynamics and importance of information technology in our everyday life. We, therefore, posit that there is an urgent need to develop a full-fledged course on information technology law in Nigeria and not a hotchpotch of its rubrics spanning across several courses. The aim therefore, is to analyze the impact made by information technology with respect to the Nigerian legal environment,

laws, legal practice and legal education. Based on this evidence and the need for law and legal profession to maintain pace with the technological developments, a propose course on Information Technology Law as one of the law courses taught at the undergraduate level in our various Faculties of Law. Recommendations on how to Resolve the Challenges The following recommendations are made: The Electronic Transactions Bill should be seen as a priority.

Legislations should be made to apportion liability where necessary in relation to ATM card frauds. Our criminal laws should be expanded to accommodate cyber-crimes.

Intellectual property laws also need amendments to reflect actions and infringements that can occur with the use of information technology. i.e Cyber act 2015 b. Institutions should make available information technology devices for their students so that the students can learn in tandem with the modern realities. Students should not only be taught the theories, they should be given opportunity to practice what they are taught. c. The Nigerian Bar Association should adopt a base for the usefulness of ICT in the legal profession. Also, the General Council of the Bar has to take another look at the Rules of Professional Conducts for lawyers that prohibit advertising and soliciting and make regulations for the use of websites for adverts. This is because, although the Rules of Professional Conduct prohibits advertising except in certain instances, nevertheless, the activities of some law offices, chambers and legal practitioners on the web are tantamount to advertising. d.

Nigerian Universities should upgrade their libraries to e-libraries and provide for forensic e-clinics. This can be facilitated by Tertiary institution trust fund. e. Law faculties could reach out to IT companies for funding to help establish the course: companies like Microsoft Nigeria and telecommunications companies like MTN and GLO. They use this medium to fulfil their corporate social responsibility. It will also aid in their business if there is understanding of the applicable law to their business activities.

Private-public partnership in the funding of ICT centers, grants, scholarships should also be encouraged. Establishment of ICT universities, engaging of foreign experts all over the world as lecturers both in the subsisting and new ones.

g. It is high time information technology should be considered as part of the criteria for appointment of judicial officers. They need to be made aware of the potentials and mechanics of information technology. For example, a good percentage of business is done online and also information technology is being exploited by criminals in all sorts of crimes including fraud. Accordingly, judges ought to be ICT literate to be able to adjudge the veracity and weight of evidence adduced in court. Again, judicial proceedings in court ought to be fully video-recorded and may be transmitted live to avoid delays in the judicial process and mistakes in records. Stand-by generators should be put in place in the event that power supply fails. h. Government should continue to show interest in information technology. This can be done for example by the provision of ICT centers in all universities; making Nigeria ICT compliant by inviting more investors and making the economy conducive to competitors; by installing broadband cable in all parts of the country. Without such positive steps and requisite political will on the part of the government, there will be no meaningful impact or landmark.

Conclusion The world in this 21st century has seen an unprecedented transformation with the emergence of ICT and its constant innovations and improvements. ICT seems to have pervaded and permeated every facet of life in today’s world. There is hardly any layer of human interaction, relationship or endeavor that ICT has not directly or indirectly affected in Nigeria. Given these fact, it follows that the law and the development of the country’s legal system must as a matter of urgency and necessity adapt to these realities of ICT revolution. The law needs to respond and adapt to the ICT revolution. Information technology has greatly contributed to the growth and national development of this nation in various areas. But its further potential can only be imagined. To fully benefit from this growth and management of trade disputes that will follow, we must prepare our lawyers and judges by providing them with up-to-date knowledge of internationally accepted laws and regulations on ICT related transactions. The development, introduction and teaching of ICT law in Nigerian law faculties is a good place to start.

Abass Mohammed Oluwatosin writes in from Lagos.

My take on the closure of Benin Republic border

By Olusegun Onigbinde

I

have read several arguments for and against the closing of the Benin Republic border. Here is my honest take: What’s Nigeria biggest existential challenge as regards its economy? In my years of staying on the data, it is the heavy dependence of Nigeria’s exports/FX on oil.

If there’s any battle that Nigeria should be fighting, it is how does it rebalance its export portfolio. When oil prices dropped in 1981, 2009 & 2014, we were witnesses to how the economy ran aground. The currency weakened, growth slumped and we faced FX shortage except in 2009 when we had excess crude reserves to intervene.

Have you tried to imagine a scenario that oil prices dip to $30 in three months? All the foreign portfolio padding our reserves will be gone & we are back to reality of slump. We need to sort our export mess where 96% of its value is tied to oil.

I have seriously argued that Nigeria tries to play too small. It thinks it has an import problem, whereas it has an export

challenge. How big is Nigeria’s import?

Around $35bn. How big is South Africa import with a third of our population? over $80bn. But while Nigeria does around $42bn in exports despite its famous oil, South Africa does over $100bn in exports.

I have maintained that the extreme poverty you see in Nigeria is because its people do too little to sell to the world. Vietnam, China India are doing their all to plug into global marketplace because after China shut its border for years, it found out that exportled growth in a diversified manner is most sustainable way out of extreme poverty.

I am not for smuggling and practices of unfair trade but if we look deeply, have our own institutions not failed? Is the answer to smuggling solely the closure of borders? We need to get our neighbours to act right but this is an indictment on our institutions and failure of our infrastructure. We deserve to have varied trade practices but our obession around rice is just funny to me. There’s no compulsion about why we should eat the rice we produce. Every country chooses to protect certain products but that’s in

context of larger strategy around exports. If the comparative advantage of our land is to export sesame seed, soyabean or cow milk, why not focus on that?

You know why we aren’t export targeting and we are excited in this frenzy of import substitution. We have wasted our years of growth and right now, we aren’t ready to accelerate our reform. An export-led economy is extremely competitive so you have to get the infrastructure (ports & access roads), processing, business registration and standardization, education, skilled economy right. You are not competing against yourself, you are competing against the world. We aren’t ready for that hard work with all the elements moving in same pace.

It’s an export-led strategy not solely containing our size food importation (around $7bn at its peak) that fixes a fundamental flaw in our economy. Food is not even the biggest drag on our imports, it’s refined crude. However, the signaling of CBN to contain FX is clear by choosing not give foreign exchange to certain food

products as we march on our import substitution strategy. So in the end, we hope for $40bn exports (still dominated by oil) and maybe $25bn in imports (less food and refined crude imports), that’s what I mean by playing and thinking small. Folks would say I am asking us to walk before we crawl but targeting exports as a policy is not sudden work but the signalling must be clear.

However, we can continue to drag with Benin Republic with 11m population and a $10bn economy or just learn how China’s boat lifted smaller economies around it such as Vietnam (with over $200bn in exports). The world is aggregating towards influence of large economies. This is not our time to think small but we are playing on a short-term strategy that packs emotive nationalist arguments.

The world is moving on and our structural flaw remains – the domination of oil in our exports not the size of food imports.

Olusegun Onigbinde is a Public Affairs Analyst.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 28, 2019

PAGE 13

COMMENT

State government and the viability of our universities

By Olabisi Deji-Folutile

G

ive it to him, the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, knows how to hit the nail on the head when it comes to speaking truth to power. His practical and logical perspectives on national issues can hardly be faulted. An example of this is his contribution at a recent stakeholders’ meeting on how to reduce the number of out-ofschool children in the Northern part of the country.

He chided state governments for sending people on holy pilgrimages. He went as far as telling the governors that it was a sin for any of them to send anyone on pilgrimage using states’ resources.

This is a bitter truth that many Nigerians may not want to hear simply because we live in an overtly religious and hypocritical society where any logical reasoning on religious issues is more often than not considered a sacrilege.

The emir equally queried the rationale behind the Federal Government’s continuous subsidy of petrol to the tune of trillions of naira every year while it spends only billions of naira to fund its entire education sector. Sincerely, many things are strange about the attitude of a typical Nigerian leader. One of such strange things is the temerity of state governments that willingly spend millions of naira to sponsor people on holy pilgrimage, cutting down their subventions to state-owned universities on the ground that there was no money to fund them.

To start with, many of these states have no business running universities. Many of them are failures at running ordinary secondary schools.

There are others that can’t even afford to fund a university, who have gone ahead to establish two or more. They have turned universities to constituency projects. A lot of these universities

are not even viable. The other time, the Federal Government established nine universities across some geo-political zones. The consideration for creating them was purely political. At the end of the day, many of them were grossly undersubscribed.

To show that some of our universities are either surplus to requirement or probably sited in wrong places, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board a few days ago said that about 500,000 spaces in the existing higher institutions in the country were not utilised in 2018. According to Dr. Fabian Benjamin, JAMB’s spokesperson, only half of the candidates offered admission into tertiary institutions last year took up the offer.

Statistics by the board indicate that out of a total of 1,126,025 quota for universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and Innovation Enterprise Institutes, a total of 585,498 were utilised while 527,851 slots were not utilised in the 2018 admission process. Of course, we know that some candidates could have rejected admission offers to other institutions that are not universities, the revelation from JAMB simply confirms a disconnect between what the candidates want and what the government can provide. Government may have to find out the reason why candidates would rather prefer to go to universities than enrol in other tertiary institutions in the country. What is the state of these so-called innovation enterprise institutes? What future awaits a graduate of a college of education in today’s Nigeria? What is the level of government’s commitment to funding these other higher institutions, including polytechnics? These are some of the questions requiring sincere answers from government.

Education is both a legacy and serious business. So many countries are making huge profits from higher education these days. It is

not for fun that representatives of universities in Canada, Australia and United Kingdom among others come to Nigeria from time to time to sell their institutions. Indeed, education is to Britain and Canada, what petrol is to Nigeria. It is their export product. They make huge profit from it.

Anyone that doubt this could find out what foreign students pay as tuition and compare same with what the home students pay in these countries.

The difference is huge. These countries regularly conduct researches on how to get more students from Nigeria, knowing that the higher the figure, the better the financial returns. Since they are also competing for students, they ensure that they do things that will make them attractive to their targeted audience. That is the kind of healthy competition that should be going on among state universities and the Federal Government owned universities in Nigeria now.

Instead of complaining about paucity of fund, the state governments should look at how universities are funded elsewhere and adapt the methods to suit their purposes. Many universities in the world adopt multi-level funding systems for their higher institutions. They rely on grants, tuition and endowments from companies, philanthropists and organisations.

University education is not cheap. Harvard’s total budget for 2018 was $5bn, Stanford had a $6.5bn enterprise while Cambridge had a £1.965bn budget for 2018. In addition to this huge fund base, many universities in developed countries have a robust and active alumni office, which keeps track of all the alumni and frequently solicits for donations.

Some alumni even donate part of the royalty on their inventions to their universities.

The universities also rely onresearch funding from charities, foundations, research councils,

trusts, and industry. Harvard, for example, hasa dedicated and permanent source of funding that maintains the teaching and research mission of the university. What do we have in Nigeria? Our corporate organisations prefer to spend millions of naira on mundane things and contribute pittance towards educational development. They would rather sponsor entertainment projects than support research and development. How many companies in Nigeria can point to any notable R&D project they are supporting in the nation’s university or research institute?

About $223m is reportedly spent on research and development in Hawaii every year. Likewise, Microsoft devotes millions of dollars to researches in American universities. How many companies in Nigeria can we really say are spending money on worthwhile academic pursuits? Even companies that spend money on education in their home countries will come here and focus on entertainment events because they know that is what catches our fancy. Our people love to abandon substance for trivialities.

Be that as it may, running a viable state university is not rocket science. There are practical, modern models for running them. The only thing is that the people that run successful universities elsewhere are sincere and purposeful. They are not politicians that are only interested in scoring cheap political points. They also know what they want – universities and not crisis centres. Any state with similar motives is bound to succeed in this business. Governments at both federal and state levels should cut down on their frivolities and invest more in human capital.

Olabisi Deji-Folutile is a member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors. Email bisideji@yahoo. co.uk.

Lebanon: Ordinary citizens getting some time in the national spotlight

By Habib Battah

A

s I head to a protest, dodging roadblocks by driving the wrong way on the shut down highways, I am overcome with excitement: A revolt against the politicians who rule this country is an event we have been waiting for all our lives. But there is also an awkward and somewhat uneasy feeling: where is everyone?

The streets are full of hundreds of thousands of people but the faces we are used to seeing are nowhere to be found. Anyone who has ever lived in Lebanon knows how politicians canvas our daily lives. Their posters and party logos adorn thousands of billboards on the streets; their chest pounding and finger-pointing speeches are all over television.

From early morning talk shows until the evening news, our physical landscape is completely colonised by them, their loyal pundits and the talk show hosts that welcome them with open arms on their programmes, often laughing and smiling. This has been the case for decades, not years. So much so that any average Lebanese can recognise the politicians’ voices if the news is on in another room. But over the last week, that situation has changed drastically.

There are almost no politicians on TV and no news of their daily whereabouts and dramas.

Instead, what we see on our screens are the voices of thousands of ordinary citizens, people we have never seen before: men and women, young and old, even children speak to the cameras to get their 30 seconds in the national spotlight.

Some Lebanese channels have decided to cede directing entirely and instead turn their programming into an open mic with virtually no censorship. For hours on end, reporters for Lebanese TV channels such as LBC, Al Jadeed and MTV stand in place at protests around the country as crowds of people swirl around them, waiting for their chance to air their grievances, sometimes grabbing the microphone.

They tell personal, often anguished stories of not being able to pay for hospital care, school tuition, telephone, electricity and water bills.

They are emotional, witty, profane and often

humorous, showcasing the legendary sarcasm that Lebanese rely on to cope with a highly dysfunctional state.

“The rain is a blessing,” said one man as he set up a tent amid the gathering storm clouds. “I brought soap and shampoo. I can’t afford to fill my water tanks at home.”

Others were more serious: An older woman fainted on air while describing her inability to pay for her daughter’s surgery. A young school teacher cried as she described feeling proud to be Lebanese for the first time in her life.

Many had specific questions: How much money do our politicians have in Swiss bank accounts, several asked, demanding “we want our money back!” Laid off employees of companies owned by Prime Minister Saad Hariri screamed into the microphone, claiming they had been promised compensation, but never received it.

The complaints underscore a pillar of the protestors’ ire: the wide economic divide in Lebanon, where a majority of the population survives on a few hundred dollars a month, while much of Parliament is composed of millionaires.

The past two prime ministers, Hariri and Najib Mikati have been billionaires. Both have amassed a fortune in the telecom industry, while Lebanese pay some of the highest phone bills on earth. The tax on WhatsApp calls, announced by the telecom minister, an heir to family-owned companies worth hundreds of millions of dollars, is what sparked the latest protests.

“Have you ever paid a phone bill or a hospital bill in your life?” several protestors asked.

Many addressed politicians by name, a taboo in Lebanon, where corruption is frequently discussed, but often in general terms. The ruling class’ silence on the airwaves was interrupted by a brief, recorded speech by President Michel Aoun, who claimed he was already fighting corruption, a key demand of protestors.

“All you know how to do is employ your own family,” a young man said, following the speech.

The reference is to Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil, President Aoun’s son-in-law, who has also served as energy and telecom minister.

Bassil has spearheaded a number of controversial infrastructure projects, and is widely mocked for his unmet promises such as a pledge to rebuild Lebanon’s electricity grid and ensure 24 hour electricity by 2015, while today most neighbourhoods go dark for up to 12 hours per day.

Bassil, who once proudly proclaimed that he is a racist, has also been criticised for his treatment of refugees. He is notorious for attacking his critics, launching several defamation lawsuits against journalists and activists, despite famously tweeting that he supports free speech. For many protestors, it is payback time.

A rhyming chant cursing Bassil and his mother’s vagina (the most taboo of Arabic insults) can be heard all day long at the protest space. It begins with a low hum, “he la ho, he la ho” before building to the insult, which has been blurted out frequently on live TV. Pro-government media have tried to retaliate, painting the protesters as violent or misguided. OTV, the mouthpiece of the president’s party, is also present in the crowd but its reporters are often aggressive, interrupting and arguing with interviewees. They disguise their affiliation by using a generic microphone that does not feature the channel’s logo. At one point, some of the protestors ask what channel it is and the reporter says “What’s it to you… we are OTV.” The crowd immediately starts chanting the Bassil insults and give the cameras the middle finger. They are forced to continuously cut to the studio, where pundits do most of the talking, in an attempt to drown out the voices of protestors on the ground. Other pro-regime channels such as NBN, affiliated to the speaker of parliament, has at times completely muted the audio from live feeds, showing the protests only from a distance. But managing the message is increasingly difficult.

When a member of parliament affiliated to the president tried to address the crowds on Wednesday, protestors grabbed the microphone and shouted in his face to resign until he was forced off stage. Such scenes were unimaginable

a week ago.

Habib Battah on Twitter “MP attempts to address crowd but can’t find a microphone other than TV one-begins shouting that crowd should ca...

It is not just the president’s party. A popular video circulating on social media shows a crowd of hundreds cursing the mothers of each member of parliament after their names are read over a megaphone. Many of their families have been in power for generations. Another video shows a massive crowd chanting: “Christians and Muslims together, f*** the politicians.”

Some of the insults are clever. Following the minister of education’s call to reopen schools, a woman interviewed on LBC said: “Bring us your children minister, we will teach them revolution.” Another said to the cameras: “You are not the minister of education, you are the pig of education,” a rhyme in Arabic and also another taboo insult.

One of the most compelling scenes was a group of boys facing off with riot police in front of the prime minister’s offices on the first night of the protests: “You are dogs because you protect dogs,” they shouted, the entire scene caught on live TV. For outsiders, this may appear crude and inappropriate. But for anyone who has endured the everyday suffering most of Lebanon’s population face, it also feels empowering.

Politicians, many of them former warlords, are notorious for flaunting their wealth, speeding around town in black tinted motorcades, armed bodyguards often leaning out of the window, cursing and threatening other cars that cross their path. Their children and cronies can often be seen in the latest Italian sports cars or dining at five star hotels and exclusive nightclubs as many Lebanese occupy rubbish infested ghettos, breathing in open sewers and stomach-churning landfills, dark streets, unclean tap water, choking diesel smog. The toxic environment has sent many to the hospital, but with no healthcare few can even afford treatment.

Habib Battah is an Int’l Affairs Analyst.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 28, 2019

PAGE 14

news

Be flagship of youth leadership, Buhari enjoins Fintiri at 52

By Lawrence Olaoye

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari has enjoined Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State to set a standard for good governance that might be used to reinforce confidence in the country’s younger political leaders.

According to a statement made available to newsmen yesterday by his spokesman, Mallam Garba Shebu, the President stated this in a congratulatory message to the governor on his 52nd birthday anniversary celebration.

Delivering the message on his behalf by Sarki Abba, the Senior Special Assistant (Domestic Affairs and Social Events) President Buhari said: “I am proud to say that you have started off well. You should therefore not rest on your oars until the people feel the impact of good governance.

Your performance will be the yardstick by which our youth will be rated in this democracy.

“My administration is fully committed to supporting our youth to succeed because the country looks upon them for future leadership. As one of our youngest leaders, let your performance be an inspiration for others, thereby galvanising our youth to participate actively in making Nigeria a better country.”

The President reminded the Adamawa State governor that, “Poverty is one of the enormous challenges facing our democracy, and leaders at all levels should work hard to address this issue because of its direct bearing on criminality in the country.”

“While congratulating you on the good work you have started, I urge you not to rest on your oars because complacency is number one enemy of success. You should do everything to address the problem of youth restiveness caused by unemployment which in turn, leads to crime,” Buhari further enjoined Fintiri.

FG to train 500,000 youths on digital skills - Youth Minister

By Albert Akota

M

inister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, has revealed that plans and programmes are at advanced stage for the federal government to train no fewer than 500,000 Nigerian youths on acquisition of digital skills.

He also expressed happiness that Nigerian youths are on their way to becoming part of the digital wealth economy of the 21st century.

Addressing 2,000 participants of N-Power Software at the Public Service Institute of Nigeria in Abuja, he assured that the ministry will build on the capacity of programmes already earmarked for the youths and scale up more beneficiaries in pursuit of government’s objective of employment and wealth creation.

The Minister also promised that opportunities that will be

created from such expanded programmes will be accessible to all interested youths.

“One of the plans we have is Digital Youth Nigeria (DYNG).

It is a plan to train our youths and make them employable. The ministry will partner with this programme (N-Power Software) to ensure that we ratchet up this programme so that in the coming years, we can reach more of you in thousands.

“We would build on the capacity of the programmes already earmarked for the youths.

We will not reinvent the wheel.

The Ministry will be able to bring several of your colleagues to benefit. We have youth centres spread across the country that we will use to achieve this.

“It will be a transparent system because there will be a digital footprint. Wherever you are in this country, you have the opportunity to access whatever programme for the youths in this country.

“Let me also intimate you of the ministry’s plans to help 500,000 young people acquire digital skills in two years. It will create an avenue for them to get access to information for opportunities through an online platform, among others,” he promised.

The Minister equally expressed delight at N-Power Software organised by the Presidency, stressing that the youths were on the verge of becoming part of the digital wealth economy of the 21st century.

He added that part of the mandates handed down to the ministry is to create opportunities for young people to plug into the opportunities of the 21st century.

“You should count themselves lucky and equally work hard to achieve the set objectives of the programme. The digital skill gap in Nigeria provides an added advantage for you to secure jobs after the training.

“I am excited at what I have

seen today. It forms part of the larger vision. The President said we should do everything to keep the youth busy, especially, the commitment to providing them with digital skills.

“What is happening here today, 2000 youths from across the North trained for three months and equipped with digital skills to self-start themselves, will be replicated across the states with federal government as the driver, providing encouragement for the state governments,” he assured.

While highlighting the benefits of the programme, the Minister said: “It has first succeeded in taking the 2000 number of young people away from social vices like drug abuse, kidnapping and the likes, among other benefits.”

He further promised that the Ministry will support the program to ensure that more youths have access to the digital skills needed for in contemporary time.

A group of Youths in Mairuwa town, Faskari LGA in Katsina state during a protest at the premises of West Africa cotton company Ltd (WACOT), recwntly at Mairuwa.

UniAbuja “Man O War” sensitizes students against secret cult

By Usman Shuaibu

T

he leadership of “Man O War” of the University of Abuja has counseled the students of the institution against secret cult and other social vices at the management science lecture hall, main campus on Friday.

Addressing the students during the conference, the Assistant Chief Safety Officer of the University, Mr. Wilfred Agbu, urged the entire students to shun cultism and other anti-social behaviour.

He also charged the students to deem it necessary to enter the

vehicles at motor parks whenever they were travelling to avoid being kidnapped.

Agbu, however, advised the students to be security conscious at all times, saying that the Safety Unit of the University would always protect the lives and properties of the students in the campuses.

In an interview after the conference, the commandant of “Man O War” of the institution, Godwill Bobzach said, the purpose of the conference was to enlighten the students on the activities of the cultists in the University.

He said, the leadership of

“Man O War” command would continue to partner with the Safety Unit to fight against cultism as well as hard drug being taken by the students.

Bobzach, therefore advised the students to report any case of secret cult to the Safety Unit of the University for the avoidance of being initiated.

In his speech, the Deputy Commandant of “Man O War” in the University, Onaji Lovis Agbo, urged Nigerian Security Agencies not to hesitate in waging war against cultism, kidnapping and drug abuse for the benefit of the students in the institutions of higher learning in our country.

The Deputy Commandants thanks the Assistant Chief Safety Officer of the University and other dignitaries who graced the occasion.

On his part, the Cleric in charge of Christ the King Chapel Kutunku in Gwagwalada, Rev. (Dr.) Simon Peter Igbadi warned the students against engaging themselves in any form of secret cult or society, and urged them to face their studies squarely.

However, the theme of the conference was “Drug Abuse, Secret Cult and Kidnapping as a social problem in Nigerian Educational System and Way Forward”.

PAGE 15

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 28, 2019

Niger Assembly reaffirms commitment to improve education standard

From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

T

he Niger State House of Assembly has reaffirmed its determination to improve the standard of education in the state through partnership with other arms of government, including relevant stakeholders.

The Speaker made the disclosure during the inauguration of House Committee on Education, Science and Technology at the assembly complex in Minna, saying that he was not unaware of the achievements recorded by the present administration.

Represented by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Kasim Bako Alfa, he said that there are some challenges in the education sector, assuring adequate support to make the leadership to achieve success in their mandate.

The Committee chairman, Hon. Suleiman Gambo Rabiu representing Paikoro constituency, in his remarks, said that in compliance with section 107 subsection 1- 3 of the constitution of Nigeria as amended 2011 and XVII Rule 12 of the standing order of Niger State Assembly 2019, empowered the Committee to implement their oversight functions in ministries, hence he urged for support.

However, representatives of the Vice Chancellor of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State Private Schools Board, who is the Provost of College of Education Minna, Prof.

Mohammed Yakubu Auna, who is also the chairman Head of Tertiary Institutions in the state who seek for the approval of a bill on retirement age of 65 years instead of the current 60 years for lecturers of Higher Institutions in the state.

APC leads in 13 of 21 LGs in Kebbi poll From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi As the Local Government election results in Kebbi State trickles in, the All Progressive Congress (APC) is leading in chairmanship position in thirteen local governments, while the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won councillorship in some of the local government areas.

Our correspondent who monitor the election in Kalgo Local Government said that out of 10 councilorship, PDP won one seat with Abubakar Umar, who defeated APC candidate, Sadatu Ibrahim in Kalgo ward with 1,0100 vote against 700 vote, while the APC chairmanship candidate, Shamisu Farouk defeat Abubakar Bawa of PDP.

Speaking to our correspondent on phone, the PDP state Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Omen, confirmed this development, but assured the people of the state that PDP will win some local governments if the election is going to be free and fair.

Our reporter investigated and revealed that out 21 local governments in the State, 13 local

government results were already won by the ruling APC. “Now the counting is ongoing in Arugungu Local Government where PDP is leading in councilorship, I am very sure that we are going to have representative in some local government even though it is going to be councilorship positions”, the PDP stalwart added. ..2 L-R: Institute Librarian, National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Dr. Maimuna Izati, Acting Director, Legislative Support Services of NILDS, Prof.

Edoba Omorege, Director General of NILDS, Prof.

Abubakar Sulaiman, P.G.D Coordinator of NILDS, Dr. Asimiya Abiola and S.A. to Director General of NILDS, Dr. Nasir Naeem, during the press conference on the forthcoming institute convocation, at the National Assembly on Friday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Kogi 2019: Osinbajo drums support for Gov Bello From Ahmad Ibrahim, Lokoja

T

he Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo has expressed confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will win the forthcoming governorship election in Kogi State.

He was addressing a huge crowd over the weekend, at the cradle of Igala kingdom in the ancient town of Idah, during the flag off campaign for the re- election of Governor Yahaya Bello.

He assured that the Muhammadu Buhari led administration was poised to change the narrative of the country for the better, adding that concerted efforts were being made to take the country to another level of development.

A visibly happy Vice President who was impressed with the large turnout of party faithful at the occasion, stressed the need for the continuation of the governor in office in the next four years, in view of his performance in office.

Governors Kayode Fayemi, the Chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum and Governor of Ekiti State, Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak of Kwara State, Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State and Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State were in attendance, in solidarity with the host governor.

In a remark, Governor Yahaya Bello assured the people of the state that no effort would be spared in delivering democracy dividends to the

people, and disclosed that after the huge success of the rally, they would be moving from village to village, so as to record a landslide victory in the November 16 election.

He thanked the people of the state for the confidence reposed in his administration, maintaining that no segment of the state would be left out in the scheme of things, in his developmental programmes.

The National Chairman of APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole had earlier in a remark, described Governor Bello as a tested and trusted politician, who has performed excellently during his first tenure, urging the electorates to massively support him.

He said the party’s candidate has passion for the sustainable

development of the state, adding that he would not disappoint the people of the state if re elected “If you know where this state was during the reign of the PDP and now, you will understand there is need to vote for Bello for continuity.

Bello has the capacity to translate his vision into reality and that is why I am appealing to you to vote for him during the election and he will not disappoint,” Oshiomhole pointed out.

Represented by the former Governor of Bauchi State, Muhammed Abdullahi Abubakar, Governor Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai, who is the Chairman of the National Campaign Council, said a vote for APC candidate during the election would bring about more development to the state.

Lawan flags off free medical outreach in Yobe

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

P

resident of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, at the weekend, flagged off free medical outreach and mass animal vaccination in his Yobe North Senatorial District, Yobe State.

The medical services include free eye services, surgical services, gynecological checking and surgeries for families.

It also covers free veterinary services such as mass animal vaccination for cattle, sheep and goats, and treatment and care for sick animals.

Speaking at the flag off ceremonies which held in four centres including his native home Gashua in Bade and Nguru Local Government Areas, Lawan said similar intervention took place last year August.

He said: “We did not want to repeat it this

year because we had hoped that our people would have overcome the challenges but we still have so many more that are facing these challenges.

“So long there are people with these challenges, we will continue to intervene by the Grace of God.” Lawan said the target for this year was to attend to 400 patients who are seriously in need of the intervention but he was later informed by the leading surgeon that there are almost 800 people who have been already screened and will require the intervention but half of whom were asked to come back next year because the target was 400.

“Now I want to inform this gathering that all those that have been screened and found to be really in need of the surgery should be

accommodated.

“So we will be intervening for almost 800 patients this year by the Grace of God. We pray that at the end of the day we have a successful surgery on the patients,” Lawan said.

Lawan was accompanied on the trip from Abuja by Senator Ibrahim Bomai, representing Yobe South.

The flag-off event was also attended by Royal fathers in the domain including Emir of Mai Bade, Abubakar Sulaiman Umar; Emir of Yusufari, Alhaji Muhammad Zannah, and Emir of Nguru, Alhaji Mustapha Ibn Kyari.

The Senate President also visited the in-patients whose treatment had already commenced at various centres to see how they were faring.

Lawan said between November and

December, up to one million animals will be vaccinated which is twice that of last year.

He said the intervention is to complement the great work which was started by the former State Governor who is now a Senator, Ibrahim Gaidam and which is still being diligently pursued by his successor, incumbent Governor Mai-Mala Buni.

“Yobe State Government is part of what we are doing. We are together in this and we are together in everything because we belong to one and the same family in Yobe and we will continue to work together to ensure that our people enjoy those essential benefits that are referred to as dividends of democracy,” he said.

Lawan said the ultimate way out to addressing the shortcomings in the health sector is institutional building.

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 28, 2019

politics

Nigeria needs 3 party system -NILDS

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he Director General of National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Abubakar Sulaiman has called for adoption of ‘guided democracy’ and deregistration of over 90 out of the 93 registered political parties (representing 83.7%) in Nigeria.

Sulaiman who gave the charge during the preConvocation briefing held in Abuja, also called for adoption of 3-Party System against the current multi-party system.

To address the effect the changes as proposed, the former Minister of National Planning urged Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to initiate necessary amendment for the consideration of the National Assembly.

He said: “Most of the political parties that we have, I stand to be corrected are Jankara political organisations and they are adding no value to democracy. I want to subscribe therefore that for us to have a well deepened political culture, the earlier we take recourse to 3 political parties the better.

“Some political parties today do not have offices at the various state levels but yet they occupy space on the ballot papers thereby causing confusion. When you talk about inconclusive elections, overvoting.

“Some Nigerians in the rural areas find it difficult to differentiate between symbols because we have a ballot paper that is unnecessarily lengthier than 1kilometre.

“So the earlier we have guided democracy with respect apologies to President Ibrahim Babangida the better for all of us. INEC should come out by initiating a bill for an amendment of the electoral act.

“I remember the late Gani Fawewemi advocated for this, he spoke for this. One of the things we observed in Nigeria is it is not only power that is being abused at times freedom is also abused. Our people take freedom for granted, they are abusing the freedom and if care is not taken in the next two or three years we would have 200 political parties.

“We submit as Sulaiman as an Institute we are going to look into it and conduct a study on it that the earlier we have limited number of political the better for us.

“On the issue of Bicamelism every society come up with.a system that fits in to its own political environment. Having Bicameral legislature to my

mind is the result of the federal character of the Nigerian State.

The more medium whereby people can debate issues, express their feelings the better for us.

“The issue is still ongoing as an institute we don’t want to be seen to be prejudicial. It is left for the leadership to take the lead, when it comes for us to make our input we shall do that.

“It is an ongoing debate

at an appropriate time when our service is being required we shall offer,” Prof. Suleiman stressed.

On the forthcoming convocation of graduates scheduled for Monday, 28th October, 2019, Prof. Suleiman disclosed that total number of 271 students have so far enrolled for various programmes during the five academic sessions since inception.

According to him, a total of 79 students graduated from the 2015/16 and 2016/17; while 77 students enrolled in 2018/2019 alone.

While speaking on the mandates of Institute, Prof.

Suleiman pledged the “We gave a commitment that we should not wait till election before Nigerians are being sensitized on their rights, responsibility, during election where other

agencies have proved by not having a medium through which Nigerians are being educated on elections, democracy our institute is envisioning a situation whereby by next year we shall have a democracy radio through which we can reach out to Nigerian electorates and sensitized the people on the workings of the Legislature and mobilize Nigerians on democratic ethos.

L-R: APC Deputy Governorship Candidate in Bayelsa, Sen. Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo; Governorship Candidate, Chief David Lyon; and Bayelsa State Chairman of APC, Jothan Amos, during the party’s Governorship Campaign Rally at Ekeremor LGA, onj Saturday in Bayelsa . Photo: NAN

Gbajabiamila seeks expanded legal unit for NASS

By Christiana Ekpa

T

he Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep Femi Gbajabiamila has advocated for the expansion and professionalization of the National Assembly Legal Department for optimal legislative performance.

The Speaker, who expressed concern over the quality of legislation emanating from the National Assembly, said the National Assembly Legal Department must be strengthened to deliver on its mandate of ensuring clean copies of draft legislations emanate from the federal legislature.

Gbajabiamila said the decision by the President to withhold assent to some bills passed by the National Assembly was sometimes due to mistakes in drafting the final clean copies of the document.

As such, Gbajabiamila said it has become imperative that the department is manned by professionals and expanded for optimal performance, which he said would eliminate common errors.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, the Speaker, during a working visit to the leadership of the National Assembly by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami on Thursday, also allayed fears of vetoing bills rejected by the

President.

In agreement with the proposal of the Minister on how to fast-track the passage of executive bills, the Speaker said beyond that, “Much of the responsibility of passing laws lies with the National Assembly, and going by the number of bills that emanate from here, we pass quite a number of bills.

“In the process of doing that, of course, we cannot rule out the possibility of which thoroughness and quality are being affected.

“That is not to say the legislators are not doing their jobs; theirs is to bring forth these ideas. Even in advanced democracies, legislative drafting is apart, it’s an art that requires deft professional approach, and legislators are not necessarily professional draftsmen.

“In every democracy, much of these works are done behind the scene by professionals. What I’m saying is that in the National Assembly, we need a more robust expanded, professional legal department.

“This is an example, for us to have that, an expanded, professional legal unit, like you have in other climes, requires funding. There’s no reason we should not have a Senior Advocate in our legal department.

Being a very technical field, if you populate your legal department with, probably, people who are straight from the law school, who don’t have the requisite

experience, the result would be obvious.

“If you notice, a lot of these bills were sent back because the errors were almost embarrassing, sometimes grammatical errors.

For instance, one punctuation error can change the meaning of a whole provision of the bill. This is one area I want us to look at in terms of the necessary funds needed for the tools of our trade,” the Speaker said.

Gbajabiamila added that: “We also need to explore vetoing of bills, which happens everywhere in the world, nothing is embarrassing about it. Even in the most advanced democracies, that is why it is there in the constitution.

“There are two types of veto: a wholesale veto, where you reject the whole bill for whatever reason, whether it’s not in tandem with government policy or whether it doesn’t meet the aspiration of the Nigerian people.

“But there’s also the lineitem veto, where you agree with concept, practically every aspect of the bill but a provision the President does not agree with.

Rather than throw away the baby with the bathwater, you veto that particular item and the rest of the bill is accepted, while that particular line item is looked into.

This will make our work easier.

I think that is what I think we should look at critically.”

The Speaker said the initiative by the AGF to collaborate with the

Legislature on Executive bills was a testimony to the harmonious working relationship the 9th Assembly has been clamouring and working towards, which he said would help in deepening the nation’s democracy for the betterment of Nigerians.

On his part, the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan expressed optimism that the initiative of the AGF would result in a seamless, rancour-free and speedy passage of bills.

He said the cooperation between the two became necessary because, "When bills are processed with so much commitment, everything should be done to justify the enormous resources expended on them."

While he commended the AGF over the initiative to send draft bills to the National Assembly for their input before they are eventually transmitted officially, the Senate President advised that all heads of relevant government agencies that are to be affected by certain bills be involved in the process of preparing the bills before being transmitted to the Legislature.

Earlier, Malami expressed concerns that Nigerian laws need to comply with national interest and global realities, adding that President Muhammadu Buhari is keen on addressing key policy issues that will have significant impacts on the lives of the average Nigerians, namely the economy, anti-corruption and security.

PAGE 17

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 28, 2019

politics

Musa Wada says Kogi APC dead, soon to be forgotten

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

A

head of the November 16 gubernatorial election in Kogi, Engineer Musa Wada, who is the candidate

of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the election, has said that the All Progressive Party (APC) is dead and would soon be forgotten in the state.

Wada who stated this on

Saturday, pointed out that Governor Yahaya Bello’s under-performance in the last three and half years has afforded every right thinking member of the state the

opportunity to join the moving train, which is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“As far as we are concerned, we have more APC members defecting to PDP than it is

vise-versa. We don’t believe in media hype that’s why you haven’t been hearing us propagating this on the electronic media in the recent times”, he said

Kogi guber: Faleke declares support for Yahaya Bello

G

overnor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state has received an endorsement from the late Abubakar Audu’s political structure, in the November 16 polls on the state.

The endorsement took place in an event at the Government House, Lokoja.

The leader of the group and former deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress at the 2015 election, James Faleke, noted that those at the event were representatives of the group from the three senatorial districts of the state.

He said they were happy to be at the event clarifying that they were not forced either were they financially influenced by any group.

Faleke said they were at the government house because they believed in and loved their state and that they have learnt that power belonged to Almighty God. “We knew that Governor Bello was qualified to deliver a better future for Kogi State but we only decided to stay back and watch,” he said.

Faleke, who was at loggerheads with the governor, noted that the PDP government which ruled for 16 years, “without any visible evidence of progress were sent packing by the APC in 2015 under the leadership of the late Abubakar Audu”.

“PDP’s 16 years in government was a galore of mistakes, the party has nothing to use to campaign against Governor Bello in this electioneering season Yahaya Bello.”

He pointed out that although his (Bello) administration had also made a few mistakes “which the governor had agreed to and

has corrected”, he would win and move the state to the next level.

In his remarks, Governor Bello said he would never cease to pay tribute to the late Audu and Faleke whom he said laid the party’s foundation in the State.

He said the late Audu and those that were with him were “the founding fathers and

members of the party and he inherited the structure from them”.

Faleke declares support for Yahaya Bello Faleke declares support for Yahaya Bello Faleke declares support for Yahaya Bello.

Governor Bello noted that “great leaders do not fight to finish but always create an

avenue for reconciliation”.

“When leaders reconcile after a misunderstanding, the people of the state should expect great things to unfold.

“Kogi state has moved beyond ethnicity, class differences and inequality and my government is building a new Kogi State which is fair, equal and just to all,” he stated.

R-L: Minister of Education Adamu Asdamu receiving a souvenir from the South Korean Ambassador to Nigeria His Excellency Major General Lee In-tae (Rtd), during the Ambassador working visit to the Federal Ministry of Eduication, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

9th Assembly will change Nigeria - Senate President

By Musa Adamu

P

resident of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has said that the ninth National Assembly is working assiduously as a team to bring change to Nigeria.

“The ninth National Assembly is determined to bring change to Nigeria,” Lawan said at the weekend while addressing his constituents in Yobe state.

“We want to work as a team in the National Assembly without recourse to our different political platforms.

“We have APC (All Progressives Congress), PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) and YPP (Young Progressive Party)

in the Senate. We are working together as a team and our goal is to do what will make Nigeria better.

“We don’t want to fight on partisan basis. It won’t help anyone. We are also determined to work with the executive arm of government because when we work together, Nigerians benefit better,” Lawan said.

The Senate President said everybody has seen how unhelpful it is to have a rancorous relationship between the Executive and the Legislature.

He said Nigeria will be the better for it if there is good relationship between the Executive and Legislature based on mutual

respect.

“Members of the National Assembly have been working assiduously, tirelessly to ensure that we pass the 2020 budget before the end of the year.

“Today, members of the National Assembly stay in the complex up to midnight, working on 2020 budget. We are determined to pass the 2020 budget before the end of the year by the Grace of God. “This, we believe, will bring better economic environment for our people when the budget implementation starts from January instead of June,” he said.

The Senate President commended

President Muhammadu Buhari for giving the National Assembly the necessary support by his timely presentation of the budget and his directives to government officials, making it mandatory for them to defend their budget estimates before the National Assembly committees.

“This shows clear commitment and it also shows clearly that we are working together with the executive in a very seamless and cordial manner for the benefit of Nigerians.

“We will continue to do that because what Nigerians expect is provision of services to them. That is why they elected all of us,” Lawan said.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 28, 2019

PAGE 18

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 28, 2019

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Nigeria earned N52bn from Solid Minerals in 2017- NEITI

By Etuka Sunday

N

igeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has disclosed that the solid minerals sector contributed N52.75 billion to federation revenue in 2017, a 21% increase on the N43.22 billion contributed by the sector in 2016.

The information and data followed an independent reconciliation of company payments and government receipts in the sector by the NEITI in its latest report released in Abuja.

NEITI said, from the sector’s total revenue contribution of N52.75billion, payments to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) accounted for N49.162 billion which is about 93% of the total revenues realized during the

period under review.

It said, payments to the Mines Inspectorate Department (MID) and Mining Cadastre Office (MCO) amounted to N1.59billion and N2.08billion or about 3% and 4% respectively of the total revenue from the sector.

NEITI however noted, “Except for revenue from MID, there was significant increase in revenue from all other streams” in 2017.

According to NEITI, “A trend analysis of the revenue flows showed that there has been a very remarkable increase in revenue accruing to the Federation from the solid minerals sector from 2013 to 2017, though 2016 witnessed a decrease of 31.02% compared to 2015.”

Other revenue flows from the solid minerals according to the NEITI report, include sub-national payments. These

are direct payments to states and local governments as a result of national laws, contractual obligations or local regulations which are disclosed as unilateral disclosures by the extractive companies.

“The total payment was ₦2.877 billion representing about 5.45% of total government revenue from the sector”, NEITI stated.

On production, the NEITI Solid Minerals Report disclosed that 35.33 million metric tons of minerals valued at N32.78 billion was produced in Nigeria during the same period.

“The production data was based on minerals either used or sold during the year”.

A breakdown of the production showed that Limestone, Granite and Laterite accounted for 85.72% of the total minerals produced with Limestone alone contributing about 55% of the production volumes.

However, in value terms, Granite and Limestone contributed 37.28% and 35.57% respectively.

On state-by-state contribution, the report highlighted that Ogun State produced the highest quantity of minerals in terms of both volume and value.

“The state accounted for over one-third of total production quantity and 23% of the total minerals production value. The contributions by Ogun and Kogi states put together accounted for over half of the total production quantity”.

A further analysis showed that the two states led in Limestone as major minerals produced in the states. However, in terms of production value, Ogun, FCT and Kogi states accounted for 23%, 20% and 18% respectively.

FG welcomes Russia’s agribusiness in Nigeria, Adebayo

By Miriam Humbe

M

inister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Richard Adeniyi Adebayo has said that the Federal Government will welcome long-term agribusiness activities coming from Russia to Nigeria.

The Minister stated this while participating in a session of the Russia-Africa Summit, at Sochi, Russia.

The session, according to a statement by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Mr Julius Toba-Jegede, on Friday was tagged: Sustainable Partnership in Agriculture: Institution, Tools and Guarantees.

The Minister said Nigerian government would support Russian investment propositions aimed at boosting local capacity of primary production of food crops, crop processing, agricultural input supplies and machinery for on-farm and secondary processing of other agricultural produce.

He assured the gathering that the Nigerian government through the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment under his supervision is implementing some policies to secure investors’ confidence in the nation’s agro-allied industry and economy.

He identified the policies as: Nigeria Sugar Plan, Cotton, Textile and Garment (CTG) Policy, Nigeria Tomato Policy, and Leather and Leather Product Policy.

He also revealed that government is currently focusing on creating frameworks for investment and growth in diary, oil palm and cassava industries.

He added that Nigeria would foster partnership arrangements with Russia to jointly improve and expand risk mitigation structures, like: agric insurance, infrastructure investment risk guarantees and FX hedging instruments.

According to him, “Nigeria has launched key initiatives directed towards the achievement of sustained economic growth and diversification, especially the Nigeria Industrial

Revolution Plan (NIRP) and the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP). “ Nigeria is indeed blessed with large arable land, which makes agriculture an important sector of the economy. “ The sector contributes 25% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), growing at an average rate of 4% per annum and currently employs 50% of the labour force. The potential remains vast as only 40% of arable land is currently cultivated.

“To maximise this potential, the Nigerian Government has accelerated the implementation of critical agriculture related initiatives to drive development in the sector,” he said.

The Minister said among agriculture related programmes embarked upon by government are: the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACs), the Anchor Borrower’s Programme, the Zero Reject Initiative and the “Made in Nigeria” for exports program.

He said that “I am most pleased the President Vladimir Putin declared 2019 as the year of AfricaRussia Relations, which aligns with the long-term aspirations of Nigeria. “ Thus, we will welcome investment propositions in boosting local capacity of primary production of food crops; rice, soybeans, wheat, cassava, sugar cane, tomato as well

as cash crops - cocoa, oils and rubber.

Crops processing, Agricultural input supplies and machinery for on-farm and secondary processing of other agricultural produce with large local demand.

“In creating an enabling environment to stimulate domestic investment, consciously attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and position Nigeria as the “preferred Investment Destination,” the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment is implementing some policies to secure investors’

confidence in the agro-allied industry and the economy.

“These policies include the Nigeria Sugar Plan, Cotton, Textile and Garment (CTG) Policy. Nigeria Tomato Policy, and Leather and Leather Product Policy. “ Similarly, we are currently creating frameworks to trigger investment growth in dairy, oil and cassava industry.

“It gives me great pleasure to inform you that Nigeria is committed to fostering its partnership arrangement with Russia: to enter

long-term bilateral agreements to grow the Nigeria market and boost local production. “ To take advantage of its investment incentives and government’s overall focus on growing the agricultural sector and to jointly improve and expand risk mitigation structures, e.g agric insurance, infrastructure investment risk guarantees and FX hedging instruments, and there’s no time to enter an agriculture partnership with Nigeria than now.”

L-R: Minister of finance Mrs Zainab Ahmed, permanent Secretary Ministry of finance, Mr Mahmud Isa Dutse and deputy director Account Ministry of finance and account, Mr. Ntekpere Akanimoh Ukon, during the 2020 budget defence at the National Assembly, recently in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Power Minister expects timely delivery of Zungeru Hydroelectric Project

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Minister of Power, Engr Sale Mamman has expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work at the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project in Niger State.

The project now at about sixty eight percent completion level is scheduled for completion in December 2021, however the first unit is expected to start power generation to the National grid in December 2020..

During an inspection visit to

the project site in Zungeru, Niger State, the Minister assured that with the appreciable level of the work, the ministry will avail the contractors its maximum support in delivering the project with its time frame.

The Special Adviser on Media and Communication to the Minister of Power, Aaron Artimas in a statement said, Engr. Sale Mamman urged the contractors to stick to the contract specification to ensure quality of work.

The statement said, conducting the Minister round

the 1.29billion USD project, the project consultant, Engr Tunde Adewunmi assured that the project would completed on schedule, adding that the contractors have no issue whatsoever that may hinder its early completion.

He said, according to the statement, that the Zungeru power project which has the capacity to add about 700 mega watt of electricity to the national grid is being constructed by the leading hydroelectric power contractors in China and the power plant is potentially one of

the best in the country.

He said the project is built to last about 100 years.

The Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project which is being financed by the China Exim Bank and the Nigeria government is expected to compensate and relocate over one hundred villages around the dam area.

The Zungeru Reservoir is located immediately at the downstream of the Shiroro Reservoir will become the second largest reservoir in Nigeria after Kanji Dam.

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 28, 2019

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 28, 2019

NCWS harps on mentorship, inclusiveness in governance

By Stanley Onyekwere

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he National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), has identified mentorship as a key that women needed to be relevant and more result oriented actors in the political cycle.

The Council said that there was the need to establish mentorship programme, following a research conducted in the FCT and local government areas of the country.

Making this point, NCWS President, Dr Gloria Shoda said mentorship scheme, if established will serve as platforms to build capacity of aspiring female political leaders in the society.

According to her, the idea became imperative because of the gender gaps in the political space, “figures are quite alarming and from a national and global perspective, Nigeria ranks very low on the gender gap index. There are deep gender gaps in our national and sub-national legislatures.”

Shoda, who spoke at a recent event to honour female lawmakers and ministers appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari, said there were 29 female legislators in the 2015/2019 National Assembly which formed 6%.

She regretted that the current tenure for 2019/2023, only 18 female lawmakers either 3.8%. This, according to her, is a decline in numbers by 3.1%.

“With this decline it shows that women voices, perceptions and experiences from those states are missing during parliamentary debates. The state Houses of Assembly fare no better. Most of them have no female members or at best, only a handful” she said.

Also speaking, a member representing Isuikwuato/ Umunneochi Federal constituency, Hon. Nkeiru Onyejeocha said women should be treated as humans possessing same rights as the men.

The female lawmaker represented Ejike Oriji, appealed to government to create more spaces for women, saying if such is not done it may be reducing 50% of our human race.

He said: “If you have a family that a woman is an illiterate compare it to a family that has a graduate as a wife, you will see a great difference.”

Page 21

METRO

Bala lauds FCT Minister for transparency in projects execution Stories by Stanley Onyekwere

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he Bauchi State Governor, senator Bala Mohammed has lauded the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello for promoting continuity and transparency in infrastructural development in the nation’s capital.

In particular, Bala, a former FCT Minister opined that the Bello’s commitment to ensure that all projects in the territory

are given priority attention stands him out from many.

According to him, Bello since his assumption of office as FCT Minister was concerned with continuing with the projects, he had started during his days as the Minister.

Bala who made the assertion durin an interactive session with journalists, said if all ministers would emulate FCT minister’s style of administrtaion there will not be abandoned projects

anywhere in the country.

He explained that most of the projects that were started during his administration are being completed by the present minister, in a transparent manner.

“If all ministers will be like Bello, there won’t be abandoned projects anywhere in the country.

Since he came on board, he is focus on delivering true dividends of democracy.

“He is concerned with

completing the projects that he met on ground and not to initiate new ones.

“This speaks volume of him, as well as show how he has interest of the people at heart. Governance is all about continuity which the minister is doing,” he stressed.

“The FCT minister, Malam Muhammad Bello is a minister that does not have any personal interest in running affairs of the nation’s capital, but the interest of FCT residents and Nigerians.”

Gbagi natives from Barwa village along airport road, entertaining guest, during the 2019 humanitarian day celebration aim at eradication poverty, , recently in Barwa community, Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Journalists urged to up focus on developmental issues

By Stanley Onyekwere

M

edia practitioners have been implored to focus on developmental issues in their reportage, as part of their contribution to the advancement of the society.

According to a media strategist and former Head of Northern Operations, TVC, Mr. Dapo Okubanjo, who gave this advice, the media has the task of keeping tap on issues critical to the development of any society.

Okubanjo, in his presentation on the

Presidential directives and role of the media, at a Media Retreat for FCT Minister's Press Corps at the weekend, said the media should intensify agenda setting, to enable government achieve its onerous task of delivering on the presidential mandate for the FCT. He observed that for the 12 presidential deliverables to be achieved in record time, the media, especially members of the Press Corps must keep the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, and his deputy, Dr. Ramatu Aliyu, on their toes without being

unnecessarily antagonistic.

Similarly, the Director of FCT Security Services, Adamu Gwary, advised the press to ensure extensive coverage of activities of security agencies to assure the residents of their safety.

Gwary who was represented at the retreat by the Secretary, Command and Control Centre, Mr. Peter Olumuji, urge the media to end the culture of fear among the residents by shinning the spotlight on the success recorded.

According to him, "The media should report more on

the achievement of the security agencies in order to inform the people and also show them that there are consequences for every crime they commit.

"Let people see that criminals are actually prosecuted and it will assure many of their safety and discourage others from crime.”

Earlier while declaring the retreat open, the Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, who was represented by his Chief of Staff,commended the media for their role in promoting the tenet of democracy in Nigeria.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 28, 2019

Page 22

world news

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi: IS leader ‘killed in US operation’ in Syria

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he fugitive leader of the Islamic State (IS) group has been killed in a US military operation in northwest Syria, President Donald Trump has said.

Speaking from the White House, Mr Trump said Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi detonated his suicide vest after fleeing into a tunnel, chased by US military dogs.

Baghdadi came to prominence in 2014, when he announced the creation of a “caliphate” in areas of Iraq and Syria.

IS carried out multiple atrocities that resulted in thousands of deaths.

The jihadist group imposed a brutal rule on almost eight million people and was behind many attacks around the world.

The US declared the “caliphate” defeated earlier this year although IS militants remain active in the region and elsewhere.

The killing of Baghdadi is a major victory for Mr Trump, who has been heavily criticised for his decision to pull US troops out of northern Syria earlier this month and is fighting an impeachment inquiry launched by Democrats.

Who was Baghdadi?

IS: The long and short story In an unusual Sunday morning statement, Mr Trump said Baghdadi died after running into a dead-end tunnel in Idlib province, “whimpering, crying and screaming all the way”, as he was chased by military dogs.

Baghdadi was accompanied by three of his young children, Mr Trump said, and detonated his suicide vest, killing them all. The blast mutilated Baghdadi’s body but an on-site DNA test confirmed his identity.

“The thug who tried so hard to intimidate others spent his last

Baghdadi announced the creation of a “caliphate” from Mosul in 2014 moments in utter fear, in total panic and dread, terrified of the American forces bearing down on him,” Mr Trump said.

What is known about the operation?

The location near the Turkish border was far from where Baghdadi had been thought to be hiding along the Syria-Iraq border.

Many parts of Idlib are under the control of jihadists opposed to IS

Kincade fire: California orders new evacuations as blackout begins

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alifornian authorities have issued new evacuation orders as wildfires that led to mass power cuts continue to sweep through the state.

The orders, covering large parts of Santa Rosa city, markedly increases the number of residents told to evacuate.

Some 90,000 people had already been ordered to leave towns in northern California.

“Anyone left in this mandatory evacuation areas need to leave

now,” the sheriff’s office said in a warning.

The new evacuation order encompasses a huge area of Sonoma County, including Santa Rosa, where an estimated 175,000 people live.

Sonoma County has been ravaged by the Kincade Fire, which has already burned through 25,455 acres (10,300 hectares) of land.

Fears about the extent of the wildfires led Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) to initiate a precautionary

blackout expected to be the largest in state history.

California Governor Gavin Newsom said the outages, lasting until Monday, were “unacceptable”.

A state of emergency has been declared in Los Angeles and Sonoma counties, and thousands of firefighters are battling the blazes.

Why is the power being switched off?

PG&E said the power cuts would affect 940,000 households and businesses across 36 counties

in northern California - hitting an estimated two million people. The outages are expected to last until Monday.

“We have begun implementing the public safety power shutoff”, a PG&E official confirmed in a press conference on Saturday evening.

Why do Santa Ana winds make wildfires worse?

California fires ‘can now happen any year’ Volunteers fighting fires in California’s ‘forgotten canyon’

Maria Butina: Russian agent deported from US to Moscow

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Russian pro-gun activist, who was jailed in the US after admitting to acting as an agent and infiltrating US political groups, has been deported.

Maria Butina, 30, tried to infiltrate the National Rifle Association (NRA) to influence policy, and was sentenced to 18 months in jail.

She was freed from a Florida prison on Friday, and arrived at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport on Saturday.

The Russian government has described the case against her as “fabricated”.

On arrival, Butina was met by her father, and some journalists who gave her flowers.

She told reporters: “Russians never surrender”, adding that she was “very happy to be home”.

She also thanked Russia’s diplomats and foreign ministry, and Russian citizens who wrote letters on her behalf.

Who is Maria Butina?

Butina is said to have been a weapons enthusiast since childhood, and went on to be involved in politics and promoting gun rights including founding a Russian lobby group called the Right to Bear Arms.

She travelled back and forth to the US for NRA conventions, and in 2015 she attended a Donald Trump campaign event in Las Vegas, asking the presidential candidate about his views on US sanctions on Russia.

In 2016, she moved to the US on a student visa to study for a masters degree at American University in Washington DC. Butina was arrested by the FBI in July 2018 and charged with acting as an agent of the Russian Federation “without prior notification”.

Why was she charged?

The charge largely stemmed from her links to one of her gun group’s members, Alexander Torshin - an influential former member of the Russian Senate and deputy chairman of the Russian Central Bank who officials said she was directed by and worked with.

Mr Torshin has been put under sanctions in the US and has been investigated over allegations he funnelled money to the NRA to gain influence in US conservative politics.

According to the FBI, in 2015 Butina emailed to US Republican lobbyist Paul Erickson - whom she reportedly dated and lived with - a

Maria Butina hosted NRA officials in Moscow project proposal called “diplomacy”. plea deal in December 2018.

Although unnamed in the It centred around using NRA links to influence the Republican Party’s plea deal, Mr Torshin was clearly foreign policy and their traditionally the unnamed Russian official she admitted to working with hostile stance toward Russia.

Earlier this year Republicans in to pursue backdoor channels the US Federal Election Commission of communication to American (FEC) blocked further investigation conservatives who could influence of Mr Torshin and alleged illegal US politics. He has never been funding to the NRA from Russians, charged.

During her sentencing prompting criticism.

Butina initially pleaded not hearing, Butina expressed regret guilty to the charge against her, but at her actions, telling the court: “I later admitted her guilt as part of a destroyed my own life.”

but rival groups are suspected of sheltering IS members.

Baghdadi had been under surveillance for “a couple of weeks” and “two or three” raids had been cancelled because of his movements, Mr Trump said, describing the IS leader’s move to Idlib as part of a plan to rebuild IS. The forces targeted the compound using eight helicopters, which were met with hostile fire, Mr Trump said. The commandos entered the building by blowing holes in the wall, avoiding the main door which was booby-trapped.

When Baghdadi detonated his vest, the president said, the tunnel caved on him. One of the US dogs was injured in the operation.

“He was a sick and depraved man, and now he’s gone,” Mr Trump said. “He died like a dog, he died like a coward.”

No US soldiers were killed but a number of Baghdadi’s followers also died while others were captured, the president said. The special forces spent two hours in the area, and gathered “highly sensitive material”.

Syrian Kurdish-led forces - one of the main US allies in northern Syria until Mr Trump withdrew US troops from the area this month - said they had carried out a “historic” joint operation.

Mr Trump praised them, as well as Russia - which opened up the airspace it controls for the operation - Iraq, Turkey and Syria for giving “certain support” to the operation.

Who was Abu Bakr alBaghdadi?

Baghdadi, whose real name was Ibrahim Awwad Ibrahim alBadri, had a reputation as a highly organised and ruthless battlefield tactician. He was described as the world’s most wanted man.

He was born near Samarra, north of Baghdad, in 1971, and reports suggest he was a cleric in a mosque in the city around the time of the US-led invasion in 2003.

Some believe he was already a jihadist during the rule of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. Others suggest he was radicalised during the time he was held at Camp Bucca, a US facility in southern Iraq where many al-Qaeda commanders were detained.

Baghdadi emerged in 2010 as the leader of an umbrella group that included al-Qaeda in Iraq, and rose to prominence when IS militants captured the Iraqi city of Mosul in 2014, when he declared the creation of a “caliphate”.

That was the only time Baghdadi was seen in public. He reappeared in a video released by IS earlier this year.

In October 2011, the US officially designated him a “terrorist” and offered a reward of $10m (£5.8m at the time) for information leading to his capture or death. This was increased to $25m in 2017.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 28, 2019

Page 23

News From Africa

John Steenhuisen to head South Africa’s opposition Democratic Alliance J ohn Steenhuisen has been elected parliamentary leader of South Africa’s main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), South African media say.

The DA’s former chief whip was chosen after the resignation of Mmusi Maimane as both parliamentary and party leader.

Mr Maimane, who is black, had said the traditionally white party was not the “best vehicle” to create a united South Africa.

In the last seven days, two other senior members resigned from the party.

Herman Mashaba, the black mayor of Johannesburg, resigned on Monday,

citing concerns over how the party handled race as one of the reasons for his departure.

On Wednesday, Mr Maimane’s resignation was quickly followed by that of party federal chairman Athol Trollip, a white politician who is a Maimane loyalist.

Mr Steenhuisen was the only nominee for the parliamentary leadership, DA official Annelie Lotriet said on Sunday.

The election of the 43-year-old has become a trending topic on Twitter in South Africa with users pointing out that the DA leadership is now all white and questioning the election of a leader who lacks third-level education.

Villagers: US Drone Strike in Somalia Kills Frankincense Collectors

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U.S. drone strike intended to hit an Islamic State (IS) hideout in Somalia’s northeastern region of Puntland mistakenly killed two frankincense collectors, according to local elders and a survivor who spoke Saturday with VOA. The Friday afternoon attack also injured another person after the drone strike hit the men, who were in the process of collecting frankincense near the remote Ameyra village in the Golis Mountain region of Somalia’s Northeastern Bari province, multiple local elders told VOA. Sa’id Abshir Mohamud, a local elder at Timishe village near the target of the strikes, told VOA Somalia about the reported civilian casualties.

“Men sent to the location of the strike brought back the dead bodies of two locally known villagers who went there to collect frankincense,” the elder said.

He identified the victims as Salad Mohamud Barre and Ayanle Ibrahim Mohamud.

“One of the bodies was mutilated,” the elder said.

U.S. Africa Command said it conducted the airstrike and targeted IS terrorists in region. Despite the local elders’ claims, a statement from U.S. AFRICOM said Friday it killed three terrorists and no civilian were harmed.

“At this time, it is assessed the airstrike killed three (3) terrorists. Currently, we assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrike,” the statement said.

To boost their ranks and mislead the locals, terrorists in Somalia routinely spread propaganda saying U.S. military drones target civilians. Additionally, the terrorist groups are known to use civilians as human shields.

The prevalence of the militants’ anti-Western smear campaign makes it difficult to immediately prove the complicity or innocence of those targeted by such drone attacks in remote villages.

In an exclusive interview Friday with VOA, Africa Command Director of Public Affairs Col. Chris Karns also stressed the importance of the U.S. strikes in Somalia.

“Oftentimes people will see the airstrikes, which are important because they help the disrupt al-Shabab. They create organizational confusion, they essentially, the airstrikes prevent them [the terrorists] from maneuvering. So they set the conditions for development.

They set the conditions for governance, and they’re foundational to the progress that’s being made,” Karns said.

Mohamed Mohamud Barre, a man claiming to be a survivor of the strike, described to VOA what he said he witnessed.

“The three of us went there to collect frankincense days ago. A missile surprisingly targeted where we were, killing the two other men. I ran through a dark smoke and the debris of the mountain rocks and crawled under a nearby mountain cave, then another missile was targeted at my location but the cave and Allah saved me. In the cave, I found out that I had sustained shrapnel injuries and remained there until midnight Friday. I am bleeding and I feel kidney pain,” Barre told VOA on the phone.

VOA could not fully verify Barre’s claim but Isse Jama Mohamed, a revered local traditional elder, who later contacted VOA, confirmed the man’s claim and called for the Somali federal government to investigate the incident so the victims’ families could pursue their rights for compensation.

“One of the dead men left eight orphans and the other, five. I think they were mistakenly targeted. I call for the federal government and the government of Puntland Regional State to look into the incident,” Mohamed said.

He said one of the dead men left Bosaso, the port and the commercial hub of Puntland, three days ago to collect frankincense to pay medical bills for his pregnant wife.

“He took his pregnant wife to Bosaso for medical care but he could not afford to pay the bills. He decided to go the mountains and collect frankincense to sell and then pay the surgery bills for his wife, who is carrying twin babies, one of them dead,” the elder said.

The area where the latest U.S. strike occurred is a known hideout for IS militants in Somalia. It is a hot and dry rocky land, where locals historically have harvested gold and frankincense, which is used in traditional Sufi religious ceremonies.

One attack in the area in April killed the deputy leader of Somalia’s IS group, Abdulhakim Dhuqub, who was responsible for the extremist group’s daily operations, attack planning and resource procurement.

Career politician John Steenhuisen was first elected in 1999

Cameroon Military Frees Hostages, Kills Captors

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amerooon’s military freed a group of people this week who had been taken hostage by rebels from the Central African Republic.

The rebels took 22 locals hostage two weeks ago and held them for ransom.

But the military’s raid Thursday night on Garoua Boulai freed 13 Central Africans and Cameroonians.

Residents in the Cameroon villages of Mbaimbum, Tchabal and Bigao were still discussing the raid days later.

Cattle rancher Muhamady Issa was one of those abducted. He said the kidnappers had killed some of the hostages.

Issa said that while in captivity in the mountains on the border with CAR, he decided to escape to the surrounding bushes and hills instead of being slaughtered, as had happened to seven fellow captives within 10 days.

Issa fled and was found in the hills by the Cameroon military. At least two of the people kidnapped were still missing.

Five kidnappers killed Cameroonian army Colonel Dominique Njonkan, commander of the troops who carried out the raid, said his men killed five of the abductors. He said that with the public’s help, the army was trying to determine which armed gang the men belonged to.

“The results are satisfactory and the population is collaborating more and more,” Njonkan said. “They must have confidence, make sure that they go ahead with their activities without fear, to make sure that economic activities are revamped to the

maximum.”

Cameroon shares a boundary of over 1,000 kilometers with CAR. Since conflicts in the neighboring state erupted in 2013, many armed gangs have established bases in eastern Cameroon.

Cameroon deployed its elite corps, the Rapid Intervention Batallion, to fight the rebels.

George Kombo, spokesman for youths of Kadei district on the border, said that despite the heavy presence of troops, armed gangs continued to attack them regularly.

He said hardly a week goes by in the Kadei district without armed groups crossing over from CAR to steal, kill or capture people for ransom. He said the last incident occurred Thursday when an armed gang killed six people in the border village of Bombe, which is also home to hundreds of CAR refugees.

The government and local authorities have not confirmed the attacks, but they say the military presence has been increased in villages in the Kadei district.

1 million-plus displaced Violence erupted in CAR in 2013 after longtime leader Francois Bozize was overthrown by a predominantly Muslim rebel alliance called the Seleka. The conflict has displaced more than 1 million people, according to the U.N. This week, close to 400 CAR refugees in Cameroon agreed to voluntarily repatriate.

But the vast majority of the 274,000 refugees are reluctant to go home because of continuing violence.

Members of the Cameroon military display weapons seized from hostage-takers, in Mbaimbum, Cameroon, Oct. 25, 2019. (Moki Edwin Kindzeka/VOA

PAGE 24

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 28, 2019

N e w s F r o m A SI A Iraq protests: Fresh clashes leave five people dead

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t least five people have been killed in fresh clashes with security forces in Iraq as nationwide anti-government protests entered a second day.

Three of the dead were reportedly hit by tear gas canisters fired by security forces in the capital Baghdad.

At least two more were killed when protesters tried to storm an official’s home in the city of Nasiriya, reports say.

The unrest follows a day of protests that left dozens dead on Friday.

Protesters are demanding more jobs, better public services and an end to corruption.

Iraq protests: What’s behind the anger?

Similar protests earlier this month were brutally put down by security forces, leaving nearly 150 people dead.

A government report has acknowledged that authorities used excessive force in quelling that unrest.

Violence flared again on Saturday despite calls from protest leaders to pause the demonstrations to give the government time to respond to

their demands.

Hundreds took to the streets of Baghdad and Iraq’s southern provinces, with protesters chanting slogans against the government, demanding its resignation.

Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has promised a cabinet reshuffle and a package of reforms to address protesters’ demands, but many remain unconvinced.

“Our demands are very simple but they can’t even give us that.

This is our country,” one protester told Reuters news agency on Saturday.

What’s the background?

The protests started in Baghdad on 1 October. Most of those taking part were young and unemployed.

After security forces used live ammunition against demonstrators, the unrest escalated and spread to other cities and towns.

A government committee tasked with investigating the violence said 149 civilians and eight security personnel had been killed in protests between 1 and 6 October.

The committee concluded that

Pakistan Ex-PM Sharif, Moved from Jail, Stays in Hospital

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akistan’s ailing former prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, who was jailed on money-laundering and corruption charges, has remained in a government hospital where he was taken last week after suffering a heart attack.

Maryam Aurangzeb, a spokesman for the ex-premier’s Muslim League party, says Sunday that Sharif’s health condition won’t allow for him to be moved to another hospital.

Mahmood Ayaz, the

hospital’s top official, said its medical board hasn’t approved moving Sharif and he himself hasn’t requested it.

Islamabad’s High Court Saturday granted temporary freedom to Sharif until another two-judge panel decides Tuesday whether Sharif’s sevenyear sentence on a corruption conviction should be suspended due to his illness.

Sharif served three times as prime minister. Supreme Court removed him from office in 2017 on corruption allegations.

25

Katsina Varsity Pension Nets N12.5B – Atiku spends N400M T on NECO Maryam Abeeb, Abuja

Maryam Abeeb Abuja

Protesters gathered for a second day in Baghdad, where they clashed with security forces “officers and commanders lost control over their forces during the protests”.

The government’s handling of those protests in early October

fuelled discontent with the Shialed Iraqi government, which has been accused of corruption and stoking sectarian divides.

Do today’s global protests

have anything in common?

A second phase of protests erupted on Friday, leading to the imposition of a curfew by the government.

Syrian Kurds: ‘The world has closed its eyes on us’

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Pakistani former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif arrives at a court in Lahore, Oct. 11, 2019.

Education

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, october 28, 2019

n our way to Qamishli, the largest Kurdish city in northern Syria, we see a US military convoy escorted by fighter jets heading east towards the Iraqi border. They are leaving the Kurdish region.

The first time I saw an American in Syria was in 2016. He was part of US special forces, sent to support the Kurds fighting the Islamic State (IS) group. Locals were excited to see them arriving.

But it was in stark contrast this time around. Now you could see the fear and anxiety in the faces of onlookers.

We were only a few kilometres from the Turkish border as one of the jets circled overhead, leaving a trail of white smoke as it passed in and out of Turkish airspace.

One of our guides sighed.

“Trump bi namoose,” he said to me in Kurdish. “Trump has no honour.”

Media captionTrump on Syria: “Let someone else fight over this long, blood-stained sand.”

The Kurds have every reason to be worried. On one side they face neighbouring Turkey, and on the other side, Syrian government forces.

Now the US is leaving, Kurds here are convinced they have no friends other than the mountains they inhabit in this region.

‘Trump sold us’ From the moment we arrived in Qamishli, ordinary Kurds from baker to waiter asked “why did Trump sell us out?” This is a traditional society that prides itself on a code of honour and do not understand why they have effectively been cut loose.

Syrian Kurds have died in Turkey’s offensive, for which many say the US gave a green light “America stabbed us in the back... Trump sold us... we were betrayed,” we heard said, again and again.

Qamishli ‘s squares and electricity poles are decorated with the pictures of the fallen men and women killed in the war against IS. Every day there are funerals somewhere in this tiny region.

It has been this way since IS attacked the Kurds in 2014. But now the victims are those who have been killed since Turkish and allied forces launched their cross-border attack earlier this month.

Russia and Turkey on same page - but for how long?

Who supplies weapons to

Turkey?

At the funerals, many mourners hide their tears. Instead they lead the caskets to graveyards with dances and chants.

At one such ceremony, for a fallen fighter of the Kurdish YPG, a tall man in his 60s approaches me and calmly says: “Erdogan doesn’t like the Kurds. He wants us to leave,” referring to the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip, who regards the YPG as terrorists.

The Kurds lost 11,000 men and women battling against IS. “The fight wasn’t ours only, we fought on behalf of humanity,” the man says. “Where is the international community, why don’t they stop Erdogan?”

he Nigerian University Pension Management Company Limited (NUPEMCO) has in net the sum of N12.5b as contributory pension From University staff in less than two years.

Leader of the NUPEMCO delegation Alh. Aliyu Atiku said this weekend when NUPEMCO officials paid a working visit on the Hon

Minister of education Adamu Adamu in his office in Abuja.

Speaking further, Alh. Aliyu Atiku expressed delight that the universities were responding positively to the call for investment in and ownership of NUPEMCO. He also expressed satisfaction that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) the principal Partner, being owners of the majority shareholding, are responding

positively to NUPEMCO in terms of contributions by members of the union.

While lamenting over the low cooperation of some Universities, Atiku appealed to the Minister to intervene and ensure that the entire Universities in Nigeria invest in NUPEMCO. The minister, Adamu, charged NUPEMCO to treat the retirees equally, calling on the leadership to

use pencon contributions judiciously to ensure that retirees start receiving their pension immediately after retirement.

Adamu Adamu further challenged NUPEMCO to be transparent in their administration of pension funds so that when others see the seriousness of NUPEMCO as a viable Pension Fund Administrator (PFA) they would have no choice but join.

T

he Katsina State Government has announced the payment of about N400m for students of the state origin preparing to write next year’s May-June school certificate examination to be conducted by the national examination council, NECO. The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Mustapha Inuwa who made the above disclosure while receiving in his office a delegation of the state branch of NECO led by its State Officer, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar, said the state government sees education as its top priority, especially foundation education, since its inception in 2015, and has invested its meager resources heavily in that sector He maintained that the introduction of prequalification examination for candidates wishing to access its scholarship and sitting of the public examination is to ensure that only those qualified are enlisted While frowning at the misinterpretation of the introduction of the prequalification examination by parents, the SGS, however, noted the remarkable improvement in the performance of the students from the state in public examinations and assured that government will continue to provide an enabling environment for education to thrive in the state He said ’’Performaince of our students in public examinations are not only getting better, but with quality results. As an examination body you must uphold the integrity of the process and ensure exam malpractices free exercise’’ Earlier, the State Officer of NECO, Alhaji Umar told the SGS that they were in his office to thank the state government for promptly paying the examination fee of its student and to appreciate the existing cordial relationship between NECO and the state Government.

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Arc, Sunny Ecchono (4th left) , National Liberian/ Chief Executive , National Library of Nigeria (NLN) , Prof. Lanrie Olatokunbo Aina (4th right) , President, Nigeria Library Association, Prof. Innocent Ekoja (3rd left) and other Executives and Directors of Library department, during the NLN working visit to the Ministry of Education, recently in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Kwara National Library takes readership campaign to correctional centre Maryam Abeeb, Abuja

T

he Kwara Branch of the National Library of Nigeria (NLN) took its Annual Readership Promotion Campaign to Borstal Training Institution, Ganmo, (a facility of the Nigerian Correctional Service).

The National Librarian, Prof.

Lenrie Aina, said the correctional service centre was chosen because its inmates lacked adequate information materials required to acquire knowledge for personal development.

The theme of the 2019 readership campaign is “Reading: A tool for Empowering the Vulnerable” Aina, who was represented

by the Head of Kwara NLN, Mrs Kafayat Olani, said that inmates were incarcerated and deprived of access to learning and information resources. ”And the circuimstances of this sub-sector in our society does not stop them from being inquisitive to seek for information. ”They need to know about health, finance, economy, government policies, current affairs, politics in order to survive in the society. ”Hence, the reason for this approach to encourage reading in all the strata of our country. ”As a result, the campaign is planned to sensitise the target groups to imbibe the culture of reading.

”They are to be supported with books which are carefully selected to meet their information needs so that they can acquire knowledge and be informed to be transformed and become good citizens,” he said.

The Kwara Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, said the topic could not have come at a better time because the quality of education had not peaked like it was the in enrollment.

Abdulrazaq, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, Mrs Mariam Garba, said it was necessary to inculcate the values of reading in children.

We want to be remembered as

the administration that stopped the brain drain from our state on account of poor infrastructure and the lack of the right environment to thrive. ”The House of Assembly has just approved our revised budget which provides for renovation of the state-owned library that is currently in a state of utter despair. ”But we are not just renovating, we are also making the place full internet access and other accessories necessary for 21st century education. ”This step would no doubt boost reading culture and human capital development in the state,”Abdulrazaq said.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, october 28, 2019

26

Feature

‘The selfie that revealed I was a stolen baby’ I n April 1997 a woman dressed in a nurse’s uniform walked out of a Cape Town hospital carrying a three-day-old baby taken from the maternity ward as the baby’s mother lay sleeping. It was only by chance, 17 years later, that the stolen child discovered her true identity.

It was the first day of term at Zwaanswyk High School in Cape Town and the beginning of Miché Solomon’s final year.

And that January day in 2015, 17-year-old Miché was mobbed by other students excitedly telling her about the new girl, Cassidy Nurse, who was three years younger but looked almost identical to her.

Initially, Miché didn’t think much of it.

But when the two girls later met in the corridor, Miché says she felt an instant connection she couldn’t explain.

“I almost felt like I knew her,” she says. “It was so scary - I couldn’t understand why I was feeling like this.”

Despite the age difference, Miché and Cassidy began spending a lot of time together.

“I would say, ‘Hey, baby girl!’ And she would say, ‘Hey, big sis!’” Miché recalls. “Sometimes I would go to the bathroom with her and say, ‘Let me brush your hair, let me fix you up with some lip gloss.’”

Miché Solomon today When anyone asked Miché and Cassidy if they were sisters they would joke, “We don’t know - maybe in another life!”

Then one day the two girls took a selfie together and showed it to their friends. Some asked Miché if she was sure she hadn’t been adopted. “No! Don’t be crazy!” she insisted.

Then Miché and Cassidy went home and showed their families the picture, too. Lavona, Miché’s mother, who called her daughter “Princess” and would take her to the mall and to the movies, commented on how similar the two girls looked.

Michael, Miché’s father, said that he recognised his daughter’s new friend - Cassidy’s father had an electrical store where he sometimes shopped.

But Cassidy’s parents, Celeste and Morne Nurse, gazed intensely at the photograph. They told Cassidy they had a question for Miché, and when the two girls next met Cassidy came out with it: “Were you born on 30 April 1997?”

“I said, ‘Why? Are you stalking me on Facebook?’” Miché says.

Cassidy assured Miché that she wasn’t stalking her, she just wanted to know when Miché had been born. So Miché replied that yes, she had been born on 30 April 1997.

Weeks later, Miché was unexpectedly summoned from her maths lesson to the headmaster’s office, where two social workers were waiting. They told Miché a story about a three-day-old baby girl called Zephany Nurse, who had been abducted from Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town 17 years previously and had never been found.

Miché listened to the story unfold, feeling unsure why they were telling her this. Then the social workers explained that there was evidence to suggest that Miché could be the child who had been taken, all those years ago.

To set matters straight, Miché explained that she hadn’t been born at the Groote Schuur Hospital - she had been born at the Retreat Hospital, about 20 minutes’ drive away. That’s what was on her birth certificate, she said. But the social workers replied that there was no record of her being born there.

Still feeling that this must all be some terrible mistake, Miché agreed to a DNA test.

“I had so much belief in the mother who raised me - she would never lie to me, especially about who I am and where I come from,” Miché says. “So my mind was made up that the DNA

Another selfie, taken some years after the first, shows the striking similarity test was going to be negative.”

But things did not go as she hoped. The test results came back the following day and proved indisputably that Miché Solomon and Zephany Nurse, the baby snatched from the Groote Schuur Hospital in 1997, were the same person.

“I sat there in shock,” Miché says. “My life was out of control.”

The story of the stolen baby, now a young woman on the brink of adulthood, being found quite by chance almost two decades later made headlines in South Africa and around the world and Miché’s life changed immediately.

She was told that she would be unable to return home - it would be another three months before she would turn 18 and be allowed to make her own decisions. For now she had to stay in a safe house.

Then Miché received more devastating news.

Lavona Solomon, the woman she had grown up believing was her mother, had been arrested.

“That broke me,” Miché recalls. “I needed her. I needed to ask her, ‘Why? What’s going on?’ I was so overwhelmed that I belonged to someone else.”

Miché was present when Lavona’s husband, Michael - the man Miché regarded as her father - was questioned by police.

“I could see the stress in his face, I could see the bloodshot in his eyes and I was really scared,” Miché says.

The police wanted to know whether he was part of the kidnapping plot.

“My father is soft and he’s gentle,” Miché says. “But he’s my rock, he’s my hero, he’s my daddy, he’s the man. And here’s this other man making him look like such a small child, while my father’s saying, ‘No, I didn’t do this. Miché is my daughter - how can she not be my daughter?

I wasn’t part of this.’”

The police never found evidence that Michael Solomon had known that Miché had been taken from her biological parents without permission and he was released.

Michael says that Lavona had been pregnant.

It’s thought that she concealed a miscarriage and then faked the remainder of her pregnancy,

before stealing Zephany Nurse, bringing her home and pretending she had given birth to the baby herself.

And now Lavona Solomon was in custody, awaiting trial on charges of kidnapping and fraudulently claiming to be the mother of a child.

Although Celeste and Morne Nurse had gone on to have three more children, they’d never stopped looking for their first born, Zephany, and had celebrated her birthday every year even after they had divorced.

But all the while their stolen child had been growing up nearby. The Solomon home is just 5km from the Nurses’ - as a small child, Miché would run around on the field opposite the Nurses’ house, while Michael played soccer.

Now, after an extraordinary turn of events, the Nurse family’s prayers had been answered.

Miché was reunited with her biological parents at a police station with social workers on hand.

“They hugged me and squeezed me and started crying,” Miché says. But she wasn’t comfortable. Something didn’t feel right.

“I was like, ‘Just go with it because it’s a shame for these people, they have been through a lot,’” she says. “It’s sad, but you know, I felt nothing, I didn’t feel that I’d missed them.”

Miché was in emotional turmoil. One set of parents were elated and desperate to make up for lost time, but strangers to her. The others the ones she loved - were devastated, and one of them was behind bars.

Lavona Solomon’s trial at the high court in Cape Town began in August 2015. Both Miché and her biological parents were there to hear Lavona’s testimony.

Throughout the trial, Lavona Solomon denied any wrongdoing. She told the court of her numerous attempts to conceive‚ a number of miscarriages and her desperation to adopt a child. Lavona then said she had been offered a baby by a woman called Sylvia who had been giving her fertility treatment. Sylvia had told Lavona that the baby belonged to a young girl who was not interested in keeping it and wanted the baby to be adopted. But there was no evidence that Sylvia existed.

Furthermore, almost two decades after the incident, a witness who remembered seeing the woman dressed as a nurse who carried baby Zephany away as Celeste lay sleeping, picked Lavona Solomon out in an identity parade. The judge concluded that the evidence against her was overwhelming.

In 2016, Lavona Solomon was sentenced to 10 years in jail for kidnapping, fraud and violating the Children’s Act. The judge criticised her for showing no remorse during the trial.

“I felt like death was happening to me,” Miché says. “I was like, ‘How am I gonna cope?

How am I going to get through life without the mother that I had every day in my life?’”

Later that year, Miché visited Lavona in prison and was able to speak to her for the first time since the social workers had arrived at her school.

“The first visit was behind a window, it was not a contact visit,” Miché says. “And I saw my mother in the clothing that female prisoners wear and it broke my heart. I cried and cried.”

Miché really wanted to know the truth, to find out what had happened on the day that Lavona had taken her from her mother in hospital.

“I told her, ‘By knowing I’m not your blood that I actually belong to someone else, and that you’ve robbed them of possibilities and changed my whole destiny - hurts me. How am I supposed to believe your word when you’ve lied to me, saying that I am your child? You broke your trust with me. You are going to have to come clean if you want to have a relationship with me.’

“And she said, ‘One day, I will tell you.’

“She still says that she didn’t do it, but I think she did.”

However, Miché says she doesn’t hold any grudges.

“Forgiving brings so much healing into your heart,” Miché says. “Life must go on. She knows that I forgive her, and she knows that I still love her.”

It has now been more than four years since Miché discovered the truth about her identity.

When she turned 18 at the end of April 2015, she considered moving in with one of her biological parents, but decided against it.

“They were divorced, that family unit had been messed up,” Miché says. “So I went for the obvious decision and the stablest decision - to move back in with Michael, that was my safe space, that was my home.”

Miché has struggled to form a relationship with her biological family, and says that at times she even felt that she hated them for taking her “mother” away.

She still visits Lavona in prison in Worcester, about 120km from where she lives, but it’s a long drive, especially now that she has two children of her own.

Lavona Solomon is due for release in six years and Miché says she often wishes time would “hurry up”. She’s still living in the family home, and waiting for her mother to return.

Perhaps surprisingly, Miché Solomon has chosen to keep the name that she was raised with rather than the one with which she was born. But somehow, despite the psychological catastrophe of discovering that the woman who raised her had actually stolen her, she has somehow made peace with both of her identities.

“I think I hated Zephany in the beginning,” Miché says.

“She came with such force, such an uninvited invitation, so much suffering and so much pain.

But Zephany is the truth and Miché, the 17-yearold girl that I was, she was a lie. So I’ve managed to balance both names. You can call me Zephany or Miché, it’s fine.”

Miché’s story is told in the book Zephany: Two mothers. One daughter by Joanne Jowell Source: BBC

PAGE 26

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 28, 2019

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NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, pursuant to Section 468 (2) of the Companies And Allied Matters Act, 2004, the Final General Meeting of the above Company will be held at No. 80, Eket Oron Road, Eket, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria on the 28th day of November, 2019 at 10.00am for the purpose of laying before such meeting, the Final Accounts of the Company and giving any explanations thereof and to consider any other business relating to the winding up of the company.

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Addition of name

Oluyemi

alh arzika

The authorities of Nigeria Indentity Card Management Commission (NIMC) is hereby notified that Odufu Bameyi Rapheal has been added to my name. The general public should also take note. Signed Odufu Bameyi Rapheal.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS Abdul Hakeem A .O Salisu. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS Oluyemi Hakeem Solomon. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, formerly known as arzika khalifa sani now wish to be known and addressed as alh arzika khalifa. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

Bakka

abdullahi

AHMED

I, formerly known as Stephen Achi Joseph now wish to be known and addressed as Bakka Tokan-Achi irimiya my date of birth is not 01 /01/1982 my date of birth is now 17 /09/1989. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS ali yahaya. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS abdullahi samaila.

ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL financial institutions especially banks, security agencies and GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, formerly known as NURA AHMED now wish to be known and addressed as AHMED NURUDEEN MUSA. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

QUEEN EKOH I, formerly known as EKOH QUEEN Now wish to be known and addressed as QUEEN EKOH EDIAGBONYA. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

ABDULHADI

public notice

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Nigeria commends Africa Union Sports Council on Young Leaders in Sports Workshop

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of youth and sports, Adesola Olusade in a group picture with the participants

By Amaechi Agbo

T

he federal government of Nigeria has lauded Africa Union Sports Council, AUSC for its Young Leaders in Sports Workshop.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of youth and sports development, Adesola Olusade gave the commendation Saturday in Abuja during the closing ceremony of the 4-day leadership workshop.

Mr Adesola urged the participants to put the knowledge they gained during the workshop in order to promote sports development and management in the respective countries.

“When I first came here on the opening day, I saw faces and young Africans who are ready and willing to learn. They looked forward to what would be taught and what is in the store.

Perhaps we need new aspirations and new visions, at the end of it today (Saturday), I also see people that are now equipped to assumed leadership positions in sports development. Not leaders of tomorrow, but leaders of today.

“For the various works you did, I saw the commitment to be disciplined, work as a team and attain the highest possible pinnacle in your careers. I saw individuals that have set targets for themselves which requires persons with gut and determination to get there. I believe that this workshop achieved the purpose for which it was convened.

“I want to thank the AU for giving Nigeria the opportunity to host this event. I also spoke with Lina (AUSC Interim head) that now that you have acquired the foundational and basic knowledge, what is required of you now is to share the knowledge with your colleagues when you go back your country so that the multiplier effect will be much not only in your country, sub-region but in the continent and the world at large.

“We look forward to hearing various drives from you especially as this knowledge will impact in the development of AUSC Region

2. We are in the AUSC Region 2, we want to be a region per excellent. The initiative of the AU in establishing the regional arrangement is indeed laudable. During the years we were under Supreme Council, it was a singular body coordinating all of us. Opportunities like this might not have come our way.

“Look at what has happened with decentralisation of responsibilities and roles, many of us are benefiting from the developmental efforts of the AUSC in ways that we might not have imagined could happen in our life time.

“To you, the young leaders, you have acquired the knowledge and you are going back to your country as young leaders; my mandate to you is that you came here as an ordinary person, but I am glad to pronounce to you that you are going back to your countries as ambassadors of AUSC Region 2.

“Ambassadors are representatives of their countries in foreign lands. For instance, if Nigeria wants to discuss with Togo, she will look for the ambassador of Togo in Nigeria. You are now going to be ambassadors of an entity that has no border because AUSC is not a country but we need you in your country so that we will be able to achieve the aims and objectives of AUSC in your country.

“AUSC Region 2 is still at the formative stage, efforts are being made to galvanise members of the states in the sub-region together in order promote the interest and also promote those factors that will really help Africans to really develop in sports.

“Therefore, in days to come, we will continue to engage with you and also relate with the government of your country in order to promote the activities of AUSC Region 2 in your country.

“As ambassadors of AUSC Region 2, I want to welcome you on board as you join us in the mighty task of lifting the level of activities of AUSC Region 2 in the sub-region. As you go back to your respective countries, on behalf of

the honourable minister of youth and sports, Mr Sunday Dare, I wish success in your future endeavours,” he said.

Earlier in her address, AUSC Interim Head, Ms Linda Paul Kessy commended the federal government for its effort in seeing to the needs of the council but appealed for more collaborations with member states in sports development.

“Sports in Africa is undergoing major reforms and transformations. In January 2012, the Africa Union Executive Council dissolved the Supreme Council for Sports in Africa and endorsed the establishment of the architecture for sport in Africa and transfers its functions to the Africa Commission and establishment of the AUSC Secretariat which among other functions is mandated to promote sports development and development through sports.

“To ensure proper coordination and scaling down of the AUSC Secretariat functions and to ensure relevance in contributing to the social and economic development in the continent, the Executive decision further requested the Commission to restructure the former Supreme Council for Sports in Africa Sports Development Zones into 5 AU Sports Development Regions.

AUSC Region 2 is hosted in Nigeria which has been very instrumental in advancing sports agenda in the region and at the continental level.

“Sport is a cross cutting issue and speaks the language which is understood by young people and it is mainly participated by them.

Unfortunately, their voice and representation at the managerial level is very low. Various reasons are associated with low representation.

It is against this background and in line with the Agenda 2063 Aspiration 6, the AU Sport Council in collaboration with the AUSC region 2 took the step ahead to train young leaders in sports as trainers in the area of sports management and that after this seminar, they will go back to their respective countries to train, motivate and empower other to join the field it is time to change the narrative.

“I would like to appeal to the Honourable Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Federal Republic of Nigeria to continue engaging other ministers from AUCS Region 2 countries to promote sports and youth agenda in our continent and provide practical guidance on the way forward on the implementation of the Assembly decisions on sports development and youth empowerment.”

In his address the General Manager, Africa Union Sports Council, Region 2, Mr Caleb Gidado, said the essence of the seminar was to produce future leaders in sports in the subregion and charged the participants to remain true ambassadors of the AUSC Region 2.

“The quality of administrators, at whatever level of running sports, have direct bearing on the quality of results achieved. That is why the Africa Union Sports Council, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, of Nigeria, is spearheading this seminar to groom young sports administrators who will take-over the mantle of leadership in the sports sector in the nearest future.

“The Africa Union Sports Council has packaged this seminar to help us see ‘the winning Africa we all want’. An Africa that will produce athletes that will mount the podium at all international meets through the able leadership of these young ones we are grooming to day.

“Let me put it on record that we at the Africa Union Sports Council Region 2, are very grateful to the Africa Union Commission for choosing us to be the pacesetters in this drive.”

Highlights of the ceremony was presentation of certificate of participation to all the representatives.

A total of 28 participants drawn from the 15 countries that make up Africa Union Sports Council Region 2, AUSC Region 2 (West Africa) attended the 4-day young leaders in sports seminar which started on October 23 through 26.

Sports Minister charges Olympic Eagles to be focused

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 28, 2019

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Sports Minister charges Olympic Eagles to be focused

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300 bikers set for superbike road show in Abuja

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he Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare has charged the U-23 Olympic team preparing for the 2019 U-23 Nations Cup in Egypt to remain focused.

The minister gave the charge Friday when he paid a visit to the team’s hotel in Abuja.

Mr Dare during the visit urged the players to put their loss to the Sparrow Hawks of Togo last Saturday behind them and work towards representing the country well in Egypt.

“I watched you play on Saturday, you played out your hearts but that is the way it is in sports. Life is like sports.

Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose but you are still a winner that is, if you take the lessons from losing and use that to become a winner, but if you don’t carry forward the lessons you learnt from losing, then you can never become a winner. So, I am here today (Friday) because I know you are winners. I want to encourage you as you go to Egypt, we have started preparations for the Olympics and Nigerians want you at the Olympics”.

While commending the head coach Imama Amapakabo and the technical crew for the hardwork they have put in to get the boys where they are, he urged them not to relent as there was still a lot of

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S p r

SCAN president, Edward Oseni (centre) during the media briefing

By Albert Akota

N work to be done.

He therefore tasked the players to give a good account of themselves in Egypt and promised that the Ministry would do all within its power to provide the necessary support they need before the team leaves for the North African country.

Responding on behalf of the team, coach Imama Amapakabo expressed the team’s excitement at the Minister’s visit and thanked him for taking out time

from his tight schedule to visit and motivate the team. While thanking the Minister for his support for the team within his short time in office, he promised the team would try their best to represent the country well at the Under-23 AFCON tournament.

The Olympic team is paired in group B of the of the championship where they will defending their crown against Ivory Coast, Zambia and South Africa

o fewer than 300 bikers across the African continent will participate at the 2019 edition of the Superbike club road tour.

The annual bikers tour tagged “The Road Roar” to discover the beautiful landscape of Nigeria’s tourism and climax on Saturday, November, 2nd 2019 at the Jabi Boot Camp in Abuja.

The President of the Superbike Clubs Association of Nigeria (SCAN), Edward Oseni who disclosed in press conference in Abuja ahead of the 4th edition of the tour said the tour will provide a common platform to accommodate and expand biking community in Nigeria and beyond.

“The 2019 road roar route will see bikers from all over the nation’s and Africa polity enjoying a cross tour events starting from the Akwa Ibom state, moving through Calabar, with a night stop-over in Abakaliki then

pass through Enugu, Markurdi, Jos, Kaduna terminate in Abuja” “The arrival into Abuja will be commemorated by huge welcome party amidst pomp and pageantry with a desired support and presence of representatives of all biking enthusiast and the non-biking community for two-day grand gala celebration tagged “the gathering”.

He further added that the tour would showcase the rich cultural heritage, exploring and appreciating the people and cultural diversity of Nigeria.

“We inculcate these into our programs to do our own very little bit in helping to promote and sustainable unity while enjoying the experience of our great diversity in Nigeria through spreading the gospel of peace, unity and love.

The public relation officer of the association, Ras Katana noted that security measures will be deploy during the tour convention,

proud for years to come.

“Let me thank the Nigerian Tulip International Colleges for this partnership on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria and especially on behalf of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development,” the Minister said.

He went on to state that “We hope that as we go along, you will be able to do much more. There are 328 junior talents across 20 sports that were discovered during the last National Youth Games.

“This is a great step in the right direction: rewarding and encouraging the talents and industry of these future sports stars. Government alone cannot provide the all resources required to develop our sports, hence must look to private investment to make up the difference.

“I believe this move by the management of the NTIC is symbolic, patriotic and exemplary.

I call on other corporate organisations, schools – whether national or international – to do likewise and join the Ministry’s Adopt-an-Athlete programme.

They can reach us and we will give them the template and I believe they can still take on some of our youth. The Ministry has plans to keep them in camps and in shape.”

inter-school sports competitions tagged “Headmasters Cup” and “Principals Cup” for primary and secondary schools respectively. He said his Ministry will be collaborating with the Ministry of Education to stage the tournaments designed to

unearth many young talents for the country to grow and nurture a new generation of athletes that will take over the older ones.

A date for the commencement and the modalities for these tournaments will be announced soon.

t

Estadio Olimpico in Goiania, the Eaglets took full control, dictating the pace and creating goalscoring opportunities, but poor finishing by Wisdom Ubani, captain Samson Tijani, Ibrahim Sa’id and Olakunle Olusegun delayed the turn-around.

The introduction of Akinkunmi Amoo and Ibrahim Jabaar invigorated the Nigerian side, and in the 79th minute, defender Usman Ibrahim was on the alert to head the ball into the net from a corner

by Ibrahim Sa’id as keeper Hegyi made a poor job of coming out to claim the ball.

Two minutes later, it was 3-2 after Ibrahim Jabaar’s dazzling run ended with a pull –out from the left that defender Oluwatimilehin Adeniyi headed past Hegyi even as Donat Orosz tried in vain to stop the contact.

Tijani made the scoreline safe for a hard working Nigeria side when in the 85th minute, his angled free kick from 23 yards out was deflected by the head of Botond Balogh to wrong foot Hegyi.

In the other match of the opening day, host nation Brazil pounded Canada 4-1 in Brasilia.

Nigeria will go up against Ecuador in their next match on Tuesday at the same venue, with victory certain to take the Eaglets to the Round of 16 ahead of their final Group B encounter with Australia.

ive-time champions Nigeria swept past Hungary 4-2 in the opening match of the 2019 FIFA U17 World Cup finals in Brazil on Saturday evening, with three goals in six second half minutes that were just reward for the persistence and determination of the Golden Eaglets.

As happened when both teams last met at the championship – the inaugural edition in China 34 years ago – Hungary drew the first blood inside the first three minutes, as Gyorgy Komaromi took full advantage of poor defensive organization to slot past Daniel Jinadu in goal for Nigeria.

The Eaglets, in search of a sixth world title, created chance after chance and eventually drew level when captain Samson Tijani sent goalkeeper Kristjan Hegyi the wrong way from the spot after Wisdom Ubani had been upended in the box.

Tijani’s equalizer was Nigeria’s 150th goal in the history of the FIFA U17 World Cup. Yet, the Europeans would again go into the lead, when Samuel Major placed the ball clinically beyond Jinadu from a counter attack as the Nigerian defence was again caught napping.

Still unruffled, the Eaglets continued to launch onslaught after onslaught, but were undone by a combination of short passes, hyperventilation and wayward shooting.

On resumption of the second half at the

Roman Abramovich Set Price For Chelsea Sale

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It will be recalled that over 4,000 young athletes from 32 states participated in 20 various sports in this year’s edition of the Nigeria Youth Games, which was the fifth in the series.

Mr Dare also announced that the return of the famous

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Nigeria begins quest for 6th U-17 World Cup with win over Hungary

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Sports Minister’s Adopt-an-Athlete campaign records First Success as 25 junior talents secure full scholarships

he Adopt-an-athlete campaign championed by the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare has recorded its first success as 25 of the talents spotted at this year’s National Youth Games have bagged full scholarships.

The Nigerian Tulip International Colleges Sports Academy (NTIC Sports Academy) in Abuja gave the 25 junior male and female athletes, who excelled at the last National Youth Games held in Ilorin, Kwara State this year, the unique opportunity to complete their secondary school education.

This was made known when nine of the athletes invited for screening visited the Minister at his office in the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja, on Friday, 25th October 2019. The junior talents were accompanied by their coaches and parents and representatives of NTIC. The Minister praised the management of the school for rewarding the industry and talent of young athletes and their commitment to grooming their skills for the future. He said the offer of scholarships was a validation of the efforts of the Ministry to promote grassroots sports development and discover gems that will make Nigeria

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 28, 2019

helsea owner Roman Abramovich has set his price to sell the club.

The report in the Telegraph says the Russian billionaire has no plans to sell the club he bought 16-years ago any time soon despite been approach by numbers of suitors for the sale of the club.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe – once Britain’s richest man has shown interest in numbers of time to buy the club but Abramovich is not willing to let off his project just like that and he insisted that the club is “not for sale.”

The Telegraph reports Abramovich received a bigmoney offer to buy Chelsea from a Middle East consortium at the end of last season.

It is believed Abramovich has no intention to sell the club – and will demand at least £3billion before he even holds discussions.

Man Utd win at Norwich despite Krul saving two penalties

M

anchester United won a Premier League away game for the first time since February and would have beaten Norwich by more if not for two Tim Krul penalty saves.

United’s two first-half goals also came moments after outstanding Krul stops.

Scott McTominay slammed home the opener seconds after a stunning reaction save from the Canaries keeper to deny Anthony Martial from close range.

The video assistant referee (VAR) then controversially awarded United a penalty for a Ben Godfrey foul on Daniel James - with Krul stopping Marcus Rashford’s kick.

But Rashford scored with United’s next attack as he was left in acres of space by the Norwich defence.

United - who move up to seventh in the Premier league were awarded a second penalty

by VAR for a Todd Cantwell handball. This time Martial took it and went the other way, and again Krul guessed correctly.

The Canaries, who remain in the relegation zone, had a couple of chances but United wrapped the game up when Martial clipped the ball over Krul after a good passing move with Rashford.

Norwich scored a late consolation through substitute Onel Hernandez, who took the ball off McTominay before running at United’s defence and shooting past David de Gea to becoming the first Cuban-born

player to score a Premier League goal.

In the first nine rounds of Premier League games this season no penalties were awarded by VAR with a seemingly high bar set for the “clear and obvious error” needed to overturn a referee’s decision.

There have been four this weekend, including two at Carrow Road.

The first was highly controversial with Godfrey and James appearing to run into each other and referee Stuart Attwell changing his decision after consulting with the video team.

Krul appeared well off his line when he saved Martial’s kick but VAR in the Premier League does not check for goalkeepers’ positions from penalties.

The second penalty was not contentious with the new handball laws with Cantwell’s arms clearly high in the air as he blocked Fred’s cross.

Martial became the third United player to fail from the spot in the league this season when Krul denied him.

He is the first goalkeeper to save two penalties in a Premier League game since fellow Dutchman Maarten Stekelenburg for Everton against Manchester City in October 2016.

Krul was brilliant throughout the game, making eight saves including a remarkable stop to keep out Martial’s header from point-blank range.

This is a third decent result in

a row for Manchester United as they climb away from the lower reaches of the league.

A draw against leaders Liverpool last Sunday was followed by a first away win since Paris St-Germain in March, when they beat Partizan Belgrade 1-0 on Thursday.

A Norwich team short on confidence was an ideal opponent to end their worst away run in the league since 1989.

McTominay, Aaron WanBissaka, Martial and Rashford were all excellent - despite the latter two’s penalty misses.

With their first chance, Andreas Pereira curled a shot just wide and then Martial thought his header was in from Rashford’s flick-on - before Kul’s brilliant save.

They led when Scotland midfielder McTominay curled home after Cantwell failed to clear Pereira’s cross - United’s 2,000th

goal in the Premier League era.

Only Rashford has scored more league goals for United than McTominay’s four since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was named permanent manager in March.

Rashford and Martial’s penalty misses mean United have failed to score with four of their last six Premier League spot-kicks.

But that did not dishearten them with Rashford running onto James’ defence-splitting pass to stroke home a shot past Krul.

Their third was excellent.

Rashford played a one-two with Martial - on his first league start since August - and then backheeled the ball back into the Frenchman’s path for his deft finish over Krul.

It is far too early to read too much into one good week for United, but things are looking a lot more encouraging than they were in the preceding five-game winless run.

monday, october 28, 2019

SPORTS latest

Liverpool restore six-point lead with win over spurs

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iverpool needed two second-half goals to come from behind to beat Tottenham at Anfield and restore their six-point lead at the top of the table.

Harry Kane scored within 48 seconds of kick-off and keeper Paulo Gazzaniga pulled off a number of impressive saves to give Spurs a 1-0 lead at half-time.

Jordan Henderson equalised six minutes after the break before Mo Salah thumped the winner from the penalty spot.

Liverpool’s unbeaten run at home extends to 45 league games.

In a repeat of June’s Champions League final, Liverpool came out victorious and have dropped just two points in the Premier League this season.

They were made to work for it - needing several big chances to score before Henderson eventually slotted his half-volley into the far corner early in the second half.

That came moments after Son Heung-min had smacked the crossbar for the second time in the match - his first effort was nodded in by Kane from seven yards out for the opener.

But Liverpool’s pressure eventually took its toll when Serge Aurier caught the back of Sadio Mane’s leg and gave away a penalty, which Salah smashed past a stationary Gazzaniga with 15 minutes left.

Liverpool finished the first half a goal down despite having had 10 shots on target and 76% of possession.

That was largely down to Gazzaniga’s excellent display for Spurs - the keeper making 12 saves.

His first big save came after 20 minutes when Salah’s half-volley was hit straight at him before the Egyptian struck another shot Taye Taiwo and Oduamadi which he palmed away.

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Another Sad Tale from the North

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t all started about a month ago on Thursday, September 26, 2019 when the police in Kaduna threw open the gates of what the inmates later described as “hell on earth”.

They set free 190 inmates (77 children and 113 adults) from an Islamic school called Imamu Ahmad Bn Hambal School located at Layin Maidubun Tsumma in Rigasa Community of Igabi LGA of Kaduna State.

Thereafter seven teachers were arrested.

Inmates were discovered chained to metal railings and with their hands and feet shackled together.

Some bore scars from alleged beatings while others recounted being sexually abused.

“If you are praying they will beat you. If you are studying they will beat you,” Isa Ibrahim, 29, a rescued inmate told the BBC. “If you want to run away from this place and they caught you, they would hang you, they would chain you,” one of the victims Abdallah Hamza said.

The police, which raided the Islamic school alleged that children were kept in dehumanising conditions, cramped in rooms, with some of them in chains. Others had big scars and injuries on their bodies. Proprietors of the school denied the allegations; saying all the children were there with the consent of their parents.

‘The parents signed a form before their children were enrolled in the school. The parents bring food for their children daily and they also know the condition they are in’, said Shehu, a preacher in the school.

Facts that emerged later showed that operators of the school use it as a rehabilitation centre for reforming the character of delinquent children.

Barely three weeks after the raid on the Imamu Ahmad Bn Hambal School in Rigasa area took place, another traditional rehabilitation centre known as Malam Niga Rehabilitation and Skills Acquisition Centre was busted in the same Rigasa community on Saturday, October 19, 2019. The centre is located at Kwanar Gurguwa in Rigasa community. In this raid, 147 captives including men, women and children were rescued. The detainees comprised of 125 males and 22 females, among whom four were foreigners from Cameroon and Niger republics.

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Most of them were found in chains.

Although the proprietor of the Malam Niga Centre, Lawal Yusuf Muduru, claimed to have a licence to operate the complex, it was reported in the media that Governor Nasir Ahmed ElRufai of Kaduna state who was at Malam Niga’s rehabilitation home alongside the police discovered that the detainees were not being kept in good condition. About seven of the inmates were alleged to have been sexually molested by other inmates.

The discovery of and rescue of more detainees from illegal rehabilitation centres had almost become a daily experience. After busting Malam Niga’s centre in Rigasa, others include the clampdown on a rehabilitation home in Daura; the raid of the Qur’anic and Rehabilitation Centre, popularly known as ‘Makarantar Malam Niga’ located in Kofar Durbi area of Katsina metropolis; and the shutdown of another one in Zaria from where11 inmates were evacuated and four teachers arrested by personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, on Tuesday, October 22, 2019. The counting, no doubt, is ongoing.

Another raid carried out by the police at a rehabilitation centre in Gaa Odota in Ilorin, Kwara State capital has led to the rescue of 108 inmates of the facility.

The State Commissioner of Police, Kayode Egbetokun who

“

countered claims of the owner of the facility, Abdulraheem Owotutu on the center being a place where Islam and Arabic is taught as well as healing of mentally ill people, drug addicts and stubborn children, stated that they received intelligence and surveyed the place for some days before carrying out the raid.

Speaking to newsmen, some of the rescued inmates identified as Collins Temitope Owonifaari and Warith Hussein said they were tortured at the facility they spent four months and 20 days in. They also disclosed that their parents paid N100,000 for the commencement of their treatment and also sent in N15,000 monthly for their upkeep.

One of the female inmates revealed that they were raped by one of the owner’s brothers and his sons.

President Muhammadu Buhari’s has openly commended the Nigeria Police Force on these raids and urged them not to relent in its efforts to bust all illegal correctional centres in the country. The President said his administration has zero tolerance for criminality and human rights abuse such as the enslavement of children in fake rehabilitation centres.

Some obvious realities have emerged from these raids carried out on the local rehabilitation homes. Most of the detainees found in the local rehabilitation centres are either drug addicts

President Muhammadu Buhari’s has openly commended the Nigeria Police Force on these raids and urged them not to relent in its efforts to bust all illegal correctional centres in the country

or young boys and girls with maladjusted personalities whose parents or guardians desperately needed a correctional intervention from wherever they could find one. The end result is that, given governments failure in providing rehabilitation homes operated by trained experts, proprietors who have no licence to operate behavioural reform homes stepped into the void.

The problem calls for more presidential action than mere commendation of police raids by the president.

While I was working in Kano in the 80’s, the people of the state launched Kano Foundation.

They called it Gidauniyar. One of the cardinal ambitions of that Foundation was to integrate Almajari system of education with the western type. I hear very little of Gidauniyar and even less of its laudable ideals again.

In 2012, President Goodluck Jonathan launched a very laudable and ambitious program to build Almajari schools. It is sad that this progressive initiative has suffered comprehensive neglect.

I have always argued that the Almajari system of education is a security nightmare for Nigeria.

We are breeding hordes of young lads without skills for relevance and survival in a modern economy.

The only skills they have is a half-baked understanding of Islam and the learning of Quran by rote. This is a recipe for the state of insecurity plaguing the north and Nigeria today.

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