Thursday, january 22, 2015

Vol. 3 N0. 657 Thursday, July 4, 2013 N150 Vol. 5 N0. 1032 Thursday, January 22, 2015 N150

...over 140,000 fowls infected

School releases Buhari’s WASC result

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6>>Adesina

ECOWAS to send 250-member monitoring team Group condemns endorsement P.2,15

23 DAYS TO GO

P.38P3

Taraba: Agony of internally displaced persons

Controversy, sheer mischief, says APC candidateJAMES DANJUMA AND ABDULGAFAR OLADIMEJI

Provincial College, Katsina, (now Gov-ernment College, Kat-

sina) yesterday released the results of Cambridge/West African School Certificate of the All Progressives Con-gress presidential candi-date, Maj-Gen. Muhammed Buhari.

The result, made avail-able to journalists showed

Cameroun rescues German hostage from B’Haram

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L-R: All Progressives Congress National leaders, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande; Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso; vice presidential candidate, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and National Chairman, Chief John Oyegun, during the presidential campaign in Katsina, yesterday.

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P.49

INSIGHT

Elections: IGP warns policemen, transport workers’ unions

Bird flu spreads to 7 statesADEOLA TUKURU, DENNIS NAKU, FRANCIS SUBERU

The bird flu scourge has been reported in seven states

in the country with far- reaching implications for poultry farming and nutri-tional values for millions

of Nigerians.This is coming barely

two months after Nigeria got certified free from the dreaded Ebola virus.

The states with report-

School releases Buhari’s WASC result

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net2 Thursday, January 22, 2015News


CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

L-R: National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Adamu Mu’azu; President Goodluck Jonathan; Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi and Vice-President Namadi Sambo during a courtesy call on the Emir in Kano for the PDP presidential campaign rally, yesterday. PHOTO:STATE HOUSE

PAUL ARHEWE AND OMEIZA AJAYI

The Inspector-Gen-eral of Police, Su-leiman Abba, has

warned officers and men of the force as well as road transport union workers to conduct themselves within the ambit of the electoral law before, dur-ing and after next month’s elections or risk severe sanctions.

Abba said both catego-ries of the population play a pivotal role in election security, urging them to avoid being dragged into partisan politics.

The police boss spoke when he received execu-tive members of the Na-tional Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, yesterday in Abuja.

At the occasion, Abba also launched 400, 000 copies of a pocket-sized booklet on guidelines for policemen on electoral du-ties.

He said the police were partnering with the

NURTW ahead of the elec-tions they transport peo-ple and luggage, they are likely to carry criminals and harmful products or explosives.

He advised them to re-port such cases immedi-ately to law enforcement agencies.

The IGP also promised to ensure that every po-liceman obtained a copy of the booklet.

Abba said the publica-tion of the booklet was part of the police contri-bution towards having a free, fair and credible election.

Entitled “The Nigeria Police Force Standard Op-erational Guidelines or Rules for Police Officers on Electoral Duty”, the booklet is a guide to all po-lice officers on their legal responsibilities and ethi-cal expectations of the public from the police. Ac-cording to the IGP, any po-liceman found engaged in acts of misconduct, will be severely reprimanded, warning them to be con-versant with the rules in the book.

He also cautioned the NURTW members against being involved in thug-gery, saying, “If we iden-tify you, we will pick you and ensure that the law takes its due course on you”.

According to him, those members who are vulnerable to being re-cruited as thugs must be

dissuaded by the leaders of the union.

Earlier, the NURTW President, Alhaji Najeem Usman Yasin, assured of the readiness of the union to collaborate with the force in all ramifications.

He pledged to share any raw or primary in-telligence with the police whenever the union ob-

tained such in the course of business.

Meanwhile, the Eco-nomic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, is sending a 250-strong Election Ob-servation Mission, EOM, to Nigeria to monitor the February elections.

The ECOWAS mission, one of the largest foreign

observation teams be-ing deployed in Nigeria, will be headed by former Ghanaian President John Kufuor, who led a fact-finding mission to the country last October.

The deployment of ob-servation missions by the ECOWAS Commission is consistent with the pro-

that his examination cen-tre number was 8280, while Buhari’s candidate number was 002.

The statement of results, printed on the letter head paper of the Katsina State Ministry of Education, showed that the examina-tion took place in 1961.

The Cambridge printout also displayed the result of 17 other candidates at the centre, including the late Gen. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, a former Chief of Staff, Su-preme Headquarters.

Responding to the certifi-cate saga, Buhari yesterday dismissed the allegation that he did not possess the required academic quali-fication to contest for the Presidency.

He described the allega-tion, fuelled by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as “a non-issue”.

Buhari, who spoke at the Kano Government House, Kano, said he was compelled to respond to the certificate saga following the disclo-sure by the Army authori-ties that his record with the military did not reflect that

he acquired the minimum educational requirement to vie for the Presidency.

The APC presidential candidate said that he at-tended and passed from Katsina Provincial College, now Government College, Katsina, in 1961, stressing that among his classmates were the former Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquar-ters, the late Gen. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua.

He said: “I only consent-ed to address you this morn-ing because of the genuine concern expressed by many supporters and other well-meaning Nigerians that the issue be addressed. Other-wise, I would have dismissed it for what it is - sheer mis-chief - and would not have considered it an issue worth the nation’s while.

“I had assumed all along that all my records were in the custody of the Military Secretary of the Nigerian Army.

“Much to my surprise, we are now told that although a record of the result is avail-able, there are no copies of the certificates in my per-sonal file.

“ This is why I formally requested my old school, the Provincial Secondary School, Katsina (which is now known as Government College, Kat-sina) to make available the school’s copy of the result of the Cambridge/West African School Certificate.

“This will be made avail-able to the press the moment this is available. However, before we obtain that let me say for the record that I attended Provincial Second-ary School, Katsina.

“I graduated in 1961 with many prominent Nigerians, including the late Gen. Shehu Yar’Adua, former chief of staff at the Supreme Head-quarters, and Justice Umaru Abdullahi, a former Presi-dent of the Court of Appeal.

“We sat for the University of Cambridge/WASC Ex-amination together in 1961, the year we graduated. My examination number was 8280002, and I passed the examination in the second division.

“And although the rul-ing party may want to wish this away, the issue in this campaign cannot be my cer-tificate which I obtained 53

years ago. “The issues are the scan-

dalous level of unemploy-ment of millions of our young people, the state of insecurity, the pervasive of-ficial corruption which has impoverished our people and the lack of concern of the government for any-thing other than the reten-tion of power at all costs.”

At the end of the briefing, the Director- General, Me-dia, to Gen.Buhari, Alhaji Garba Shehu, barred jour-nalists from quizzing the APC presidential candidate.

Meanwhile, 12 people, in-cluding four policemen, yes-terday collapsed at Buhari’s campaign rally in Katsina State.

Most of the collapsed vic-tims were standing close to the podium where key mem-bers of the APC were sched-uled to speak to a mammoth crowd.

The rally, which held at the Polo Ground in the state metropolis, had been sched-uled to commence at 10am but most of the key APC members didn’t arrive the venue until 4pm.

Buhari said his admin-

istration, if elected, would focus more on three sectors, including tackling corrup-tion, revamping the health sector and transforming the security situation.

He said these three areas had been his emphasis since he commenced campaign and called on his supporters to ensure their vote counts on the day of the election.

APC National Leader and former Lagos state governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, said the retired General was the only person capable of bring-ing the kind of transforma-tion the country needed.

Tinubu said the PDP-led Federal Government was busy talking about Buhari’s academic qualifications in-stead of focusing on how to deal with the threat posed by the Boko Haram sect.

He said there was no way the foreign and Nige-rian military would allow Buhari to join the Army and attend military courses without prerequisite quali-fications in the first place.

Also at the rally were APC stalwarts, including Governors Rotimi Amaechi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, former

Zamfara State governor, Senator Ahmed Yarima.

Meanwhile, the All Pro-gressives Congress, APC, has strongly condemned the reported stoning of the cam-paign convoy of President Goodluck Jonathan in Kat-sina State on Tuesday, saying violence of any kind is total-ly unacceptable to the party.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said President Jona-than should be free to cam-paign anywhere in the coun-try without hinderance.

It said even though the at-tack on the President’s con-voy took place a day after the provocative death-wish-for-Buhari newspaper ad-vertorial that was put out in the name of the President, nothing justifies the stoning of the President’s comvoy anywhere in the country.

APC restated its commit-ment to a continuous en-lightenment of its members and supporters to eschew violence before, during and after next month’s general elections, and urged other parties to follow suit.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6>>

3Thursday, January 22, 2015 National Mirrorwww.nationalmirroronline.net

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net4 Thursday, January 22, 2015Photo News

OMEIZA AJAYIABUJA

Political parties un-der the aegis of In-ter-Party Advisory

Council, IPAC, yesterday kicked against calls for postponement of next month’s general elections.

IPAC said such calls were unnecessary despite the hitches being experi-enced with the distribu-tion of Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs.

Chairman of the coun-cil, Dr Yunusa Tanko, stated this in an interview with our correspondent in Abuja.

Tanko, who is also Na-tional Chairman of the National Conscience Par-ty, NCP, urged Nigerians to discountenance any message to the contrary in the social media.

He said neither him nor any member of the coun-cil has advocated such.

“All the while we have been having meetings with the Independent National Electoral Com-mission, INEC, the last of

Parties kick against shift in February polls

L-R: Vice Chancellor, Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Prof. Valentine Aletor; Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Mr. Edem Duke, and Founder of the university, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo, during the Minister’s visit to the university, recently.

L-R: Head, Corporate branch, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Paschal Nzeribe; Director, Union Diagnostics/CEO of Lifecare Partner, Dr. Abiodun Oyeneyin; President, National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, Prof. Rasheed Arogundade and Dr. Kolawole Oyedeji, during the Initiative for Medical Diagnostic Awareness 2015 Forum in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

L-R: Economic Officer, United States Embassy, Mr. Joel Kopp; Managing Director, Pan, Mr. Ibrahim Boyi and Chairman, Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Sherrif Balogun, during a visit to Pan factory in Kaduna, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

L-R: Chairman, Association of Stockbroking House of Nigeria, Mr. Emeka Madubuike; President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers ,Mr. Albert Okumagba and Acting Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission, Mallam Mounir Gwarzo, during a meeting in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

National News

commission is ready for the polls, especially with the various institutional frameworks that have been put in place.

Also, Secretary of the Council and National Chairman of the Progres-sive Peoples Alliance, PPA, Mr. Peter Ameh, dis-sociated the party from such calls.

Speaking with our cor-

respondent in his office, Ameh said he has never written any statement both at the party and council level calling for postponement.

According to him, PPA has spent so much money on electioneering cam-paigns and any postpone-ment would mean a great financial loss.

“We are already in the

field and we cannot afford to go back. Those who are advocating a postpone-ment know what they are afraid of. For us, let us get the elections done and move on,” he said.

Several messages had been circulated in Abuja yesterday, quoting IPAC and some other stake-holders in the democratic process as calling for post-

Officials of the De-partment of Secu-rity Services, DSS,

yesterday swooped on the premises of the Advertis-ing Practitioners Council of Nigeria, APCON, in La-gos, arresting some staff of the council.

Reliable sources close to the agency disclosed that the arrest was not unconnected with the op-erations of the enforce-ment unit of the council yesterday, during which some illegal billboards were pulled down in ac-

cordance with APCON.It was gathered that the

arrested personnel of the agency were taken to the office of the DSS in Ma-godo, Lagos.

Our correspondent reli-ably gathered that the se-curity agents’ action was based on a directive from Abuja as the electioneer-ing campaigns assume greater intensity nation-wide.

It would be recalled that APCON has been having a running battle with illegal billboards and

unvetted advertisement in recent times.

The latest being the controversial advert spon-sored by Governor of Eki-ti State, which APCON de-nied knowledge of before publication.

APCON is the apex regulatory body in the ad-vertising industry in the country.

Meanwhile, APCON, yesterday reaffirmed its demand to preview all election campaign adver-tisements for approval before they are aired or

published.APCON’s Registrar, Al-

haji Garba Kankarofi, in a statement in Lagos, ap-pealed to all mass media owners and managers to comply with the directive in order to checkmate any unfounded attacks against personalities through campaign messages.

“Like every other form of advertisement, politi-cal advertisements are re-quired to be submitted for pre-exposure approval by the Advertising Standards Panel,” it said.

DSS arrests APCON offi cials over billboards’ removal

ponement of the polls.By the amended elec-

toral law 2010, INEC still has a window of opportu-nity till April to conduct the elections.

Governor James Bala Ngilari of Adamawa State had on Tuesday called on INEC to postpone the February elections in the state until April due to in-security.

which was January 15.“The commission has

continuously rolled out its plans for the elections. Each of us raised ques-tions on all the plans and INEC cleared the air and so there was no dissenting voice as regards the prepa-ration of INEC.

“Yes, we all agreed that there are challenges, but we also agreed to work against these challenges and so, none of us advocat-ed or called for any post-ponement of the elections.

“What we said was that it is only INEC that can tell us whether they can or cannot conduct the elections. From all indica-tions, even with the issue of internally displaced persons, INEC has consis-tently maintained its read-iness for the February 14 and 28 elections.

“The sms being circu-lated is just a creation of some people in the social media and that is very un-fair,” Tanko stated.

He said from his deal-ings with INEC, it was safe to assume that the

National Mirrorwww.nationalmirroronline.net 5Thursday, January 22, 2015


Fuel subsidy falls to N113.6m pd


Bird fl u spreads to 7 states, over 140,000 fowls infected CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

Group Managing Director, Energy Group, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, CFR, (middle) with stakeholders of Ondo State Peoples Democratic Party at a recent meeting in Igbotako, Ondo State.

ed cases of the virus are Kano, Lagos, Rivers, Edo, Ogun, Delta and Plateau states.

So far, the Avian Influ-enza Virus, which was officially reported in the country on January 8 had infected over 140,000 poul-try birds out of which 22,173 birds, representing 15 per cent, had died.

Giving an update on the scourge yesterday at a media chat in Abuja, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, disclosed that Kano State had the largest number of infected birds, totalling 103,445, out of which 15,963 mortality was recorded.

The minister listed the farms where the poultry scourge was recorded in the state as Gwale, Kum-botso, Tofa, Gaya and Un-gogo local governments.

Lagos State recorded the second largest infec-tion cases with 31,195 birds exposed cases recorded in Somolu and Eti Osa local governments out of which 3,347 birds, representing 11 per cent of exposed birds died.

The minister also said that in Ogun State, Sag-amu had reported two lo-cations with one positive

case in Ifo and another negative case in Sabo, add-ing that of the 1,030 birds currently under watch in the two locations, 163 birds, or 15 per cent of the reported cases had died.

According to him, other states with positive cases reported are Rivers, Delta, Edo and Plateau with fig-ures ranging between 200 and 1,550 mortalities.

Adesina said: “All the farms have been quar-antined and decontami-nated. Other locations in Ikorodu, Ojo and Lagos Mainland have already been quarantined, while awaiting confirmation.

On the remediation ef-forts by the ministry to mitigate the spread of the bird disease, the minister explained that different levels of interventions, in-cluding depopulation, de-contamination and quar-antine were ongoing in the states.

He said that with the ministry was spearhead-ing a rapid response sys-tem in collaboration with the affected state govern-ments’ ministries of agri-culture.

Adesina added that gov-ernment had been able to contain the disease in Kano and Lagos states by joint delegation of the

UDEME AKPAN

The Federal Govern-ment subsidy on pet-rol has dropped from

N1.6 billion to N113.6 million per day because of the recent intervention which culmi-nated in the crash of price from N97 to N87 per litre.

This is based on the esti-mated daily consumption of 40 million litres of the prod-uct at the daily subsidized rate of N2.84 per litre.

The current Petroleum Products Pricing Regulato-ry Agency, PPPRA, statistics released yesterday showed that government’s subsidy, which stood at N44.94 in De-cember 2014 has crashed to N2.84 per litre.

The latest template of the agency stated that the landing cost, including cost and freight, traders mar-gin, lightering expenses, NPA, financing, jetty depot thru’ put charge and stor-age which amounted to N126.45 last December has fallen to N74.35 per litre.

The template stated that distribution margins, including retailers, trans-porters, dealers, bridging fund, marine transport average and admin charge remained static at N15.49 per a litre.

The PPPRA that puts ex-depot price at N77.66 stated that these expenses increased the total cost of the product to N89.84 in January, this year.

Investigations showed that the major and inde-pendent marketers had started preparing their fourth quarter subsidy claims for settlement.

A survey in Lagos and its environs showed that many marketers have com-plied with the government directive to ensure the price of petrol is reduced to N87 per litre nationwide.

Already, the organised private sector, the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC and other stakeholders have picked holes on the Federal Government 17.5 per cent fuel price reduction.

Federal Government in the affected areas and that reported cases in Delta and Rivers states were be-ing monitored.

He assured that Nigeria would successfully control the disease, maintaining that government had suc-cessfully controlled the scourge in the past and had activated necessary protocols and measures to ensure its successful con-trol now.

The minister listed some of the measures adopted by government to control the scourge as quarantining of infected premises and restriction of movement of poultry and poultry products into and out of areas around infected premises.

The Rivers State Com-missioner for Agriculture, Mr. Emma Chinda, said the state government had destroyed hundreds of birds in a private poultry farm in Port Harcourt, the capital.

Chinda told journalists that apart from destroy-ing the infected birds and that the privately owned poultry farm where the virus manifested had been quarantined and decon-taminated.

He said: “Samples that were taken from a private poultry farm for a labora-tory test outside Port Har-court turned out positive to the Bird Flu virus.

“To forestall the virus from spreading, we have destroyed hundreds of

birds. The poultry farm has also been quarantined and decontaminated.

“We have no record of any human infection. There is no need for people to panic because the state government has taken ap-propriate measures to con-tain its spread.

We advise that mem-bers of the public who want to eat animals and eggs should thoroughly boil them before they are eaten.”

Lagos State Commis-sioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Gbolahan Lawal, corroborated the minister’s position that the affected poultry farms had been depopulated and are being quarantined.

According to him, visi-

tation and re-inspection of the affected poultry farms is still ongoing with a team of veterinary doctors.

Lawal made the clarifi-cation while responding to questions from a farmer, Bunmi Ashafa, at a Farm-ers Forum organised by the State Ministry of Agri-culture and Cooperatives in Ikorodu. He said that the ministry visited the infected farm that day for re-inspection with a team of veterinary doctors and the farm had been prop-erly quarantined.

He charged Lagos farmers to join coop-erative societies, saying that this would enable them to access soft loans and other benefits from the state government.

visions of the regional Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and within the framework of the ECOWAS Electoral As-sistance Programme for member states.

An innovation this time is that the EOM, which is due in Nigeria from February 10, 2015, will be preceded by a 12-member Long-Term Election Observation Mission, LTEOM, whose members will be deployed from January 22 to Febru-ary 18, 2015.

While the short-term mission will concentrate on the regular observa-tion of the electoral pro-cess, before, during and

the post-election period, the LTEOM will serve as a rapid response mecha-nism for emergencies and contribute to the preven-tion and management of election related conflicts.

The members will pro-vide credible real-time analysis and substantial recommendations and also help to create an at-mosphere of public trust and encourage citizen participation.

The LTEOM team will comprise an election specialist, who will be responsible for liaison with electoral authority and assessing the work of the Electoral Man-agement Body, EMB, in relation to regional prin-ciples governing demo-

cratic elections; a politi-cal legal specialist with a deep knowledge of the constitutional and legal framework governing the elections, and media specialists who will be responsible for coordinat-ing relations between the press and the mission.

It will include a con-flict prevention specialist, who will analyse informa-tion related to electoral conflict and also assess measures taken by the government to encour-age the full participation of youth and women in the electoral process and ensure gender parity in representation during electoral process.

There will also be an operation specialist, in

charge of operational matters, including secu-rity and safety of the mis-sion, and a mission coor-dinator, who will serve as the focal point between the field-based long-term observers and the short-term observation mission for logistical matters as well as collection and col-lation of reports.

The mission will have a dedicated web portal and a Situation Room to serve as its secretariat for daily briefing on the situation and the collection of data.

The long- and short-term poll observers will be deployed to the six geo-political zones, with the exception of the North-East because of the secu-rity situation.


Dawha

L-R: Chirman Public Presentation, Presidential Committee on the Review of the National Defence Policy, Mr. Tunde Fagbemi; Amb. Oladapo Fafowora and GOC. I Div Nigerian Army, Kaduna, Major General Kennth Osuji, at presentation of the Presidential Committee on review of National Defence Policy, in Kaduna, yesterday.

Crude oil decline threatens 3 Nigerian deepwater projects —GMD

Certifi cate saga: PDP wants Buhari prosecuted for perjury

Reps move to repeal 60-year-old Railway Act

1 killed, 5 vehicles burnt as Jonathan campaigns in Kano

Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum

Corporation, NNPC, Dr Jo-seph Dawha, has said the decline in crude oil price will delay exploration of three national deep water projects.

Dawha made the revela-tion at the ongoing seminar by Offshore West African Conference in Lagos, OWC, with the theme “Managing West Africa’s Major Proj-ects”.

Dawha, represented by Mr Jonathan Okehs, Group General Manager, National Petroleum Investment Management Services, NA-PIMS, said the theme was chosen to address the de-cline in oil projects in West African countries and seek solutions.

According to him, many companies have cash flow challenges due to crude oil price decline that affected their capital expenditure.

Dawha said a number of deep water projects will suffer delays or outright cancellation, including one in Angola, three in Nigeria and one in Ghana.

According to him, the challenges of the Nigerian oil industry revolve around managing major projects through both price and physical uncertainty.

Also speaking, Mr Er-nest Nwapa, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian

OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, �wants presidential candi-

date of the All Progres-sives Congress, APC, Gen-eral Muhammadu Buhari, to be interrogated and prosecuted for perjury.

Director, Media and Publicity, PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, at a press conference in Abuja yesterday, said Buhari lied in the affidavit he swore to in which he claimed that his credentials were in the cus-tody of the military.

“The implication of the action of this so-called “Mr. Clean” is nothing but perju-ry and we all know that this is grave criminal offence under our laws and consti-tution.

“We urge Buhari to do

ABDULGAFAR OLADIMEJI KANO

One person was yes-terday confirmed dead and five ve-

hicles burnt in a clash in-volving thugs loyal to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the All Progres-sives Party, APC, in Kano State.

Our correspondent gathered that the clash oc-curred as President Good-luck Jonathan’s campaign train stormed the Polo Ground in continuation of the party’s re-election bid in February.

It was learnt that thugs

brandished dangerous weapons during the clash; moments after President Jonathan started his cam-paign.

Police Command spokes-man, Magaji Musa Majia, an ASP, confirmed the in-cident and loss of life, in-cluding destruction of five vehicles.

Majia added that the po-lice were investigating the incident to ascertain the cause.

The clash is coming on the heels of the presence of presidential candidates of the two dominant parties in the state.

The APC presidential

candidate, General Mu-hammadu Buhari, was in Kano on Tuesday and yes-terday, he also addressed journalists on the allega-tion that he did not have the requisite qualification to contest for the presidency.

Meanwhile, Jonathan was welcomed to Kano by a large crowd of support-ers, even as the president used the occasion to fe-licitate with people of the state over the emergence of Muhammad Sanusi as new emir.

Thousands of PDP sup-porters had thronged the venue of the campaign rally as early as 9am, with

CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

There are indica-tions that the rail-way sector may now

begin to attract private investments, as the House of Representatives said it would bring to an end the existence of a 60-year-old Railways Act.

Entitled the “Nigerian Railways Corporation Act of 1955”, the lawmakers said it would be repealed and re-placed by the Nigerian Rail-ways Authority Act.

The draft bill made pro-vision for a 25-year devel-opment plan that would ensure the sustenance of development programme.

According to the lawmak-ers, the extant law is a hin-drance to the economic de-

velopment the rail transport system could bring to bear on the Nigerian economy.

Speaking in Abuja at the opening of a National Con-ference on Rail Transporta-tion organised by the House Committee on Land Trans-portation, Chairman of the committee, Musa Sarkin-Adar, said it was expedient for the country to have a functional world class rail transport system capable of driving the economy.

“Although the rail sector in recent times has attract-ed Federal Government’s attention, but permit me to say that the current inter-vention in the sector is a far cry considering the level of infrastructural needs of the rail transport system in Nigeria, a nation estimated to inhabit over 150 million

traffic gridlock on major routes.

Speaking at the rally, Jonathan urged the peo-ple to cast their votes for his party, noting that the emergence of Mallam Sa-lihu Takai, as governor-elect would pave the way to further elevate the com-mercial viability of the state.

He stated that the peo-ple and city of Kano are renowned for commercial activities and agriculture, adding that voting for the PDP at all levels would boost the commercial and agrarian activities of the state.

the rail system to the next level.

He added that it was im-possible for the government to make available the re-quired fund for the complete transformation of the once moribund sector.

According to him, the corporation has embarked on a number of rehabilita-tion and modernisation agreements with some for-eign companies.

These, he said, have re-sulted in the achievement so far recorded in the rehabili-tation and construction of narrow and standard rails across the country, in addi-tion to a number of coaches, wagons and locomotives.

He, however, warned that the sector may not be able to go further without active private sector participation.

Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCD-MB, urged operators to keep Nigerian content ac-tive.

Nwapa charged Nigerian oil industry operators to fo-cus on the survival of their projects and the economy of oil producing countries.

He also urged operators not to panic over the de-cline in crude oil price, but pay more attention on how to maximise profits.

Mr George Oguachuba, Offshore West Africa 2015 Advisory Board Chairman, said the oil and gas land-scape in Africa was rapidly changing, as demonstrated by many emerging oil and gas nations.

Oguachuba said that Offshore West Africa pro-vides technical forum for the sharing of experiences and discussions of the chal-lenges and advancements in oil and gas exploration and production in the sub-region.

the right thing and tender an unreserved apology to the Nigerian people, throw in the towel and report to the nearest police station for interrogation and prosecu-tion,” he said.

Fani-Kayode noted that Buhari has insulted the col-lective intelligence and in-tegrity of the Nigerian peo-ple and urged the Nigerian Armed Forces to consider the possibility of stripping him of his rank and privi-leges, alleging that he was not qualified when he joined the army.

He warned that “if any-thing untoward happens” to President Goodluck Jonathan or his supporters given the attacks of PDP campaign train in the north, “we shall hold Buhari and his party responsible and the consequence would be grave, unimaginable and far-reaching.”

people.“Our rail development

must never be considered a destination, but rather a stepping stone for the ac-tualisation of the Nigeria of our dream with a world class rail transport system,” he said.

The committee said the legislation would institu-tionalise the sustenance of the development plan of the rail sector.

Sarkin-Adar, who was represented by his deputy, Sokonte Davies, assured that work would be expedit-ed on the bill as soon as it is transmitted to the National Assembly.

However, Managing Di-rector of the Nigerian Rail-way Corporation, NRC, Ad-eseyi Sijuwade, said it is the private sector that can take


… Senator Manager, others injured

APC fl ays NCC’s ban on political adverts OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU AND EBERE NDUKWU

All Progressives Con-gress, APC, yes-terday came down

hard on the Federal Govern-ment and the telecommu-nications regulatory body, the National Communica-tions Commission, NCC, over directive to telecom companies in the country to ‘’avoid running political/advertisement promotions that would portray them as being partisan,” with threat of sanctions on any service provider that flouts the di-rective.

In a press conference ad-dressed yesterday by APC National Publicity Secre-tary, Lai Mohammed, the party said that following a press conference addressed

by Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, in his capacity as APC PCC di-rector of campaign fund committee to unveil five platforms through which interested Nigerians could make monetary contribu-tions to the Buhari/Osin-bajo campaign, which are: banks, e-payment, short message service, SMS, ring-tones and scratch cards, it was baffling why the NCC, probably acting on instruc-tions from ‘above’, would try to prevent APC from us-ing the last three platforms, which are dependent on the telecommunications oper-ating in the country from raising funds for its cam-paign.

Mohammed said: “It is no longer news that indi-viduals and organisations have been using these new

Military to compensate slain JTF soldiers OSAHON JULIUSYENAGOA

Military authori-ties are making efforts to compen-

sate families of soldiers at-tached to the Joint Military Task Force, JTF, in Niger Delta, who were killed in pi-rate attacks recently.

Commander, JTF, Major General Emmanuel Atewe, disclosed this yesterday during the inauguration of building for soldiers at 343 Artillery Regiment, Elele, Rivers State.

Atewe, who observed a minute’s silence alongside top military officers and soldiers present on the oc-

casion, said the JTF had concluded plans to visit the families of the deceased sol-diers.

“We have concluded plans to visit the bereaved families of our soldiers killed a few months ago dur-ing operations,” he said.

No fewer than six sol-diers attached to the secu-rity outfit were murdered in Bayelsa State in Decem-ber 2014.

Gunmen suspected to be sea pirates attacked and murdered the six soldiers attached to JTF on Bayelsa waterways in two separate incidents at Santa Barbara River, Nembe and Azagbene river of Ekeremor.

On the renovated build-ing, Atewe advised ben-eficiaries to keep it clean so that they would not incur the wrath of the authori-ties.

He also urged those who could farm to use the large expanse of land at the back of the buildings for farm-ing.

He commended the 2 Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Idowu Uzamere, for his diligence and quick completion of the project.

“This is the second time I am coming to commis-sion projects. I commend you and request the young officers to emulate your exemplary leadership. I

platforms to either pass across messages or pro-mote their products, among others, just like they have done through the tradi-tional platforms, including radio, television and the newspapers.

“Not once has the tele-communications regulato-ry body, the NCC, prevented these individuals and cor-porate entities from using the last three platforms for these legitimate publicity and promos.”

The APC said the move seemed an orchestrated plot to prevent it from using the new platforms of SMS, ringtones and scratch card to raise funds for its elec-tioneering campaign.

It said: “By the way, le-gitimate fund-raising is the norm around the world to finance electioneering

campaign; hence we have not embarked on anything that is out of the ordinary by the measures unveiled by Fashola.”

Mohammed said it seems the PDP-led Federal Government is not comfort-able with APC’s plan of us-ing the telecommunication platforms to raise funds for its campaign.

He said: “While the PDP-led Federal Government has been mouthing its com-mitment to free, fair and transparent elections, it has, on the other hand, been doing everything possible to prevent that. Or how can you have a free, fair and transparent election if you won’t even allow the op-position to leverage on the existing national telecom-munications infrastructure to raise funds for its cam-

L-R: Director-General, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Mrs. Joy Bob-Manuel; Deputy Director Litigation, Mr. Labassa Victor and Media Consultant, Zwahu Yanwaidi, at a press conference in Kaduna, yesterday.

THEOPHILUS ONOJEGHENWARRI

There was pandemo-nium yesterday in Pa-tani, the administra-

tive headquarters of Patani Local Government Area of Delta State as hundreds of irate youths barricaded major roads leading to the campaign venue of gover-norship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.

The youths believed to be supporters of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly and member rep-resenting Patani Constitu-ency, Hon. Basil Ganagana, were protesting what they described as the illegal sub-stitution of their principal as candidate of the party in next month’s general elec-tions.

National Mirror reliably gathered that the aggrieved youths demanded that Mr Timi Tonye, who came sec-ond in the primaries and now Assembly candidate for the area, was removed for Ganagana, who won the pri-mary election.

An eyewitness told our correspondent that Senator James Manager and doz-

Youths bar Okowa’s campaign in Patani

ens of other persons were injured while several cars were torched in the scuffle that lasted several hours.

However, the protest went wild when armed policemen attached to the campaign team injured one of the ag-grieved youths in a bid to allow Okowa campaign gain access to the town and con-sequently triggered anger from the youths.

It was learnt that Man-ager, who is also Delta South senatorial candidate, was fingered in the substitu-tion of the Deputy Speaker, hence the reason for attack-ing him and his car.

Another source, Harrison Biu, confirmed to our cor-respondent via phone that the incident was not uncon-nected with the manner the name of Ganagana was re-moved from PDP Assembly race in Abuja by suspected elements in the state.

According to him, the party may lose the forthcom-ing elections in the area if the alleged injustice is not corrected.

Although, it could not be immediately confirmed, it was learnt that similar in-cident occurred in Bomadi constituency.

am happy the building is standing. To those who worked with the command-er to bring down the cost of the renovation, God will reward all of you,” he said.

However, he encour-aged an Army engineer with a token amount of money for wiring the en-tire building for less N1.1 million, the amount con-tractors charged.

He also promised that some buildings that needed renovation would be looked into, saying when soldiers operate in a conducive environ-ment, it would boost their productivity and morale.

paign? How can you have a credible election when the government of the day routinely uses national in-stitutions as a tool to stifle the opposition?”

The APC accused the NCC of seeking to block “our ability to use the platforms of SMS, ring-tones and scratch cards to raise fund,” by the let-ter it wrote to all the ser-vice providers to ‘’avoid running political/adver-tisement promotions that would portray them as being partisan,’’ threat-ening sanctions against “any service provider that flouts this directive.”

It added: “By doing so, the same body, a national institution, that is warn-ing service providers against running politi-cal/advertisements pro-motions in order not to be portrayed as partisan has itself become a tool of crass partisanship. What an irony.”

Mohammed noted that no regulatory body has barred the use of the traditional platforms of radio, television and print media from run-ning political advertise-ments and promotions.

He added that APC takes “very strong excep-tion to the contents of the letter sent by the NCC to the service providers as well as the timing of such directive.”

Mohammed said there “can’t be a clearer example of abuse of of-fice,” expressing grave concern by what he called “brazen act of in-timidation and regula-tory lawlessness towards legitimate businesses providing perfectly le-gitimate advertisement services, especially when the advertisers have not breached any law or pre-vented their subscribers from opting out of such services.”

National Mirrorwww.nationalmirroronline.net 9News Thursday, January 22, 2015

Jega

L-R; Former Chairman, Lagos Island Local Government, Hon Wasiu Eshinlokun; Executive Secretary, Lagos Island Local Government, Prince Toyese Olusi; Senator Oluremi Tinubu; former Commissioner for Finance, Mr Wale Edun; Iyaloja Gbajumo Fred Macqueen Market, Balogun, Alhaja Funsho Awofeso, and Iyaloja Keyclmp Balogun Market,Alhaja Rafiat Olusi, during a visit to burnt part of Balogun Market, Lagos yesterday.

ABUAD splashes N87m on students, staff

Folarin assures NUPENG of support

The physically-challenged’ll vote —Ekiti INEC

Amosun pledges to compensate OKLNG host community

ABIODUN NEJOADO EKITI

Founder of Afe Baba-lola University, Ado Ekiti, ABUAD, Aare

Afe Babalola, has said the yearly scholarships and awards given to outstand-ing students of the institu-tion was to ginger them to excellence.

This came as the insti-tution yesterday splashed N87.658 million on students with excellent records, among others.

Beneficiaries of the 5th Founder’s Day Schol-arships and Awards also included those on compas-sionate grounds and mem-bers of staff with outstand-ing performance.

At the presentation, 10 students with cumulative gross performance aggre-gate (CGPA) of 5.0 received N500,000 each, while many others with high grades re-ceived cash prizes ranging from N300,000 to N50,000 each.

Babalola said presenta-tion of the awards at the institution’s sixth matricu-lation ceremony was to set agenda for fresh students “that if you do well, the

KEMI OLAITANIBADAN

Governorship can-didate of Peoples Democratic Party,

PDP, in Oyo State, Sena-tor Teslim Folarin, has as-sured members of the Ni-geria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, that he would never disturb their build-ing of more filling sta-tions in the state since it would create employment opportunities for more people.

He gave the assurance yesterday in Ibadan, the state capital, while hosting the national leadership of the union, who paid him solidarity visit, stating that petroleum business was le-gitimate.

He said his administra-tion would have a human face as he understands the plight of the masses, add-ing that he would consult stakeholders in particular fields before taking any policy decision that affects workers.

FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

Ogun State Gover-nor, Ibikunle Amo-sun, yesterday as-

sured people of Ode Omi riverine community that his administration would not stop at ensuring the the community was ad-equately compensated for hosting the Olokola Lique-fied Natural Gas, OKLNG, project.

Amosun stated this while addressing the people of Ode Omi, Ogun Water-side Local Government Area during his ongoing re-

election campaign tour of the area yesterday.

Amosun, who stressed that the host community deserved compensation for the use of their land, how-ever, blamed the immedi-ate past administration in the state for not putting the community into consider-ation during negotiation and planning of the multi-billion dollar petroleum project.

The governor main-tained that failure of the past administration to pri-oritise compensation for the host community was insensitive to their plight.

He promised to redress the injustice in the area when the project finally takes off.

“We asked them, but we are shocked that not even five per cent was provided for you, the land owners, in the project. But we are tak-ing a holistic review of the project and we shall give what rightly belongs to you.

“Contrary to tales of ne-glect they preach to you, we should ask them what they did for you in eight years at the helm of government. You will discover that we have started the link road through Epe (in Lagos

ABIODUN NEJOADO EKITI

Independent National Electoral Commis-sion, INEC, in Ekiti

State has assured that no eligible voter in the state would be disenfranchised on account of any form of disability.

INEC Resident Elector-al Commissioner, REC, in the state, Mr Sam Olume-kun, said eligible voters with all forms of visual defects would vote with the aid of special ballot papers.

Olumekun, who spoke in Ado-Ekiti during an interactive session with members of the National Association of People Living With Disabilities, NAPLWD, said INEC in Ekiti would soon take de-

livery of the special bal-lot papers as soon as sen-sitive materials were sent to the state.

The REC, who was represented by the Ad-ministrative Secretary, Mr Femi Agboola, said the commission would not take anything for granted, adding: “We are going to display all forms of sensitisation and sign posters to guide the deaf, who cannot easily under-stand the rudiments of voting. You belong to a critical sector of our so-ciety and you can’t be left out in any election.”

His comment follows agitation by people liv-ing with disabilities that they should be given pref-erential treatment during the 2015 general elections for smooth participation

State). They say it is the company coming here that is doing it, if so, why did the company not embark on it when they were in govern-ment?” Amosun queried.

He further stated that the OKLNG was not what only the federal or state can handle, “but a global project that international companies would also pro-vide support and services. And you know these people, any sign of insincerity and inconsistency will put them off, that was what hap-pened. We thank God that they are coming back and has regained trust in us.”

the group had received assurances from Jega that there would be spe-cial provision for them to be able to participate in voting.

Ojo urged INEC to im-plement the agreement to prevent his members from being disenfran-chised.

rewards are there for you” in ABUAD, which he de-scribed as “road to intellec-tualism and excellence”.

The ABUAD founder charged the fresh students to obey the rules with a view to excelling in their studies, adding that parents should assist in bringing up the students.

The school administered matriculation oaths on 1,400 fresh students for its 14 programmes.

At the matriculation cer-emony, ABUAD Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof Michael Ajisafe, advised the fresh students “to take maximum advantage of the great op-portunities your admis-sion to this university has offered you by facing your studies, doing exactly what your parents have sent you here to do.”

Ajisafe advised the stu-dents to shun vices and an-ti-social behaviour capable of ruining their “bright futures.”

He said all the pro-grammes of the five-year-old university had been accredited by the National Universities Commission, NUC, and other relevant professional bodies.

Folarin, however, tasked the team to ensure they receive approval from the relevant authorities before erecting filling stations, so as to guide against any mo-lestation.

National Chairman of Petroleum Tanker Drivers, PTD, Mr. Akanni Oladiti, lauded Folarin’s anteced-ents and performance, especially at the National Assembly as the Senate Leader.

Reeling out patriotic ef-forts of members of his union, Oladiti said they had been complementing the efforts of government in creating enabling envi-ronment for people to oper-ate in the state.

He, however, lamented the extortion of his mem-bers by the state govern-ment.

“Our people pay huge sums of money to the gov-ernment, especially when their vehicles break down on the road. We don’t pay as much as we do here in Ibadan elsewhere when our vehicles break down.

in the electoral process.Agboola said the spe-

cial ballot papers for the blind had been unveiled by INEC Chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega, during a visit of the group to his office in Abuja.

He added that the com-mission would train the ad-hoc staff on how to guide the affected per-sons voting with the spe-cial ballot papers.

He urged members of the group to troop out en masse to exercise their franchise on election days, assuring that secu-rity agencies would be on ground to checkmate vio-lence at the polls.

Chairman of NPLWD in the state, Mr Peter Ojo, who praised INEC preparation towards the forthcoming polls, said

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.netSouth West Thursday, January 22, 201510

Strike: Health workers protest in Ibadan

L-R: Chairman board of governors, Hug for the Needy Foundation, Pastor Simeon Afolabi; members of the foundation, Mr Shola Adesanya–Adeogun, Mr. Lateef Oloyede, Mr. Felix Olorunmola, Funmi Olorunmola and Wale Aderibigbe, during the launch and inauguration of the foundation in Lagos, recently.

Lagos orders TAN to remove illegal posters on streetlamps

Do your job professionally, Lagos APC tells Mbu

KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

Crisis in the nation’s tertiary hospitals yesterday assumed

a new dimension as healthcare professionals at the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan, protested against failure by the Federal Govern-ment to accede to their de-mands.

The striking health professionals under the auspices of Joint Health Sector Unions, JOHESU, and Assembly of Health-care Professionals, AHP, accused the government of insensitivity to their plights and that of the com-

FRANCIS SUBERU

Lagos State govern-ment through the Signage and Ad-

vertisment Agency, LA-SAA, yesterday instructed the Transformation Am-bassador of Nigeria, TAN, and its affiliates to immedi-ately remove the campaign posters illegally deployed on street poles in the me-tropolis.

The state government said if TAN failed to heed the instruction, its enforce-ment team would remove the posters in line with the enabling law setting up the Lagos State and Advertis-ing Agency, LASAA.

At a news conference in Ikeja, Lagos, on Wednes-day, Managing Director, LASAA, George Noah, said the agency was con-strained by recent develop-ments in the electioneering campaign in the state to bring to the fore, impunity and illegality that posed immeasurable and long-term damage to those who erect, operate and main-tain billboards in the state.

According to Noah, in the last 48 hours two ad-vertisers in the outdoor sector had terminated multi-million naira con-tracts with outdoor agen-cies registered by LASAA to operate in the state as a result of the illegality, say-ing the contracts had been terminated as a result of the parallel and illegal deployment of Jonathan campaign materials on poles paid for by these ad-vertisers.

“The two advertisers in question are Chinese Telecoms firm, Huawei, and Globacom, and the out-door agencies affected are Touch Point Limited and Clearedge Limited. Both agencies have lost a whop-ping N350 million.

“The illegal and brazen act by TAN is unjust, in-considerate and therefore unacceptable at a time outdoor advertising is fac-ing stiff competition from television, radio and social media.

“The illegal act by TAN is capable of destroying outdoor agencies in our state. It will almost certain-ly lead to lay-off of workers and loss of revenue for our stakeholders,” he stated.

The LASAA MD added that in line with the agen-

mon people.Placards carried by the

protesters read, among others, “Follow the rule of law and implement the National Industrial Court Judgment”, “Federal Min-istry of Health, people are dying, accede to our demands”, Release all cir-culars according to the National Industrial Court judgment” and “Enough is Enough, Mr President ad-dress the burning issues in the health sector”.

The protesters singing anti-Goodluck Jonathan songs caused a stir at the entrance of the hospital, while traffic in and out was disrupted.

It would be recalled that

cy’s statutory functions to regulate and control out-door advertising in Lagos, “LASAA hereby directs the Transformation Am-bassador of Nigeria and its affiliates to remove all campaign materials ille-gally deployed on street lamp poles in Lagos State immediately, failing which our enforcement team will remove same in line with the enabling law setting up LASAA.”

He also alleged that the PDP agents had been re-moving the advert materi-als of Glo on poles, which the telecom company paid for in a bid to replace them with Jonathan’s posters.

Noah further alleged that the PDP had deployed policemen wherever these impunities were taking place to give them cover and safeguard their illegal act, adding that the police authorities had withdrawn the policemen attached to the agency to assist in en-forcing illegality in the out-door industry.

“What they have done is to withdraw the policemen attached to us. They are us-ing the police to fester an illegal act. They are coming to Lagos to disrupt the out-door business worth about N50 billion and employs about 100,000 people. They have transferred all sorts of people to Lagos State to do their dirty jobs. It is one ille-gality gone too far,” he said.

BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

Lagos State chapter of the All Progres-sives Congress, APC,

has said that it hopes de-ployed Assistant Inspector of Police, zone 2, Mr. Joseph Mbu, was not in the zone for the purpose of doing political hatchet job for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the February elec-tion, warning that such would backfire in Lagos and the South West.

The party said Mbu’s known role as a professional attack dog for the PDP and Jonathan’s presidency has opened his latest posting to Lagos and Ogun states to justifiable speculations that would become clearer as the 2015 elections approach.

the hospital had been de-serted by patients in the past two months due to the strike by healthcare profes-sionals.

Chairman, National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, UCH branch, Comrade Samuel Oladele Adeyemi, while speaking with jour-nalists said though medi-cal practitioners were not on strike, there was noth-ing they can do without the health professionals.

Noting that all wards in the hospital have been de-serted since the healthcare professionals commenced the strike, he said the med-ical practitioners cannot function.

“They make Nigerians to believe they are work-ing, but as you can see, the wards are deserted, they are only deceiving Nigeri-ans. We have just started. The protest is just the be-ginning and until the Fed-eral Government is ready to accede to our demands, we are not ready to call off the strike,” he said.

Adeyemi added that though the Federal Gov-ernment has paid the strik-ing healthcare profession-als’ salaries up to date, but refused to pay their allow-ances.

He stated that govern-ment failing to pay check-off of the unions was an attempt to paralyse them.

…rejects ploy to postpone pollNigerian intelligentsia and as such will be advised to do away with such untoward tendencies that made him susceptible to manipulation by the hierarchy of the PDP.

“We want to let him know that naturally, Lagos is not tolerant of negative behav-iours from cultural savages and people without scruples, so he needs to adjust to the civilised template of Lagos or get his hands burnt should he delve into enforcing PDP’s odious interests in Lagos.

“We want to remind Mbu that Lagos is naturally placed to deal with such untoward tendencies that marked his controversial tenure as Riv-ers State Police Commis-sioner. Lagos is still home for all cadres of Nigerian elites and will help him define his career if he lends himself to

do the selfish desires of the PDP.

“We therefore, advise him to be objective and fair in dealing with all political interests en route February 2015.

“We want him to drop his well-known excesses as he moves into Lagos, for Lagos will ultimately prove his al-batross should he come here for the purpose of enforcing the notorious interests of the PDP.”

Meanwhile, Osun State chapter of the party yester-day insisted that the Febru-ary 14 presidential election must hold, just as it warned against any attempt to post-pone the poll.

The state APC, in a press statement signed by its Di-rector of Publicity, Mr. Kun-le Oyatomi, said only PDP

presidential candidate, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, would benefit from postponement of the polls.

The statement reads: “No matter the arguments ad-vanced to justify a postpone-ment of the election, in real terms such action will only favour the PDP that is head-ing for obvious defeat.

“We don’t need a prophet to tell us that if it was the PDP that was heading for victory in the next election, nobody would be floating this idea of postponement right now.

“But we in the APC be-lieve firmly that if this elec-tion is free, fair and credible, then it will be dishonourable and undemocratic, indeed un-statesmanlike for any party or its leadership to go violent.”

According to a press state-ment signed by Lagos State Publicity Secretary of APC, Joe Igbokwe, the party said while it welcomes Mbu to his new post with promises of reforming him from the indecorous notoriety he courted through his posting as Rivers State Police Com-missioner, it warns Mbu that there is little room in Lagos for the kind of hatchet role he played for the PDP in Riv-ers State.

It therefore, advises Mbu to purge himself of the bla-tant bias and partisanship, which had coloured his ca-reer in the police force, be-fore coming to Lagos.

“We want to warn Mbu that he is coming to Lagos, the hotbed of progressiv-ism, and the state that har-bours the preponderance of

National Mirrorwww.nationalmirroronline.net 11Thursday, January 22, 2015 South West

Ebonyi civil servants begin 3-day strike Civil servants in

Ebonyi State yes-terday began a

three-day warning strike to press home demands for improved conditions of service.

Chairman of Trade Union Congress, TUC, Mr Ikechukwu Nwafor, told newsmen in Abaka-liki that the strike would end on Friday, January 23.

The workers, among other issues, are demand-ing the immediate pay-ment of their September 2011 salaries withheld by the state government for embarking on a ‘legiti-mate strike’.

Nwafor said the gov-ernment was also yet to address the contentious issue of national mini-mum wage for civil ser-vants in the state.

He said congress had written series of letters to the state government since 2012 on the matter, but was yet to receive any response, adding that a 21-day ultimatum given to the government in December 2014 to meet the demands of the work-ers had elapsed.

“The warning strike, which commenced on Wednesday, January 21, will end on Friday, Janu-ary 23; the strike is total, irrevocable and irrevers-ible.

“We shall continue to agitate until all the de-

mands and issues in con-tention are addressed.

“I call on the good

I was schemed out of Ebonyi PDP primaries —ChukwuMARCUS FATUNMOLEABUJA

Two months after he lost gubernatorial primary in Ebonyi

State to his rival on the plat-form of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, former Minister of Health, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu, has advised his supporters in the state that “they may not enhance the political fortune” of the party’s candidate in next month’s governorship poll.

In a statement made available by his Media As-sistant, Dan Nwomeh, on Tuesday, Chukwu said he was hopeful of reclaiming the mandate through the national leadership of the party.

His words: “I thank all my supporters, most of who have stood by me till this moment for their un-

precedented show of sup-port, solidarity and love. I appreciate the resources including money, material and time that have been ex-pended by many of them. I feel the pain of their disap-pointment. However, I wish to assure them that I have not given up the struggle for justice to be done which I wish to take to a logical conclusion but through le-gitimate means.

“For the upcoming elec-tions, I ask that while they may not enhance the politi-cal fortunes of our detrac-tors, they should vote right. Indeed, the impending elec-tions present moments of risks. If we make the wrong choices, God forbid, we may lay our dear state open to a reversal of our good for-tunes, incestuous rape of our resources and unbri-dled brigandage,” he added.

and resilient workers of Ebonyi State to remain dogged and steadfast in the action until victory is achieved,” Nwafor said, adding that the con-gress had inaugurated a task force to monitor and enforce compliance, and that all government ministries, parastatals agencies would remain under lock during the period.

Some civil servants were seen in groups outside their offices dis-

cussing the strike.Some of the civil ser-

vants who spoke with News Agency of Nige-ria, NAN, on condition of anonymity, expressed support and solidarity with the labour move-ment.

They further called on government to ad-dress all labour-related disputes in the state in the interest of industri-al harmony and to fore-stall full-scale indefinite strike by the workers.

Branch Controller, Central Bank of Nigeria, Enugu, Mr. Patrick Okonkwo (left) presenting a souvenir to the Manager, Union Bank Plc, Enugu, Ms. Oby Nkwota, during the Enugu Bankers 2014 Award in Enugu, recently.

The police in Enugu yesterday con-firmed the death

of a six-year-old child, So-chimaobi Nwatu, in a fire incident at Awkunanaw, Enugu State.

This is contained in a statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr Ebere Ama-raizu.

It said the incident,

6-year-old dies in Enugu fi re which occurred on January 17, at No. 9, Umueze Street, Awkunanaw, gutted two flats in a two-storey build-ing.

“It was discovered that the child was burnt to death during the incident.

“The police are yet to identify the cause of the fire because investigation is ongoing,’’ the statement said.

against him few days to the ballot.

“I thank the Ebonyi State governor, Chief Mar-tin Elechi, CON, for en-dorsing me to succeed him as governor. I appreciate the confidence he reposed in me and his mentorship role. I appreciate his hones-ty and commitment to the project. He remains a truly great man,” Chukwu said.

He added: “It will be re-called that I resigned my appointment as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in response to the passionate invitation by the majority of Ebonyi State PDP faithful and the generality of Ebonyians to contest the state governor-ship election on the plat-form of PDP.

“However, in the pro-cess, I was schemed out of the race through manipu-

He however said he re-mained loyal to President Goodluck Jonathan and his re-election bid.

According to him, he had been anointed by the incumbent governor, Mar-tin Elechi, before his hope of winning the party pri-mary was dashed when the deputy governor, Engr. Dave Umahi, rose to contest

Chukwu

lation of the process by some individuals who for their own reasons opposed my gubernatorial aspira-tion.

“I have decided to seek redress within the PDP. In-deed, I petitioned the par-ty’s National Chairman on December 9, 2014, in a let-ter I copied to other party

leaders. However, apart from an acknowledgement copy of my petition, the party has not responded to the petition.

I am still hopeful the party will grant me fair hearing which is indeed my right as a member of the party.

“I wish to make it clear

Nigerians have been advised to careful-ly use their votes

in electing the next presi-dent of the country, as the decision will have grave consequences on their fu-ture.

Former Edo State gov-ernor, Senator Oserhe-imen Osunbor, gave the advice in a chat with Na-tional Mirror, while re-acting to concerns about the health status of the All Progressives Con-gress, APC, presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari.

He said though Bu-hari’s health status was clear, it was for the Ni-gerian electorate to be discerning in deciding who to vote for in the February 14 presidential election.

Osunbor, a professor of law, noted that though there was no law to stop any candidate who was not healthy enough to face the rigours the of-fice demands except for mental instability, he said it was for the per-son seeking office to properly advise himself if indeed he was sure his health would pose a problem in the discharge of his duties if elected.

According to him, it would be unfair on the people for anyone who knows he does not have

Vote right, Osunbor, group advise Nigerians

the capacity to perform in office to go ahead to seek such office, even as he also advised the peo-ple to exercise restraint in the pursuit of their freedom of speech.

His reaction came even as a pro-democracy group, Alliance for Nige-ria Peace and Progress, called on Nigerians to vote a government that would be progressive, peaceful and consider-ate.

The group, which expressed worry over Buhari’s health follow-ing concerns raised in a national newspaper in June last year, noted that the retired General was frail, which could hamper his effectiveness in the presidential cam-paign and other political activities.

The group noted that the newspaper also in-sinuated that Buhari’s frailty had warranted his frequent oversees trip to deal with an un-disclosed ailment.

It also pointed to the alleged collapse of Bu-hari on stage at his cam-paign rally in Calabar, Cross River State, on January 7, noting that all these sums up why the electorate should be careful in deciding who to vote for in the elec-tion.

Elechi

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.netThursday, January 22, 2015South East12

FROM GOMBE, RIVERS, KADUNA, LAGOS TO ABIA STATES, IT IS ONE BLOODY STORY OF

BLOODIED CHARACTERS AND SPACES


Politics

Elections and escalation of political violence

Apparently forgetting its recent history of post-election violence, Nigeria is again on the verge of reinventing the mindless orgy of bloodletting, considering the current wave of pre-election violence which might be an indication of what to expect during and after the February elections. GEORGE OJI, OMEIZA AJAYI and UBONG UKPONG examine the unfortunate trend and conclude that a tooth for a tooth would soon make Nigeria toothless.

Jonathan Buhari

Nigeria’s weird mosaic of pre-election violence has continued to leave a sour taste in the mouth

of peace-loving members of the pub-lic. Since the general elections in 1959, through the days of “wetie” in the old Western Region and the 2011 post-elec-tion conflagration in parts of the North, Nigeria, and indeed, Nigerians seem not have learnt any meaningful life lesson.

For many Nigerian politicians and their herd of uninformed followers, the tree of democracy must be watered con-stantly with the blood of the innocent. For how long this will continue, is a ques-tion for Nigerians to answer?

In the last one week, the signs are be-coming ominous that violence may just resurge again. Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose had placed death wish adverts in some newspapers predicting that All Progressives Congress, APC, presiden-tial candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, may not survive his tenure if elected as the president, citing history of past leaders who died while in office. Only on Tuesday, President Goodluck Jonathan, who was on campaign tour to Katsina State was ambushed by youths in the palace of Emir of Katsina, where his vehicles were pelted.

From Gombe, Rivers, Kaduna, Lagos to Abia states, it is one bloody story of bloodied characters and spaces. In the whole of this bloody mix, the nation’s security agencies, particularly the Nige-rian Police Force, have a very great role to play.

Unfortunately, the body language of the nation’s top cop, Mr Suleiman Abba, leaves much to be desired. His handling of the defection of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Aminu Tambuwal, late last year from the rul-ing Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to the APC, as well as his consequent elevation of the infamous Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Mbu Joseph Mbu to the rank of an Assistant Inspector General of Police and his deployment to Lagos and Ogun states were clear pointers to the partisan leanings of the force - a very clear and present danger ahead of the elections.

Political Parties’ Code of Conduct 2013In 2013, the nation’s political parties

came together, in collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commis-sion, INEC and some stakeholders to de-velop what is now known as the Political CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Parties’ Code of Conduct.Unfortunately, and as with most things

Nigerian, the provisions of the code are observed more in the breach and rarely in adherence by actors in the political space. A section of the code enjoins all political parties and their candidates to publicly condemn any reported cases of violence against any party.

As beautiful as the code is, there is no clear-cut procedure for its enforcement, except that the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, has the duty of ensuring adherence to the provisions of the Code of Conduct, including the consideration of any breach of the provisions of the code. How it does this is yet unclear.

One of the provisions of the code is that no political party or its candidate shall during campaign resort to the use of inflammatory language, provocative actions, images, or manifestation that incite violence, hatred, contempt or in-timidation against another party or can-didate or any person or group of persons

on grounds of ethnicity, gender or for any other reasons.

Another provision is that no politi-cal party or its candidate shall make in-dicting or inciting statements through broadcast press statement, handbills, pamphlets, leaflets or other publications. However, this seems to now be the order of the day.

In 2011, one of the frontline presiden-tial candidates was said to have effected the release of some suspects who were arrested in connection with that year’s wave of post-election violence. Fortu-nately, those who drafted the code seem to have had this in mind when they stat-ed that political parties, their agents or their candidates shall not protect, or ex-ercise undue influence for the release of persons arrested for carrying offensive weapons, violation of any electoral law, regulations and guidelines of INEC’s and the provision of the Code of Conduct. Some arrests have been made by security forces in relation to the perpetuation of

violent attacks on some political parties. Will they be released without sanctions? Nigerians are waiting.

Recent timelines of pre-election violenceThere have been continuous engage-

ments on the need for politicians and po-litical parties to moderate their actions and utterances, as well as those of their supporters to prevent electioneering vio-lence before, during and after the forth-coming general elections, which they have all assented to, promising to ensure same.

However, in the past few weeks, there has been an escalation of pre-election violence, a situation that has reached an alarming state even as it is daily as-suming a frightening dimension, with the politicians and political parties pre-tending not to know anything about such violence.

While some of them have kept sealed lips, those who managed to speak have distanced themselves from the violence, while political parties engage in blame-game over such development.

The question now is, who are those sponsoring, and whose followers, sup-porters and agents are the perpetrators of the reported cases of pre-election vio-lence across the country?

Hell was let loose last week in Sokoto State, when APC supporters reportedly attacked the state office of the PDP. The APC members were returning from a campaign rally when they reportedly stormed the PDP office, matcheting and beating up PDP members and vandalis-ing properties.

The PDP governorship candidate in Sokoto, Senator Abdallah Wali, has al-ready accused the APC of becoming jit-tery following the massive crowd that attended the PDP rally the previous day.

In Rivers State, the PDP is also accus-ing the APC gubernatorial candidate, Dakuku Peterside, the Caretaker Com-mittee Chairman of Abua/Odual Local Government Council and the immediate past Executive Chairman of the Council, Udi Udom of been responsible for the at-tack unleashed on the campaign team of its candidate, Nyesom Wike on January 15, while on a campaign tour of the area.

23 DAYS TO GO

14 Politics National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.netThursday, January 22, 2015

Elections and escalation of

Abba Yero Shema

BOTH JONATHAN AND BUHARI HAVE

ON SOME OCCASIONS DECLARED THAT ELECTION IS NOT

WARFARE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13It was reported that there are strong

indications that former governor of Gombe State, Danjuma Goje, may be called for questioning by the security agencies over his suspected role in the latest wave of political violence in the state. Goje is being fingered in the politi-cal violence in the state, the latest being the weekend attack in which the PDP secretariat was razed by thugs allegedly loyal to him.

Earlier in December last year, some loyalists of Goje were arrested over an alleged attack on the convoy of Governor Hassan Dankwambo, when he visited the Federal University in Kashere.

Last week, an explosion was reported at the secretariat of the Progressive Peo-ple’s Alliance, PPA, along Warri Street, Umuahia, Abia State resulting in an in-ferno, which could have consumed the entire building but for the urgent inter-vention of petty traders who broke the gate of the facility to put out the raging fire.

Abia State PPA chairman, Prince Emeka Okafor, has already accused the Abia State government and the PDP of masterminding the explosion.

Also, the Imo State Police Command’s Bomb Disposal Unit recently averted an attempt to bomb INEC office in the state.

Again in Rivers, another explosion was reported on Sunday January 11, at the APC secretariat in Okrika Local Gov-ernment Area. The APC council chair-man, Christian Asifamak, claimed that the PDP had resorted to violence because of its rejection by the Okrikas for failing to bring development to their area.

Again, on Friday January 16, another secretariat belonging to the APC at Ngo community in Andoni Local Govern-ment Area of the state, was bombed.

News of the violence in Rivers came just as reports emerged that some un-known persons on Thursday set ablaze the campaign office of the Zamfara Cen-tral senatorial candidate of PDP, Ibrahim Shehu. Three persons were injured while three motorcycles were burnt in the in-cident.

On Saturday January 10, some angry youths attacked and set ablaze a cam-paign bus belonging to President Good-luck Jonathan campaign organisation at Zololo junction, Bauchi road in Jos, Jos North Local Government area of Plateau State.

Meanwhile, 13 people were reportedly arrested in connection with the burn-ing down of Jonathan’s campaign buses. A police post was however set ablaze by some people protesting the arrests by the soldiers attached to the Special Task Force on security in Jos.

The Presidency said the burning of the vehicles had further demonstrated the level of desperation by the opposition and their plot to intimidate Nigerians out of the political space.

Earlier in the year, specifically on Jan-uary 6, no fewer than seven supporters of the APC, were shot by suspected political thugs who ambushed them on their way to the flag-off of the presidential cam-paign of the APC candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, held at the Adoki-

ye Amasiemaka Stadium, Port Harcourt.There was a report in December 2014,

of a clash between the APC and PDP sup-porters in Gombe State, at the Emir of Gombe’s palace during a wedding.

The Lagos State Police Command was also reported to have asked the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agen-cy to desist from removing the campaign posters and billboards of rival political parties.

The Commissioner of Police in the state was said to have held a meeting with LASAA authorities on the matter, telling them that the Electoral Act did not per-mit any agency or people to remove can-didates’ campaign posters. LASAA, had threatened to sanction erring candidates and individuals who run foul of its guide-lines on the use of election campaign ma-terials in the state.

Campaign billboards and posters of Oyo State PDP governorship candidate, Teslim Kolawole Folarin, in the state have been reportedly defaced.

Equally angry at the defacing of her campaign posters in Abeokuta, the sena-torial candidate of the PDP in Ogun Cen-tral, Dr. Bisola Sodipo-Clark has called on her opponents to desist from flushing, defacing or tampering with her campaign posters in any form. She sees this act as a deliberate, coordinated attempt to under-mine her campaign.

The senator representing Osun Central senatorial district, Senator Sola Adeyeye, was also reported to have accused the sup-porters of the candidate of the PDP, Dr. Daisi Aina, of destroying his campaign billboards in Osogbo.

He, however, reportedly admitted that some of his supporters who were angered by the vandalism retaliated by destroying campaign bill boards of the PDP candi-date, a clear case of ‘an eye for an eye.’

Kaduna State APC gubernatorial can-didate, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, wants the state governor, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, to stop inciting violence ahead of the elec-tion.

Yero was accused to have at his cam-paign inauguration last week Monday asked PDP supporters to confront APC members even as he allegedly threatened to ban his opponent, El-Rufai from enter-ing Kaduna, saying: “ Anyone born of a woman who dares us we will use all the

powers and force at our disposal to crush him.”

But Yero is not alone in this. Before him was the Katsina State governor, Ibrahim Shema who was also allegedly caught on tape referring to his opponents as “cock-roaches”. He had reportedly asked his supporters to tell him what they would do if they saw a cockroach in their toilets, a question to which they reportedly cho-rused: “kill it.”

Then on January 16, PDP gubernatorial candidate in in Rivers State, Chief Wike reportedly escaped death as unknown gunmen shot sporadically to disrupt his campaign rally at Abua Central in Abua/Odua Local Government Area of the state.

Wike and other PDP leaders in the state, including his running mate, Dr (Mrs) Ipal-ibo Banigo, were unhurt in the gun attack that lasted for more than 45 minutes, as they were still at the palace of the tradi-tional ruler of Abua, King Kaleh Obunge, when the incident occurred.

The development is coming on the heels of reports that Governor Rotimi Amaechi has denied PDP the use of the stadium for its presidential rally. The PDP has on its part vowed to enter the stadium by force, saying it is a state property for which Amaechi cannot lay personal claim. They have also said if Buhari can freely make use of state facilities in Jonathan’s home state of Bayelsa, there is nothing that will deter them from accessing the Port Har-court stadium. Of course, the stage looks set for another orgy of violence.

In Imo state, Governor Rochas Okoro-cha was reported to have ordered the de-struction of President Jonathan’s cam-

paign banners in Owerri. The General Manager of the Owerri Capital Develop-ment Authority, OCDA, Mr. Emma Ugorji, was alleged to have personally supervised the destruction exercise with some people.

With these few cases coupled with sev-eral other reported and unreported ones, it is now very easier for security agencies to do their jobs.

Election is not warBoth Jonathan and Buhari have on

some occasions declared that election is not warfare. While Jonathan has often stated that his ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian, Buhari said he does not consider the February presidential election as a war and advised electorates to eschew violence during the elections.

Unfortunately, out of the medley of 14 presidential aspirants, the followers of these two seem to be more empowered, vi-cious and most virulent. It goes without dispute that these two politicians have not really been able to put their supporters un-der check.

How past elections were marred by illicit weapons -Jega

INEC Chairman, Attahiru Jega, re-cently admitted that elections in Nigeria have often been marred by the use of illicit weapons.

At a forum on the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria, organised by the Presidential Commit-tee on Small Arms and Light Weapons, PRESCOM, in Kaduna with the theme: ‘Ballot without Bullets’, Jega said if elec-tions are peaceful, it would be free and fair.

He rightly conceded that as Nigeria inches towards the general elections, the country has been gripped by palpable anxiety.

In his words, the kind of election-relat-ed bloodletting currently being witnessed has never happened since 1999. He said keen observers of politics since the return of democracy in 1999 have been using vir-tually every opportunity and platform to express their fears about the danger that the present spate of bloodletting and acri-mony portend for the democratic venture that civilian regime is supposed to be nur-turing.

The current situation in the country, especially the noticeable desperation of

National Mirrorwww.nationalmirroronline.net 15PoliticsThursday, January 22, 2015

political violence

Ameachi Wike

IN THE FACE OF THIS SITUATION,

POLITICAL OBSERVERS FEAR

THAT AS THE PRESIDENTIAL

CAMPAIGNS MOVE NORTHWARDS, THERE IS THE

TENDENCY THAT POLITICAL VIOLENCE

WOULD BE ON THE INCREASE

frontline contenders in the presidential race, is such that can give rise to greater flow of illicit weapons, a potent threat, not just to the general elections, but to the na-tion’s democratic experience.

Can the Abuja Peace accord work?At the end of a one-day workshop organ-

ised by the office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, in collaboration with the office of the Special Adviser to the Presi-dent on Inter-Governmental Affairs in Abuja last Wednesday, January 14, eleven presidential candidate of the major politi-cal parties appended their signatures to a peace pact, committing themselves to non-violence in next month’s polls.

The pact, which has since been chris-tened the “Abuja Peace Accord,” is intend-ed to commit the major political actors in the coming polls to moderate the activities of their supporters so as not to engage in any violent activities, during and after the polls.

Chairman of the accord signing event and former Secretary General of the Com-monwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, ex-plained that the objective of the workshop was to get all the contestants in the presi-dential race to an undertaking that the elections would be violent-free.

Former Secretary General of the United Nations and special guest of honour at the signing ceremony, Mr. Kofi Annan, urged the aspirants to avoid inflammatory state-ments as the elections present an opportu-nity for the country to prove itself before the international community, noting that with the strategic position of Nigeria on the African continent, it cannot afford to get the February polls wrong.

Since the signing of the peace agree-ment, there has been a deluge of public commentaries concerning the workability or otherwise of the accord. For instance, a segment of commentators see the peace agreement as clearly unnecessary, because it will not in reality be capable of curbing electoral violence in the country.

The argument against the peace pact is that electoral violence in most instances does not arise from directives by political leaders to their followers, but rather such violence arises spontaneously from per-ceived electoral injustices and in most cas-es, the political leaders would not be there to prevent such situations.

Besides, those who oppose the Abuja peace pact argue that this is not the first time such pact was signed but ended up be-ing honoured in default than observance. During the 2011 general elections for in-stance, politicians were compelled to sign the, “Code of Conduct for Political Par-ties,” put together by INEC. The contents of that code are not in any way signifi-cantly different from what the 11 presiden-tial candidates agreed upon in Abuja last week, yet the violence that led to the loss of massive number of innocent Nigerians and properties worth several millions of naira in 2011 could not be averted as a re-sult of that peace agreement.

Former Minister of Information and Ni-ger Delta irredentist, Edwin Clark, came

out shortly after the signing of the Abuja Peace Accord to express his opposition to the agreement in very clear terms. Ex-pectedly, Clark’s position was based on his unrepentant dislike for the person of APC presidential candidate, Buhari.

According to him, the peace accord would not work because Buhari is not likely to keep to the terms of the accord. Clark explained that Buhari could not be trusted to keep to the agreement in view of his antecedents, including his refusal when invited to appear before the defunct Justice Chukwudifu Oputa panel of inqui-ry which was set up to advance the cause of peace and genuine reconciliation in the country.

He insisted that the accord was not nec-essary; blaming its existence in what he said was the desperation of some people who he said believed that power belongs to them.

Even though there are grounds to doubt the workability of the Abuja peace accord, its significance must not be lost to this spirit of pessimism. Nigerians must go into next month’s general election with the optimism that its outcome will be credible and acceptable by all.

Can Buhari stem violence in the North?

The presidential campaign train of the two major political parties, PDP and APC concentrated in the Southern parts of the country in the past week. The campaigns have just move up North. While the politi-cians were in the South, there were rela-tive peace and non violence as the candi-dates laboured to market themselves and their agenda to the people.

This week, as the campaign train moves across the North, there are concerns that we may not experience the same peaceful atmosphere as the nation did while the candidates were in the South, with the in-cidence in Katsina already signaling the scenario. There are fears that in the North where the APC presidential candidate draws his greatest followers, as was seen in Kano State, there will likely be political violence as the presidential candidates tra-verse the region.

Already, in a state like Kano, it was re-ported that the political loyalists of Presi-dent Jonathan are having harrowing times using the posters of their presidential can-didate to market themselves. The report had it that Buhari’s political loyalists are violently removing all posters that had to do with President Jonathan in the state.

In Katsina State, it was reported that Buhari and PDP supporters are in con-

stant rivalry over campaign bill boards, each making sure that its rivals do not have their posters placed in strategic plac-es in the state. And in Jos, Plateau State, political thugs go the extent of burning and destroying vehicles belonging to the rival PDP.

In the face of this situation, political ob-servers fear that as the presidential cam-paigns move Northwards, there is the ten-dency that political violence would be on the increase between the supporters of the two main presidential candidates.

This is where observers see the need for Buhari to issue a clear and stern message to his supporters to ensure that, like in the South, the North would ensure favour-able political atmosphere to enable the two presidential candidates reach the people with their programmes and manifestoes.

But such messages should also be com-plemented by politicians who must desist from publishing hate articles as was done by Governor Fayose.

OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU

A socio-political group from the North, the Northern Emanci-pation Network, NEN, has ex-

pressed concerns over the reported en-dorsement of All Progressives Congress, APC presidential candidate, Geneneral Muhammadu Buhari, by former Presi-dent Ibrahim Babangida.

NEN said the purported endorsement raises many moral questions, alleging that Buhari’s first marriage broke up because his wife sought favour from the Babangida administration.

In a press statement signed by its co-ordinator, Abdulazeez Suleiman, and is-sued in Abuja yesterday, NEN said it was worried by unfolding events in the count-down to the general elections as they af-fect the political future of the North.

IBB’s endorsement of APC’s candidate raises moral questions –Group

It said: “Our worry is hinged on the many moral questions that surround the personality of General Buhari, who was imposed by the opposition APC as rep-resenting the North in the presidential contest. Most worrying is the nature of double standards that are now shaping Buhari’s characteristics as he makes a fourth attempt at the presidency.

“As concerned Northern citizens who have the long term political interest of our region at heart, we are forced to pub-licly raise concern about the looming danger in the quest by some of our peo-ple in the frenzy of perpetrating General Buhari’s candidacy in the forthcoming presidential elections.”

It said its concern stemmed from fear of the hidden agenda of some outsiders, notably, APC National Leader, Bola Tinu-

bu in projecting Buhari’s candidacy.NEN said: “We are concerned that

millions of Nigerians in the North who express support for President Goodluck Jonathan are constantly harassed some-times with death threats but not once have these so called Northern elders come out to speak in defence of our constitutional right of association. Are we not Nigeri-ans? Is President Jonathan not a Nige-rian? Is General Buhari seeking to be a Northern or Nigeria’s President? Are the lives of APC or Buhari supporters more Nigerian or more precious than ours?

“The North should rather reciprocate the many efforts made by President Jon-athan to change the life of the ordinary Northerner than go on a wild goose chase that could further darken its political fu-ture.”

…calls on Northern leaders to have a rethink

Politics National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Youths advised against selling their votes

Group commends Tompolo for stabilising Delta politics

GSG tackles Jonathan’s detractorsL-R: Director, Lagos State Internal Revenue Services Yomi Amoye; Lagos State APC gubernatorial candidate Ambode Akinwunm; Tunde Fasina, chairman, Biomed Ltd; and Dele Ibrahim of Land Recardo Company Ltd at a business interactive session with Ambode in Lagos.

AYO ESAN

Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, gubernatorial

candidate, Mr. Jimi Ag-baje, has accused the All Progressives Congress, APC-led Lagos State gov-ernment of impunity and of blackmailing traditional institutions, religious lead-ers and civil servants.

He said the government has the penchant of with-holding certificates of community leaders, chiefs and Obas in order to force them to toe the party’s self-ish line, adding that the same treatment was often meted out to churches and mosques, with authorities deliberately delaying the issuance of land and regis-tration documents to such worship places.

His words: “Many have been made Baales without certificates. And on the day you fail to support them, they remind you that you are yet to receive your cer-tificate of appointment,

and it could be withdrawn anytime. And for the churches and mosques, the day they hear you criticise their policies, they remind you that you have no docu-ments backing your place of location, and they subse-quently send in the demoli-tion squad.

“Their display of pride and impunity has become too much. They have turned themselves to God. And it is time to say: Enough is enough.”

Speaking yesterday in Ifako-Ijaiye, Kosofe and Eti-Osa local councils, on the fifth day of town hall meet-ings taking him round all the 20 local governments of the state, Agbaje, in company of his running mate, Alhaja Safurat Olay-inka Abdulkarim, state PDP chairman, Captain Tunji Shelle, Mrs. Onikepo-Oshodi and the DG of PDP campaign organisation, Alhaji Rahman Owokoni-ran, decried the absence of potable water for the residents of Iju, where the state’s foremost water

works resides, saying, it is one more evidence that the ruling APC had no busi-ness remaining in govern-ment after 16 years.

According to him, it was clear that the absence of po-table water was a common denominator among Lago-sians attending the town hall meetings, a platform dedicated to a cross-fertilisa-tion of ideas with non-politi-cal voters in the state.

Promising that his gov-ernment would encourage a micro-finance scheme to as-sist artisans like mechanics, hairdressers, welders, and others, he said: “The elec-tion of February is a battle between continuity and change. And the people want change. They want continu-ity yet they pay civil servants N12,000 instead of N18,000 as minimum wage. This sort of impunity must stop.”

EBERE NDUKWU

Few weeks to Feb-ruary elections, a non-partisan

group, Ofu Obi-Igbo Youth, Lagos chapter, has advised youths not to sell their votes in the upcom-ing election.

In a press statement made available to press-men and signed by its

EZEKIEL TITUSBAUCHI

Dass Local Govern-ment of Bauchi State chapter of

the Goodluck Support Group, GSG, has con-demned the opposition for destroying President Goodluck Jonathan bill-boards and campaigning against his candidature, describing them as ene-mies of Nigeria’s nascent democracy.

One of the leaders of the groups under the ae-gis of GSG, Alhaji Mo-hammed Abubakar Umar, said initially the people of the area were neglected but the appointment of Professor Suleiman Bago-ro as Executive Secretary of TETFund has seriously made the area to feel the impact of the Federal Government.

He said: “We will soon have a university in Bo-goro and Tafawa-Balewa council areas of Bauchi State and because of the developments coming to our locality, our people from villages are trooping into the GSG office to reg-

president, Nnaemeka Agbo, the group said the upcoming election will mark a turning point for Igbo youths in the coun-try if they don’t sell their votes.

Agbo said he knows this could be a tempting time for some youths who would want quick cash, but advised that they should look beyond what they can get now, saying

ister as members of this group.”

He berated PDP candi-dates for asking the people to vote for them and not President Jonathan, even while they are benefactors of Prof. Bagoro.

Market women leader, Hajiya Amina Abubakar said market women have benefited a lot from the GSG office in Dass and are very much ready to vote for Jonathan in the forth-coming general elections

She said about 300 of them each got N50,000 to boost their businesses, ex-pressing surprise at the van-dalisation of Jonathan’s billboards and GSG office.

Dass Youth Leader, Al-haji Garba Abubakar said the GSG in the area is making serious progress, adding that starting with just 200 members; it now has 3,700 registered mem-bers, drawn from different political parties.

Abubakar said his group has adequately mo-bilised youths from the area and beyond to mas-sively vote for President Jonathan in the presiden-tial election.

He decried the deporta-tion of sick and indigent non-indigenes, saying: “Without the non-indi-genes, Lagos will be a vil-lage. When non-indigenes are deported, the indigenes will be landlords without tenants. Then you will have traders without buyers. We understand the synergy and value that indigenes and non-indigenes create together, so we will not

that if they can come to-gether and agree in the coming election, they can bargain for a better future for themselves, re-gardless of who wins.

He said: “Our group is meant to promote the desire of Igbo youths. On that front, we are plead-ing with all of us in the country to please not sell our right. If we stand to-gether as one, we can bar-

gain for more long lasting things in this election. It is high time we told our elders what we want. It is high time we stopped being used as election rigging machinery. If we want elections to yield good fruits in Nigeria, we youth must learn how to reject gifts from politicians and ask for something tangible from them.”

THEOPHILUS ONOJEGHENWARRI

Former militant lead-er, Chief Govern-ment Ekpemukpolo,

alias Tompolo has been commended for being the stabilising factor in Delta State politics, just as they urged Deltans to vote for Ifeanyi Okowa come Feb-ruary 28.

A social political pres-

sure group, Urhobo Ovoh and Ijaw Kene Patriots for Okowa, in a statement signed by its president and secretary, Comrades Moses Unuavworho and Kenny E. Zuokemepade respectively, said Tompo-lo’s role during the recent PDP gubernatorial pri-mary that saw Senator If-eanyi Okowa clinched the ticket showed his belief in equity and fair play.

It said: “Tompolo was aware that a governor of Delta North extraction would promote equity, justice, peace and balance in Delta State, hence he pitched tent with Senator Okowa and canvassed for Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, as Okowa’s Deputy, for the Ijaws who are yet to pro-duce a Secretary to State Government, SSG, let alone deputy governor in

23 DAYS TO GO

drive non-indigenes away.”He appealed to Lago-

sians to not only vote for him, but also vote to re-turn President Goodluck Jonathan and all PDP candidates in all elections, he said that as far as he was concerned, although the government could not have been said to achieved nothing these last years, it was evident that things could be better.

the state.”The group added that

despite the anger vented at him from aggrieved quarters, Tompolo kept his familiar humble path in search for peace and understanding, embark-ing on political shuttles to Urhobo land via its tra-ditional rulers beginning from the Uvwie monarh and respectfully appealed to them for understanding.

Agbaje to LASG: You’re blackmailing community leader, civil servants

Thursday, January 22, 201516

AFCON: Ruing the Super Eagles painful absenceIt is no longer news that the 30th edition

of African Cup of Nations kicked off in Equatorial Guinea without Nigeria.

It was a most embarrassing and nasty experience for our dear country which ordinarily should be among the hottest fa-vourites for the title. Within the past three years, Nigeria’s soccer fortunes nosedived in a manner suggestive of incompetence on all fronts.

The Super Eagles woefully failed to qualify for the 2012 edition also co-hosted by Equatorial Guinea and Gabo,n which was won by Zambia. We thought then that was the rock bottom of our soccer infamy. Then in 2013 when a new edition was or-ganised as the starter of a new format, Nigeria did not only qualify but actually won the competition.

We heaved a sigh having thought our shame had been erased in a blaze of glory and hoped to further consolidate on this. Then it happened again, the Super Eagles, Africa’s reigning champions, wobbled throughout the qualifiers for this year edition. Congo came in first and disgraced us right on our own-soil with a 3-2 victory in Calabar! Some unflattering results fol-lowed that, and then came the final home match against South Africa – a win would certainly have given Eagles the ticket. Many people were sure Eagles would de-liver, the confidence being based on the fact that South Africa had never defeated Nigeria in any competitive match. In the match played at the newly-built Transfor-mation Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the Super Eagles woefully failed to get a win, thus ending the nation’s quest for a place in AFCON 2015.

THERE ARE MANY COUNTRIES WHOSE PLAYERS WOULD BE

BESIDE THEMSELVES WITH JOY FOR BEING

CALLED UP TO THE NATIONAL TEAMS

FRYNDUBUISI

[email protected] (08023016709 SMS only)

Professor Ndubuisi is of the Dept of Philosophy, UNILAG

EXISTENTIAL HUMANISM

Politics in Nigeria is big business. Suc-cessful politicians control state power and use it to have unlimited access

to public treasury, both legal and illegally. They calculate well to ensure that they are not just in the right party, but triumph in all elections so that the ‘party’ will continue. As we approach 2015, there have been flurry of activities and ‘strategic positioning move-ments’ by our politicians by cross carpeting from one political party to another and re-cross carpeting, where necessary. The ulti-mate aim is to align with the winning party!

Some political theorists have argued there is no morality in politics and that what matters to politicians is winning. In the Nigerian context, it is obvious that the interest of our political leaders is to win, no matter how. And to them the end justifies the means. We have recently witnessed a lot of unprincipled cross carpeting, and it seems there is no end to it. The issues arising from this are numerous. First should politics be equated with business venture and invest-

Between politics and morality THE PURPOSE OF

POLITICS CAN ONLY BE SERVED IN OUR

DEAR COUNTRY ONCE POLITICIANS BEGIN TO

REALISE THAT POLITICS CANNOT BE DEVOID

FROM MORALITY

Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: [email protected] [email protected] or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs. Pseudonyms may be used but must be clearly marked as such.

ment where you expect to reap immediate rewards; second, is politics and political parties not supposed to be based on ideol-ogy? Besides, is it not fallacious to say that there is no morality in politics? And lastly, should politics not be seen as a response to a call to public service?

It is important that we address some concrete issues that have tended to make us look unorganized before the advanced world, where politics is seen as a call to pub-lic service. It is ludicrous for our politicians to see politics as a personal matter, where they massage their ego irrespective of what the larger society thinks about them. It is for this same selfish inclination that all the hues and cries against the outrageous per-sonal emoluments of our legislators have not bothered them. It doesn’t matter to them that they are living like kings in the midst of wretched fellows on whose back they climbed to power.

There is the need to be worried about this ethically reprehensible act called cross carpeting as we move to the next stage of our political experiment. A major movement to the opposition party in this dispensation was recorded when some PDP governors crossed to the All Progres-sives Congress (APC). The ruling party was indeed rattled by the development. The governors’ movement was followed by that of 37 members of the House of Rep-resentatives in their respective states. The strategic calculation from such movement

in the House was that the ruling PDP would have become the minority party in the lower house of the National As-sembly. The consequences of this for the party and Nigeria would have been terrible had the court not ruled it null and void.

Cross carpeting has been in the in-crease as part of the build up to 2015. Ordinarily, this ought not to be an issue as the 1999 Constitution (as amended) makes provision for it. But on a proper exegesis, there is cause to worry as the movements are motivated by less al-truistic reasons. Cross carpeting does not make for stability in the polity; it portrays our politicians as people not out to serve their fatherland. It shows that our politicians go wherever their bread is buttered; and it makes the electorate vulnerable to all the evils of political seduction. The defence of the

electorate of their susceptibility to the culture of money-for-votes has always been that since the politicians that are asking for their votes are going there not for altruistic reasons but for what they could get out of the system, what stops them from getting their immediate re-wards before they commit their votes to them. This culture is unhealthy for our democracy.

While winning election is the ultimate goal of all politicians, it must be noted that it is not always that you must win. The pragmatism in politics and elec-tions is the chances of winning or losing should depend on what the electorate think of parties’ candidates and manifes-toes. The party that loses should be in op-position. The opposition parties should reposition themselves responsibly, play its role well to the extent that they would be seen as an alternative govern-ment. That is the practice in other climes where politics is played according to the rules of the game. Is it not ridiculous for politicians that call themselves ‘progres-sives’ decamping to a party peopled by conservatives, so to speak? This goes to show that political parties here are not based on ideology and nearly all cannot boast of manifesto worh that name.

The purpose of politics can only be served in our dear country once politi-cians begin to realise that politics cannot be devoid from morality.

The two major interrelated reasons for this disaster are the players’ irrespon-sible attitude and the crisis of leadership rocking the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF). On players’ attitude, the present generation of players lacked the com-mitment and dedication past players in the team used to have. As a matter of fact they are more concerned with temporary pecuniary gains than anything else. We would all recall what happened during the 2013 Confederation Cup. It devolved on the Super Eagles as the Champions of Africa to represent the continent at the global event, but the greedy players refused to leave their Country Club Re-sort, Windhoek, Namibia, for a scheduled flight to Johannesburg. By that refusal, the team missed their connection to Sao Paulo, Brazil where the 2013 FIFA Confed-eration Cup was scheduled to begin. The players were protesting what they called “callous” reduction of their draw match bonus from USD5000 to USD2500 after they drew with Namibia on June 12, 2013.

The very day the competition started, they were still ensconced in the Namib-ian hotel! They only budged after they

had won the pecuniary battle. To me, what the players did on that occasion amounted to blackmailing their own nation. What made the matter more ap-palling is that few months before this despicable “hold up” when they won the African Cup of Nations in South Africa, the Federal Government had lavished heavy monetary gifts on them. Each of the players was given N5 million while the coach got N10 million. They were also given a plot of land each in Abuja! More importantly, each of the players was given the national honour of Mem-ber of the Order of Niger (MON) while the coach, Stephen Keshi, was conferred with the honour of Commander of the Order of Niger (CON). These apprecia-tions did not, however, stop their hold-ing the country to ransom months later on accounts of not being paid correct bonus for playing a draw with a non-soccer nation like Namibia!

There are many countries whose players would be beside themselves with joy for being called up to the na-tional teams. But these satiated, over-pampered and megalomaniac Super Eagles thought they were individually greater than their own country. That is why they could not raise their game beyond mediocrity to get a place among the Africa’s current best. So, we really had it coming!

The second reason is the Nigerian Football Federation caught up in a vor-tex of crisis that threatened its very existence and the country’s member-ship of international soccer brother-hood. The global soccer governing

body, Federation of International Football Association (FIFA), banned and unbanned Nigeria in an endless sequence of our soc-cer administrators’ volte faces and incom-petent handling of a basic issue of electing a leader, until fazed by our incorrigibility. FIFA eventually threatened last year to ban Nigeria for a long spell, stressing it would not even revisit the issue until its next con-gress in June 2015.

Crisis like this, when players were play-ing qualifiers without the assuring mo-tivation they would even play in the real competition due to FIFA ban, certainly had its negative impact on players’ psychology and undermines success.

Ketefe may be followed on twitter @Ketesco

National Mirrorwww.nationalmirroronline.net 17Thursday, January 22, 2015 Views

KAYODEKETEFE

[email protected] 08032147720 (SMS only)

CRITICAL STROKES

18 National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Terrorism: Attacks on France, global response and Africa

Two powerful car bombs ripped through the Bab Al-Sharqi market in central Baghdad, the Iraqi capital, killing at least 88 people and wounding 160 others in one of the bloodiest days since the United States’ inva-sion of the country. The blasts were aimed at a Shiite area and seemed timed to inflict maximum damage, oc-curring at noon, local time, two days after the start of the 10-day Shiite festival leading up to Ashoura.

January 22, 2007January 22, 1973

A chartered Boeing 707 exploded in flames upon land-ing at the Kano Airport, Nigeria, killing 176 of the 202 pas-sengers and crew on board. About 26 people survived the tragedy. The Boeing 707, operated by Alia, was chartered by Nigeria Airways to fly pilgrims back from Jeddah, Sau-di Arabia to Lagos, Nigeria. Bad weather at Lagos caused the crew to divert to Kano, though the Airport there was experiencing high winds at the time.

Australian missionary, Graham Staines and his two sons were burned alive by radical Hindus while sleep-ing in their car in Eastern India. Dr. Staines (1941 – 1999) was an Australian Christian missionary who, along with his two sons, Philip (aged 10) and Timothy (aged 6), were burnt to death by a gang while they were sleeping in a station wagon car at Manoharpur village in Keonjhar dis-trict, Orissa, India on January 22, 1999.

ON THIS DAY

That Africa is an irreverent ‘lesser mortal’ in interna-tional politics was amply

demonstrated by the humongous response of Europe and the Americas, among others, to the recent terrorism challenge that struck France, vis-a-vis their seem-ing mockery of African nations, including Nigeria, that have been in the throes of terrorists-driven violence for several years. The sad experience of France, one of the five permanent members of the United Nations’ Security Council, really attracted the deep sympa-thy of the ‘serious-minded’ world. Several global leaders lined behind French President, Francois Hol-lande, during the unity rallies in Paris, the French capital, on Sun-day January 11 in a global solidar-ity outing that went beyond mere condemnatory statements against the three-day bloody escapade of the terrorists. Unfortunately, how-ever, the five-year-old horrendous terrorist attacks in Nigeria by the violent Islamist Boko Haram sect; and similar insurgencies in Ke-nya, Central Africa Republic and the Democratic Republic of Congo, etc., are yet to attract such well-deserved world attention.

The three-day, blood-chilling attacks in France followed the activation of terror sleeper cells in the country by two Al Qaeda-linked brothers, Cherif and Said Kouachi, and an accomplice, Amedy Cou-

libaly. The theatres of the absurd were a Paris-based satirical weekly newspaper, Charlie Hebdo, where 11 people, including editors and cartoonists, were killed; a print-ing plant in Dammartin-en-Goele, northeast of Paris, where the Koua-chi brothers met their waterloo; and a Paris kosher supermarket where Coulibaly and four hostages died. In all, 20 people, including the three terrorists, lost their lives. A fourth suspect and Amedy Couliba-ly’s partner, Hayat Boumeddiene, is believed to have escaped to Syria.

Characteristically, French leader and people at home and abroad, in a manner most heroic, put ethno-religious and political cleavages aside to demonstrate their collec-tive resolve not to give in to vio-lence. The actions they have taken to protest the affronts of terrorism on their shared values, including the defence of free speech, have captured the imagination of the international community, hence the uncommon solidarity France garnered. There is no doubt such global support would bolster inter-nal counter-terrorism measures put in place by President Hollande to combat the menace. But while France’s political leadership and security agencies rose up to the occasion, relying on their well de-veloped capacity to fight terrorism, the case is different in Nigeria and other African countries being rav-aged by terrorists, as they appear

to have been stretched to their wits end in their search for appropriate solutions to the security challenge.

If the West bountifully empa-thized with France because there was no justification for the January 7-9 dastardly acts, it could be viewed from the standpoint of the differ-ences between France and sub Saharan Africa in political leader-ship. The social conditions in most African countries where terrorism is festering are mainly the result of failed leadership. It is also true that some of the affected African coun-tries have more than enough natu-ral resources to sustain the good life for their peoples. But the resources are being pillaged on daily basis by inept and corrupt leaders. Never-theless, using good governance as a parameter to determine what level of global support Africa should en-joy in its war on terrorism would be standing logic on its head. This is mainly because the victims of bad leadership all over the world are the people. For this reason, therefore, it is the sacred duty of the world to

rally round African leaders whose people are perishing under the siege of terrorists.

The US-led western coalition against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), the Islamist rebel group that controls large swathes of territories in Iraq and Syria; and also operates in eastern Libya, is anchored on the greater threat the group posed to stability in the Middle East and parts of Africa. Boko Haram, Al Shabaab, etc., also represent genres of international terrorism. They are absolutely as devilish as Al Qaeda and ISIL. An-nihilating them can only be possible through concerted global actions.

The United States, United King-dom, France and the European Union had once shown sufficient interest in a West African regional counter-insurgency framework. They pledged technical expertise, training and support for border-ar-eas’ management after the May 2014 security summit in Paris, France, which was dedicated to security in Nigeria. But unfortunately, the interest of the West waned following allegations of human rights abuses against the Nigerian government. Yes, the West places high premium on good governance, respect for human rights, etc, but it should consider the broader consequences, for Africa and the rest of the world, of abandoning African peoples and their fate to their leaders in the run-ning battles against terrorism.

IT IS THE SACRED DUTY OF THE WORLD TO RALLY ROUND AFRICAN

LEADERS WHOSE PEOPLE ARE PERISHING

UNDER THE SIEGE OF TERRORISTS

January 22, 1999

Thursday January 22, 2015Editorial

All the Facts, All the SidesAll the Facts, All the SidesA PUBLICATION OF GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LTD

BARRISTER JIMOH IBRAHIM, CFR PUBLISHER

SUNDAY OLAJIDE MANAGING DIRECTOR/CEO

SEYI FASUGBA DAILY EDITOR

GBEMI OLUJOBI SATURDAY EDITOR

AYO OLESIN SUNDAY EDITOR

BEN MEMULETIWON GENERAL EDITOR

DOZIE OKEBALAMA COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD

CALLISTUS OKE EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR

ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF

FIDELIS LEMCHI OWOAMANAM GM, ENERGY NEW PRESS

GABRIEL SUNDAY ACTING HEAD, GRAPHICS

SAIDAT ALAUSA

It was a dream come true for Mrs. Anthonia Okoye, a 43-year old mother of five as she graduated from the Na-tional Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) last Saturday.

Okoye from the Abuja Study Centre of the university did not only graduate with First Class honour in Peace and Conflict Resolution, the grade that was never recorded in the history of the 14-year-old institution, she was also the overall best of her set of over 7,000 students.

That is not all. Okoye was equally the best in her faculty and the department and she was consequently rewarded for the achievement.

Aside the material rewards which came in cash and items, she was equally offered automatic teaching employ-ment by the university.

Interestingly, becoming a graduate had been a long time dream for her. Okoye had attempted three different tertiary institutions in the past without success. She was an OND 2 Accountancy student in distinction grade at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos when her first attempt was scuttled.

A fellow student, according to her, was caught while copy-ing her answers’ script during an exam and the two of them were punished for the act.

“We were both asked to repeat the whole session as our punishment for what the school called exam malpractice and that was how I abandoned the school because of shame,” she recalled.

After that incident, she got admission into the University of Lagos, Akoka but she could not attend because of finan-cial constraint.

“I also got admission into University of Abuja much later but I couldn’t go because I’d just delivered a baby at the time of their resumption,” she added.

Okoye from Edo State almost lost hope of ever becoming a graduate until her husband bought her the NOUN’s admis-sion form.

“He encouraged me to give NOUN a trial since studies there are done online and not like the formal and conven-tional university. I thank God I heeded his advice and that is why I can tell the whole world today of a success story.”

At the institution’s convocation ceremony, Okoye stole the show. Her name became a toast for audience including her mates as she was called now and then to the podium to re-ceive one prize or the other.

“It is now that I have some sense of fulfilment and I give God all the glory,” she told National Mirror shortly after the ceremony. “He is the one who makes all things possible.” The convocation was the fourth edition for the university.

Okoye had been academically sound right from her pri-mary school days such that she always came first in class.

That was why she considered the entire period she was out of school painful.

“Although, I may not say I am a genius, I am above average academically. And I thank God I still maintain the standard even as a mother,” she said. “But I must say it wasn’t an easy thing.”

While in NOUN, Okoye had challenges of combining her tailoring work with the family demands and studies, yet she

cess,” she said.Interestingly, Okoye still wants to further her education at

least up to doctorate degree level.She told National Mirror that while she would continue her

tailoring job on a part-time basis alongside teaching job she has been offered by the university, she would also continue to study.

She noted that NOUN’s mode of operation was really as-sisting working class and married adults who desire higher education.

“I give it to the school as I don’t know how I would have achieved my dream without providing the opportunity,” she said.

Congratulating Okoye and her mates, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Ado Tenebe said the university’s sole interest was to make Open and Distance Learning a viable model of delivering university education to qualified men and women in the country.

He tasked the fresh graduates to be good ambassadors of the institution and their respective families by safeguarding not only their integrity but also the integrity of the university.

maintained a balance.“It was really a stressful period but I didn’t allow that to

scuttle my ambition. I might be reading at times while the baby would also be crying for attention. Oftentimes on such occasions, especially during exams I would have to do the two together. I would be reading while the baby would be sucking the breast. But I thank God that I have a husband that understands. He really supported me, especially during exams and my project to the extent that I almost turned him to a nanny. My first born, who is now in SS2 was also help-ful. So, everybody in the family sacrificed in a way to the suc-

IT WAS REALLY A STRESSFUL PERIOD BUT I DIDN’T ALLOW THAT

TO SCUTTLE MY AMBITION. I MIGHT BE READING AT TIMES WHILE THE BABY WOULD ALSO BE CRYING FOR

ATTENTION.

National Mirrorwww.nationalmirroronline.net 19

IN CONJUNCTION WITHEducation Today


AFE BABALOLA UNIVERSITY,ADO-EKITI (ABUAD)

AFE BABALOLA UNIVERSITY,ADO-EKITI (ABUAD)

“The setting of this University is ‘Superlative’ and ‘Impressive’, with nothing of its kind that I have seen so far in the country or anywhere else” (Gen. Dr. Yakubu Gowon, GCFR,)

How I emerged NOUN’s overall best graduate —Mother of fi ve

Okoye

‘Govt should stop relegating colleges of education’

Why I’m establishing a university —Ex-okada rider

Incessant strikes have reduced our IGR —Rector

252221

Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Prof. Adebiyi Daramola(fifth left); guest speaker from Howard University, US, Prof. James Momoh(sixth left) with some academic staff of FUTA during the workshop in Akure, last week.

FUTA VC wants Nigerians in Diaspora to return home

zzzzVice-Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Vincent Tenebe (left) with the Registrar, Mrs. Josephine Akinyemi during the institution’s pre-convocation press briefing in Lagos.

TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

The Vice-Chancellor, Federal Uni-versity of Technology, Akure, FUTA, Prof. Adebiyi Daramola

has called on Nigerians in Diaspora to come home to contribute to the devel-opment of the country.

He said such contribution would in no small measure help in accelerating the needed socio-economic growth for the country.

He made the call during a workshop to kick start the collaboration between the university and Carnegie-Africa in Diaspora Fellowship held in Akure last week.

Daramola, who is a Professor of Ag-ric Economics and Rural Extension, said he gave it to overseas based Nige-rians who look back to contribute their quotas to their mother lands.

He however gave kudos to the guest

SAIDAT ALAUSA

The Kano State gov-ernment has restat-ed its determination

to sponsor as many youths as possible in the state in school up to the university level.

The Deputy Director in charge of Academic Plan-ning of the state’s Ministry of Education, Mr. Musa Gambo made this disclo-sure during the matricu-lation ceremony for fresh students at Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State, recently. He was at the event to represent the state government, which sponsors scores of students to the university on yearly basis.

According to him, the effort is not only to get the youths educated and ac-quired requisite skills but also to discourage them

from engaging in anti so-cial activities such as ter-rorism.

Gambo who disclosed that the scholarship had also helped in reducing child marriage in the state, stressed that the suste-nance of the scheme would help phase out socio vices from the state.

He noted that the state sponsors a total of 100 stu-dents to Bells University at the cost of N120 million an-nually and several others to many other universities in the country.

“We also have students at Igbinedion University, Oka-da; American University of Nigeria, Yola and Cres-cent University, Abeokuta, among others,” he added.

He explained that stu-dents are considered for the scholarship based on their fulfillments of admission requirements of those in-stitutions.

AZA MSUEKADUNA

The parliamentary arm of the National Association of Ka-

duna State Students (NA-KASS) has accused Gover-nor Mukhtar Yero of not paying their bursary allow-ance for last year.

Speaking at a press con-ference after an extra-or-dinary meeting convened by its Speaker, Mr. Idi Ab-dul, the students said they would not endorse the re-turn of the governor for the second term if fails to heed to their cry.

The students added that they would allow their members to vote for cred-ible candidate of their choice.

“The government usu-ally releases bursary allow-ance to students in tertiary institutions who are indi-genes of the state by May/June every year, but that of last year was yet to be paid up till now,” the students said, adding that it was not as if there schools are provided with necessary infrastructure that will make learning and teach-ing friendly.

The students however said the association re-ceived unusual visitors at its secretariat last Friday with a request to the leader-

‘Kano will continue to sponsor students to universities’

Election: Why we may not vote for Yero’s return —Students

Acquire vocational skills, Aregbesola tells youthsAcquire vocational skills, Aregbesola tells youths

equipped with self-healing capabil-ity and two way power flow that allow penetration of renewable energy with inter-operable capability.

He explained that the development and generation of, transmission and dis-tribution networks would lead not only to employment generation and security but also to economic development.

Delivering a keynote address, the Dean, School of Engineering and En-gineering Technology, Prof. Michael Alatise restated FUTA’s determination to carry out researches that would solve the country’s nagging social problems, especially as related to technology in-clude power.

He however acknowledged the sup-port of the university’s leadership in partnering relevant bodies around the world on issues of public importance, saying the efforts would continue to move the nation’s university education forward.

speaker at the event from Howard Uni-versity, US, Prof. James Momoh, who is a Nigerian for impacting the country particularly in the area of research, teaching and technology.

He said Nigeria needed more like him to move the country to a greater height.

Speaking on “Deployment of Smart Grid Technology for national devel-opment,” which is the basis of the partnership, Prof. Momoh said there was urgent need to deploy Smart Grid Technology to address the challenges of development not only in developing economies like Nigeria but also in the developed world.

He noted that collaboration between his organisation and FUTA would stim-ulate meaningful researches that would lead to the development of power sector in Nigeria.

The Smart Grid Technology accord-ing to him is the next generation grid

BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA, OSOGBO.

Nigeria youths have been advised to acquire vocational

skills alongside their aca-demic qualification in or-der to become financially empowered while reduc-ing the rate of unemploy-ment in the country.

This was said by the Governor of Osun State, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola at the fourth convocation ceremony of Osun state College of Education, Esa Oke.

The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori noted that when graduates are equipped with certain skills, then they can gener-ate income for themselves thereby contributing to na-tional development.

In his address, the Rec-

institution with national relevance and internation-al recognition.

He said the manage-ment of the college with support from the chair-

tor of the institution, Au-gustus Oke, emphasised the vision of the insti-tution which is, to be a learning research driven, innovative and dynamic

man governing board, Prof. Layi Fagbenle and members of the board will ensure that they ensure a brilliant future for the col-lege products.

ship to endorse PDP and its gubernatorial candidate.

According to the stu-dents: “It is worthy of note that any leadership that has worked for the people needs not reduce himself or the exalted office of the governor of our dear state to petty beggars.

It is on this backlog that we want to disassociate ourselves and our members from any plan endorsement and mobilisation for the ruling party in the forth coming election.”

“The present govern-ment has recorded the longest workers’ strike in the history of our state on tertiary institutions and the issues that led to these strikes are still unresolved till today. It shows that this government is not interest-ed in education,” they said.

Yero

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net20 Thursday, January 22, 2015Education Today

I AM NOT FRONTING FOR ANYBODY. I AM THE PROPRIETOR OF THE UNIVERSITY BY

THE GRACE OF GOD. SUSWAM ONLY CAME TO THE FOUNDATION

LAYING CEREMONY TO PERFORM HIS DUTY AS

MY GOVERNOR

Byuan

People know you as a businessman and politician, why do you now want to estab-lish a university?

I am still doing my business and also into partisan politics. But as you may aware, many people pass through difficult times before be-coming somebody in life. I am a good example of such people. I had a very rough begging just because there was nobody to sponsor me in school. To eat was difficult let alone to go to school and that was what pushed me into Oka-da business. I had to ride motorcycle to raise money to eat and sponsor myself in school up to the tertiary level. That was how I started life and gradually moving up to get to this level I am today, all to the glory of God. So, I really know what poverty is all about because I had a taste of it. I know how challenging it is for some children to go to school in the coun-try. That is why now that God has blessed me with resources; I see it necessary to put back into the society and to be specific, to establish a university where qualified young men and women from my community and elsewhere in and outside the country can come to study their preferred courses. I will also have the better opportunity to award brilliant but indi-gent students, especially from my community scholarship.

What is the name of the university and where is it located?

It is Bryuan University and located in my country home, Ishangev-Tiev, here in Benue State. It will be a university to watch when in operation. It is going to be a model for others in the country.

What is the level of the project and when is the university taking off?

The foundation stoned had already been laid and contractor mobilised to site. We are working according to the guidelines of the National Universities Commission, NUC, for the establishment of a private university in the country. We want to follow the guideline to the letter. And our plan is to take off next academic session. That is why we are speed-ing the process.

Would the university be a specialised or conventional type?

It is going to be a conventional institution running various courses in law, humanities, engineering, social sciences, medicine and sciences, among others. All these are going to be in phases without compromising stan-dard. But interestingly, some of our proposed

Why I’m establishing a university —Ex-okada rider

committee is one of the former vice-chancel-lors of University of Jos and there are many other professors in the committee.

The academic brief talks about the stu-dents’ admission ratio for each year, the staff salary scale, staff ratio to students and so on. This cannot be carried out even by me the proprietor, it is purely for experienced professors. I submitted more than 10 names from whom the NUC picked those handling the draft.

How would you then react to a school of thought that says most private universities in the country recruit low profile personnel?

That is a fantasy. All over the world, it is a known fact that workers in private establish-ment including universities cannot just do whatever they like because they will be fired unlike in government establishments. So, that position can never be true.

The Harvard University in the US which has become a household name today globally is not a government institution. I know the owner personally because my interest in es-tablishing a university has taken me round most of the world best universities to look at their standards. That is my target.

So to me, any certificate from a private university worth its onion. There are no exam machineries there. There activities are closely monitored by their proprietors to pro-tect their names and reputations.

For instance, you can’t be absenting your-self from work unnecessary as a vice-chan-cellor of a private university unlike their counterparts in public schools.

So also, students from private universities are well trained in their areas of disciplines

courses are not offered by any of the three universities here in Benue State because they are capital intensive. We want to close up the gap for students coming to study in our university. I am talking of courses like nursing, geophysics and land surveying, among others.

How about the manpower?The project is not a day dream. I had been

on it for over six years. I involved many high profile intellectuals in the country in the drafting of the academic brief for the uni-versity. NUC cannot just give go ahead for a project like this without academia involve-ment.

If you look at the draft copy of the univer-sity, the chairman of the implementation

Chief Mathias Byuan had a humble beginning. He is one time a popular Okada rider in Gboko, Benue State, through which he earned a living and sent himself to school. He later ventured into real estate and consultancy as well as politics. He is now a multi-millionaire who wants to give back to the society by establishing a uni-versity. In this interview with HENRY IYORKASE, the Chair-man/CEO of Byuan Resources Limited speaks about the uni-versity of his dream. Excerpts:

that most of them will not be roaming streets to look for non-existing jobs like their mates from public universities.

Let me cite Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti and Bell University of Technology, Ota in Ogun State as examples. Though their fees may be somehow high for some people, they are private universities that have created identity that surpasses many public univer-sities in the country. Everything about these universities is quality.

It means your university will also charge high tuition fee?

I am not saying that. The university is not set up as a business venture but to help many qualified Nigerian youths to get quality university education. It is not that we won’t charge fees but will be affordable to many. All I want is something that will be helpful to people. In Benue State for instance, over 60,000 candidates sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination yearly with less than 10, 000 securing admission. So, we want to expand access to university education in the State and it is only when we make our fees affordable that the objective can be achieved.

But many believe that you are not the owner of the university but fronting for the state governor, Gabriel Suswam, how do you react to that?

My company, Bryuan Resources Limited, under which I registered the university, was established in 2002 which was a long time before Suswam became a governor. I am the Chairman\CEO of the company and it has many Nigerians of repute as directors. Sena-tor Nanadi Usman, a colleague of mine in the civil service several years back who was also at a time a minister, is in the board.

So, anybody who claims that I am front-ing for Suswam is a joker. Yes, Suswam is my governor and my boss. I support all his pro-grammes and I believe he is also happy that something like this is coming to the state. I know quite alright that many people have car-ried out projects in this state that governor in-augurated. Does it now mean he is the owner of those projects? I have carried out a housing estate project in Abuja which Mr. President laid the foundation stone. Does it then mean I am also fronting for Mr. President? So, I am not fronting for anybody. I am the proprietor of the university by the grace of God. Sus-wam only came to the foundation laying cere-mony to perform his duty as my governor and I believe he is there for everybody in the state.

How are you coping with your status as a person from humble background?

It is God that has been helping me. I must say that life is something that is very interest-ing. If you make your way to the top from a scratch like me, nothing will shake you in life. I had tasted the hot part of life and now tasting the cool part. That is a balance life. The cur-rent Benue State PDP governorship standard bearer is also an ex-Okada man like me. His branch is Wurukum. Go there, his records including registration number is there. It was through the Okada money that he also went to the university here in Benue. So, God can move you from zero level to the mountain top. But before God will do that, you will have to put in your best. So, I encourage young people, especially my Okada rider colleagues to work hard and take up challenges that can move them up in life.

National Mirrorwww.nationalmirroronline.net 21Education TodayThursday, January 22, 2015

Akande

What prompted your administra-tion for going into entrepreneurial pro-grammes?

Over the years, we have been graduating students. It pains me when I see some of them roaming the streets looking for non-existing jobs many years after graduation and I know that our products are as good as any other anywhere around the world because we are fortunate to parade world class teaching and supportive staff in this institution. The poly-technic ensures that the minimum qualifica-tion for teaching staff is master degrees in the relevant fields. So, what we give our students is qualitative education. As a mother and a teacher, to now see them after school roaming the streets gives me a lot of pains. So, I con-ceived the idea that if we can imbibe the spirit of entrepreneurship in our students, at least, they would leave here with something they can immediately lay their hands on and not have to start searching for job. We now have a Centre for Entrepreneurship Development and Vocational Studies (CEDVS).

Recently, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has made it a model for polytechnics in Nigeria and that was why in November last year, rectors of polytechnics paid a one-day study visit to the school. I am happy that our students are really imbibing this. We already have examples of our stu-dents who have started their own businesses. CEDVS has been able to attract USAID Win-rock collaboration. The group is going to work with us for five years in the first instance and if everything works out, another five years.

So, how has your agenda impacted on the institution?

It manifests in different areas. In ICT, when I came on board, we could count the number of staffers who could actually boot a com-puter, but today, there is an aggressive drive in this direction. Staffers were sent on training, we also organised in-house training and to-day, we now have an ICT centre. By the end of my first year, when I saw the pains that post-JAMB candidates went through, everything was being done manually then. I said this situation should not continue. By the second year, we had already marshaled all resources, got a consultant and today, I make bold to say that we are one of the first institutions in this country to conduct post-JAMB using com-puter-based test (CBT). It has been a success story. As a further development on that, we started e-learning. It just occurred to me that all the students have handsets, why don’t we use this avenue to “jazz” up their studies? We started the experiment two years ago. I called on one of our experts who started developing the software and the e-syllabi, the existing syl-labi were modified into e-syllabi and it was a really exciting outcome. Early last year, we or-ganised an e-learning workshop for our staff-ers. Today, we have a virile e-learning group on campus. What we aim to do is to develop an e-version of the syllabus on this campus to enable our students to be able to key in into the global best practices and to be able to keep abreast of developments all over the world.

In the area of staff development, when I came on board, I am not sure we had up to four PhD holders, but today, there are so many of them. We are really continuing with this

Incessant strikes have reduced our IGR —Rector

In your opinion, what is the way for-ward for polytechnic education in the country?

I will want to appeal to the Federal Gov-ernment; if we take a look at all the countries that have become industrialised, they did not do so by paying lip service to the technical and vocational education (TVE) subsector. They aggressively developed and supported the unit because that is where you have a lot of pragmatic innovations coming out and that is where you have technological think-tanks. We train our students to use their brains as well as their hands.

Government should pay more attention to this sector and fund it well. The level of fund-ing is abysmally low. If you are setting up an engineering faculty and you want to have up to date equipment, you will be talking of hundreds of millions of naira to do that. You can imagine the sorry state of laboratories and workshops. People erroneously think research does not go on in the polytechnics. But there are lots of innovations. If you visit our Obasanjo Centre for Engineering Inno-vation, you will be pleasantly surprised at what is going on there. They are many proj-ects in there, but we need funds to be able to take the centre to the next level.

Industrial actions are recurring deci-mals in your school, what are the real is-sues and what are the effects?

It is very unfortunate that people cannot be their brother’s keeper and have the inter-est of children put under their care. It is very sad. If you look at the issues involved in the incessant strikes on this campus, they are things which are beyond me. They are things which are beyond the capacity of any rector

using TETFUND and IGR. We started en-couraging staff to attend external confer-ences and present papers and as well inter-national training programmes. So, many members of staff have benefitted. My goal is that by the end of my tenure, especially in the academic department, we should be able to count the number of people who have not obtained PhD on the fingertips. Also, we have cleared the backlogs of promotions. In fact, we were to do the 2015 promotion in December, unfortunately, because of the sporadic strikes by staff, they would have been approved by our council at its meeting of December, but we have promised council that during our first meeting of the year, we will present all those who are eligible for promotion this year.

Ordinarily, many would have expect-ed so much based on your IGR.

Yes. Increase in our Internally Gener-ated Revenue (IGR) base was one of my cardinals. Unfortunately, this has not moved as fast as I thought because of industrial actions every time. Each time there is an industrial action; the unions shut down all our money-making ventures and prevent the staff there from working. This becomes counter-productive.

Also our part-time programmes, because majority of the lecturers there are full-time lecturers, they take advantage of that and shut down the part-time programme. This has really reduced our IGR. I would have loved a situation where we can renovate the staff quarters. Two years ago, I got the approval of council for the renovation, be-cause of lack of fund; we have not been able to do that. But by and large, in the area of infrastructural development, we are fairly okay.

Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti, Dr. Taiwo Akande, in this interview with ABIODUN NEJO speaks about the factors responsible for the ongoing face-up with the various unions in the institution, the adverse consequences of incessant strikes on the institution’s IGR and how to move the polytechnic education forward in the country, among other issues. Excerpts:

to solve. Forget about the other issues includ-ing welfare that they are trying to bring in.

The records are there that they are not true. The strikes are having a serious debilitating effect on our academic curriculum and calen-dar. It is not fair to the students.

Anytime they are recalled, we now have to work night and day to ensure they meet up, to ensure that the syllabi is completed. The real issue is CONTISS 15. The unions know that government has not appropriated money for it; they know that no polytechnic has been given money. Do they want me to steal? Do they want me to go against the law? These are questions I have asked them continuously, but their attitude has always been that I should just go and pay. If I had the money, I would pay. When I came on board,

I met huge arrears of promotion, and I paid all from our internal resources. Because of the importance I attach to staff welfare, all the increase in salary scale, even before govern-ment pays, if we have the resources, we pay. But you cannot keep on eating your savings, eating your resources and feel that when the raining days come, you will have something to fall on. We are the only polytechnic that imple-mented CONTISS 15 fully and we paid for 14 months before it became obvious that we can no longer continue. I called them to several meetings, put several options before them, they rejected them. Obviously, they have hid-den agenda which has now come to the fore. They are now asking the Minister of Educa-tion to sack me. On what premise would he sack me? They said

I stole their money. This is laughable, if truly the allegations are true, they are not the ones that should be shouting in the media, EFCC would have picked me up a long time ago. But it is rather unfortunate that people who are supposed to give academic leadership are the ones wallowing in such ignorant be-haviour. This is very sad.

They accuse you of high-handedness as well

There were two sins that automatically accompanied me to this position. The first one, I am a woman and the second; I am not from Ekiti State. They will tell me that I can-not give them directives because they have wives at home. I always plead with them to forget about my person, it is the position. In this position, don’t look at me as a woman.

How can you even say the rector should not give directive? Does that make sense? What am I supposed to be doing here but to give directives which must be implemented? If I am high-handed, would I have handed my agenda to them to study for their input? I think I am one of the few leaders in this in-stitution who goes to meet staff one on one. I walk round the campus to feel the pulse of staff. I go into the departments. I even see their toilets to ensure everything is in order. If I am a high-handed person, will I not just sit down in this office and dish out orders? They all have my phone numbers. But you see, when you want to kill a dog, you give it a bad name to justify what you want to do. I learnt a lesson from them that hatred is a very corrosive propensity because when you hate someone, you completely lose all sense of rational thinking.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net22 Education Today Thursday, January 22, 2015

Thoughts on unutilised TETFUND money

Jimi Agbaje, Utomi, others for US Consulate leadership summit Jimi Agbaje, Utomi, others for US Consulate leadership summit

Students of Jextoban Secondary School, Mowe, Ogun State making their presentation during the 20th anniversary of the school, recently. PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

WHILE THE CUSTODIANS AND THE BENEFICIARIES OF TETFUND CONTINUE TO

BICKER, LET THE REMAINING MONEY BE CHANNELED

IMMEDIATELY TO PROVIDE LIGHT FOR ALL FEDERAL

TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN THE COUNTRY WHERE THEY

ARE LACKING.

It is an irony that while the tertiary education system literarily lies in ruins ostensibly as a result of poor funding, billions of Naira lie fallow in the vaults of

the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), unuti-lised by those who by all indications are in dire need of the funds. While the infrastructure of the component institutions including the universities, the polytechnics and the colleges of education are underdeveloped and di-lapidated, and the available equipment only rudimenta-ry or broken down at best, the managers of the fund per-sistently cry aloud about unused funds in their coffers.

By the admission of the Chairman of TETFUND, Dr. Musa Babayo, about N43 billion remains unutilised as at August 27, 2014 representing about 8% of about N522,206,727,294.11 provided by the Federal Government between 2009 and 2013.

Considering the dire need of the tertiary institutions for fund to revive deteriorating facilities, it sounds ri-diculous that they are not taking advantage of any avail-able funds to ameliorate the situation. This confused situation is further complicated by the statement of the Chairman of TETFUND that “most higher institutions do not meet the requirement to access these funds.” Then why were they expected to collect what they were not qualified for in the first place? It is a general opinion within the university system that there is more to the whole story than actually meets the eyes.

Then there is this allegation by the chairman of “qual-itative corruption” which is allegedly more dangerous than “quantitative corruption.” From the tertiary in-stitutions, there are series of allegations of corruption and administrative bottlenecks involving the TETFUND that makes it difficult for the beneficiaries to assess the funds.

These are obvious indications that all is not well in the administration of the huge funds entrusted to TET-FUND. Also, the approximately N43 billion not yet as-sessed is barely eight per cent of the total fund disbursed to TETFUND from 2009 to 2013. So, if 92% of the avail-able fund did not succeed in changing the situation we

see here in the universities, I wonder what impact the remaining eight per cent would have on the decayed and decaying infrastructure. It seems that the level of fund wastage is much more than we have imagined.

While the fund is been frittered away by the managers and the beneficiaries alike, and while the blame game continues, the putrefaction also continues unabated. Meanwhile, the cream of the youths of this country, our assurance for a brighter tomorrow, that were sent abroad under the various scholarship schemes have been re-turning. And what do they find; a situation worse than they left behind in the first place. Do the authorities real-ly care about the institutions they have established, the

investments they have made, the fate of our returning academicians and the quality of our graduates now, and in the future?

These young academicians now know what academ-ics ought to be like and will no longer be satisfied with mediocrity. They will no longer be at ease with the empty laboratories, the overcrowded classrooms, the perpetual darkness and the dry taps they left behind. Their expectations would now be measured by the new-ly acquired international standard. Or is it possible that after they have experienced the splendor of the 25 top universities in the world, that is if the President’s dreams should come true, they will still be able to settle into the drudgery of life in the Nigerian universities? I am of the opinion that there is a serious disconnection between government actions and the reality of the Nige-rian situation.

The nation has languished in the dark along with all her institutions for a long time. The universities were meant to be a beacon of light, to show the way to the rest of the nation. They must be given the opportunity to do just that through teaching and research. While the cus-todians and the beneficiaries of TETFUND continue to bicker, let the remaining money be channeled immedi-ately to provide light for all federal tertiary institutions in the country where they are lacking.

We don’t know when Nigerians will begin to enjoy the dividends of the privatisation of the power sector.

In the meantime, let there be light in the Nigerian uni-versity campuses as it was, once upon a time. It will add value to the money already spent on infrastructure and enhance the quality of research in Nigerian universi-ties. But let us be under no illusions, the corrupt prac-tices that prevented the efficient utilisation of the funds in the first place will again rear its ugly head. This is a golden opportunity for the Independent Corrupt Prac-tices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) to prove its relevance and ensure the judicious use of this fund to energize the university campuses and serve as a catalyst for development.

TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

A governorship candi-date in Lagos State on the platform of

Peoples’ Democratic Party for the forthcoming general elections, Mr. Jimi Agbaje and the renowned profes-sor of political economics, Pat Utomi are expected to participate in the Speak to Leadership Summit at the United States Consulate Of-fice in Lagos.

The consultative forum which is holding today at the Public Affairs section of the Consulate General office in Victoria Island is put together by Good Gov-ernance Fellows of the Car-rington Youth Fellowship Initiative of the consulate. It is the third edition in the series.

Other key figures for the programme include the US Consul General in Lagos, Mr. Jeffrey Hawkins; Exec-utive Director of Enough is Enough Nigeria, a non- gov-ernmental organisation, Mrs. Yemi Adamolekun;

Lagos State Commissioner for Works and Infrastruc-ture, Dr. Kadri Hamzat; Sub-Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, Dr. Adekile Kemi; Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa and a multi-ple-award winning journal-ist, Mr. Tolu Ogunlesi.

The summit which will also have some youth lead-ers in attendance according to Mr. Ebenezer Ogun in a press release will discuss

contemporary issues in the country, especially as regards good governance as the general elections are fast approaching. Ogun is a fellow of the initiative.

The emphasis, he said, will be on pre and post-elec-tion youth involvement by creating platforms that will educate them on the sys-tems of governance, which will in turn improve their participation in polity.

Ogun noted that par-ticipants would have op-portunity to come up with workable resolutions and recommendations that can help protecting the interest of youths in the country.

He added that the induc-tion of the first set of TIE Nigeria Ambassadors as youths with governance track records would be commemorated at the event.

SAIDAT ALAUSA

The Registrar, Fed-eral University of Agriculture, Abeo-

kuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State, Mr. Mathew Ayoola, has charged the newly ad-mitted students to the in-stitution to conduct them-selves in a way that will project the image of the university positively.

Stating that the univer-sity also encouraged and rewarded good conduct, he advised the students not to engage in exam malpractice, rape, hooliganism, fighting, kidnapping and all sorts of untoward behaviours in and outside the school.

He gave the warning during the orientation pro-grammes organised for the students, saying it was nec-essary to make their stay on campus worthwhile.

Delivering her lecture on “Effective method of study-ing in the university,” at the forum, the university’s Counsellor, Mrs. Modesta

Registrar cautions new students Registrar cautions new students on unruly behaviourson unruly behaviours

Ofodile asked the students to attend classes regularly, do their assignments and read wide, as part of efforts towards graduating with good grades from the insti-tution.

Also, Dr. Sheriff Adewuyi of the university Mosque spoke on “Inter-Religious Harmony in FUNAAB,” en-couraged the students to go about their religious faith and live peacefully among themselves and with others in the university commu-nity.

He identified tolerance, moderation and co-opera-tion as some of the steps to achieve desirable harmony.

Ayoola

National Mirrorwww.nationalmirroronline.net Education Today 23Thursday, January 22, 2015

‘YOMI AYELESO 200L, BUS ADMIN. AAU, AKUNGBA-AKOKO

The Akoko Development Group has laid the foun-dation of a 240-capacity

female hostel at the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State to compli-ment the effort of the univer-sity management at providing accommodation for its students. The group is a social club made up of Akoko sons and daugh-ters in different walks of life.

The project is on build, oper-ate and transfer plan and will be in phases with the first phase expected to accommodate 100 stu-dents to be completed within 18 months.

President of the group, Chief Tunde Adefarati said the gesture was informed by the group’s de-sire to give back to their societies, especially the female students who he said are the most vulner-able to accommodation problem. Responding on behalf of the uni-versity, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun said the gesture came at a time the university has

YAKUBU TEMITOPE FEDPOLY, ADO-EKITI

The Federation of Ekiti State Students (FESSU) recently held its national con-gress at the Adekunle Ajasin Universi-

ty, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State with students of Ekiti State origin in different institutions in the country in attendance.

Welcoming students to the congress, the as-sociation National President, Oluwayomi Abe-gunde praised the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Ayo-

Edited by: Saidat [email protected] 08027633686

UNIBEN medical UNIBEN medical students get leadersstudents get leaders

…also ABSU medical …also ABSU medical studentsstudents

EDDY UWOGHIREN300L, MED & SURGERYUNIBEN

The University College Hospi-tal Ibadan (UCH), Oyo State, Chapter of the Christian Med-

ical and Dental Association Students (CMDAS) now has new leaders.

They emerged after an election held at the hospital premises last week with Atoki Olusola emerging the president and Adediran Oluwale as General Secretary.

Oni Oluwaseun is to serve as pub-lic Relations Officers and Temitope Alo as Academic secretary.

Other members of the executive include, Tinuoluwa Olubamiwa , Editor in Chief; Emmanuel Uko , Organizing Secretary; Jesutomisin Odemuyiwa , Mission Secretary; Damilola Ayorinde, Financial Secre-tary and Ibukun Adeboye as Welfare Secretary.

In a related development, the Uni-versity of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Edo State of CMDAS has also elected leaders to pilot the af-fairs of the association for this year.

The election held at the School of Medicine, UNIBEN, saw 500 level student of Medicine and Surgery, Rex Uwaifo and Chioma Eleje as the President and General Secretary, re-spectively.

Harry Ogodo who will serve as Missions Secretary is to be assisted by Afesiume Emmanuel. Other executives include Seun Alaba, Academic Secretary ; Chidi Ituma, Organizing secretary; Benjami Okinno, Prayer secretary; Rebecca Omozupo , financial secretary; May-owa Williams; Assistant Organizing secretary and Ijay Odiawa Editor in Chief.

The outgoing president Enejo Jo-seph thanked members of the asso-ciation for their support in 2014 and encouraged them to support the new officers.

UCHECHUKWU AMANZE100L, MED AND SURGERY, ABSU.

The 100 level students of De-partment of Medicine and Surgery, Abia State Universi-

ty (ABSU), Uturu, have elected their leaders for the first time in history of the department.

The election was held last Friday.Benjamin Onwubiko with 50

votes defeated the two other contes-tants, Bethel Emmanuel and Pace Ejikem who polled 13 and one votes respectively.

Commenting after the exercise, Bonaventure Ifoegbu, 100 level stu-dent of the department said the elec-tion was free and fair.

Ekiti students commend govt for scholarshipEkiti students commend govt for scholarship

in place a policy geared towards bringing private investors to build hostels in the campus to solve the accommodation problem facing its teeming students. He therefore expressed hope that the project would not be abandoned

dele Fayose for the recent payment of their bursary and scholarship.

Abegunde further appreciated the gover-nor for reducing the tuition fees of the Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti.

Highlight of the congress is the composi-tion of Electoral Committee and lifting of ban on all aspirants who will be vying for different positions in the association.

Speaking to National Mirror after the congress, Abegunde called on the state gov-ernment to create the Office of the Special

based on the people of proven in-tegrity that make up the group. In his remarks, the Pro-Chan-cellor of the institution, Ambas-sador Oladele Akadiri said the initiative could not have been best appreciated at this time that

Adviser on Students’ Affairs as this would further foster the relationship between the students and the government. He also ap-preciated the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olusola Eleka who is also overseeing the Ministry of Education for his fatherly support to the as-sociation.

Abegunde then congratulated the newly elected electoral committee headed by Jide Olarinmoye and advised them to ensure the next union election is transparent, free and fair.

A cross section of graduating students from Crawford University, Ogun State during their convocationceremony at Igbesa, recently.

The new officers for the National Business Administration Department, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State shortly after their inauguration.

the university can only provide accommodation for 20 percent of its students.

The Chairman of Federal Mortgage Bank, Chief Bisi Ogun-jobi unveiled the prototype of the hostel.

Group donates hostel to university

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net24 Thursday, January 22, 2015

NANS demands probe of NANS demands probe of student’s death in US student’s death in US

OAU students’ union OAU students’ union inaugurates projects inaugurates projects

FreshersFreshers tasked on peaceful co-existence tasked on peaceful co-existence

UNILORIN organises essay competition for secondary school students

HAMEED MURITALAUNILORIN

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) is seeking to know the mysterious circumstance that led

to the death of Mathew Ajibade, a 22- year-old Nigerian student who died last week in an isolation cell of the Savannah Jail in Georgia, USA. Ajibade from Lagos until his death was a student of Computer Science at Savannah Technical College in the US.

According to reports, Ajibade who was said to be suffering from bipolar disorder died after being locked up in an isolation cell after a scuffle with two Sheriff’s depu-ties at the Savannah Police Station.

NANS in a statement signed in Abuja by its Vice-president in charge of External Af-fairs, Oluwatosin Ogunkuade, condemned the circumstance that led to his death and demanded to know what actually led to his death.

The association accused the United States police officers of maltreating Ajibade, not-ing that the police were aware of his health condition as at the time he was arrested.

NANS insisted that Ajibade should have been taken to the hospital for proper medi-cal attention, instead of detaining him and therefore demanded full scale investiga-tions into the matter.

The student body said the association would mobilize members to stage a protest to the US Embassy in Nigeria if the investi-gation is delayed or lacks fairness.

AFEEZ LASISIOAU, ILE-IFE

The Ibikunle led Students’ Union Gov-ernment of Obafemi Awolowo Uni-versity (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State gave

the account of his stewardship at a press meeting held last weekend at the Students’ Union Building.

The president, Ibikunle Isaac and some members of the executive after the press meeting took all the guests and stakehold-ers at the meeting to commissioned com-pleted projects and inspection of the ongo-ing projects.

The Secretary General, Olatayo Shit-tu debunked the rumors that the Union collected N18 million from the manage-ment.

He said “We expected N18 million from the university management, but the management only want to give N6 million out of which less than N5 mil-lion has been released to the Union.”

The revenue according to him came from students’ due, with each students contributing N300 each.

Ibikunle said that it was from the ac-cumulation of the money collected from the past administration and the money released by the management several projects were done.

However, the completed and ongoing projects include, installation of tanks and pumping machines in the Angola and Mozambique halls respectively, two pedestrian bridges linking halls of resi-dence but yet to be completed, purchase of two buses;, facelift of SUB conference room among others.

ZAINAB YUSUFUNILORIN

The Student Union Gov-ernment, University of Ilorin, Kwara State

has organised an inter-school essay competition for the sec-ondary school students in the state.

The competition was held last Saturday with students from different local govern-ment areas of the state in at-tendance.

In his speech, the SUG President, Yaqub Ishowo said the programme being the first to be organised by the union was aimed at reaching out to people in the immediate envi-ronment.

“It is a kind of social respon-sibility of the union,” he said.

He further stressed that no student can make it to the university of Ilorin without a good academic foundation, as such this competition was set up to create young scholars and install in them level of se-riousness.

Eight schools participated in the competition with each school having two participants each.

The participating schools were; Ansarul islam second-ary school, Cherubim and seraphim college, Five ways international college, UNILO-RIN secondary school, Gov-

A cross section of medical students from various Nigerian universities during their joint conference in Imo State, recently

Stop relegating colleges of education, SUG president tells govtOLUWATOSIN FASANYA400L, MASS COMM, UNILAG

The President, Student Union Gov-ernment of the Federal College of Education (Technical) Akoka, La-

gos, Mr. Solomon Bolumade has appealed to the Federal Government to stop treat-

ing colleges of education as push-over.He made the appeal in a chat, saying col-

leges of education, especially the technical ones among them are backbone of the so-ciety.

He said it was disheartening that Ni-geria considers colleges of education and technical colleges as place where students

that are not academically sound should go to.

“But that is not true, colleges of educa-tion for example produce lawyers, doctors and several other professions that run the economy and government should there-fore accords that level of education a de-served recognition,” he stressed.

Staff Adviser, Union of Campus Journalists, University of Ilorin chapter, Dr. Mahfus Adedeji (right) presenting gift to Mr. Victory Emmanuel, winner of the annual Fresher’s Oratory Contest organised by the association, recently.

ernment day secondary school, Tanke, Government day second-ary school Adewole.

The competition was a writ-ten test and the first session was 50 questions for 45 minutes but only 8 participants moved to the final session.

At the end of the programme,

UNILORIN secondary school emerged first.

While presenting gifts to the winners, the Sub Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Yusuf, con-gratulated the winners and told the teachers that the winners shall be appreciated and invited to the student union leadership

summit which will hold later in the year.

Speaking with National Mirror, the winner of the competition, Abdulazeez Olaonipekun, thank to thank God for his success.

He also expressed gratitude to the students union for organising the competition.

HAMEED MURITALAUNILORIN

New students of the University of Ilo-rin, Kwara State, have been urged to embrace the virtues of peaceful co-ex-

istence through religious harmony and desist from acts that can spur disunity on campus.

The advised came from the Chief Imam of the university Central Mosque, Prof. Abdul-Ganiy Oladosu, and the Chaplain of the in-

stitution’s Chapel of Light, Dr. Idowu, while speaking at the Orientation Programme or-ganised for the new students, recently.

Addressing the students, the Chief Imam, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Ab-dulsalam Nasir, enjoined students to be at peace with themselves, “peace with your en-vironment, peace with everything around you. Irrespective of the religion, sect, tribe and locality, you must be at peace with one another.”

National Mirrorwww.nationalmirroronline.net 25Thursday, January 22, 2015 Campus News

Demand’, as verb, abhors ‘for’

Go and excel, Lagos vocational graduands toldGo and excel, Lagos vocational graduands toldTUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Gov-ernor on Education,

Otunba Abdulfatai Oluk-oga has advised the newly graduated trainees from the various vocational centres across the state to go into the world and make a differ-ence.

He gave the advice on Tuesday during their gradu-ation ceremony at Alausa in Ikeja, saying now that they had been equipped with the right knowledge and skills on their choice trades, they should not only be econom-ic independent but also em-ployers of labour.

A total of 489 trainees from across the centres run-ning by the state’s Agency

for Mass Education along-side the partnering organ-isations including Lions Club were graduated at the event. They were trained on catering and hotel manage-ment, hair dressing, tailor-ing, soap and bead making, tie and dye, event decora-tion, among others.

And those who per-formed excellently during the training, which lasted one year were also reward-ed with equipment as ap-plicable at the event. They included Mrs. Funmilayo Busari, Ngozi Ihale, Ola-bimpe Johnson, Adenike Adebusoye, Nofisat Oloyede and Victoria Aganga, all from Agege centre. Oth-ers were Omolara Coxson, Oluwafisayomi George, Blessing Abume, Ngozi Uguweze, Janet Oden from

BEST’ HAS REACHED THE END-POINT OF

INTENSIFICATION AND CANNOT BE INFLECTED (BY ADDING ‘VERY’). IT IS AN ABSOLUTE

WORD—A SUPERLATIVE ENTRY.

Sabo-Yaba centre as well as Segun Balogun from Su-rulere centre.

Olukoga however ex-

plained that the training was only free and flexible, but also rewarding for the trainees, adding that the

A cross section of the trainees during their graduation ceremony on Tuesday

state government would not relent in investing in the scheme.

Congratulating all the

graduands, the director of the agency in charge of the scheme, Mrs. Fola Amore urged them to be commit-ted and persevered as they are now entrepreneurs in their choice professions.

She said the govern-ment’s expectation from them was very high having committed so much invest-ment in the programme.

You are expected, she stressed, to go into the world and contribute meaningfully to the econo-my of the state and that of the country at large.

Amore noted that train-ees on the scheme are not only for hand works but also being taught basic ed-ucation that will help them to perform well at work and relate well with others in the society.

CORRECTIONS in this column are mostly in brackets immediately after the wrong word or expression—ex-

cluding, of course, the attributions, empha-ses and elucidations like the noun reference in this paragraph. An example with the first headline extract from will suffice: “NNPC aircraft crash lands (crash-lands) in Warri” But, crash landing (noun) as opposed to the verb form. That is the beauty of the lan-guage.

THE GUARDIAN flooded its January 5 edition with misapprehensions: “…has been reportedly (why should a reputable newspa-per use this meaningless cliché that does not add any value?) kidnapped by unknown gun-men.” What is this craze about ‘unknown gunmen’? How will anyone know them? It would have been excusable if they were clad in any official (authorised) uniforms (cam-ouflage) of the armed forces or other para-military agencies, even if fake. Otherwise, it smacks of warped thinking!

“Court remands Lamido’s son in prison” The court can either ‘remand in custody’ (which means to send someone to prison un-til trial) or ‘remand on bail’ (which implies allowing a suspect to go free until the trial af-ter leaving a sum of money with the court). Thanks to A. S. Hornby for this insight.

“...was picked by a (a panel?) ‘after careful (would it have been careless?) consideration of all the feats she has been able to achieve in the (sic) 18 months while steering the aviation industry.’ ” Crash the thought! The delectable minister is steering the aviation ministry—not the industry!

Still on THE GUARDIAN: “The offence of the politician that stole $1 and the one that stole $1 million will carry same (the same) weight.”

“A Bill for an Act to provide for a death sentence against (on) persons found guilty of corruption related (corruption-related) of-

fences in the country is….”“He also wants the National Assembly

has to tolerant other views on the amend-ment of the constitution.” (Politics Page) What does this mean?

“Attempt (Attempts/An attempt) to ex-plain that I personally went to Bamgbose in (on) Lagos Island, did the data capture and other processes to obtain the docu-ment fell on the ears (on deaf ears) of an increasingly angered officer.”

Now the Editorial of The Guardian un-der review: “In the event that they are not ready to debate and put forth arguments one way or the other….” Conscience, Nurtured by Truth: one way or another.... An aside: I do not understand the func-tion of the comma after ‘conscience’ in The Guardian pay-off line. Can someone elucidate on this in my interest?

“The use of hard power of military might rarely reined in terrorists activi-ties anywhere” Either: terrorist activi-ties or terrorists’ activities

“He was offering them stone when they demanded for bread” This is no

news: delete ‘for’!“The crises which has (have) rocked

the NLC since….” Singular: crisis; plural: crises. Computers point out some of these errors!

“We heartily congratulate you, our esteemed chairman…quintessential banker and corporate guru per (par) ex-cellence.”

Still on THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER: “The Minister for Infor-mation took the lectern….” A voyage of discovery: Minister of…and Commission-er for….

“Late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua also did.” Cover: The late President….

“Some of the despotic regimes thrown up in (on) the continent did worse things than was experienced under colonial-ism.”

“They will only end up frustrating the good intentions of the President, thereby continually subjecting Nigerians into (to) servitude.”

“Expectedly, the man at the centre of controversy had spared no effort to deny the allegations, pointing accusing fingers at the press and his detractors.” No mo-ronic writing: yank off ‘accusing’ and point the finger (not fingers) in the inter-est of literacy.

“The innocent undergraduate is fast becoming rare specie (a rare species) threatened with extinction.”

“The security men allowed him to go out of the compound knowing fully (full) well that the whole area was flooded.” Al-ternatively: knowing fully.

“Speaking at the same occasion, Presi-

dent Jonathan warned the military against coup.” Prepositional precision agreement: on (not at) the occasion. Away with these bats in the belfry. This particular gaffe con-firms that most journalists don’t read. If they did, these juvenile goofs would not be recurring.

“Government’s efforts to clean up the waste is (why this dirt?) not helped by the attitude of Lagos residents who throw their wastes on just about anywhere.”

“…in a publication “Taking the Bull by the Horn…” Investing in the English lan-guage: take the bull by the horns (not horn).

“Part of his quality sense (not quantity) concerns the debate on how best to eat a dish, with cutleries or with the ten fingers.” As I mentioned in my introductory note last week, ‘cutlery’ is non-count.

“I am a product of a system which al-lowed a poor farmer-cum-fisherman’s son to go through the very best schools.…” ‘Best’ has reached the end-point of intensification and cannot be inflected (by adding ‘very’). It is an absolute word—a superlative entry.

“Robbery: Policeman killed by vigilante group” This way: vigilance group.

“The gallantry effort exhibited by the driver of….” Get it right: either gallantry or gallant effort.

“…we must struggle against the abuse of power and its dangerous fall-outs.” The last word is in the extract is uncountable and goes without hyphenation.

“Most ideal posture no doubt that should infact (in fact) be adopted by every other state governors.” The Boko Haram ro-mance: either every other state governor or all other state governors.

26 National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.netThursday, January 22, 2015

L-R: Group Head, Cowry Banking, Heritage Bank Limited, Mr. Davidson Regha; President, Old Girls of Federal Girls Government College, Benin City, (FGGC) 1984 set, Mrs Abosede Ozah Osho, and Group Managing Director/CEO, BGL Securities Limited, Mr. Albert Okumagba, during the presentation of award to Managing Director, Heritage Bank Limited, Mr. Ifie Sekibo by FGGC in Lagos, recently.

Arik Air

FLIGHTSCHEDULE

Lag-Abj:07.15, 09.15, 10.20, 13.05, 15.20, 16.20, 16.50,18.45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun).Abj-Lag: 07:15, 09.40, 10.20, 12.15, 15.15, 16.15, 17:10, (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun); 12.15, 15.15, 16.15 (Sun) Lag-PH: 07:15, 11.40, 14.00, 16.10, 17.15 (Mon-Fri); 07.30, 11.40, 15.50 (Sat) 11.50, 3.50, 17.05 Sun) Abj-PH: 07.15, 11.20, 15.30 (Mon-Fri) 07.15, 16.00 (Sat) 13.10, 16.00 Sun)PH-Abj: 08.45, 12.50, 17.00 (Mon-Fri) 08.45, 17.30 (Sat) 14.40, 17.30 (Sun) Abv-Beni:08.00, 12.10 (Mon-Fri/Sat)08.56, 12.10 (Sun) Benin-Abj:09.55,13.30

Lagos- Abuja (Mon-Fri): 07.00, 08.50, 12.00, 16.30. Abuja- Lagos (Mon-Fri): 09.00, 14.00, 15.00, 18.30. Lagos-Yola (Mon-Fri): 8.50am. Yola-Lagos (Mon-Fri): 13.00. Lagos- PHC (Mon-Fri): 17.00. PHC-Lagos: 19.00. Abuja-Yola: 11.00. Yola-Abuja: 13.00. Lagos-Abuja (Sat): 08.00, 08.50.Abuja-Lagos (Sat): 10.00, 15.00. Lagos-PHC (Sat): 17.00. PHC-La-gos (Sat): 19.00. Lagos-Yola (Sat): 08.50. Yola-Lagos (Sat): 13.00

Lag-Abj: 06.50, 13.30, 16.30, 19.45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun), 12.30 (Sun) 16.45 (Sat) Abj-Los: 07.30, 13.00, 19.00 (Mon-Fri/Sat, 10.30, 14.30, 19.30 (Sun, 18.30 Sat) Lag-Benin: 07.45, 11.00, 15.30 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) 12.30 (Sun 15.30 (Sat)Ben-Lag: 09.15, 12.30, 17.00 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) 17.00 (Sat) 14.00 (Sun)Lag-Owe: 7.45am, 2pm daily

Med-View Airline

Aero Contractors

27

Sylva EmEka-OkErEkE

Federal Government will require the sum of $14 bil-lion, (about N235.2 billion)

to construct new roads as well as rehabilitate existing infrastruc-ture in the next six years.

Within the same period, gov-ernment is also expected to inject $19 billion, (about N319.2 billion) into the nation’s railway sector.

Director General, Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE, Mr. Ben-jamin Dikki, who disclosed this in Lagos, pointed out that to realise these objectives within the stipu-lated time frame, private operators should be fully involved.

This disclosure is coming on the heels of the government’s moves to ensure comprehensive transport reforms, aimed at sus-taining road infrastructures.

‘’Given inadequate government resources, the private sector needs to be involved in the rehabilita-tion of roads and railway tracks and management of green fields through privatisation”, he stated.

Such reforms, according to him, will enable private sector par-ticipations in the rehabilitation of existing infrastructures and in-vestments in new projects.

“The quick passage of the transport sector bills will be very

FranciS EzEm

The Nigeria Customs Ser-vice has sounded a note of warning to importers of

questionable consignments and their clearing agents that will not sacrifice national security at the alter of trade facilitation, saying that it would continue to impound such questionable con-signments for special examina-tion.

Some importers and their agents recently raised the alarm over the increasing cases of in-discriminate detention of some

consignments and subsequently detaining them at the enforce-ment unit of the service for prop-er monitoring an examination, a development they claim does not make for trade facilitation.

Meanwhile, Customs Area Controller in charge of Apapa Area 1 command, Mr. Charles Edike, who spoke in Lagos, in-sisted that the command will continue to impound any con-signment that is of any ques-tionable circumstances in order not to undermine the security of the nation, especially at this time.

He disclosed that there have

also been rampant cases of cut-ting the seal of some containers even before the arrival of the representatives of the various agencies of the government that would perform the examination on such consignments.

“You know the security situ-ation in the country today. As you know one gun or a dynamite can cause a lot of trouble in the country, so we will not leave any-thing to chance under the guise of facilitating trade”, he further warned.

While assuring the importers and agents that the service will not go out of its way to unduly

detain any consignment to the extent to deter trade facilita-tion, he however insisted that the command will continue to refer such suspicious consign-ments to its enforcement unit for surveillance and strict examina-tion.

“We will continue to divert such consignments to the en-forcement unit of the service to investigate and examine them so as to ensure that the importers of the consignments do not have sinister motives but as soon as this is established, the container will be released to the owners for exit”, he also said.

FG requires N235.2bn to fix roads in 6 years –BPE

We won’t compromise national security, says Customs

28 33

GSM services: Stakeholders count

gains in 14 years

OPEC daily basket price hovers around at $43.87 per barrel

Stakeholders seek penalties for non-compliance with ad vetting

BusinessNational Mirror

www.nationalmirroronline.netThursday, January 22, 2015

31

critical to these reforms”, he add-ed.

Dikki listed the transport bills to include, the National Transport Commission bill, the road sector bill, railway bill as well as inland water ways bill among others.

It would be recalled that the Minister of Works, Mr. Mike On-olememen had earlier noted that

comprehensive road sector re-forms would enhance the manage-ment of the nation’s roads while making road transportation af-fordable to the citizens and attrac-tive for private sector investment. Efficient transport system, he said, is a catalyst for accelerated socio-economic development of any nation.

Dikki however noted that a liberalised economy would create enabling environment for signifi-cant private sector participation through appropriate legal and regulatory frameworks, noting the need to separate policy for-mulations from regulations and operations.

OPEC daily basket price hovers around at $43.87 per barrel Udeme AkpAn

The price of Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC basket of

12 crudes stood at $43.87 per barrel on Monday, compared with $43.40 the previous Friday, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The drop in price was attrib-uted to excess supply and low de-mand for crude oil in the interna-tional market.

The new OPEC Reference Bas-ket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Al-geria), Girassol (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait),

Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Mur-ban (UAE) and Merey (Venezu-ela).

The price of Brent which usu-ally used to benchmark others has also fallen from over $47.69 to $47.69 in the global market.

OPEC stated in its latest report that the OPEC Reference Basket averaged $59.46/b in December, following a decline of $16.11 or 21per cent.

It stated that in annual terms, the Basket averaged $96.29/b in 2014, representing a decline of $9.58 from the previous year.

“ICE Brent in December plunged $16.36 to stand at $63.27/b, averaging $99.45/b for the year.

Nymex WTI lost $16.52 to stand at $59.29/b in December, for a yearly value of $92.97/b. The Brent-WTI spread stood at $3.98/b,” it stated.

It stated that the world eco-nomic growth for 2014 and 2015 remains unchanged from the pre-vious month at 3.2per cent and 3.6per cent, respectively.

“The OECD growth estimate is unchanged at 1.8per cent for 2014, but the 2015 forecast has been re-vised to 2.2per cent from 2.1per cent. The forecasts for China and India remain unchanged at 7.2per cent and 5.8per cent in 2015, re-spectively,” it stated.

It stated that the global oil de-mand is estimated to have grown by 0.95 mb/d in 2014, represent-ing an upward revision of 20 tb/d

AdeolA TUkUrUABUJA

Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Abdu Bulama, has charged

the Chemical Society of Nigeria to link up with research insti-tutes across the nation and also to steadfastly support government’s effort towards strengthening Sci-ence and Technology in the na-tion.

The minister this during a courtesy call by the chemical so-ciety of Nigeria to his office in Abuja,yesterday identified the place of a chemist in national development to the strategic and crucial.

According to him, chemistry takes the preponderance of the activities of most our agencies and therefore it affects all aspects of our national life.

He stated that transformation agenda of Mr. President cannot be realised without instrumental-ity of science and technology.

The minister urged the experts in chemical technology to bring their innovations to bear on gov-

ernment’s programmes that are focused on the common good of the general populace.

Dr Bulama, said that the posi-tion role which a chemist plays in physical science there is need for the promotion of the espirit corps among the members of the society for the growth of science generally in the country.

He assured on his to work to-gether with the rest of the mem-bers of the society so as promote Science, Technology and Innova-tion.

In his remark, the Head of the delegation, Dr. Henry O. Egharev-ba, of National Institute for Phar-maceutical Research and Devel-opment (NIPRD), Abuja said they were in the ministry to felicitate with the minister over his well deserved appointment by Mr. President.

He also informed the minister on the number of activities and programmes lined up for this year. “These include: hosting of the federation of African Chemi-cal societies (FASC) International conference in Abuja by Septem-ber, 2015.

Udo onyekA

Access Bank Plc has reiter-ated its commitment to financial empowerment

for Small and Medium-sized En-terprises, SME’s for Women and Youths in Africa.

Speaking at the African Sus-tainable CEO Business Round-table in Lagos, Access Bank Plc, Group Managing Director, Mr.Herbert Wigwe; who was rep-resented by Executive Director, Personal Banking, Mr. Victor Etuokwu; said, the world is em-

barking on a new age; the age of the entrepreneur, the agile SME owner, and the flexible innovator. “In Access Bank we have a team that helps drives this and add val-ues to SMEs. Finance is not the major issue, but capacity build-ing and understanding opportu-nities that abound in the busi-ness environment. We also have program that supports women entrepreneurs because we find it interesting working with them,” he said.

He also said the Bank aims to be a Tier 1 SME bank to young entrepreneurs adding that the

financial institution seeks to achieve this through integrated partnership and provision of proactive business banking so-lutions which makes our clients winners on all front.

“Small and medium-sized enterprises ,SMEs and entre-preneurs are crucial for tracing new paths to more sustainable and inclusive growth, thanks to their role in developing and dif-fusing innovation and providing employment. This is one of the several reasons why we recog-nize the role of women as mul-tipliers in the country”, he said.

Chemical society urged to strengthen science and tech

olUfemi AdesosUnABUJA

The Nigerian Union of Pen-sioners, NUP, has called on the Federal Govern-

ment to fulfil its pledge to the union by paying the remaining 29 months arrears, adding that they would remain indebted to the government if the balance is paid as soon as the 2015 budget is passed.

This is even as the union commended government for the implementation and payment of the nine months arrears of the 33 per cent pension increase to pensioners.

In a statement signed by the NUP President, Dr. Abel Afolay-an and its General Secretary, El-der Actor Zal, the union said the part payment of the nine months had put smiles on the faces of its members and their family.

The gesture, according to them, demonstrate the commit-ment of the Federal Government to the welfare and well-being of its senior citizens.

The statement read: “Howev-

er, recalling that the said arrears is from July 2010 to September 2014, and having paid for nine months, leaving the balance of 29 months, we hereby, urged the Federal Government to honour its pledge to the union of captur-ing the remaining balance ofthe arrears in the 2015 budget for payment.

“Our members will ever re-main indebted to the Federal Government if the balance of the arrears is paid as soon as the 2015 budget is passed. Simi-larly, all unpaid gratuities and other entitlements of pensioners should be as well captured in the 2015 budget for payment.

“We wish to equally make a case that the balance of 20.4 per-centage pension increase which made the total 53.4 percentage increase, formally and officially approved by the Federal Govern-ment be immediately worked out and captured in the 2015 or in the subsequent budget for payment.”

Most importantly, the union called on the Federal Govern-ment to place pension on first line charge as obtained in other

Pensioners demand payment of 29 months entitlements

Access Bank supports entrepreneurs at Africa CEOs’ Roundtable

countries, and as a mark of re-spect for the senior citizens.

It added: “The union will also like to commend the relentless ef-forts of the leadership of PTAD, the instrument through which pension payment are being made, for working assiduously to assuage the suffering of the pen-sioners.

from the previous month.“The adjustment mainly re-

flects better-than-expected oil de-mand data from OECD America and China. In 2015, world oil de-mand is anticipated to rise by 1.15 mb/d, following an upward revi-sion of 30 tb/d due to expectations of higher oil requirements in OECD America and Other Asia,” it stated.

It stated that non-OPEC oil sup-ply is estimated to have grown by 1.98 mb/d in 2014, following an up-ward revision of 260 tb/d from the previous report, driven by higher than expected growth seen at the end of the year.

The report stated that in 2015,

non-OPEC oil supply is projected to grow by 1.28 mb/d, represent-ing a downward revision of 80 tb/d from the previous report.

It stated that OPEC NGLs and non-conventional liquids are ex-pected to average 6.03 mb/d in 2015, up from 5.83 mb/d in 2014.

“In December, OPEC crude oil production averaged 30.20 mb/d, according to secondary sources, an increase of 0.14 mb/d over the previous month. Product markets in the Atlantic Basin weakened in December as margins were affect-ed by the drop in the gasoline and middle distillates cracks amid an oversupply of gasoline in the re-gion,” it stated.

L-R: Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Mrs. Saratu Altine Umar; Former Minister of International Affairs, Professor. Ibrahim Gamabri; Chairman, Heirs Holdings, Mr. Tony Elumelu; Head of Service, Mr. Danladi Kifasi; High Commissioner, High Commission of Canada, Perry John Calderwood, and High Commissioner of India, A. R. Ghanashyam at a dinner in honour of Saratu Altine Umar in Abuja recently.

28 National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.netThursday, January 22, 2015Business News

Business News

L-R: Nigerian Idol Season 5 judge, Darey Art-Alade; season 4 winner, Evelle; another judge, Yinka Davies and Manager, Youth Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Idiare Atimomo, during the Port-Harcourt auditions of the Nigerian Idol Season 5 in Port-Harcourt at the weekend.

AdeolA TukuruABUJA

Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Abdu Bulama,has urged Ni-

gerian youths to crave for posi-tive attitudinal change mindset for them work collectively to-wards the development of the country.

Bulama stated this when the delegation of the Northern Youth Vanguard led by its Chair-man, comrade Habib Olamipe-kun, paid a courtesy call to his office in Abuja, yesterday added that youth must transform their minds so as to be useful citizens.

According to him, the admin-istration of President Goodluck Jonathan is youth-friendly be-cause it always accommodates the interest, aspiration ad contri-butions that are geared towards development the country techno-logically.

He said the cardinal objective of the Northern youth vanguard

which are, maintaining peace and unity of the North particular and the nation at large; support-ing government in key area that project the interest of the youths and suggesting positive ideas that will enhance youth develop-ment are truly the essentials for the growth of the country.

Against the backdrop of the preponderance of the social vic-es, criminalities, restiveness and insurgency ravaging some parts of the country, Dr. Bulama said despite the prevalent challenges, the government still need criti-cal mass of youths with patriotic mindset and zeal that will move this nation forward in all spheres of development.

He stressed that the cardinal philosophy of Mr President’s Transformation Agenda is to cre-ate jobs for the teaming popula-tion of the employable youths.

For this reason, he called on them to participate fully in gov-ernance and in the forth coming general elections.

He commanded the noble cause of the Northern Youth Vanguard,whose major preoccu-pation and collective responsibil-ity is to ensure that Nigeria re-main one indivisible and united nation.

Speaking earlier, the chairman of the group Habib Olamipekun, said they were in the ministry to seek for the support of govern-ment to enable them contributes their own quota to national devel-opment.

He further assured that youths are ready to participate and also to ensure a peaceful conduct of the 2015 polls.

He also assured to be ade-quately informed about govern-ment policies and programmes that are tailored towards youth development.

Olamipeku reiterated their commitment and support to gov-ernment at all times, adding that “If you build the youth, you build the nation.

Minister tasks youths on national devt

Chidi ugwuABUJA

The Nigerian Bulk Electric-ity Trading, NBET, on Tues-day launched a handbook

to aid negotiating agreements by investors in the Nigerian electric-ity market.

Officials in the power sector say the Power Purchase Agreements, PPA; handbook will drastically ease the time spent on negotiating agreements by investors in the na-tion’s electricity market.

Launching the handbook in Abuja, Managing Director of the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trad-ing, NBET, Mr. Rumundaka Wono-di said it is an important contribu-tion to the body of knowledge on

NBET unveils handbook for investors in electricity market

Morgan Stanley profit rises despite ‘choppy market’

olusegun koiki

An aviation expert and a former engineer with the defunct national car-

rier, Nigeria Airways, Engr. Sheri Kyari has said that the planned re-capitalisaiton of domestic air-lines by the Federal Government would be misconstrued by stake-holders in the industry.

Kyari told our correspondent in an interview at the Muritala Mo-hammed Airport, MMA, Lagos that any recapitalisation attempt at this time would be perceived as a step by the government to wil-fully kill the indigenous carriers in favour of the planned national carrier.

He however said that before the government could go on with the idea, it should introduce more incentives to the domestic carri-ers and creates a more enabling environment for them to operate, warning that with these, the exer-cise would go the way of the oth-ers.

He said, “Recapitalisation I will say it is good, but any move again this time to introduce such to the airline, I think will be suspect. A lot of people are likely to think that any recapitalisation is to kill more airlines and allow the gov-ernment to achieve their national carrier objective.

“So, they (government) have to be extremely sensitive about this and then, you are looking at re-capitalising those who cannot re-capitalise only to find themselves outside and will lose their invest-ments in the industry. I think the government must do this thing at least sensibly and while they are doing this, they must work out what I would call incentives for these other ones to recapitalise.

“Secondly, government is doing all this and not creating market for the airlines. They will want to say it is still private sector arrange-ment, but government should also do one or two things to alleviate the sufferings of the airlines. We are still talking about fuel cost, which is still the most expensive. Up till date, the government has not looked at that area. So, the government must do something to bring the cost of fuel down.”

He said that past recapitaliza-tion exercise in the system only enriched the financial institu-tions in the country while safety was relegated to the background.

It would be recalled that the federal government had in April 2007 carried out recapitalization exercise in the sector as a part of regulatory measures to restore confidence in the local airlines fol-lowing the spate of crashes that occurred especially in 2005 and 2006.

US banking giant Morgan Stanley has seen net in-come more than double

after lighter legal fees relating to mortgage-backed securities.

Fourth-quarter earnings for 2014 were $903m, £596m, or 40 cents a share, compared with

‘FG should sensitise stakeholders on airlines’ recapitalisation’

electricity generation in Africa.Explaining the benefits, Wono-

di said “it ensures that stakehold-ers gain a clearer understanding of many issues surrounding con-tractual framework for power gen-eration, including issues of risk allocation, tariff consideration, other project agreements in the electricity value chain that need to be aligned with the PPA, project finance, force majeure among oth-ers.”

Giving an example of delays in signing PPA, Wonodi said a par-ticular one in the wake of the re-form took up to three years to sign. “That PPA took three years to sign and after signing it, for it to reach financial close, we had lenders, regulators who were coming into

it and trying to make adjustments. A handbook like this, when people have digested it will eliminate most of those processes.”

Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commis-sion, NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi com-mended the organising team saying Nigeria learnt fast in the privatisation reform as there was no prior experience in the private power sector. “We have done well so far, the market is in good shape; though there are liquidity issues, but I think essentially this market has done well.”

While declaring the book launch open, the Minister of Pow-er, Prof. Chinedu Nebo the PPA is the instrument with which NBET manages those risks in the elec-

tricity market, an initiative that has encouraged various foreign investors to put in money into the power sector.

Nebo who was represented by his Special Assistant on Gas, Frank Edozie said the PPA is a critical one to give the growth ex-pected for new investments in the sector as it is “able to reduce and shorten the time frame of putting this instrument in place of great importance.”

The Director of Economic Growth in the Power Africa initia-tive of the United States Agency for international development, USAID, Matthew Burton said the PPA handbook will be most use-ful at this critical time of power reform in the country.

$336m a year earlier.The bank’s legal expenses

were $284m, down from $1.4bn a year earlier.

However, the bank said over-all performance had been af-fected by “choppy market condi-tions” in the quarter.

The bank’s legal fees are as-sociated with residential mort-gage and credit crisis-era issues.

In the quarter, revenue from trading fixed income securities, currencies and commodities dropped 81 per cent to $133m, excluding accounting adjust-ments.

However, revenue from the bank’s wealth management business rose 2.4 per cent to $3.8bn.

Morgan Stanley also in-creased pay in the fourth quar-ter, with its pay bill rising to $5.1bn from $4bn a year ago, af-ter it brought forward some bo-nus awards.

“We finished 2014 in substan-tially better shape than we en-tered the year,” said the bank’s chief executive, James P Gor-man.


30 National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.netThursday, January 22, 2015Business News

In recognition of their con-tribution towards the in-frastructural upliftment of

Unity schools and general de-velopment of education across the country, the Managing Di-rector of Heritage Bank, Mr. Ifie Sekibo and a host of other distinguished Nigerians have been honoured by the Alumni Association of the Federal Government Girls College, Be-nin City at a special event in Lagos recently.

Apart from the Heritage Bank boss, other recipients of the award include a deputy director of education, Federal Ministry of Education, who is currently the Principal of the Federal Gov-ernment College, Odi, Mrs. Glad-ys Ekata Ekhabafe; President of the Chartered Institute of Stock-brokers, Mr. Albert Okumagba and the first female director of the Lagos Business School, Dr. Enase Okonedo, among others.

In her welcome remark at the

event, President of the Associa-tion, Mrs. Abosede Ozah Osho, said the event was organized as a mark of honour for distin-guished organisations and indi-viduals who have been relentless in promoting the survival of education and, in particular, the Unity schools, through various initiatives. Osho noted that the event was informed by the need to offer a unique opportunity for old students to reunite with a view to engender more syn-ergy while also providing time for them to associate, network as well as pass along the great tradi-tion which the school was known for.

She singled out the Heritage Bank CEO, Mr. Ifie Sekibo, for praise over his sterling contri-butions to the development of unity schools across the country over the years as well as Heritage Bank’s commitment to the cause of girl-child education since it started operations.

The Central Bank of Nige-ria, CBN, has said that its attention has been drawn

to the existence of a facebook account purportedly owned by the deputy governor in charge of the Economic Policy, director-ate at the bank , Dr Mrs. Sarah Alade.

In a statement signed by Direc-tor, Corporate communications Department, Ibrahim Mu’azu, the bank inform thatAlade cur-

rently has no facebook account.“ We wish to state categori-

cally therefore that the facebook account bearing the name of Dr. Mrs Sarah Alade is fake and aimed at misleading members of the public.

The advised all members of the public to desist from trans-acting business with the owner of the impostor account , adding that doing so would be at the risk of whoever does so.

South Korean tech giant Samsung is considering a stock split, a company

executive saidon Tuesday told Reuters, as sliding profits put pressure on the firm to keep in-vestors happy.

Samsung head of investor relations Robert Yi said the company had been considering a stock split for some time but it was too early to make a deci-sion. A split would make Sam-sung shares easier to buy and could attract more retail inves-tors.

“We acknowledge the senti-mental effect of a stock split, but how big an effect such an action can have on the company’s long-term value needs to be consid-ered from a variety of angles,” Yi said without offering specif-ics.

South Korean stocks tend to trade at a discount to those elsewhere due to weaker corpo-rate governance, complicated cross-share holdings and low

dividends.The world’s top smartphone

maker has launched a $2 billion share buy-back programme and promised to increase its 2014 year-end dividend by up to 50 per cent in a bid to lift its share price and placate investors.

Samsung shares remain well off last year’s peak of 1.495 mil-lion won,$1 380 after a string of quarterly profit declines, though the buy-back and planned divi-dend increase has helped them recover from multi-year lows.

The shares are still among of the most expensive in South Ko-rea based on the trading price.

In addition to potentially boosting trading volumes, a split could also make the shares more volatile and invite greater investor scrutiny of the compa-ny’s performance.

Arch rival Apple saw its shares end up 37.7 per cent last year, thanks in part to a seven-for-one split.

Heritage Bank MD, others bag alumni awards

CBN Deputy Gov disowns fake Facebook account

Samsung considers stock split

L-R: Head, Institutional Banking, Diamond Bank Plc, Mrs. Chizoma Okoli; Special Adviser, Office of the Deputy Gov-ernor, Mrs. Risikat Akiyode; Representatives of the students of the Lagos State Skills Acquisition Centers; Executive Director, Diamond Bank Plc, Mr. Victor Ezenwoko, and Lagos State Deputy Governor, Princess Orelope Adefulire, when officials of the Bank made a donation to the skill acquisition centers as part of the Diamond Bank Employee Volunteering Programme (EVP), recently.

Meshack Idehen

The Nigerian Association of Road Transport Own-ers, NARTO, said it has

given a 10 day ultimatum to the Federal Government over some challenges its members confront as a result of the im-plementation of Project Aquila by the Petroleum Equalisation Fund (M) Board, PEF.

The association said that it was under pressure from its members to suspend its opera-tions of distributing petroleum products all over the country pending when the issues will be resolved.

NARTO National President, Alhaji Kassim Bataiya, said in the statement on Tuesday that

the association threatened to boycott all PEF activities, which include loading and transporta-tion of fuel from tank farms and depots throughout the country.

According to the association, the implementation of Project Acquila has been bedevilled with various problems which have been impeding their oper-ations as a vital stakeholder in the petroleum products distri-bution network.

Some of the issues raised by NARTO that could warrant their strike, Bataiya said, in-clude slow response from appli-cation of Aquila to up to three months, locations for fixing Aquila are few and far apart leading to trucks travelling over 500 kilometres to fix the project, undue delay in freight payment

leading to cash flow problem for NARTO members and problem-atic transmission from old to new Aquila procedures.

“The response to application or Aquila has been very slow taking up to three months in some cases whereas bank loans amortisation does not wait.

“Non payment for several months to some of our mem-bers on the excuse that Aquila does not capture already deliv-ered products for example in Calabar and Port Harcourt ar-eas.”

NARTO also alleged that there was inconsistency in the Aquila programme leading to three sets of Aquila within three years of its introduction, adding that it was its members that bore the cost.

dennIs nakuPORT HARCOURT

The Niger Delta Develop-ment Commission, NDDC, has expressed its determi-

nation to boost agricultural pro-duction as a reliable economic base for the country.

This is as the commission said it has set up a Credit and Entre-preneurial Development Scheme with a N1bn revolving loan for Niger Delta farmers in partner-ship with the Bank of Agricul-ture, BOA.

Also, the interventionist agency said it has distributed 100 tractors to support various min-istries of agriculture and cooper-ative societies in the nine states of the Niger Delta.

The aim is to boost food pro-duction and help tackle youth

unemployment in the oil and gas rich region.

This was disclosed during the flag off of a two-week Agricul-tural Entrepreneurial Training of Farmers at the Vika Farms in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, accord-ing to a statement issued in Port Harcourt and signed by the Head, Corporate Affairs of NDDC, Ibi-toye Abosede.

Addressing the trainees, drawn from the nine states of the Niger Delta, the NDDC Managing Director, Sir Bassey Dan-Abia, said that the Commission had always recognized agriculture as the way forward for Nigeria.

Dan-Abia noted that the Fed-eral Government did not wait for the crash in the price of crude oil before coming up with various agricultural programmes which had set the stage for Nigerians to

go back to the farms.He further said that the Com-

mission had keyed into the trans-formation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan with respect to agriculture and was also part-nering with the International Fund for Agricultural Develop-ment, IFAD, to integrate rural dwellers into agricultural entre-preneurship.

Dan-Abia also said that the NDDC had set up a Credit and Entrepreneurial Development Scheme with a N1bn revolving loan for Niger Delta farmers in partnership with the Bank of Ag-riculture.

He added that the 180tonnes/day Rice Processing Plant at Elele Alimini in Rivers State would soon be revived through a private sector partnership arrangement.

NDDC establishes N1bn revolving loan for N’Delta farmers

NARTO gives FG 10 daysultimatum

Eugene Juwah Ajayi

It looks like yesterday, but that is not the truth. The truth is that Monday, January 19, marked 14 years when the bug, called

Global System for Mobile Communication, GSM, hit the entire nation like a tornado.

The revolution brought to bear on the life style of Nigerians several characteris-tics such as talking to oneself on the street while walking, which actually means that the person is receiving call through via a wireless earpiece.

With the trend came also laws such as no-phone call driving rule meant to regulate the use mobile by motorist.

But all that is now history, as Nigerians have come realised the magic that GSM brought into their life.

A flashback to the journey so far re-vealed that the arrival of the GSM into our national life began at the conclusion of a globally acknowledged transparent Digital Mobile Licence auction which signposted telecoms deregulation in Nigeria, ushering in the GSM operators, which was conducted under the watchful eyes Radio Spectrum In-ternational, RSI, Charles Rivers Associates, Chief Afe Babalola and Mr. Paul Usoro as consultants to the industry regulator, the Ni-gerian Communications Commission,NCC.

The auction, which ran from January 17 to 19, 2001 set a very important precedent by conducting the world’s first ascending clock spectrum auction that convinced the global community of transparent government processes. It informed the public of the de-tails of the auction exercise.

And to put the industry a smooth start, the new telecoms era was supported with the Nigerian Communication Act, 2003, which provides favourable regulatory re-gime for investors and all the players.

Indeed, analysis of the developments witnessed in the sector in the last 14 years revealed the positive impacts the sector has created in all sectors of the Nigerian econ-omy, notwithstanding existing challenges, which the industry still contends with.

As observed by a telecoms analyst, Mr. Akin Akinbo the industry is worth celebrat-ing considering the recognition it has given the nation in the global business sphere.

According to him, “From whatever point of view one looks at it, the telecoms indus-try remains one of the most outstanding sectors going by available statistics in the industry. Telecoms industry has been trans-forming our economy in all spheres since the GSM revolution of 2001.”

He disclosed that the sector has recorded tremendous growth with multiplier effects being felt in all other sectors of the econo-my, ranging from banking, education, e-commerce/retailing, agriculture, medicine, media, oil and gas, among others.

He said that for the sector to have record-ed a growth from 450, 000 connected lines in 2001 to over 135 million active subscribers as at the end of 2014, the industry has, indeed, fared very well.

GSM services: Stakeholders count gains in 14 yearsThe revolution in the telecoms industry activated by the licensing of Global System for Mobile Communication, GSM, took the indus-try not by surprise though, but the impact was phenomenal. As the industry marks 14 years, not even the challenges in the industry could prevent stakeholders from beating their chests as they celebrate, writes ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN.

ApArt from multiple job creAtion And the multiplier effect on other sectors of the

economy, telecoms sector is driving the

growth of e-commerce with the likes of

Jumia.com, Konga.com, DealDay.com,

Kaymu.com, waKanow.com As mAjor plAyers

According to the Executive Vice Chair-man of NCC, Dr, Eugene Juwah, “Over $32 billion investment has been recorded in the sector as at June 2014 from $50 million in year 2001. The investment stood at $18 bil-lion in 2010 and $25 billion in 2012.”

This, he said, represents giant strides, even as he promised that the NCC will continue to regulate the industry to con-tinuously make it attractive to global invest-ment community.

He disclosed that with the investment, telecoms companies were able to successful-ly deploy 68,124 kilometre of fibre optic ca-bling as at the end of December, 2013 while in 2014 alone, additional 38, 000 kilometre of fibre optic cables were laid.

Experts said this represents an increase of about 44.2 per cent investment in fibre optic cabling by the telecoms companies last year alone.

Meanwhile, in the last 14 years, telecoms companies in Nigeria have also increased their base transceiver stations, BTS, expan-sion efforts from few thousands to over 27, 000, making it possible for more people to

its current contribution of 10 per cent to the national Gross Domestic Product, GDP.

It is these metrics that have made Nige-ria to be referred to as the fastest growing telecommunications country by the Inter-national Telecommunication Union,ITU, for five consecutive years, a feat attributed to the robust and transparent regulatory re-gime engendered by the NCC.

Investigations revealed that one area that has been of significant measure of how the industry fared in the last 168 months of its revolution was service tariff, cost of owning communication devices and cost of acquir-ing Subscriber Identity Module, SIM card or telephone line.

Findings from the market showed that from N50 per minute of phone call in 2001, the cost has crashed by 78 per cent today as telecoms subscribers now make call for as low as N10 or N9 per minute across net-works.

The NCC adopted in 2013 Progressive reduction interconnect termination rates whereby new entrants and small operators had termination rates for voice services pegged at N4.90 in April 2013, N4.40 in April 2014 and by April this year it will drop to N3.90 for all networks.

Today, in the streets of Lagos and some parts of the country, it is common to see salespersons hawking SIM cards while some operators give out free SIM in some of their promo whereas, 14 years ago, Ni-gerians were paying between N25, 000 and N20, 000 to acquire a SIM card with only net-worth individuals being able to own telephone lines.

The prom rave went viral when the NCC introduced the Mobile Number Portability, MNP, whereby subscribers are at liberty to navigate across networks without los-ing their SIM number. The result was that operators later introduced juicy incentives to sustain their subscribers’base while also increasing it.

Reflecting on how much the early days of GSM revolution, a telecoms subscriber and Lagos-based businesswoman, Mrs. Shade Bakare, said, “In 2002, I remember I bought my first SIM card for N20, 000 and another N30, 000 used to buy a Nokia feature phone. That is to tell you that I spent a month salary to own a functional phone then.

“But today, you cannot find the kind of Nokia I bought then in the market. Side by side with the growth of the sector is the creation of multiple jobs for skilled and un-skilled manpower,” she said.

According to the Chief Operating Officer of Computer Warehouse Group Plc.,CWG, Mr. James Agada, “Apart from multiple job creation and the multiplier effect on other sectors of the economy, telecoms sector is driving the growth of e-commerce with the likes of Jumia.com, Konga.com, Dealday.com, Kaymu.com, wakanow.com as major players.”

have access to telephone services thus cov-ering many hitherto unserved and under-served communities across the country.

Beyond carrying voice signals, the in-dustry operators are also making their BTS either 2G-enabled or 3G-enabled to be able to carry adequate data services, with the country relying on the 11 terabyte of inter-net capacity brought into the country by the likes of Main One, Glo1, West African Cable Systems (WACS), among others.

Data from the Ministry of Communica-tion Technology revealed that between 2013 and December, 2014, 2G-enabled sites have increased from 22, 578 to 28,289 while 3G-enabled sites have increased from less than 10,000 to 15,048 during the same period.

The EVC noted that the backbone in-frastructure project, started by the NCC, through the Universal Service Provision Fund, USPF, has also continued to bridge the gap between the served and under-served or unserved areas in the country, es-pecially areas not considered commercially viable by the telcos.

The NCC project is a subsidy-based proj-ect designed to facilitate the connection of rural and semi-urban areas to the national transmission backbone infrastructure with the intention to facilitate the build-out of backbone transmission infrastructure.

The project is expected to be implement-ed in all the 774 local government areas in Nigeria, using targeted subsidies.

Recently, the Minister of Communica-tion Technology, Dr. Omobola Johnson, said that about 1, 200 kilometres of fibre optic cabling has also been run so far through the project.

According to the minister, over 170 base stations, in total, were deployed through the USPF to un-served and underserved areas in 2014, with each of the base stations serv-ing a cluster of communities.

Indeed, the telecoms sector, by reason of the GSM revolution has grown from ob-scurity to limelight, emerging as a major contributor to the country’s economy with

31National Mirrorwww.nationalmirroronline.netThursday, January 22, 2015

Info TechNational Mirror

www.nationalmirroronline.net

32 National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.netThursday, January 22, 2015

Tech Box

The new router, Nighthawk is significantly positioned to significant performance

boost.Designed by Netgear, the rout-

er came out with new firmware that would take better advantage of its underlying hardware.

The rear panel of Netgear’s Nighthawk X4 harbours a five-port gigabit Ethernet switch, the yellow port is for the Internet, a power button, and a switch for its front-panel LEDs.

The Netgear Nighthawk X4 got significantly faster with its new firmware, while the Asus RT-AC87U’s firmware slowed it down. But the Asus was still fast-er and remains the top dog on this benchmark.

Nighthawk X4 configured as a wireless bridge, the new firm-ware boosted the router’s perfor-mance by an average of 20 percent compared to its performance with the firmware it shipped with.

However, the Nighthawk X4 cannot search the airwaves to lo-

cate the SSIDs of the routers you want to connect your client to so you need to enter this information manually.

Netgear’s new firmware deliv-ered an even bigger performance increase when tested with an 802.11ac USB Wi-Fi adapter. Net-gear R7500 retest

Netgear’s new firmware helped the Nighthawk X4 beat the Asus RT-AC87U in three of these four benchmarks, and it was a tie in the fourth round.

Netgear’s new firmware re-duced the Nighthawk X4’s overall performance on the 5GHz band in the toughest testing location.

The new firmware for both routers yielded the biggest sur-prise on test, boosting the Net-gear’s performance and whacking that of the Asus.

Netgear’s new firmware de-livered meaningful increases in read and write performance. The Nighthawk X4 is outfitted with two USB 3.0 ports and an eSATA port.

Mechanical keyboard, trends that excite

Out of the five mechanical keyboards that recently hit the foreign markets,

only one, the Corsair K70 RGB/K95 RGB, that uses Cherry MX switches long the de-facto stan-dard for all brands.

That means my typical spiel about the four main kinds of Cherry switches (Red, Black, Brown, Blue) is basically worth-less.

Cherry MX Blue switches give a tactile bump as well as an au-dible click. Besides the K70 RGB/K95 RGB, we have four other key-boards.

The Nixeus Moda uses “Brown” switches with the trade-mark “tactile bump”but Brown switches manufactured by Kailh, not Cherry.

The Rapoo KX also uses Kailh

switches, but they’re Yellows linear switches with a 50cN ac-tuation force that falls between Cherry Reds and Blacks.

Razer’s Blackwidow Chroma sticks with the Green switches found in the Blackwidow were made in a partnership with Kailh also.

And then there’s Logitech, which introduces the exclusive Romer-G switch with its new G910 Orion Spark.

Talking about the “luxury” features for instance, media keys are pretty standard on mechani-cal keyboards nowadays, but which implementation did the manufacturer go with? Volume buttons versus a volume scroll wheel? Dedicated media keys, or keys stamped onto the function buttons?

Netgear router delivered to serve IsaIah ErhIawarIEn

Within three years gain-ing firm ground in the mobile device market

in Nigerian, Huawei a Chinese smartphone brands has suddenly find favour in the sight of South Africans growing its market share there up to 694 per cent last year with its rival ZTE gaining 213 per cent.

According to the Public Rela-tions Manager of Huawei Ni-geria, Mr. Kevin Li, the Huawei mobile phone brand has taken a strategic position in the device market in Nigeria.

He said that Huawei is always ahead of its rival in its commit-ment to developing its business in Nigeria and in Africa, particu-larly where it will be beneficial to the people adding that Nigeria and China have enjoyed a strong relationship that has seen exten-sive cooperation in political, eco-nomic, and cultural areas.

He added that Nigeria has an

open and inclusive approach to international trade relations, which has created a sound busi-ness environment for Huawei’s development in the region.

A report from International Development Corporation, IDC, a global research firm revealed that Huawei is increasingly gain-ing traction in South Africa and are poised to make even further inroads, with huge implications.

IDC’s South Africa’s analyst, Mr. Joseph Hlongwane noted that Chinese brands are growing in South Africa, with Huawei grow-ing 694 per cent last year. “The reason for the huge growth is purely the low price points and the changing perception of Chi-nese brands.”

Hlongwane said that such brands will continue to boost their South African bases, espe-cially at entry-level price points, because there is an increasing ap-petite among local consumers for such brands.

He added, as Chinese brands improve in quality, technol-

ogy, and look and feel, some of the well-known brands will be knocked out of the top spot say-ing that Samsung is already being challenged by these brands.

The implications of the infil-tration of low-cost handsets in emerging countries like SA are huge, stressed Hlongwane in the report noting that it is because a large portion of the population can own a smartphone, giving them access to social media and the Internet, making it possible for them to use vital resources such as job searches.

Currently, Huawei employs a workforce of over 7,100 across Africa and has created 12,000 jobs indirectly through procurement and outsourcing services. In the last five years, Huawei’s seven training centers in Africa have provided training to 15,000 engi-neers, a commitment that is well aligned with the company’s strat-egies of “transferring technolo-gies to Africa” and “intensifying localisation efforts”.

L-R: General Manager, Marketing, MultiChoice Nigeria, Mr. Martin Mabutho, Elizabeth Amkpa, General Manager, GOtv and General Manager, SuperSport West Africa Felix Awogu at the launch of the new DStv Single View HD Decoder ahead of the AFCON 2015 in Lagos.

Huawei targets SA market after Nigeria

IsaIah ErhIawarIEn

Politics and macroeconomic situations across the global affected the volume of PC

shipments in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa ,EMEA, 2014 ICT report from International Data Corporation, IDC, a global ICT research firm has revealed.

The report, which was re-leased on Tuesday, stated that PC reached 25.5 million units in the fourth quarter of 2014, a 2.0 per cent increase yearly.

IDC said that unstable politi-cal situation and macroeconomic weaknesses continued to inhibit investments in parts of the re-gion adding that the dynamics

across EMEA reflect a strong need for renewals in the mature markets, while highlighting that emerging economies continue to struggle.

The report a said currency fluc-tuations have also had a strong impact in northern Europe, Russia, and other countries in Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa,CEMA.

According to IDC, strong con-sumer demand during the holi-day season helped keep the mar-ket at positive levels for the third consecutive quarter, albeit mod-est and patchy across the region, leading to 5.5 per cent growth for 2014 with 93.3 million PCs shipped in EMEA.

It also disclosed that there

were strong regional differenc-es in EMEA. Western Europe continued to drive growth with shipments increasing 10.7 per cent adding that in line with ex-pectations, Central and Eastern Europe contracted 18.7 per cent. The global ICT report from IDC, which is released yearly and quarterly indicated that the Mid-dle East and Africa, MEA grew by 2.6 per cent.

IDC said,”The market was primarily driven by healthy con-sumer shipments in Western Europe. Vendors continued to stock up ahead of Christmas and January promotion sales, and be-fore the February change to Bing promotions in mature markets excluding 15in. notebooks.”

Macroeconomic trends slowed ICT investments in 2014

Info Tech

IsaIah ErhIawarIEn

The effort of the MTN Foun-dation ensuring that 6,000 indigenes of Imo State get

screened for cataract and other ocular diseases has received ac-colades from the state govern-ment.

This kind gesture from the ICT company is part of its cor-porate social responsibility,CSR, project on the Eyesight Restora-tion Intervention Scheme, MTNF EyeRIS.

The company was in the state for the implementation of the second phase of its highly suc-cessful where at least 6,000 people are expected to be screened for cataract and other ocular diseas-es in Imo State and environs.

The initiative, which enjoys the endorsement of the Federal Ministry of Health, is being im-plemented in partnership with the Eye Foundation Centre for Prevention of Blindness,EFCPB, and the Imo State Ministry of Health.

Speaking at the flag-off the exercise at the Imo State Special-ist Hospital, Umuguma, Owerri, chairman of MTN Nigeria, Dr. Pascal Dozie stated that many cases of blindness and visual impairment in the country are preventable.

He said the Foundation had in the last two years been actively engaged in the efforts to stop vi-sual disabilities in country.

According to him,“MTN Ni-

South Korean tech giant Sam-sung is considering a stock split, a company executive

said on Tuesday told Reuters, as sliding profits put pressure on the firm to keep investors happy.

Samsung head of investor rela-tions Robert Yi said the company had been considering a stock split

for some time but it was too early to make a decision. A split would make Samsung shares easier to buy and could attract more retail investors.

“We acknowledge the senti-mental effect of a stock split, but how big an effect such an action can have on the company’s long-

term value needs to be consid-ered from a variety of angles,” Yi said without offering specifics.

South Korean stocks tend to trade at a discount to those else-where due to weaker corporate governance, complicated cross-share holdings and low dividends.

The world’s top smartphone

maker has launched a $2 billion share buy-back programme and promised to increase its 2014 year-end dividend by up to 50 per cent in a bid to lift its share price and placate investors.

Samsung shares remain well off last year’s peak of 1.495 mil-lion won,$1 380 after a string of

MultiChoice has launched the new DStv Single View High Defi-

nition decoder just in time for the AFCON 2015 games.

With the introduction of the new DStv Single View High Defi-nition decoder, DStv subscribers canenjoy excellent picture and sound quality whether they are watching the games or other fa-

vourite programmes.Speaking at the launch of

the new decoder in Lagos, Gen-eral Manager, Marketing, Mul-tiChoice Nigeria, Mr. Martin Mabutho, said DStv subscribers will get to watch sports and the best of wholesome family enter-tainment in the best possible pic-ture and sound quality.

“We want to give our sub-

scribers quality television view-ing in crystal clear high defini-tion picture and excellent sound quality”, he said.

Mabutho explained that for new subscribers to enter for the MultiChoice SuperCruise pro-motion, they would need to buy a DStv HD decoder, a dish plus one month subscription on the Compact bouquet or 2 months

on the Family bouquet. “Subscribers can also buy

the GOtv decoder and get two months subscription on GOtv Plusto qualifies for the same pro-motion. While existing subscrib-ers can still pay three months subscription on any bouquet of choice on DStv or GOtv by us-ing a recharge to qualify for the weekly draws” Mabutho added.

L-R: Vice Chancellor of University of Ilorin, Prof. Abdulganiyu Ambali, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Management Services, of the University, Prof Yisa Fakunle; Globacom’s Chief Commercial Director, Mr. Prabhat Aggarwal, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Tech & Innovation, Prof. Gabriel Olatunji and Head of Public Sector, Globacom, Mr. Babatunde Amunikoro at the signing of an integrated telecommunications partnership between Globacom and the university.

MTN CSR project gets government’s nod

Samsung considers stock split

MultiChoice launches single view decoder

geria takes it corporate social responsibility very seriously which is why we are perhaps the most visible Foundation in the country going to the nooks and crannies of Nigeria to imple-ment key intervention programs in the areas of Education, Health and Economic Empowerment.”

While commending the com-pany for the initiative, Gover-nor of Imo state, Owelle Rochas Okorocha said that visionless is the worst thing that could ever happen to any people or society and that through MTNF’s effort, this problem would become a thing of the past.

He thanked the Foundation for availing the people of the state with free eye care and corrective surgeries.

“Early detection can prevent blindness or any other eye diseas-es; MTNF is joining the effort to curb blindness within the state, offering free eye care and cata-racts surgeries to 6,000 patients which is a number that no other organisation has been able to im-pact. This intervention further demonstrates the strong partner-ship between the Imo State gov-ernment and MTN Foundation in our shared value of assisting the poor and under-privileged in the society,” said Okorocha.

Executive Secretary of the MTN Foundation, Ms. Nonny Ugboma said that about 4million Nigeria are estimated to be either blind or afflicted by some visual impediment.

“Under the first phase of the

EyeRIS project launched in April 2013, a total of 33,364 patients in six states have been treated for cataracts and provided with drug packs to treat various ocu-lar diseases. Some of these ben-eficiaries also received free sur-gery to remove cataract while others received glasses to treat presbyopia,” said Ugboma.

Ugboma also added that through the intervention, the Foundation hopes to contribute to increasing the cataract surgi-cal rate from 0.1 per cent to 0.7 per cent in the selected states, as this is in consonance with

the World Health Organisation’s Vision 2020 Right to Sight initia-tive.

The beneficiaries, who turned out in large numbers expressed gratitude for their restored eye sights and were full of praise for the MTN Foundation and the state government in making their dreams come true.

MTN Foundation currently has 341 project sites across the six geopolitical zones of the country and has spent over 10 billion on social projects in the areas of health, education and economic empowerment.

Aside from the three major portfolios, the Foundation also proactively responds to national emergencies, providing millions of naira worth of urgent relief materials to victims of such oc-currences.

In the first phase of the MTNF EyeRIS project, Osun, Niger, Delta, Abia, Sokoto and Jigawa States benefitted from the in-tervention. Imo, Oyo and Akwa Ibom states will enjoy these free eye screenings and surgeries as well as the provision of glasses and drug pack in the program’s second phase.

quarterly profit declines, though the buy-back and planned divi-dend increase has helped them recover from multi-year lows.

The shares are still among of the most expensive in South Ko-rea based on the trading price.

In addition to potentially boosting trading volumes, a split could also make the shares more volatile and invite greater inves-tor scrutiny of the company’s performance.

Arch rival Apple saw its shares end up 37.7 per cent last year, thanks in part to a seven-for-one split.

Analysts said Samsung, part of South Korea’s biggest family-owned conglomerate, may be wary of driving its share price too high as the group prepares for a generational change in leader-ship.

Info TechNational Mirrorwww.nationalmirroronline.net 33Thursday, January 22, 2015

Government Technology

Financial Technology

China’s stimulus efforts kicked in late last year, boosting production and

consumer spending, and helping full-year economic growth come close to the government’s target.

Industrial output and retail sales for December beat the me-dian estimates of economists sur-veyed by Bloomberg News. While not enough to prevent China from recording the weakest annual expansion since 1990, the gains helped ensure gross domestic product growth of 7.4 per cent for 2014 -- in line with Premier Li Keq-iang’s target.

Policy makers are projected to add to measures that so far have featured an acceleration in invest-ment approvals and the first inter-est-rate cut in two years. Ensuring a soft landing for China would help a global economy contending with weakness that Tuesday spurred the International Monetary Fund’s steepest cut to its world growth outlook in three years.

“There is growing evidence that the Chinese economy is adjusting and achieving some so-called re-balancing,” said Jim O’Neill, the former Goldman Sachs Group Inc. chief economist who coined the BRIC acronym. “Given that mar-ginal events in China are the num-ber-one economic issue for the world economy, any sign of China moving in the right direction of rebalancing has to be extremely helpful.”

The Shanghai Composite Index of stocks closed 1.8 per cent higher after the releases.

China stimulus kicks in to keep growth near target

GDP climbed 7.3 per cent in the three months through December from a year earlier, compared with the median estimate of 7.2 per cent. Bloomberg’s monthly GDP tracker rose to 7.07 per cent in December, according to an initial reading, snapping four months of sub-7 percent levels.

China’s economic structure continued a gradual adjustment, with consumption contributing 51.2 per cent of the GDP growth last year, up three percentage points from a year earlier. Ser-vices made up 48.2 per cent of the economy, up 1.3 percentage points.

President Xi Jinping is push-ing pro-market policies to boost new economic drivers as China enters a “new normal,” a phrase he has adopted to reflect slower, more-sustainable expansion. The government had targeted a GDP jump of about 7.5 per cent in 2014. The last time the full-year expan-sion missed the state target was 1998, amid the Asian financial crisis.

The IMF made the steepest cut to its global-growth outlook in three years, with diminished

expectations almost everywhere except the U.S. more than offsetting the boost to expansion from lower oil prices.

The world economy will grow 3.5 per cent in 2015, down from the 3.8 per cent pace projected in October, the In-ternational Monetary Fund said in its quarterly global outlook released late Monday in Washington. The Washington-based lender also cut its estimate for growth next year to 3.7 per cent, compared with four per cent in October.

The weakness, along with pro-longed below-target inflation, is challenging policy makers across Europeand Asia to come up with fresh ways to stimulate demand more than six years after the global financial crisis. Central bankers and government officials including Bank of England Governor Mark Carney and the Bank of Japan’s Haruhiko Kuroda may talk about options when they convene this week at the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

“The world economy is facing strong and complex cross currents,” Olivier Blanchard, the IMF’s chief economist, said in the text of re-

Metals X Ltd., Australia’s largest tin mining com-pany, is defying a two-year

slump in prices with plans to in-crease output by about 14 per cent.

The Renison mine, a joint ven-ture in Tasmania, will produce about 8,000 metric tons of tin-in-concentrate this year from a little more than 7,000 tons in 2014 as it’s still profitable at these prices, Chief Executive Officer Peter Cook said. The company is looking to develop a nearby project which may provide a further 5,000 tons a year, he said in a phone interview.

Australia joins Myanmar in ex-panding supply after Indonesia, the world’s biggest exporter, reduced shipments in 2014 to the lowest level

marks at a press briefing Tuesday in Beijing. “On the one hand, major economies are benefiting from the decline in the price of oil. On the other, in many parts of the world, lower long-run prospects adversely affect demand, resulting in a strong undertow.”

The IMF cut its outlook for con-sumer-price gains in advanced econ-omies almost in half to one per cent for 2015. Developing economies will see inflation this year of 5.7 per cent, a 0.1 percentage point markup from October’s projections, the fund said.

The growth-forecast reduction was the biggest since January 2012, when the fund lowered its estimate for expansion that year to 3.3 per cent from four per cent amid fore-casts of a recession in Europe.

The IMF marked down 2015 esti-mates for places including the euro area, Japan, China and Latin Amer-ica. The deepest reductions were in places suffering from crises, such as Russia, or for oil exporters including Saudi Arabia.

IMF Managing Director Chris-tine Lagarde outlined the sobering outlook in her first speech of the year last week, saying that oil prices and U.S. growth “are not a cure for deep-seated weaknesses elsewhere.”

The U.S. is the exception. The

IMF upgraded its forecast for the world’s largest economy to 3.6 per cent growth in 2015, up from 3.1 per cent in October. Cheap oil, more moderate fiscal tightening and still-loose monetary policy will offset the effects of a gradual increase in in-terest rates and the curb on exports from a stronger dollar, the fund said.

In Europe, weaker investment will overshadow the benefits of low oil prices, a cheaper currency and the European Central Bank’s an-ticipated move to expand monetary stimulus by buying sovereign bonds, according to the IMF. The fund low-ered its forecast for the 19-nation euro area to 1.2 per cent this year, down from 1.3 per cent in October.

in at least eight years as it tightened rules on sales of the metal used in smartphones and packaging. While prices slumped 17 per cent in the past two years as demand softened along with the world economy, the electronics industry is set to contin-ue growing, Cook said.

“The medium to long-term out-look looks very bright for tin with no one quite sure where required tin supply will come from,” Cook said on January 15. “Tin is essential for the electronic sector and there is no viable substitute for it as a conductor in circuit boards.”

Tin declined 0.4 per cent to $19,330 a ton on the London Metal Exchange this year as copper lost 10 per cent and zinc dropped 3.8 per cent. The

Perth-based company can produce metal profitably at A$18,000 ($14,772) a ton, Cook said.

Global production will fall short of demand by 5,000 tons to 10,000 tons this year after a balanced mar-ket in 2014, according to a November estimate from ITRI Ltd., a research company based in St. Albans, Eng-land which is funded mainly by pro-ducers and smelters.

While prices of about $25,000 would encourage funding of new projects, futures will probably aver-age $22,000 this year, Peter Kettle, head of research at ITRI, said on January 14. The metal last traded at $25,000 in February 2013.

“When we’re below $20,000 and falling, that’s made it difficult for almost everybody,” Kettle said in a phone interview. “Myanmar and Australia are really the only things that stand out in terms of supply in-crease.”

Shipments from Indonesia plunged 17 per cent to 75,925 tons last year after Southeast Asia’s largest economy toughened trading rules in 2013 to boost sales of higher-value products. New quality standards for exports were introduced on Novem-ber 1.

Production in Myanmar will climb by 7.7 percent to 28,000 tons in 2015, according to ITRI estimates.

Lagarde

IMF lowers global growth outlook

Australian firm boosts supply as Indonesia cuts sales

34 National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.netThursday, January 22, 2015Global News

Unilever, whose detergents and deodorants are used by two billion consumers

daily, said its financial performance in 2015 will be similar to last year amid weaker demand in emerging markets such as China.

Underlying sales advanced 2.9 per cent last year, the London- and Rotterdam-based company said to-day, the worst performance in more than a decade. Growth slowed to 2.1 per cent in the final three months of the year, trailing analyst esti-mates, as consumers bought less of the company’s personal-care and food products.

“We do not plan on a significant improvement in market conditions in 2015,” Chief Executive Officer Paul Polman said in a statement. The first quarter will be “softer,” with growth improving as the year goes on, he said.

The maker of Axe body sprays has seen sales growth slip as de-mand for its soaps and shampoos has weakened in emerging mar-kets, particularly China, where big retailers have run down invento-ries of Unilever products, leading to

Unilever foresees no improvement in 2015

a sales decline of about 20 per cent. The company is also splitting its U.S. and European spreads operations into a standalone unit this year.

Unilever fell as much as 2.6 per cent in early Amsterdam trading and was down 1.5 per cent at 34.26 eu-ros at 9:08 a.m., cutting the gain over the past 12 months to 18 percent. The results statement was notable for the absence of a forecast of market-beating growth.

“We have come to expect commit-ment to growth ahead of the com-pany’s markets and core operating margin improvement,” said James Edwardes Jones, an analyst at RBC Capital Markets.

Chief Financial Officer Jean-Marc Huet said in a phone interview that the company does plan to grow sales at a faster pace than the broad-er markets, and “maybe we could have and should have” said so in the results statement.

Unilever’s operating margin im-proved 0.4 percentage point to 14.5 per cent last year as the company reined in spending on advertising and head office costs.

Tin mining site

Li Keqiang

Akinwumi

Comments, opinions and some-times outright outcry in the on-line space, especially, Facebook

and Twitter, in the past few days greeted some political party advertorials placed in some Nigerian newspapers recently. According to media analysts the adver-torials called to question the relevance, and if anything, the capacity of the ad-vertising regulatory body to monitor and ensure fair advertising practice in Nigeria.

According to the chairman of the Ad-vertising Practitioners Council of Nige-ria, APCON, Mr. Lolu Akinwumi, taking to his Facebook and twitter handle, said he was embarrassed by the online bar-rage of questions and queries on the level of vetting in the ongoing political campaign advertisement. He comment-ed: ”I have been inundated with calls and texts and a few facebook mentions in respect of the ad on today’s (Monday) cover of the Punch. Essentially every-one wanted to know if the ad, report-edly sponsored by the Ekiti governor, Ayo Fayose passed through APCON for vetting”.

He said, a facebook user had asked for my opinion asking: “Can you please give us your opinion if this advert meets codes and standard of APCON? You are a respected guru and voice in Nigeria’s media & advertising industry. Thanks”.

Another respected practitioner in the advertising industry, Mrs. Yinka Ogunde, also commented on Akinwu-mi’s thread in response to the controver-sy, saying, “Lolu: These are indeed excit-ing times. I have tried not to comment and just watch how things will go but as an ad practitioner, today’s (Monday) ad broke down my wall of silence. In a country where we have a lot of respect for the dead we try not to raise the dead in such a manner.

What is the content and graphics of the controversial advert? The advert published in two daily newspapers show Nigeria’s past leaders comprising Late Gen. Sani Abacha, Murtala Muhammed, former President Musa Yar’Adua and the photograph of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari with a question mark on his im-age. Underneath the advert is the cap-tion “will you allow history to repeat itself ?” and “Enough of state burials! Nigerians, Vote Wisely: Vote Goodluck Jonathan. Northern Presidency should wait until 2019.”It is believed that the advert campaign is a delicate indirect attack on Buhari’s health.

In his response, the APCON Chair-man and Managing Director of Prima

Stakeholders seek penalties for non-compliance with ad vetting

APCON IS GUIDED BY A FEDERAL CODE, AND WITHIN IT ARE

PROVISIONS FOR THE VETTING OF EVERY AD

As a fall out of the controversial advertisement in some national dailies which called to question the health status of some presidential candidates, stakeholders in the industry are calling for strong regulation to forestall future occurrence. Brands and Marketing correspondence, DAVID AUDU reports.

Thursday, January 22, 2015National Mirrorwww.nationalmirroronline.net 35

Brands & Marketing

Garnet Advertising, Mr. Lolu Akinwu-mi, explained that “from a professional standpoint, it’s not an issue of whether the ad is good or bad. It is simply un-conventional, shocking, controversial, and perhaps even embarrassing, and has certainly annoyed a few people. And by the way, the reference to por-tions of the Bible introduces a curious twist”.

On whether the ad was vetted in compliance with the regulatory provi-sions, he said “within APCON is an-other regulatory group known as the Advertising Standards Panel, ASP. Un-der the code, it is the only group em-powered to vet ads.

He explained further that APCON has a relationship with the organised media groups, therefore, certificates from APCON are expected to be pre-sented before media houses run ads.

He however explained further that “there are some ads that don’t require APCON vetting. These include memo-rial, obituary announcements and fi-nancial reports etc. But by law all oth-ers must be vetted by APCON. Do we have 100 per cent compliance? No. And this is not uncommon otherwise we wouldn’t have cases in court and peo-ple in prisons. The law says you need a permit to own and keep firearms. We all know some people don’t comply. But

by and large people send in ads to AP-CON for vetting. I should let you know that political parties have been comply-ing.

“APCON is guided by a federal code, and within it are provisions for the vet-ting of every ad.

APCON has however reacted sharply to the controversial advertisement and denied knowledge of it saying it never went through the vetting process of the council.

Speaking with National Mirror in a telephone call, the Registrar of APCON, Alhaji Garba Bello Kankarofi, denied knowledge of the advert, saying “the of-fensive ad never went through the vet-ting processes of APCON”.

In a text message to this correspon-dent whether APCON was aware of the advert, he replied: “No, we didn’t”. It means that the advertisement was nev-er submitted for vetting before it was published.

The Registrar said the law is clear on the process an advert in any of the media of communications must go through before being exposed to the public, describing the advertisement as an “irresponsible conduct and capable of taking the country to the precipice of disintegration”.

The Advertising Standard Panel, ASP, is the body set up under APCON

to vet all advertisement before being exposed to the public whether in print and electronic media in Nigeria. The Chairman of ASP, Mr. Akin Akinde had earlier denied knowledge of the advert.

The ASP as the industry watchdog is composed of 22 members drawn from diverse interests. It not only vets and approves advertisements before expo-sure in the media, it also defines ac-ceptable standards for advertisements exposed in Nigeria in line with the Code of Advertising Practice in Nige-ria.

The ASP code stipulates that cer-tain forms of advertisements are man-datorily required to be submitted to relevant regulatory organisations for clearance before they are presented for publishing or exposure.

The code notes that the “ASP is mind-ful of the need to protect the public from deceitful and morally wrong ad-vertisements. The mandate of the ASP code are to ensure that only decent, honest and truthful advertisements are carried out in the media and to protect the interest of the consumer by making sure that advertisements pre-sented to the Panel have a high sense of social responsibility. The code over-see that advertisements conform to the principle of fair competition generally accepted in business , and enhancing public confidence in advertising and explaining the thrust and value of ad-vertising.

The code also states that vetting apply to all forms of advertising and marketing communications, includ-ing political advertisement, while at the same time stipulates penalty for of-fenders.

In the case of the ad in question, AP-CON has come out to clearly denounce it. However, Nigerians and the adver-tising community are eagerly awaiting APCON’ official response. The regu-latory body has over the years locked horn in court over non-conforming in-dividuals and institutions.

Commenting on the matter, Presi-dent, Advertising Agencies Associa-tion of Nigeria, AAAN, Mr. Kelechi Nwosu, said the case in point justify the need for all ads to go through the required regulatory process and vet-ting before being exposed to the public. He also advised that all parties, includ-ing the ruling party to follow the laws of the land.

Kankarofi

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net36

STORIES: DAVID AUDU

The president of the Public Relations Consultants Asso-ciation of Nigeria, Mr. John

Ehiguese, has lamented the persis-tent lack of data to work with on the public relations sector in Nigerian economy. Ehiguese who spoke to Na-tional Mirror recently, said however that that association would rise up to the task to address the issue

“Lack of data is a serious prob-lem. We got to begin to gather data. I, as the president of professional asso-ciation cannot tell you with any mod-icum of accuracy or even near accu-racy give you estimate of what the billings are. Just recently I got a mail from a research professor in commu-nications from Germany who wants me send him billings figures, data on public relation in Nigeria, and I told him I don’t have it.

He promised that part of what the association would do this year would be“to introduce industry research so

that we can at least find out where we are; gather information and data so we can share them with the world and so that we ourselves can have a fair idea of the size and depth of the share in the market.

“My predecessor, Mr. Chido Nwakanma started something last year, which we need to build upon it and to get professional help. That is where I want to go and hopefully we will get some financing for it so that we can begin to publish in annual ba-sis industry information on PRCAN. We want to find out how big the in-dustry is, what practice area are more prominent in terms of rank-ing, what case studies have we done and we will begin to share among ourselves. We have a challenge in that direction and we have to begin to address it”, he stressed.

On PR agencies in Nigeria mea-suring up to global standard , he said in a general sense they are not quite, and this he is because PR is very dy-namic and is changing very fast.

He said Nigeria PR agencies

are not adapting and moving fast enough to keep pace with the global community in terms of adapting to new tools, new knowledge and new technology which is playing a major role in PR practice now.

“But, I also think it is an individ-ual thing for the individual agencies. How fast are you as an individual agency and how prepared are you to adapt with changing global trends in technology and research tools? It is actually your call. If you want to re-main where you are servicing client who are not complaining, it is ok, but if you want to compete globally, there is actually no choice to but to raise your game. My job is to begin to chal-lenge them on the need to actually look up to such global standard.

The Managing Director of Me-diacrafts Associate, also shed light on the knowledge gap within the indus-try, especially, at the entry level point. “You know quite well that the kinds of training our children receive in the university now are hardly suit-able for professional careers.

L-R: Expert Lead, GSK Consumer Nigeria Plc, Ms. Chinyere Chima, Marketing Manager Wellness, GSK Consumer Nigeria Plc, Mr. Ogbemi Kesiena, President Nigeria Paediatric Association, Prof. Adebiyi Olowu, President African Paediatric Association & Societies, Dr. Dorothy Esang bedo and Marketing Director, West Africa, GSK Consumer Health, Ms. Kerry Alexander at the launch of GSK’s Panadol Children and Scott’s Emulsion.

PRCAN laments poor operational data

Etisalat to continue sponsorship of Nigeria IdolEtisalat Nigeria has announced

its readiness to continue to sponsors the music reality

show, Nigeria Idol. Director, Brand & Experience, Etisalat Nigeria, Enitan Denloye, announced this at a media launch held in Ikoyi, Lagos recently to formally kick - off the fifth season of the reality show.

Denloye disclosed that the spon-sorship of the competition for five consecutive years reflects the com-pany’s commitment to Nigerian youths.

“As a company, we are cognizant of the importance of connecting with all our customers and we recog-nize that music and entertainment resonate with the youth who are a key market segment for us. Sponsor-ing Nigerian Idol is our way of help-ing thousands of musically gifted Ni-gerian youths to live their dreams, so we are very excited to announce that we remain the headline sponsors of Nigerian Idol.” He said.

“This year, we are raising the bar of the show; we are in search of mu-sic talents that stand out. We want to see young and dynamic talent bring creativity and originality into mu-

sic.” He concluded.Multi-talented neo-soul singer,

Yinka Davies will be returning as a judge for the new season of Nigerian Idol, alongside Multi-award winning R&B singer, Darey Art-Alade and Afro Beat legend, Dede Mabiaku. On-Air Personaltity, Ill-Rymz will also be joining the judging trio as the host of the season.

The media launch featured nu-merous fun-filled activities such as a mini-Press Idol Competition and announcement of the judges for the season, but the closing perfor-mance by Nigerian Idol Season 4 Winner, Evelle Zibili was the climax of the night. With her dramatic per-formance of her latest single, ‘I’m Naughty’ and her soulful rendition of other hit songs, Evelle held the guests spell-bound with her tremen-dous running notes and energetic stage presence.

Nigerian Idol has grown steadily in popularity, especially among the youth, since inception. The winner of this year’s competition will cart away a brand new SUV and a 7.5 mil-lion naira cash prize, amongst other rewards.

P&G introduces Fairy dishwashing liquid

Leader consumer products, Procter & Gamble has in-troduced new dishwashing

liquid, Fairy®, into Nigerian mar-ket Nigeria. The consumer goods company behind other household names such as Ariel has also re-vealed a well-known actress and TV personality, Iretyola Doyle, as the face of the brand.

Speaking on the product, Gen-eral Manager P&G Nigeria, Mr. George Nassar, said the brand was first launched in the UK over 50 years ago, and today it is the num-ber one dish care brand globally.

“Nigerian consumers will be the first in sub-Saharan Africa to expe-rience the Fairy® quality. He said the dishwashing liquid boasts over 50 years of scientific innovation in each bottle.

DAVID AUDU

Fun factory, kiddies’ enter-tainment arena in Nigeria has introduced some very

new and interesting children’s games, rides and play stations to thrill both kids and adults. The games includes stylish bouncy castles, state of the art large swimming pool, carousels, train rides, bumper cars, pirate ship, play house, trampolines among others.

Fun Factory is a recreation-al and entertainment ‘one-stop park’ for kids and adults with locations at Lekki, Ikorodu, Abeokuta, Ibadan and expect-ing to open more locations dur-

ing the yearAccording to the Managing

Director, Mr Olumide Maba-wonku, ‘Fun Factory confi-dently boasts of understanding children’s’ recreational and ed-ucational needs’. The facilities also include age-structured toys, thrill rides and interac-tive games for children be-tween the ages of one to ten.

They also have various clubs for the kids such as basketball club, swimming club, arts & craft club, etc at each if the out-lets. Family memberships are encouraged in a bid to get par-ents to spend more time with their loved ones and imbibe the culture of relaxation.

Fun Factory introduces games for children

P&G’s Fabric & Home Care Com-munications Specialist for Sub-Saharan Africa Jeanne du Plessis, said that the choice of Iretyola as Fairy®’s celebrity ambassador was based on her unprecedented track record of success and shared values:

“We are confident that Fairy® is in the right company with the choice of Iretyola”, describing her as “a winner at home and on the job.”

Iretyola, a mother of six chil-dren says “It is easy to connect with a brand that makes the home its priority. We all need help to win in life. Now, I have Fairy® to help me achieve squeaky clean dishes always, whether I am preparing our home meals or catering a din-ner party. For me, ‘whoever chooses Fairy®, wins!’”

Thursday, January 22, 2015Brands & Marketing

Following the submission of entries for the Cussons Baby Moments Competition 2,

which commenced a few months ago, the search has begun for the baby who will emerge the winner. This edition saw a total of 298 en-tries as opposed to the maiden edi-tion of 202.

According to the Brand Man-ager, Miss Oluwaseun Ayeni, the selection criteria for Season 2 will be in 4 stages comprising a combi-nation of public votes and selection by an independent panel of judges.

She said “the 1st stage was the determination of the top 50 with the highest number of likes on Facebook while the 2nd stage will see the judges prune down the top

50 to the best 20 based on the per-sonalities, appeal and fit to brand essence. Stage 3 is expected to take the shortlisted top 20 back to Face-book where the public will have the opportunity to decide who the best 10 will be. Stage 4 is the grand finale where the eventual winner will be decided by the judges”.

Commenting further on the process, Ayeni explained that the selection criteria as well as the cred-ibility of the judges will ensure the right winner emerges. She said that the promotional platform engen-ders a positive rapport between the brand and its consumers, as it has provided an opportunity for the lat-ter to be rewarded for their loyalty.

On his part, Senior Brand Man-

ager, Family Care, Aro Olalekan who spoke on the reason for em-barking on the initiative said the project is a platform aimed at giving parents and guardians the opportu-nity to showcase the amazing and amusing moments their bundles of joy share with them to the public.”

He said “Cussons Baby is a glob-al brand and it has been a leader in the baby segment. Based on that, we believe it’s necessary that we give back to consumers for their loyalty to the brand. For us, it is an opportu-nity to thank them for patronizing and keeping faith with us over the years. It is one of our ways of telling the consumers that they will always remain evergreen in our heart be-cause we appreciate them”.

Cussons Baby Moments Competition 2 winners for selection

National Mirrorwww.nationalmirroronline.net 37Thursday, January 22, 2015 Brands & Marketing

Retail brands that have made a success of their business are known not

for competing with big brands like Walmart, wrote Philip Kot-ler and Gary Armstrong, but by creating unique shopping ex-periences for their customers, the community and their staff. Companies in Nigeria that have experimented with this concept to include Vita foam Comfort Centres, Coca Cola, Diageo and Nigerian Breweries with their merchandise display units and branded fridges, and Unilever in-store sales staff explaining new features of their products. In the opinion of Nigel Hollis, Ex-ecutive Vice President and Chief Global Analyst at Millward Brown, successful brands must compete smartly and differently.

In the book Creating Passion Brands, Helen Edwards and Derek Day define three zones of brand perception: the zones of mediation, discovery, and inti-macy. The Zone of Intimacy is the place where people are physi-cally interacting with brands: holding the packages, reading the labels, sniffing, tasting, or touching the product. This is the zone where brand perceptions and images are most intensely felt, experienced, and built.

The authors say that “here

brand contact is voluntary, senso-ry, and direct. The brand is there because the consumer wants it to be, and its sensorial qualities — taste, colour, fragrance, feel, sound, weight, atmosphere — are strongly perceived and noted.”Of course a brand has control over the sensory qualities of other product, but if it is sold through retail intermediaries, it does not have direct interaction with shoppers.

Consequently, a big opportu-nity to make a real and memora-ble difference is lost. But there’s a solution that has proven to be extremely successful: Create a unique shopping environment around your brand. This can fa-cilitate the direct interaction that can build the virtuous circle of trust that leads to shopper loy-alty and profit. This shopping environment may be a store in which you deliver your brand di-rectly to your customers, but for many brands that’s not feasible. Even so, there may be overlooked opportunities to draw shoppers into your brands’ space, whether that’s a section of a store, an aisle, or a shelf.

Let’s continue the discussion next week while I look forward to your comments and feedback at: [email protected]

What is the relationship between shopping environment and brand success?

L-R: Group Manager, Brand Operations, Procter and Gamble, Titi Adetunji; mother of the First Baby of the Year, Mrs. Enilolobo Temitope, and Chief Matron EKO Hospital, Mrs. Uzo Onwunalu, during the Pampers visit to the first baby of the year 2015 at EKO Hospital, Lagos, recently.

The Halified brand and its distinct edge

DAVID AUDU

GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc (GSK), in line with its aim to do more, feel

better and live longer, launched its Panadol Children’s suspension and Scott’s Cod Liver Oil Emulsion for kids to healthcare professionals at an event at the Oriental Hotel in La-gos.

In attendance at the event were health professionals from different fields including paediatricians, gen-eral practitioners, nurses, pharma-cists and other health workers who experienced firsthand GSK`s excit-ing product solution for kids.

The unveiling was done by Prof. AdebiyiOlowu, President Nigerian Paediatric Association.

The Marketing Director of GSK Consumer Nigeria Plc, Kerry Alex-ander, said: ‘Panadol Children’s Sus-

The positioning of any brand goes a long way in deter-mining its rating and ac-

ceptance by the target audience. A brand should be positioned in such a way that it projects its distinctive features to remain competitive in the market place.Halifield College withits Nigerian/British curricu-lum is an educational brand that has distinguished itself in offering quality educational service deliv-ery to students.

Halifield has the mission to pro-viding an outstanding education that equips the child in academic and skills acquisition, good groom-ing, moral and social discipline us-ing modern facilities, great exper-tise and unparalleled dedication that result in a balanced personal-ity.

The college has remained con-sistent and focused in its resolve to provide superior value in the educational sector.Halified prides itself as a school of choice, striv-

ing to design a bright future for students throughits unique ap-proach to learning.

The environment that the Hali-field brands creates also defines its brand essence as its seeks to make learning fun for the students. It creates an enabling environment where students’ potentials are explored for maximum impact.Halifield teaches children to think, dream and achieve their goals in life.

It is to the credit of the college that it is at the forefront of provid-ing qualitative and well balanced education which enables students actualize their potentials.

Halifield College ensures that the students are inspired to at-tain laudable heights not only in academic attainments but also in all spheres of life.The “I CAN” philosophy is one strong pedestal the school utilizes to instill confi-dence and courage in the students. It clearly communicates to the stu-

Tel: 08023448199 E-mail: [email protected]

Brand X-Ray

with Ayodeji Ayopo

GSK launches children’s Panadol, other products

pension provides fast and effective relief for pain and fever in children and is gentle on tiny tummies’. She also said: ‘Scott’s Emulsion, which comes in orange flavour, provides nutrients that contribute to growth and development, normal brain function and the maintenance of a healthy immune system in children.

According to Alexander, ‘Scott’s was produced in an emulsion form because it is easily absorbed and provides better results than other cod liver products in oil form’.

Speaking at the Launch, Dr Doro-thy Esang bedo, President, African Paediatric Association & Societies, emphasized the role of Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin A and D and Calcium in the growth and devel-opment of children. She noted that the unique taste of Scott’s Emulsion will allow for children to easily ac-cept it and be willing to use it.

The Senior Brand Manager, Scott’s, Mrs. Adebimpe Osanyintuyi added that: “Moms now have excel-lent healthcare for helping their kids grow Strong, Bright and Healthy” while Dr. Davis Iyoha, Senior Brand Manager, Panadol, said Panadol Children’s Suspension is suitable for children aged three months to 12 years and comes in a bottle with a child-resistant cap for added safety.

However, Dr. Muktar Yola, Con-sultant Neonatologist, National Hospital Abuja, counsel parents on the management of pain and fever in children, highlighting the role of children’s paracetamol suspension and the best ways to relieve pain and fever. She noted that pain can be managed in different ways and for children the new Panadol Children has been proven to work better and faster.

dents in a succinct way that they should live above limitations and barriers on the path to academic excellence.Halifield has in place facilities and technology to facili-tate the latest educational trends and ideas, not only for the smart child but also for the late bloomer and those with faulty educational foundation.

At the end of Halifield tutelage, children are prepared for life and easily fit into the next phase of ed-ucation. They are disciplined and capable, ready to face challenges with confidence.

It is commendable to note that

the Halifield brand has the goal of turning out children of value, high-achievers and future leaders areachieved. This is achievable through several platforms that have been created to improve the mindset of the children in order to remain focused in life.

It is the sole vision of the college to train the child to confidently face the future and this has been the differentiating factor for the Hali-field brand. Confidence building has been one crucial element that the school focuses on to achieve its vision in providing quality educa-tion to students. It has designed its

curriculum in a way to incorpo-rate the unique offerings in order to enable the students have holis-tic and well-rounded education.

The Halifield brand is poised to ensure responsibility and moral uprightness in the students in order to develop future leaders not only with competence but also character and integrity. The schools are poised to shapen and mold the lives of future leaders in order to excel in their chosen field of human endeavor.

The Director Halifield Schools, Mrs. Halima Oke is determined to raise the bar and ensure that the products of the schools become responsible and integrity con-scious leader of tomorrow.She charts a strategic roadmap for the schools with her managerial acu-men and strong leadership traits. She has over the years reinvented the rules to position the schools as highly rated in the education sec-tor.

Tel: 08023117969/08031100462

with Michael Umogun

BRAND talk

Email: [email protected]

38 Thursday, January 22, 2015 National Mirrorwww.nationalmirroronline.netInsight

From the drama that ensued following the plane crash involved in by Gov-ernor Danbaba Danfulani Suntai, to

the ethno-religious crisis that engulfed the state, Taraba State in the past one year had been in the news negatively.

Shortly after the air mishap of Gover-nor Suntai, the state started making nega-tive headlines following killings, burning of houses, looting and maiming of people across the southern and central zones of the state.

The carnage started in Ibi and Wukari in December 2013, extended to Takum and all the local governments in Taraba south with grave consequences, except Ussa.

As days passed by and weeks dragged to months, the Fulani herdsmen extended their attacks on Tiv and Jukuns in other council areas of Gassol, Bali and Gashaka, killing and burning their houses, invading their farms, opening their yam barns and other foodstuffs for their herds to feed on.

As a result of the crisis, thousands of the displaced people are today taking refuge in camps within and outside the state.

From December 2013 to December 2014 marked one year when the crisis started and which is still ongoing in parts of the state.

It was the belief of many in the state that the crisis which started long before the Su-preme Court reinstatement of Alhaji Sani Abubakar Danladi as Deputy Governor and later Acting Governor, was a calculated at-

Taraba crisis: Agony of internally displaced personsSince its creation on August 27, 1991, Taraba State has witnessed one form of crisis or the other, resulting in the killing of about 700 people and displacement of over 178,000 between 2013 and 2014. JUSTIN TYOPUUSU reports that the ethno-religious killings and destructions have not stopped because successive state governments have not done the needful.

tempt by the ousted acting governor, Garba Umar, to weaken the zones to his political advantage.

A trip through Sabon Gida, Dan Ana-cha, Chediya, Mahanga, Dorowa down to Wukari shows the inhuman and pitiable sights of the displaced, with their farms and houses along the Wukari-Jalingo high-way completely destroyed and looted, with settlements taken over by the grazers. Gi-din Dorowa is presently a ghost town just as substantial parts of Wukari have been reduced to rubbles.

The same scenario can be found along Takum-Bali-Jalingo highway and Bali-Serti road where it is common to see cattle graz-ing on the farmlands and houses of the dis-placed people.

But the reinstatement of Danladi sig-nals the return of peace in the state which was ravaged by ethno-religious crisis alleg-edly perpetrated by his predecessor, Umar, whom many pointed accusing fingers at as fueling the crisis to his political advantage.

In his maiden speech on Friday, Novem-ber 21, 2014 Danladi expressed his determi-nation to end wanton killings and destruc-tions of property in the state and to bring about lasting peace and unity.

But apparently overwhelmed by the Boko Haram scourge with explosions ev-erywhere as well as preparations for the im-minent 2015 elections, the Federal Govern-ment appears not to be aware of the daily massacre of innocent Nigerians in this north eastern state, even though a group known as Concerned Taraba Tiv Youth Frontier has, in an ‘open letter’ to the Presi-dent which was published in some national dailies, accused the former acting governor, Umar, of genocide against their people.

On a daily basis, Nigerians are being slaughtered in the state. Before now, the people said they had lost hope in the ability of the state government under the ousted Umar to end the crisis. But now, they are hoping that with the change of government in the state the killings would soon end.

However, recently, three police men were ambushed and killed while on routine patrol in Bali Local Government area of the state. A similar incident was reported in Bantaje in Wukari LG where a police man was hacked to death

Over one year after the crisis broke out in the state, thousands of people are still liv-ing in camps within and outside the state. A visit to the Internally Displaced People’s camps in Mutum Biyu, Bali and Jalingo showed a pathetic situation of the IDPs who are living under dehumanizing conditions.

An IDP in Mutum Biyu, Hajjiya Fatima Abdulhameed, said though the government had been taking care of them, they were tired of staying in the camp. She pleaded with the warring parties to lay down their arms and embrace peace for the state to move forward.

When National Mirror visited the inter-nally displaced persons’ camps in Bali Lo-cal Government, it was one sad story after the other.

For instance, as our correspondent ap-proached one of the camps along the busy Takum-Jalingo road, a woman was seen crying uncontrollably and not even the intervention of relations and sympathis-ers could calm her. She lost her husband, Yakubu Akpenkaan, who had gone to fetch firewood to sell and earn some money for the treatment of their little daughter who had been sick for days and had not returned since then.

A visit to the internAlly DisplAceD people’s cAmps in mutum Biyu, BAli

AnD JAlingo showeD A pAthetic situAtion of the iDps who Are living unDer

DehumAnizing conDitions

Internally displaced persons in one of the camps

Acting Gov. Danladi

A burnt house as a result of the crisis

National Mirrorwww.nationalmirroronline.net Thursday, January 22, 2015 39Insight

Rebecca, a mother of five, who managed to hold back her tears said mournfully, “My brother, life has no meaning to me. What can I do to take care of these children? I can’t even show them the grave of their fa-ther.”

This is just one of many cases of vic-tims of silent killings still going on in Bali, Gashaka, Gassol, Wukari, Ibi and Donga.

Also recently, 22 people were killed when gunmen invaded Sabon Gida Shagogo in Donga Local Government. Mpareghga Ti-yongo and two others were ambushed and killed in Zaga, Bali area. At Angwan Dugw-er, just few metres away from Bali town, In-yom Doo Uvor, Yakubu Orafa and Emmanu-el Oragbai were slaughtered in their farms by people suspected to be Fulani herdsmen.

Terkimbi Shiaondo who survived the attack, but could not hold back his tears, told our correspondent in an emotion laden voice, “We could not help watch our chil-dren die of hunger, so we decided to risk our lives in search of food for them and my brothers died in the process. Seventeen armed Fulani men gunned them down as we approached the farm. Just two days af-ter they met their death, NEMA came with relief materials but my brothers are no more.”

Another village, Igo, in Ananum district of Donga council was razed by the Fulani herdsmen, who killed dozens and destroyed property during the onslaught.

At the IDPs camps in Bali, National Mir-ror gathered that over 84 people including children and adults had so far died follow-ing outbreak of measles, cholera and other related diseases in the settlement in the past months.

Hon. Jerry Tyolanga who is taking ref-uge in Jalingo, blamed the former acting governor, Umar, for not having the political will to end the crisis. He said the mayhem would not have degenerated if government had taken pragmatic steps to nip it in the bud.

The Chief of Tiv in Bali, Zaki David Gbaa, expressed worry over the prolonged stay of his people in camps. He told our cor-respondent that since March last year when the crisis got out of hand, children can no longer go to school and people forced to live under dehumanizing conditions in camps because they cannot cater for themselves any more since their sources of livelihood have been destroyed.

“The crisis is even taking a different di-mension now. They are felling our econom-ic trees and taking over our homes, giving impression that our people did not live in those areas before.”

The traditional ruler who expressed hope in the ability of the present acting gov-ernor to end the crisis, called on the state government to act fast and return the dis-placed people to their homes, rehabilitate them and ensure they participate in the forthcoming general elections.

Vice Chairman, Concerned Taraba Tiv Youth Frontier (CTTYF), a pressure group, Mr. Kater Amah, lamented that the crisis had left over 700 people dead,178,000 others displaced and property worth millions of naira destroyed.

He noted that though the massacre

which has been going on in the past one year, did not worry the former acting gover-nor Umar, the return of Sani Danladi is ex-pected to bring lasting peace, for the people to go back to their homes.

Amah’s position was corroborated by the acting governor himself when a delega-tion of Tiv stakeholders in the state paid him a courtesy visit. Danladi assured them that government would do everything pos-sible to return all the displaced people in the state.

Any hope for peace? As the general elec-tions remain just a few weeks away and the planting season also approaches, the dis-placed people are asking when they could return to their homes and participate in the election of their leaders and also continue their normal lives.

This expectation, however, seems to be a tall dream whose realisation is far from being attained. The state government is yet to take a drastic step towards ending the crisis. Though it has been holding meetings

Taraba crisis: Agony of internally displaced personsFrom December

2013 to December 2014 markeD one

year when the crisis starteD

anD which is still ongoing in parts

oF the state

with stakeholders, it has not come out with a strong position on the lingering crisis in the state.

For instance, scores of people were killed in Naturde village in Gassol Local Govern-ment, just days after the government held a meeting with Muslim and Christian stake-holders from Wukari.

Deep in the hinterland of the state, es-pecially across seven local governments ar-eas of Wukari, Ibi, Donga, Gassol, Bali and Gashaka, mass killings are still taking place daily without a single mention.

At the time of filing in this report, four people were reportedly killed in Gayam in Gashaka council area, even as armed Fulani men were alleged to have attacked

Gbor-Ucha in Wukari, killing four and in-juring three others and finally set the vil-lage ablaze.

As the clock ticks towards the general elections, the people are calling on the gov-ernment to act fast in providing security and ensuring their return to their ancestral homes to participate in the election of their leaders and to rebuild their homes and con-tinue their living.

They say the crisis is not beyond the powers of the state government to manage and the government must act fast to end the killings. They complain of their prolonged stay in camps and depending on relief ma-terials from the government, groups and spirited individuals for survival.

The displaced people in Bali accused the local chiefs in their domains of conspiring with the herders to chase them away from their ancestral homes and called on the state government to hold the chiefs respon-sible for permanent solution to the crisis to be found.

When contacted, the state acting gover-nor, Alhaji Sani Abubakar Danladi assured that he would end the killings and return all the displaced people to the state, but called for understanding.

But how soon the killings will end and the displaced people return to their homes are what no one apart from the government can guarantee for now.

Terkimbi Shiaondo survived one of the attacks

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net40 Thursday, January 22, 2015Cocktail

The two people swinging from a tractor

Authorities in Austra-lia said an 18-year-old man who tried to

sneak into a nightclub after being ejected had to be res-cued from an air vent.

Southport Magistrates Court heard Hugh McMa-hon, 18, an Irish citizen in Australia on a one-year work visa, was ejected from the Sin City nightclub in Surfers Paradise when he

was found sleeping on one of the club’s couches.

The court heard McMa-hon somehow got back into the club and was ejected a second time, leading him to attempt to get into the club a third time by climbing from a neighboring apart-ment to the building’s roof.

Police were called just after 1 a.m. when club-go-ers heard McMahon call-

ing for help from an air vent, where he had become wedged.

“Drunk or sober it is a remarkably stupid thing you’ve done,” Magistrate Ron Kilner said.

McMahon was fined $900 and ordered to pay $1,200 restitution for damage to the building’s roof and $500 for the rescue from emer-gency services personnel.

Oddities

Two swing from tractor in Saudi Arabian viral video

Drunk teen rescued from nightclub air vent

Police pull over woman so fellow offi cer can propose

A Texas police of-ficer arranged for other officers to

pull over his girlfriend so he could propose in an elaborate ruse caught on dashboard camera.

KHOU-TV reported Mon-day that Sara Wolff said “yes” to Galveston police Officer Gregory Parris and that they will marry in July.

The patrol car video shows a car with sirens blar-ing stopping Wolff’s vehicle.

That officer tells Wolff she has a broken taillight and that she also faces outstand-ing warrants.

The unwitting Wolff starts to cry.

Parris, who was watch-ing the whole episode from another patrol car, then drives up and walks toward his girlfriend. Her tears turn to laughter as he gets down on one knee, produces a ring and asks her to marry him.

A viral video pur-portedly filmed in Saudi Arabia de-

picts a couple showing off their ghost riding skills by swinging from the bucket of an unmanned tractor.

The video, titled “Saudi

ghost riding taken to a whole new level,” depicts a man and a woman in traditional Saudi Ara-bian garb riding swings

attached to the bucket of the tractor, which is “ghost riding” driver-less through the desert in reverse.

The video, posted by user 3abodI101, had more than 390,800 views as of Tuesday morning.

National Mirrorwww.nationalmirroronline.net 41Thursday, January 22, 2015 Capital Market

European shares stalled near a seven-year high and Asian

shares hit a six-week peak yesterday, a day before the European Central Bank is expected to announce a sovereign bond-buying pro-gramme to boost the euro zone’s flagging economy.

The expectations of ECB action -- with the potential stimulus seen at around 600 billion euros ($690bn), ac-cording to a Reuters poll -- also kept euro zone core bond yields near record lows and the euro close to an 11-year trough.

The Japanese yen mean-while rose by around one per cent against the United States dollar after the Bank of Japan left policy un-changed. While the decision

JOHNSON OKANLAWON

Acting Director Gen-eral of the Securi-ties and Exchange

Commission, SEC, Mr. Mounir Gwarzo, has as-sured Nigerians that the commission will continue to ensure that the market remains vibrant in order to attract investors both locally and internationally.

Gwarzo gave the assur-ance when he received mem-bers of the Chartered Insti-tute of Stockbrokers, CIS, visited him in Abuja.

A statement from the Sec quoted Gwazo as saying that

the current management will strive to develop domes-tic investment from retail and institutional investors

He said, “We will step up to reach out to the market and improve investment. On the international side, what is most important is the enabling environment. Right now the rules are very friendly and that is why we keep changing them from time to time to suit best prac-tices and attract investors.”

The President of the CIS, Mr. Albert Okumagba la-mented over 60 per cent con-trol of the Nigerian stock market by foreign investors.

He noted that the current

situation were over 60 per cent of the market is control by foreign investors give se-rious cause for concern.

“The level of participa-tion of our locals is effec-tively less than three million when ideally over 80 million of our people should be in the market.

“Our coverage of insur-ance assets in Nigeria is not up to two percent of insurable assert, if we can increase from two to 20 per cent and then to 50 per cent, we will be shock at the kind of contribution that insur-ance can make,” he said.

Okumagba pointed out that pension coverage in the

market is about eight per cent, noting that there are opportunities for domestic investors.

“ The pension companies have over $25bn which they have taken as money and even though they have a room of about 25 per cent to invest only about 12 per cent of that has been invested.”

‘We believe that some of the factors that are hold-ing the market down today will soon ease off, issues of security, election and crude oil prices, once the election are done with, the market will begin to stabilize,” he added.

SEC promises market vibrancy

Global shares pause ahead of ECB’s action

JOHNSON OKANLAWON

Losses recorded mostly in the banking sector halted positive trends

in the equities segment of the Nigerian Stock Ex-change yesterday.

The banking stocks shed highest points to close at 306.53 points, from 307.39 points recorded the preced-ing day, a decline of 2.3 per cent.

All other sectorial indices dropped substantial value except the Insurance Index, which appreciated 0.38 per cent to close at 142.45 points.

The NSE 30-Index dipped 0.26 per cent to close at 1,345.72 points, while the

Equities slide 0.2% on weak banking stocks

Stock Updates

GAINERSCOMPANY OPENING CLOSING CHANGE % CHANGE

UACN 34.14 35.84 1.70 4.98

EVANSMED 2.17 2.27 0.10 4.61

NEIMETH 0.69 0.72 0.03 4.35

ASHAKACEM 20.40 21.28 0.88 4.31

NPFMCRFBK 0.81 0.84 0.03 3.70

UPL 4.00 4.10 0.10 2.50

MANSARD 2.93 3.00 0.07 2.39

UBA 3.78 3.85 0.07 1.85

COSTAIN 0.61 0.62 0.01 1.64

NASCON 6.17 6.25 0.08 1.30

LOSERSCOMPANY OPENING CLOSING CHANGE % CHANGE

PORTPAINT 3.89 3.70 -0.19 -4.88

IKEJAHOTEL 2.96 2.82 -0.14 -4.73

DANGFLOUR 3.69 3.52 -0.17 -4.61

AGLEVENT 1.25 1.20 -0.05 -4.00

WAPIC 0.57 0.55 -0.02 -3.51

WEMABANK 0.96 0.93 -0.03 -3.13

ZENITHBANK 17.50 17.10 -0.40 -2.29

CUSTODYINS 3.80 3.72 -0.08 -2.11

ACCESS 5.10 5.00 -0.10 -1.96

SEPLAT 305.00 300.06 -4.94 -1.62

Market indicatorsAll-Share Index 29,759.04 points

Market capitalisation 9.91trn

Source: NSE

not to expand its stimulus package had been widely ex-pected, some had also bet on a surprise move as inflation targets looked elusive.

In London, sterling fell and equities rose after the minutes of British central bankers’ last policy meeting showed a rate rise was less likely. Two policymakers dropped their call for higher rates in the face of tumbling inflation.

The pan-European FT-SEurofirst 300 equity index was down 0.3 per cent, at 1,418.46 points, while the MSCI World Index was flat. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 1.4 per cent.

US equity futures were down 0.3 per cent. Shares of International Business Ma-

chines Corp fell in pre-mar-ket trading after the one-time world technology leader post-ed profit and revenue targets that were below expectations.

European trading updates from brewer SABMiller and semiconductor equipment-maker ASML got a positive reaction, with shares of SAB up 1.4 per cent and ASML up 2.3 per cent. A weaker euro and recent slide in oil are seen boosting most euro zone firms’ earnings this year.

Traders, however, also pointed to ripples of ner-vousness ahead of the ECB meeting, given the risk of disappointment if the bank does not meet market expec-tations.

“A sizeable percentage of the market is factoring in some sort of quantitative-

easing announcement, so there’s a touch of trepida-tion,” said Alistair McCaig, analyst at IG. “Investors have bought the rumor so they could sell the news.”

ECB Governing Council member Ewald Nowotny told a Euromoney confer-ence in Vienna the bank’s today meeting would be in-teresting but one “shouldn’t get over-excited about it”.

Bets on euro zone mon-etary stimulus also reached the commodities markets, with gold climbing above $1,300 an ounce for the first time since August. The prospect of looming defla-tion and increased market volatility were cited as fac-tors supporting demand for bullion.

Description Price Yield Price Yield

13.05 16-AUG-2016 1.57 97.30 15.02 97.45 14.91

15.10 27-APR-2017 2.26 99.40 15.39 99.55 15.31

16.00 29-JUN-2019 4.44 101.70 15.45 102.00 15.35

16.39 27-JAN-2022 7.02 104.00 15.43 104.30 15.37

14.20 14-MAR-2024 9.14 93.45 15.55 93.75 15.49

10.00 23-JUL-2030 15.50 70.00 15.05 70.30 14.98

Tenor Rate (%)

O/N 7.3750

1M 13.0024

3M 14.2911

6M 15.6159

Maturity Date Bid Offer

23-Apr-15 12.20 12.59

06-Aug-15 13.80 14.91

07-Jan-16 14.20 16.45

Treasury Bills

NIBOR

FGN Bonds

Bid Offer

Closing Market Prices of January 20, 2015

The Fixings of January 21, 2015

Consumer Goods Index fell 0.25 per cent to close at 785.78 points.

The Oil and Gas Index was down 1.14 per cent to close at 359.76 points, while the Lotus Islamic Index de-preciated 0.13 per cent to close at 1,922.27 points.

The Industrial Index de-clined 0.51 per cent to close at 1,888.28 points. The Alter-native Securities Market re-mained flat at 1,213.36 points.

The All Share Index de-preciated 0.20 per cent to close at 29,759.04 points, as against the marginal appre-ciation of 0.15 per cent re-corded the preceding day to close at 29,773.40 points.

Market capitalisation

shed N20bn to close at N9.91trn, in contrast to the increase of N15bn recorded the preceding day to close at N9.93trn.

UACN Plc led the gain-ers’ table with N1.70 or 4.98 per cent to close at N35.84 per share, followed by Evans Medicals Plc with 10 kobo or 4.61 per cent to close at N2.27 per share.

Neimeth International Plc added three kobo or 4.35 per cent to close at 72 kobo per share, while Ashaka Cement Plc gained 88 kobo or 4.31 per cent to close at N21.28 per share.

NPF Microfiance Bank Plc appreciated three kobo or 3.70 per cent to close at 84

kobo per share.Conversely, Portland

Paints Plc dropped 19 kobo or 4.88 per cent to close at N3.70 per share, while Ikeja Hotel Plc dipped 14 kobo or 4.73 per cent to close at N2.82 per share.

Dangote Flour Plc shed 17 kobo or 4.61 per cent to close at N3.52 per share, while AG Leventis Plc fell five kobo or four per cent to close at N1.20 per share.

Wapic Insurance Plc was down two kobo or 3.61 per cent to close at 55 kobo per share.

On the whole, a total of 229.5 million shares valued at N3.29bn were exchanged in 3,901 deals.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.netThursday, January 22, 2015 Capital Market42

1st Tier Securities1st Tier SecuritiesSector Company name No Of Deals Quotation(N) Quantity Traded Value of Shares(N)

Stock exchange daily equities summaryEquities as at January 21, 2015

Sector Company name No Of Deals Quotation(N) Quantity Traded Value of Shares(N)

National Mirrorwww.nationalmirroronline.net 43Young & Next GenerationThursday, January 22, 2015

STORIES: LEONARD OKACHIE

The United Nations Chil-dren’s Fund, UNICEF has challenged the global

community to make children its top priority if significant gains made for them over the last 15 years are not to be lost, if grow-ing nations are to thrive, and if troubled regions are to become more stable.

The agency, on the eve of the World Economic Forum in DAVOS, outlined an ambitious ‘Agenda for Every Child’ that it says must drive the post-2015 sus-tainable development goals.

It urged world leaders to make children a priority in the new Sustainable Development Goals, a roadmap for human progress over the next 15 years that will drive investment and action worldwide. The goals will be agreed to at the United Nations General Assembly in September.

“The world has made sig-nificant progress in the last 15 years, and yet millions of chil-dren remain marginalised,” said Yoka Brandt, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director. “This is a critical opportunity to reach the children who have been left behind. The decisions and the investments we make today will determine the future of this gen-eration and those to come.”

The ‘Agenda for Every Child’ sets out seven priorities the orga-nization says must be addressed in the new development goals to include end violence against children, put ending child pov-erty at the core of global poverty eradication, end preventable child and maternal deaths, pay more attention to adolescence, the second decade of life.

Other priorities include: lever-age the growing data revolution to support the rights of every child, improve investments in all children, especially the most vul-nerable and marginalized, and break the cycle of chronic crises that affect children.

It noted that almost one bil-lion children under 15 suffer reg-ular physical punishment, and a quarter of all girls aged 15–19 experience physical violence. “While violence against children is often invisible, its impact on individual children and their so-cieties is profound and far-reach-ing. Because violence against children is a universal problem, investing in protecting children from violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation must be a global priority,” the agency said a state-ment released on Tuesday.

The statement continued: “Half of the world’s extreme

World must make children top priority — UNICEF

Children.

(L-R) Nigerian Idol season 4 winner, Evelyn Zibili; Executive Director, Optima Media Group, Ugochi Pedro; Hip Hop artiste, Olamide, Nigerian Idol 5 judge, Yinka Davies and choreographer, Ezinne Asinugo at the media launch of Nigerian Idol Season 5 in Lagos.

sustainable results, they must also target the children and fami-lies in greatest need.

“In 2014, 230 million children were living in conflict zones, and many more were affected by both man-made and natural disasters.

poor are children with nearly 570 million people under the age of 18 living below the international poverty line of $1.25 a day. Pover-ty in childhood is often the root cause of poverty in adulthood. Without access to health servic-es, nutrition, water and sanita-tion, shelter and education, this cycle of poverty will continue.

“Children in the poorest 20 per cent of households are twice as likely to die before their fifth birthday as those in the rich-est 20 per cent, and nearly three times as likely to be underweight or ill. Better health systems and better targeting of resources to reach the most vulnerable chil-dren and mothers will save lives, strengthen families, and support sustainable growth.

“Gains realized in early child-hood can either be consolidated or lost during adolescence, but adolescents are too often left out of planning and services. Invest-ing in their learning and pro-moting healthy lifestyles, among other efforts, will help protect adolescents from disease and vi-olence, and better prepare them for adulthood.

“Timely and credible data are crucial for identifying the children in greatest need and developing policies targeted to improve their lives. Data must be disaggregated to help us look beyond global and national av-erages and see the children who are being left behind.

The agency also stated that sufficient funds must not only be allocated to education, water and sanitation, health care and social protection; to deliver the most

The global response to humani-tarian crises must focus not only on urgent short-term needs but also on building long-term resil-ience, helping children and their families to withstand future shocks, and ending the cycle of

crises that they endure” it stated further.

“We must not only safeguard the world for this generation of children -- we must make sure they can grow up to enjoy it,” Brandt said. “We all have a role to play – political leaders, corpo-rations and organizations, indi-viduals, and children themselves – in driving change for every child and building a better world for everyone.”

UNICEF has established a social media hashtag #EVERY-Child, inviting children and adults to join in supporting the Agenda for Every Child.

The Executive Director of Optima Media Group (OMG), Nigerian Idol

franchise owners, Mrs.Ugochi Pedro has enjoined young Ni-gerians with promising career in music to take advantage of the Nigerian Idol platform to showcase themselves on a global stage while creating a career path for themselves.

Mrs. Pedro, who spoke at the unveiling of the season five of leading TV reality show, noted that the reality show has estab-lished its mark as a leading tal-ent hunt platform that is pro-viding needed opportunities for budding music stars to be dis-covered and nurtured for star-dom.

“For five years running, we have been on this interest-ing journey of changing lives and helping people achieve life dreams. The key thing for us is

Youths advised to exploit Nigerian Idol platform

to see these discovered talents become the real stars they are designed to be. We are taking this commitment to a new level this season. Nigerians can ex-pect many exciting moments ahead,” she said.

OMG and lead sponsor, Eti-salat Nigeria announced the

new season at a media launch held at MelaRossa in Ikoyi, La-gos recently.

Director, Brands and Expe-rience Mr.Enitan Denloye de-scribed the new edition of the Nigerian Idol show as“a season of differentiation” that will be raising the bar in every aspect

of the show. He stated that part of the expectations would be to see young musical talent that will bring about the value of creativity into music.

Nigerian Idol is in its fifth season after a successful debut in 2010 won by Yeka Onka. In the following years which saw the emergence of Mercy Chinwo, Moses Adigwe and Zebili Evelyn (Evelle), it has grown in popular-ity and followership on the basis of the unique platforms it offers to young Nigerians with excep-tional music talent. It is the only music TV reality show in Nige-ria with a global appeal that cur-rently cuts across 46 countries.

Meanwhile, three celebrity judges have been unveiled for the season. They include Afro-beat star, Dede Mabiaku, Vo-calist Yinka Davies and R’n’ B crooner, Dare ‘Art’ Alade. Inter-estingly, the trio have featured in these roles in past editions.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net44 Thursday, January 22, 2015Young & Next Generation

A child with running nose.

Dancers at the flag-off of 2014 Crossover Festival, at the Bar Beach, Lagos.

NGO wants youths to shun electoral violence

Burnma BoyWande Coal

You may have heard the old joke: If your nose is running and your feet smell, you must

be upside down! But why does your nose run? Read on to find out the whole story.

To understand why your nose runs, you need to know what mucus (say: MYOO-kus) is. This is the gooey, sticky, slimy material that’s made in-side your nose (also known as snot). Believe it or not, your nose and sinus-es make about a quart of snot every day! For something kind of gross, mucus does a lot of good. It keeps germs, dirt, pollen, and bacteria from getting into your lungs by stopping them in your nose. But sometimes mucus doesn’t stay put.

Reasons for runningIf your nose is running, there are

ou may have heard the old

Why do I’ve running nose? several possible explanations:

You have a cold or the flu: When you have either one of these, your nose goes into mucus-making over-drive to keep the germ invaders out of your lungs and the rest of your body, where they might make you even sicker than you already are. You know what happens then: The mu-cus runs down your throat, out your nose, or into a tissue when you blow your nose. Or it can fill your sinuses, which is why you get that stuffy feel-ing. You have allergies: Kids who have allergies get runny noses when they’re around the thing they’re al-lergic to (like pollen or animal hair). That’s because their bodies react to these things like they’re germs.

You’re crying: When you cry, tears come out of the tear glands under

Burna Boy, Wande Coal to headline concert in Dubai

Science for kids

STORIES: LEONARD OKACHIE

Youthful and award winning vocalist, Wande Coal and

dancehall act Burna Boy have been unveiled as ar-tistes to headline the In-dustry Nite concert set to take place in Dubai.

The event which will hold on January 29, 2015 at the Kiza Lounge in Dubai will witness music lovers and fans come out in their numbers to experience live and undiluted entertain-ment from the headlining acts who will be performing together for the first time in Dubai.

Kiza Lounge which is owned by Nigerian entre-preneur, Lukman Akanbi is located in the heart of

Dubai .The African styled restaurant and lounge has played host to a number of Nigeria artistes such as Davido, 2Face, Ice Prince amongst others.

Speaking on the concert, founder of Industry Nite, Matthew Ohio said, Indus-try Nite will continually seek unique opportunities to ensure that Nigerian mu-sic is recognised globally adding, “This year our goal is to take Nigerian music to every Nigerian irrespective of location. I’m always keen on promoting our music be-yond this shores. So Dubai is going to be our first port of call in a series of foreign cities we intend touring this year.

Commenting further he said, “We are touring ma-

jor Nigerian acts around the US, Europe and Asia this year. These tours will also feature international acts from across Africa and America, creating a cultur-al exchange that will help African music get main-stream attention”.

Also commenting on

your eyelids and drain through the tear ducts that empty into your nose. Tears mix with mucus there and your nose runs.

Baby, it’s cold outside: When you’re outside on a cold day, your nose tries its best to warm up the cold air you breathe before sending it to the lungs. Tiny blood vessels in-side your nostrils open wider (dilate), helping to warm up that air. But that extra blood flow leads to more mucus production. You know what happens next. Drip, drip, drip.

If you have allergies, your doctor might give you medicine called an antihistamine (say: an-tye-HISS-tuh-meen). But sometimes the easiest thing to do is — you guessed it — blow your nose.

Source: KidsHealth

what to expect, Burna Boy said “I feel really excited to be performing on the same stage alongside my brother -Wande. I think this is just about the second time we will be performing together, so it’s definitely going to be a blast, I can’t wait”!

It’s been a while since I last visited Dubai for a per-formance, so I am looking forward to the 29th of Janu-ary when I get to perform some of my latest singles. My fans in Dubai should expect nothing short of the Black Diamond Experience,

The Country Direc-tor, African-Amer-ican Centre for

Governance and Develop-ment, an NGO, Mr .Fred Aleburu has urged youths to shun acts of violence during the forthcoming elections.

Aleburu gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, adding that youths who constitut-ed about 60 per cent of the population of the country, must work for the interest of the nation.

Aleburu noted that youths could easily be used as tools by politi-cians due to poverty and

because they’re in for a sur-prise”. Wande Coal said.

With top reggae/ Dance-hall DJ from the Republic of Benin, DJ Highfa han-dling music on the night and radio personality, Jim-mie hosting, guests can be guaranteed an evening of thorough excitement.

Industry Nite live in Dubai is powered by En-tourage Entertainment and events management company- Viva Africa, Kiza Lounge and El Carnaval.

Over the years Industry Nite has hosted a number of Nigerian artistes on its musical platform. The event which takes place every Wednesday has played host to the likes of 2Face, Dbanj, The Mavins, MI, Iyanya, Waje to mention a few.

unemployment in the country.

He said: “I want to appeal to all shades of youths in Nigeria to have self-control and stay out of violence because it will only do them harm. They should bear in mind that the politicians who hire them for violent activi-ties, send their own chil-dren abroad for safety.’’

He appealed to them to come out and vote, saying that it was only by voting that they could make a positive change in the so-ciety.

In a separate inter-view, Mrs Felicia Onibon, the Executive Director,

Change Managers Inter-national Networks, also appealed to the youths to engage in meaningful ac-tivities and shun violence during the elections.

`Ì am very happy to say that a lot of youths have been engaged this season; people are talking to them, talking to different groups, those in the motor parks,’’

she said.Onibon, however, ad-

vised them to express their views and grievanc-es through the social me-dia and by engaging their

representatives rather than taking to the streets to cause violence.

`Às much as possible we should maintain peace during the elec-tions,’’ she said

National Mirrorwww.nationalmirroronline.net 45MediaThursday, January 22, 2015

Journalists at a training workshop.

Momoh Iyanda

Journalists’ safety during elections must be guaranteed — NUJSTORIES: LEONARD OKACHIE

President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Mr. Mohammed Garba has disclosed that the union

has taken adequate steps to ensure that its members involved in the coverage of the forthcoming 2015 General Elections are insured.

Garba,who said this on Tuesday when he received the EU Election Monitoring team led by its head of Media, Mr. Marek Mracka, in Abuja, stressed that the safety of journalists during elections must be guaranteed.

`Èvery reporter that would be involved in the elections, must be insured because we have discussed the issue with the me-dia organisations,” he emphasised.

He added that the union was collabo-rating with international organisations such as the UNDP and the U.S. embassy for the training of reporters on the suc-cessful coverage of the elections.

He said the training was aimed at en-suring that journalists adhered to pro-fessional ethics and the Nigerian media code of election coverage.

The NUJ president told the visiting team that the union raised the issue of balance and objective analysis of candi-

dates vying for the elective offices in the forthcoming elections.

“On the issue of balanced reportage, the media should be able to provide equal treatment and ensure a level playing ground for Nigerians to have more knowl-edge about their candidates,” he said.

He maintained that the media played an important role for the attainment of Nigeria`s independence, adding that the

industry would also play a critical role for the success of 2015 elections.

Responding, Mracka said that the visit was aimed at creating a synergy between the NUJ and the EU Elections Monitoring team during the elections.

He said the team was in the country to observe the conduct of the election as well as the situation of the media in the coverage of the elections.

He also said that the team visited NUJ to ascertain the safety measures being put in place to ensure the safety of jour-nalists while covering the elections.

Meanwhile, the Civil Society Legisla-tive Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) said it would train about 50 journalists on the reportage of the 2015 general elections.

The Programme Officer of the group, Mr. Salawudeen Hashim, who said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, stressed that the journalists would be drawn from differ-ent media outfits, including social media across the country.

He said the two-day training pro-gramme would commence in the first week of February.

He said the event would feature in depth reportage of the elections and avail participants of the opportunity to share experience.

According to him, the aim of the pro-gramme was also to enable the partici-pants to understand the best methods of reporting election stories that would not cause conflict and violence during and af-ter the elections.

He said that some INEC representa-tives and some Civil Society Organisa-tions (CSOs) would also attend the pro-gramme.

Advocacy group, Enough is Enough Nigeria (EiE Nigeria) in part-nership with Google, Channels

TV, Facebook, GEMSTONE, GenVoices, MTV Base and Global Shapers officially announced plans for the election debate series, ‘The People’s Debate’, which will hold ahead of the February general elec-tions.

The debate series has been created to position voters at the centre of the demo-cratic process by reinforcing the narra-tive that elections and governance are about the people. It aims to provide voters with the information required to select credible candidates and hold them ac-countable once in office.

“This platform is meant to constitute itself into an effective opposition to gov-ernance, not just at the point of election but throughout their terms in office.” Funmi Iyanda commented.

The Presidential Debate will be mod-erated by Mr. John Momoh in his first return to TV in at least five years. The debate is scheduled for Sunday, February 1st in Abuja and will be broadcast live on

Channels TV and streamed live on Nige-ria Info 99.3 FM and online via a Google Hangout and on Youtube.

While candidates tend to shy away from debates, the platform hopes to cre-ate a groundswell of citizen’s demand for a debate. Citizens are being asked via various platforms – online, SMS, TV, ra-dio – to show their support for a debate by voting on what topics they would like dis-cussed. As of today, security tops the list.

When asked what guarantee the organ-isers have that the candidates would at-tend, Kayode Akintemi, General Manag-er at Channels TV representing Mr. John Momoh said, “It is our responsibility as members of the press and as citizens to demand a debate and ensure candidates who do not commit are called out. In 2015, a debate is a requirement for campaign-ing.”

EIE Nigeria also revealed that it’ll co-host six governorship debates in each geo-political zone: Lagos, Rivers, Imo, Ka-duna, Taraba & Plateau, with the first one being in Plateau this Saturday, January 24th with the APC, LP & PDP candidates.

Other guests at the event include Gen-eral Manager, Channels TV, Kayode Akin-temi, including Funmi Iyanda, 2Face Idibia and wife, Annie Idibia, Kemi Lala among other guests.

The debates are part of EiE’s flagship RSVP Campaign which aims to get young

people to Register to vote, Select credible candidates, Vote and Protect their votes using tools such as the Revoda mobile ap-plication. EiE believes that if Nigerians engage actively around these 4 activities, the quality of governance in Nigeria will improve.

Momoh, Iyanda set for election debate series


Game On contestants in the film making challenge.

Niboro.

Kirchmaier.

LEONARD OKACHIE

Contestants of the Game On reality TV show enjoyed massive support from celebrities such as Jay Jay

Okocha, Joke Silva, Saka, Toke Makin-wa, Bovi, Mai Atafo and Charles Okafor and others, as they were joined in the challenge of making a five minutes docu-mentary depicting stories representing their captains’ rise in the episode 4 of the show last Sunday.

Both Team captains got the support of their industry friends to ensure that their separate teams emerged winners of the film making challenge.

Team Football’s Amokachi called on the support of two popular Nollywood actors, Saka and Charles Okafor to help his team out as the contestants embarked on creating a movie of Amokachi’s suc-cess story they entitled “Kick of a bull”.

Team Fashion’s Lanre Da Silva called on the support of Nollywood icon, Joke Silva, media personality Toke Makinwa, fashion designer, Mai Atafo, and come-dian, Bovi to help out in their movie ent-titled “Butterfly kisses”.

Amokachi had one more surprise left for his team members bringing his for-mer colleague and good friend, football legend, Jay Jay Okocha into the mix.

Team Fashion shot their story in Lanre’s studio as Henrietta, Precious and Ukara, much to their delight, got to wear LDA designs in the movie.

With two Nollywood A-Listers; Nige-ria’s best midfielder and a passionate captain – Team Fashion had a serious battle on their hands to maintain their winning streak.

Fans of Game On and movie goers gathered at the Film House cinemas in Surulere as they enjoyed and voted Team Football as the challenge winner.

“We had this win! Our determination and hard work won us this challenge and it only gets better” said Daniel Amoka-chi while congratulating his team on winning.

In what was an absolutely rewarding night for Team Football, Team Fashion’s Madu was eliminated by his fellow team mates for being too bossy.

Meanwhile, in last week’s episode (3) of the show, the task for Team Football was to renovate an exercise pitch in the

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has begun the training of some of its staff in preparation for the

take-off of its planned NAN TV project.Speaking at the opening of the train-

ing programme in Abuja, the Managing Director of the agency, Mr. Ima Niboro, said the television project was a re-sponse to the need to open up new oppor-tunities that would ensure the future of the organisation.

The managing director, who was rep-resented by the Head of Editorial Opera-

Media Abroad

Game On contestants engage in fi lm making

British spy agency trapped journalists’ emails — Report

Facebook’s oldest registered user turns 107

Britain’s electronic spy agency GCHQ tapped emails of journalists at

some of the world’s biggest me-dia organizations, The Guard-ian reported has reported.

The report said GCHQ gath-ered emails from journalists at the BBC, The Guardian, Le Monde, NBC, The New York Times, Reuters, The Sun and The Washington Post.

The emails were among 70,000 gathered in less than 10 minutes in 2008 by the spy agen-cy, Britain’s equivalent of the US National Security Agency, according to The Guardian’s analysis of documents leaked by former US intelligence con-tractor Edward Snowden.

The emails were gathered in one of many taps of the fibre-optic cables that form the Inter-

net’s backbone, and were avail-able for viewing by any cleared staff on GCHQ’s intranet, ac-cording to the report.

The Snowden documents appeared to show the mes-sages were collected while test-ing a new tool designed to sift through tapped data to identify relevant chunks.

It is not revealed in the leaked documents if journalists

were deliberately targeted, the report said.

A spokesman for GCHQ told the paper: “All of GCHQ’s work is carried out in accordance with a strict legal and policy framework, which ensures that our activities are authorized, necessary and proportionate, and that there is rigorous over-sight, including from the secre-tary of state.”

NAN trains staff for television projecttions, NAN, Malam Yusuf Zango, said the project would enable the agency to com-pete with similar organisations to meet its competing demands.

He said: “What we look to do is to add to advantage (that we have) so that we do not go out of relevance in NAN; that is the most important thing.

“And I think if we give it all the seri-ousness it deserves, we are really sure or certain to open a new vista and make our survival much more assured.

“As we are all aware, last year has been

community of Ebute Metta, while that of Team Fashion was to renovate a photo studio in the same community.

In the end Team Fashion won the week’s challenge while Team Football had to vote out the team mate who they considered the weakest link

With one final challenge to go, will

Edythe Kirchmaier earned the distinction of being the social networking site’s old-

est member when her friends at the medical aid charity Direct Relief signed her up for an account on her 105th birthday. It took the site’s engi-neers a month to verify her age and fix the glitch, something they’d nev-er had to do before, Direct Relief’s spokeswoman Kerri Murray said.

Last year, she was designated

the site’s second-oldest user after 114-year-old Anna Stoehr of Plain-view, Minnesota, signed up for an account. Sadly, Stoehr passed away last month.

Born in 1908, 49 years before the Internet was invented, Kirchmaier said she embraces social media be-cause it allows her to check in daily with friends and family. She’s also used her status to raise awareness for causes she believes in, such as

Direct Relief. “The biggest change I’ve seen

during my lifetime has to do with the way we communicate with one another,” Kirchmaier told ABC News. “It’s just incredible how tech-nology is helping us connect with others throughout the world.”

The centenarian said she cher-ishes her Facebook relationships but still believes in the power of the pen. Every Tuesday for the past 42

years, she heads to Direct Relief’s headquarters in Santa Barbara, California, to hand-write thank-you letters to the charity’s donors.

Kirchmaier said she drove her-self to the office up until last year. But after 88 years with a perfect driving record she no longer gets behind the wheel due to health rea-sons. Instead, her 100-year-old friend Gina Vera now chauffeurs her to ap-pointments.

Team Football continue their success or will this defeat have motivated Team Fashion to come back fighting even much stronger? The show airs Sunday on AIT and Spice TV 5-6pm. NTA 4.30 -5.30pm. Watch also repeat broadcasts on ONTV, Thursday 6.30 – 7.30 pm and on Sound City on Saturdays 7-8pm.

a difficult year for NAN; getting money from government has been very difficult.

“And since our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has not been much, if we can open as many vistas as possible, it will be in our interest.”

Zango appealed to the trainees to use the lessons from the training to contrib-ute to the success of the TV project.

According to him, this is a defining moment for NAN especially as it is pres-ently not doing anything different from what its competitors are doing.

He said, “If you rely on text almost ev-erybody can do that.”

In his remarks, the Training Consul-tant, Mr. Christian Ogodo, said the NAN television project would add value to the agency’s chain of operations.

According to him, the television arm of the multimedia unit will further en-hance the agency’s status as the conti-nent’s leading provider of wire service among other benefits.

He said establishing a television com-ponent would make NAN truly multime-dia and rank it among its peers.

“All news agencies have become mul-timedia and I know the television aspect for NAN is the latest phase,” he said.

It is unrealistic to expect that until everybody gets their PVCs that’s when INEC has done well. Some persons maybe indisposed others may have died.

INEC CHAIRMAN – PROF ATTAHIRU JEGA


Community Mirror47National Mirror

www.nationalmirroronline.net

National Director-ate of Employ-ment, NDE, in

Borno said it trained 1,200 women, youths and vulnerable people on small scale enterprise skills acquisition pro-gramme in 2014.

Borno State NDE Co-ordinator Alhaji Wak-kil Kalanga, speaking to newsmen Maiduguri noted that the beneficia-ries were trained for two weeks, under the agen-cy’s Entrepreneurship Development Program, EDP.

He said that the train-ing was designed to pro-vide employment oppor-tunities for unskilled and unemployed youths, women and other vulner-able groups, to enable them become self-reliant.

The coordinator ex-plained that the benefi-ciaries were trained in various business skills that would enable them to establish skill-based en-terprises within a short period of time.

Kalanga added that N10, 000 was given to each of the beneficiaries as re-

settlement loan to enable them start on their own.

“The beneficiaries were expected to pay back in 12 month to en-able others benefit from the scheme,” he said.

According to him, 15 graduates were also em-powered under its Grad-uate Attachment Pro-gramme (GAP).

He said that the gradu-ates were recruited and attached to willing corpo-rate organizations for tu-telage for a period of six months.

The Coordinator said

that the gesture was to enable the youths ac-quire the needed skills and practical experience that would help address unemployment in the country.

Kalanga said that dur-ing the six-month intern-ship, each of the benefi-ciaries received N10, 000 as monthly allowance.

The Coordinator said that after the training programme, the gradu-ates would be prepared for self-employment op-tion in enterprises of their own choice.

NDE trains women, youth on small scale enterprise skills

NDDC earmarks N1bn loan scheme for farmers

Community leader seeks development of domain

CMD to train workers on economy oriented programmes

Niger Delta De-velopment Com-mission, NDDC

has said that it had ear-marked N1 billion “re-volving” loan for farmers in the Niger Delta region.

This is contained in a statement issued in Port Harcourt by the commis-sion’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Iditoye Abo-sede.

According to the state-ment, the loan scheme is in partnership with the Bank of Agriculture, BOA.

The statement quoted the commission’s Manag-ing Director, Mr. Bassey Dan-Abia, as saying that the scheme would boost agricultural activities and production in the area.

The statement reads in part “NDDC is fully com-mitted towards boosting agricultural production to becoming a reliable eco-nomic base for the country.

“We are also partner-ing with the International Fund for Agricultural De-

velopment, IFAD, to inte-grate rural dwellers into agricultural entrepreneur-ship,” it said.

The statement said the commission on Monday in-augurated a two-week Ag-ricultural Entrepreneurial Training for farmers at Vika farms in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

It said the commission had recently distributed 100 tractors to various ministries of agriculture and corporate societies in nine Niger Delta states to boost food production and reduce unemployment.

According to the state-ment, the 180 tons daily rice processing plant at Elele Alimini in Rivers would soon be revived through a private sector partnership arrangement.

It said that the Federal Government’s various ag-riculture programmes had led to the transformation witnessed in the sector and had set the stage for Nigeri-ans to go back to farms.

District Head of Onda community in Nasarawa, Na-

sarawa State, Mr. Idrisu Ogulebe, has appealed to the State Government to develop the area.

Ogulebe made the ap-peal in Onda, Nasarawa Local Government Area of the state.

Director-General, Centre for Man-agement Devel-

opment, CMD, Dr Kabir Usman, said on Wednes-day that the centre would train about 10,000 workers on economy oriented pro-grammes this year.

Usman added that the participants would be drawn from the public and private sectors.

He said the centre would train 6,000 work-

ers, while 4,000 would be trained by management consultants.

``We have produced brochure for 2015 as well as our calendar for 2015.

``The programmes have started in Warri with a region of 25 participants, who are undergoing train-ing to become manage-ment consultants,’’ he said.

Usman said partici-pants, who came from the

Institute of Professional Safety Standard of Nige-ria, knew that it was not acceptable for anybody to practice as management consultant without being accredited by the centre.

He said the workers would be trained on econo-my oriented programmes such as e-government, result based monitoring and evaluation, planning cadre and concept of bud-geting as well as in project

selection and bench mark-ing.

``We will focus on areas of strategic leadership, management and risk management, enterprises and entrepreneurship de-velopment, performance of management system and management develop-ment workshop.

``We will also organize corporate governance for members of the council and board of parastatals

as well as professionalis-ing the planning cadre.

``We will focus on mac-ro economy management, macro economy frame-work for planning and moduling of the economy direction of the country,’’ Usman said.

He said the centre would facilitate opportu-nities for other training agencies to deliver train-ing programmes with par-ticular reference to Lagos

Fire service men putting out fire from a burning fuel tanker carrying motor spirit on Kaduna-Abuja highway at Giri in Abuja. PHOTO: NAN

The traditional ruler urged for infrastructural development in the area, especially construction of access road, portable wa-ter and electricity in the community.

“This community lacks basic social infrastruc-tural development such as access roads, portable wa-ter supply and electricity, among others.

“How will the standard of living of the people of this community improve where these facilities are lacking?’’, he asked.

Ogulebe said that the people, who are predomi-nately farmers, need good roads to transport their agricultural products to the market.

“They also need good portable water and elec-tricity to improve on their standard of living.

L-R: Delta State PDP governorship candidate, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa; Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, Anthony Uvietobore Ogbogbo, Ibuka I, and Senior Special Assistant to Delta State Governor, Sir Sunny Areh, when the PDP flag bearer paid a courtesy visit to the Ovie’s palace before the party’s campaign rally in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government, on Tuesday.

…admits 3, 322 fresh students

Rivers varsity expels 366 students for poor performance

11,000 lost to electoral violence in 16 years —INECOSAHON JULIUS YENAGOA

Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, yesterday put the

death toll arising from electoral violence in the country between 1999 and 2015 at over 11,000, saying the negative trend has assumed a dangerous di-mension.

To this end, the com-mission called on security agencies to check the prolif-

DENNIS NAKU PORT HARCOURT

No fewer than 366 students of the Rivers State Uni-

versity of Science and Technology, RSUST, Port Harcourt, have been ex-pelled due to poor academ-ic performance.

Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Bari-neme Fakae, disclosed this at the 33rd matriculation of the institution in Port Har-court on Wednesday.

Eight best performing students in the seven facul-ties of the university dur-ing the 2013/2014 academic session were rewarded with a laptop each, in a bid to en-courage healthy academic competition among fresh students.

Fakae said a total of 12,

904 applicants who scored above the University Ter-tiary Matriculation Exami-nation, UTME, cut-off score of 180 per cent applied to RSUST.

Of that number, he said only 3,322 (25.74 per cent) were admitted based on merit and the National Universities Commission, NUC, approved carrying capacity.

The vice chancellor urged the students to ac-quaint themselves with the school’s code of conduct, which according to him, is clearly spelt out in the ‘Stu-dents’ Handbook’.

He further said: “I have to restate that in RSUST today, you must be good to come in, good to stay in and good to graduate.

“It is sad to announce that 366 students out of a to-

tal population of 14,948 (2.45 per cent) that registered last session, who could not make the mandatory Cumu-lative Grade Point Average, CGPA, of 1.00, were with-drawn from the university at the end of last session (2013/2014) due to academic failure.

“As you know, the com-monly known academic crime called ‘sorting’ no lon-ger has a home in RSUST due to our strict adherence to the academic rules and our electronic process,” Fakae said.

While advising new in-takes to take their studies seriously, he urged them to shun cultism, examina-tion malpractices and other vices, which he said, may cut short their academic pursuits.

Of the 3,322 fresh stu-

dents, Fakae said 206 were admitted into the Faculty of Agriculture, Engineering 1,048, Environmental Sci-ences 178, Law 263, Manage-ment Sciences 687, Science 555, while 385 students were admitted into the faculty of Technical and Science Edu-cation.

Fakae explained that the university was vigorously implementing its Informa-tion and Communication Technology, ICT, online policies to meet the global standards, saying RSUST adopts a slogan ‘learn com-puter by the use of com-puter’.

“It is expected that at graduation, every student will become Microsoft cer-tified computer literate persons who will be ready for the global market,” the university boss said.

NDDC earmarks N1bn loan scheme for farmers

Okowa assures Isoko monarchs of devt

Niger Delta Develop-ment Commission, NDDC, on Wednes-

day said it had earmarked N1 billion revolving loan for farmers in the Niger Delta region.

This is contained in a statement issued in Port Harcourt by the commis-sion’s Head of Corporate Af-fairs, Mr Ibitoye Abosede.

According to the state-ment, the loan scheme is in partnership with the Bank of Agriculture, BOA.

The statement quoted the commission’s Managing Di-rector, Mr Bassey Dan-Abia, as saying that the scheme would boost agricultural activities and production in the area.

“NDDC is fully commit-ted towards boosting agri-cultural production to be-coming a reliable economic base for the country.

THEOPHILUS ONOJEGHEN WARRI

Governorship candi-date of the Peoples Democratic Party,

PDP, in Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has said his administration would place more priority on the Inter-nally Generated Revenue, IGR, to fast-track the devel-opmental needs of the state.

He also assured that to-gether with traditional rul-ers in the state, if elected, would foster unity of all eth-nic groups as no part would be neglected.

Okowa spoke on Wednes-day, in Ozoro and Oleh, when his campaign train visited traditional rulers and po-litical leaders in Isoko land, assuring them that his ad-ministration would bring

“We are also partnering with the International Fund for Agricultural Develop-ment, IFAD, to integrate rural dwellers into agricul-tural entrepreneurship,” it said.

The statement said the commission on Monday in-augurated a two-week Ag-ricultural Entrepreneurial Training for farmers at Vika Farms in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

It said the commission recently distributed 100 trac-tors to various ministries of agriculture and corporate societies in nine Niger Delta states to boost food produc-tion and reduce unemploy-ment.

According to the state-ment, the 180 tons daily rice processing plant at Elele Ali-mini in Rivers State would soon be revived through a private sector partnership arrangement.

dividends of democracy to the area.

The PDP gubernatorial candidate, who was accompa-nied by his wife and running mate, Chief Kingsley Otuaro, told supporters in Oleh, head-quarters of Isoko South, that not even the rich would be spared in his administration’s revenue drive.

He called on the people of Isoko to vote for the PDP at all levels, saying that it’s the only party determined to ame-liorate the suffering of the masses.

“My administration shall take seriously the issue of revenue in the state. We shall diligently evolve resources collections from the internal generated revenue for even de-velopment of all areas of our state and not even the rich will be spared in our revenue drive.

eration of small arms in the country to curb incessant violence during elections as the 2015 elections gather mo-mentum.

Resident Electoral Com-missioner, INEC, Bayelsa State, Mr. Baritor Kpagih, who stated this in Bayelsa State on Wednesday during a one-day sensitisation sem-inar for officers and men of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, said combing the nooks and crannies of the

able up-to-date, the number would have increased, par-ticularly after the 2011 polls.

He called for good gover-nance, enhanced security and responsible leadership from politicians as well as highly ethical reportage from the media as some in-dicators that would guaran-tee free elections.

EgbonwanKpagih said, “From the perspective of INEC, efforts to make the polls as good as possible be-gan immediately after the

country to mop up small arms was a panacea for avoiding electoral violence.

Represented by the state’s Head of Voter Regis-tration, Mr. Victor Egbon-wanKpagih, he said: “We know there are small arms everywhere. If we look out for them we will be able to contain electoral violence.

“The NSCDC and other security agencies have a lot to do to make 2015 general elections a success,” adding that if statistics were avail-

2011 general elections.“Today, we have the best

Voters Register ever in Nige-ria. The voting process has been refined and stream-lined, albeit the entire elec-toral process has been im-bued with a large dose of technology that would help bring about a number of checks and balances.”

In his remark, Comman-dant, NSCDC, Bayelsa State, Mr. Desmond Agu, said his officers and men were fully prepared for the general

elections in the state.He advised his opera-

tives to be wary of politi-cians, saying they should be guided by ethics of the service.

Agu said the command organised the seminar to sensitise officers and men of their roles as well as to assure the civil populace, el-igible voters and politicians of its avowed commitment in maintaining law and order in conjunction with other security agencies.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net48 Thursday, January 22, 2015South South

World NewsNational Mirror

www.nationalmirroronline.net 49Thursday, January 22, 2015

A Palestinian stabbed and wounded seven people on a Tel Aviv commuter bus and in the street in a morning rush-hour attack yesterday before he was shot by a security of-ficer as he fled, Israeli officials said.

It was the first Palestinian attack reported in the Israeli commercial capital since a soldier was stabbed to death two months ago during a surge of violence in Israel and the Palestinian territories.

Passengers on the number 40 bus en route to Tel Aviv University said the assailant, identified by police as a Pal-estinian from Tulkarm in the Israeli-oc-cupied West Bank, stabbed the driver and then others at the Maariv junction, one of the coastal city’s busiest.

Palestinian stabs seven people in Israel attack

Zambia to announce election results today

Somali al-Shabaab lauds attack on Charlie Hebdo

Zambia’s election commis-sion yesterday postponed the announcement of partial results from a presidential vote after complaints from the opposition, whose supporters clashed with police outside the counting centre in the capital, Lusaka.

Officials will resume announc-ing results on Thursday morning, said Ireen Mambilima, head of the election commission.

Opposition leader and presi-dential candidate Hakainde Hichil-ema had noted that some polling stations stayed open Wednesday, a day after the election, and that announcing results while voting is still underway would undermine the process. Voting at the sites was extended by a day because of heavy rains that delayed deliv-ery of voting equipment in some parts of the country.

Somali Islamist militant group al Shabaab yesterday praised al Qaeda over an attack on French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo and urged further strikes at the “heart of the Crusader enemies”.

Al Shabaab, which has itself carried out attacks across east Africa, including a 2013 raid on a Nairobi shopping mall that killed 67, described two brothers who attacked the magazine and a third who targeted a Jewish shop, as “a wonderful example”.

“We encourage all Muslims, specifically the sons of Tawheed living in Europe, to follow in the footsteps of their brothers,” it said in a statement.

WORLD BULLETIN

I have invited Mr Netanyahu to speak to Congress on the grave threats radical Islam and Iran pose to our security

and way of life–United States House Speaker, John Boehner

Robert Nitsch Eberhard said he had spent long hours in the dark

he was released, except to men-tion their gratitude to the mili-tary, BBC said

The freed man said he was pleased to be alive and safe and had spent long hours in the dark, unable to move because of death threats.

“I am happy to see all these people who rescued me and

trusting” co-operation.Boko Haram has recently

launched several attacks on Cameroun.

Suspected Boko Haram mili-tants were believed to have kid-napped dozens of people in a cross-border raid near Mokolo city in Cameroon’s Far North region on Sunday.

PAUL ARHEWEWITH AGENCY REPORTS

Cameroun says its mili-tary has freed a German hostage kidnapped in Ad-

amawa by the Islamist militant group Boko Haram.

Robert Nitsch Eberhard, a teacher, was abducted in July 2014 in Adamawa State by the group, Cameroun’s govern-ment said.

He was freed in a “special operation of the Cameroun armed forces and security ser-vices of friendly countries”.

Boko Haram has seized con-trol of towns and villages in north-east and launched raids into Cameroun.

It is not clear which coun-tries contributed to the opera-tion to free Robert.

The former hostage arrived in Yaounde in the company of Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh, a senior official in the presidency, the BBC’s Randy Joe Sa’ah reports from Cameroun’s capital.

They were received at the airport by several ministers and the German ambassador.

Officials would not say how

made sure I survived,” Reuters news agency quoted him as say-ing.

Germany’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Martin Schaefer told the AP news agency that a crisis team had been work-ing on the case for months and thanked the Cameroun govern-ment for its “very good and

Cameroun rescues German hostage from Boko Haram

Police officers arresting one of the protesters in Kinshasa

Catholic Church backs DR Congo’s protestsment plans for a census are a ploy to delay the poll so that he can hang on to power.

The government admits the election could be delayed, but says the census is vital to en-sure polls are free and fair.

The Catholic Church, the largest in DR Congo, has shut its schools as violent protests continued in Kinshasa for a third day.

The BBC’s reported in the city that security forces and protesters clashed again at the government-run University of Kinshasa, the focal point of protests.

Demonstrators told her that security forces fired live am-munition, killing four of them. There is no independent confir-mation of this.

During a visit to the campus,

she saw many buildings gutted by fire, including dormitories for female students.

Windows had been shattered, and the impact of bullets was clearly visible.

Radio France International, the main foreign broadcaster in DR Congo, has been pulled off

air, BBC said.On Tuesday, internet con-

nections and text messaging services were blocked, appar-ently on the orders of the gov-ernment.

Many shops had been looted and set ablaze as the protests turned violent, BBC said.

The Catholic Church in the Democratic Republic of Congo has thrown its

weight behind protests against President Joseph Kabila extend-ing his rule, BBC has reported.

It called on people to peace-fully oppose his move to delay presidential elections until a census is held.

At least 11 people have so far been killed in the protests.

It is the worst unrest in the capital, Kinshasa, since the ri-ots which broke out after Mr Kabila won a second term in disputed elections in 2011.

Kabila, who first took power in 2001 following the assassina-tion of his father Laurent, is constitutionally barred from running for another term in elections due next year.

The opposition says govern-

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net50 North Thursday, January 22, 2015

2000 IDPs get free medical services in Jos

Borno residents happy over restored electricity

L-R: Bauchi State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial aspirant, Alhaji Auwal Jatau, Governor Isa Yuguda and State Chairman, PDP, Alhaji Ibrahim Yaroyaro, during the party’s campaign rally in Darazo Local Government Area on Tuesday. PHOTO: NAN

Residents of Mai-duguri, Borno State, on Wednesday ex-

pressed joy following the restoration of power supply after seven months of black-out.

Electricity supply to the state was cut in June 2014 after a suspected insurgency attack on the Damboa power line in Damboa, headquar-ters of Damboa Local Gov-ernment Area of the state.

Aliyu denies begging IBB over deputy’s defectionPRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

Niger State Gover-nor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu,

has denied a report alleg-ing he asked former mili-tary President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Baban-

gida, to beg his deputy and others that dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state to return.

Aliyu, who debunked the report during a cour-tesy visit by the Federa-tion of Advocates for Fair, Credible and Peaceful Election, FAFCPE, led

by elder statesman, Al-haji Tanko Yakasai, noted that “it is not unusual to see politicians decamp-ing during electioneering period, adding that those who have defected have the right to do so.”

He explained that cur-rently he has passed the

level of going to beg IBB or any one on such issue, saying every politician is free to decide which party they want to associate with.

The governor, however, called on politicians not to discriminate or victimise any one for making any

Police arrest 14 for stoning Jonathan’s convoy

JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

Over 2,000 internal-ly displaced per-sons, IDPs, taking

refuge in Jos, Plateau State capital, yesterday received free medical services.

The free medical treat-ment was organised by Tina Bawa Ministries, TBM, a Non-Governmen-tal Organisation, NGO, in partnership with Stephanos Foundation.

National Mirror learnt that the displaced persons, mostly women and children, were those who escaped the Boko Haram onslaught in the north eastern part of the country with their homes and properties destroyed by the insur-gents.

Coordinator of Tina Bawa Ministries, Mrs Tina Bawa, told journal-ists at the camp that she

decision, arguing that pol-itics must be played with-out bitterness between all those participating.

“Fighting within and outside party platforms should be discouraged, re-gardless of who wins, Ni-gerians must understand that the unity of the coun-try remains sacrosanct.”

Aliyu then restated the need for violence-free elec-tions and maintenance of peace as the political ter-rain gets more volatile.

Speaking earlier, Yaka-sai told Aliyu that the group was in the state to stress the need for peace-ful conduct of election in the north.

JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

About 14 people have been arrest-ed by the police

in Katsina State for al-legedly stoning President Goodluck Jonathan’s con-voy on Tuesday evening.

Among those arrested were suspects alleged to have been involved in the burning, tearing and de-struction of posters and billboards belonging to the ruling Peoples Demo-cratic Party, PDP.

Jonathan alongside key PDP leaders had on Tuesday, as part of the president’s campaign rally, visited the mother and other family mem-bers of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, at their family house when youths shouting anti-PDP slogans began to throw stones at them.

Immediately after the party’s campaign rally, several youths poured into the streets, burning and destroying posters be-longing to the PDP.

They also smashed several windscreens of vehicles having stickers or posters of national and state PDP members con-testing various positions.

The situation has made the state capital very tense, with several security personnel de-ployed thereafter in stra-tegic locations to ensure the situation did not esca-late.

But the police said 13 of those allegedly involved in the incident had been arrested and would soon

be charged to court for the offences.

Speaking yesterday to newsmen, Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Hurdi, said all those ar-rested came from Saulawa Quarters, same area the Yar’Adua family house is located.

Hurdi, who was repre-sented by Deputy Com-missioner of Police, Bala Zanci, warned parents to be wary of disgruntled politicians who are out to use their children to cause trouble.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Bamgbade Omowunmi Islamiyyah, now wish to be known and addressed as Bishi Omowunmi Islamiyyah. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Opeoluwa Aderinsola Salau, now wish to be known and addressed as Opeoluwa Aderinsola Oguntimehin. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

SIGNED: BARRISTER O. S. BELLO

PUBLIC NOTICEGOD FOUNDED CHURCH

Notice is hereby given to the general public that the above named Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under Part ‘ C ‘ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990

1. Prophet Adeyeye Sunday Olawale2. Mrs. Adeyeye Dolapo Mary3. Mr. Balogun Jimoh Oluyemi4. Pastor Adeyeye Taiwo Daniel

1. To establish a Church for God. 2. To preach the word of God.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris

Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known, called and addressed as Ekpenga Kingsley Imobhio, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Ogbeide Kingsley Odianosen. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

was moved by the plight of the displaced persons, hence the free medical service.

“We don’t just want to sit down and talk, we want to do something about their condition,” she said, while lament-ing the condition they were facing in the camp.

She appealed to the Federal Government to come to the aid of the IDPs, who are camping in different locations in the state.

According to her, “most of these IDPs don’t have any place they can call home any longer. I am appealing to the Na-tional Emergency Man-agement Agency, NEMA, to come to their aid,” she added.

Also speaking, Coor-dinator of Stephanos Foundation, Mark Lipdo, disclosed that the IDPs camp was opened in Jos to displaced fami-lies from the North East on November 1, 2014, at Zang Secondary Com-mercial School, Bukuru, Jos South Local Govern-ment Council.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that most residents were sur-prised at the sudden return of power after several futile attempts at restoring it by the Federal Government.

Malam Mohammed Jidda, a resident of Jiddari-Polo, said the reconnection came at the right time due to the prevailing cold weather in the state. Mr Ayari James, a resident of Tudun-Wada, supported Jidda’s claim.

“Many people have lost

hope of getting electricity after many promises in the past. But we thank God that the problem has been solved finally,’’ James said, adding that having electricity will also help to enhance secu-rity in the city.

Malam Mustapha Ajari, a resident of Bulumkutu, how-ever, said his area was yet to be reconnected and urged the authorities concerned to expedite action on getting power to all parts of the city.

Reacting, Alhaji Usman

Abubakar, Yerwa District Manager, Yola Electricity Dis-tribution Company, admitted that some parts of the city were yet to get reconnected.

“We have just started after a long period. People should know that it is a gradual process. Some ar-eas have already got recon-nected, while our technical team is working round the clock to ensure that the en-tire city is reconnected in a very short while,’’ Abuba-kar said.

…7 months after

National Mirrorwww.nationalmirroronline.net 51Thursday, January 22, 2015 North

PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

Niger State dep-uty governor, Ahmed Ibeto,

has expressed optimism that by May 29 the All Progressives Congress, APC, will take over ev-ery strata of govern-ment in the state.

Ibeto, who dumped the ruling Peoples Demo-cratic Party, PDP, for the opposition party barely three days ago, stated this at the inauguration of the state’s campaign team of APC governorship can-didate, Abubakar Bello, in Minna. He maintained that the party’s victory at the polls would be based on the goodwill it enjoys in the state.

He assured that APC would deliver the state to its standard bearer, Gen. Muham-madu Buhari (retd), and subsequently win

the governorship, three senatorial seats, 10 Na-tional Assembly slots, and 27 seats of the House of Assembly.

Ibeto, who is current-ly leader of the state’s APC said: “The reason for these are obvious, we have the goodwill, the composition that people will accept. We have the people that are ready to vote our party. And when it is time for local govern-ment election in the state, we will win the 25 coun-cils also.”

He also assured that APC in the state would conduct peaceful cam-paign that would not cause confusion or breakdown of law and order.

“Our party will con-duct our campaign peace-fully because we are sure of victory. It will be de-void of violence, before and even after the elec-tions.”

APC’ll sweep stakes in Niger –Ibeto

MARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA

Nigeria will wait till 2017 before it is certified polio-free

by the World Health Or-ganisation, WHO, it was revealed yesterday.

The country must, how-ever, sustain its interrup-tion of the wild type of the virus, Type One, it re-corded on July 24, 2014, in order to attain the status.

Nigeria is currently one of the three remain-ing endemic countries with the disease globally, others being Pakistan and Afghanistan.

International organ-isations, including Ni-gerian health experts in Abuja yesterday at the 29th meeting of the Ex-pert Review Committee and Routine Immunisa-tion set up by the Federal

Government, said the country must ensure it does not record any case of wild virus between now and 2017 before it can obtain the status. They also said that interrup-tion of the virus is only a step towards certification by the WHO.

Addressing journal-ists yesterday after the meeting, United Nations Children Fund, UNICEF Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr Suomi Sakai, said while lauding efforts of stakeholders in the country: “We still have three more years to go to ensure certifi-cation. If within these years we don’t suffer any more cases of polio, then we are on a good track. But, we are not there yet. I think we need to continue motivating all

community workers, tra-ditional leaders, and pol-iticians to continue their efforts because the goal is possible.”

Similarly, Chairman of ERC, Prof Oyewale Tomo-ri, said there was miscon-ception over interruption of the virus and certify-ing the nation free of the virus.

His words: “The recent information, which has been misinterpreted by the generality of Nigeri-ans that Nigeria would be declared free of polio is not correct. Accord-ing to WHO regulation, we need to be totally free of polio for three years before we are declared polio-free. I think that is what we want to achieve. Polio transmission is just a step in the way. Polio eradication is what we

L-R: Senate President David Mark; his wife, Helen, and Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam, during his visit to Sen. Mark before the PDP Benue South Senatorial campaign flag-off in Otukpo, Benue State.

Gunmen kill 11 in Taraba, scores missing

World Bank earmarks $200m for FADAMA III projects

JUSTIN TYOPUUSU JALINGO

No fewer than 11 bodies were re-covered yester-

day in Kente ward, Wu-kari Local Government Area of Taraba State, when gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen attacked Sontyo village.

The village is less than two kilometres from Kente town, headquar-ters of the ward.

According to a resi-dent, Mark Isha, the attackers invaded the

village early Tuesday, killing many people, some on their farms.

Isha told National Mir-ror on phone that after the attack, a combined team of police and lo-cal villagers combed the area and recovered 11 dead bodies, while many others were reported missing.

“The dead bodies I counted this morning (yesterday) were 11. The search is still on-going. The bodies have started decomposing and we rushed and bur-

ied them after recov-ery,” he said.

The attack came few hours after traditional rulers and council chair-men of the troubled ar-eas converged on Aku Uka of Wukari’s pal-ace on the orders of the state’s Acting Governor, Sani Abubakar Danladi, to find solution to end-ing the crisis and return displaced people to the state.

Sources privy to the meeting in the palace said the representatives of Tiv, Jukun and Fulani

as well as all the tradi-tional rulers and council chairmen agreed to call on their people to em-brace peace and lay down their arms.

Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Super-intendent of Police, ASP, Joseph Kwaji, confirmed the attack, saying that four bodies were recov-ered while four others were still missing.

Kwaji said that of-ficers of the command were trailing the attack-ers and that they would be brought to book.

WALE IBRAHIM LOKOJA

A total of $200 mil-lion has been earmarked for ex-

ecution of FADAMA III projects across six states in Nigeria by the World Bank.

World Bank Task Leader, Abimbola Adubi, disclosed this yesterday during a courtesy call on Governor Idris Wada in Lo-koja, Kogi State.

He was there for the Bank/Federal Govern-ment supervision mission on the implementation of FADAMA III additional financing project in the state.

He said the World Bank is committed to the suc-cess of the projects in the country, adding that the mission was anchored on monitoring, evaluation, review and implementa-tion process by identify-ing challenges and how to overcome them.

“The Crop Processing at Alape is part of additional financing of the project. The key area of production in FADAMA III is produc-tion of cassava, rice, sor-ghum, tomatoes and horti-culture. The six states for the project are Kogi, Lagos,

Niger, Enugu, Anambra and Kano. World Bank will support the project with $200 million,” he said.

Adubi added that for ef-fective disbursement of the fund by the bank, the ben-eficiary states must sign the financing agreement form and return it to the bank through the Federal Government as well as pay their counterpart fund. He added that the World Bank believes that development could be achieved through agriculture.

Governor Wada, in his response, assured that the state will continue to cre-ate the enabling environ-ment to ensure easy access to essential farm inputs and equipment such as fer-tilisers, agro-chemical and tractor services.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Yomi Awoniyi, while as-suring the team of prompt payment of counterpart fund, said they had so far committed N160 million as counterpart fund for im-plementation of FADAMA III project in the state.

He said N56,355,000 has also been paid as counter-part fund for 2014 for effec-tive take-off of FADAMA III additional financing in the state.

Nigeria may attain polio-free status in 2017 –UNICEFare looking for. That will require us to sustain no polio for the next three years.”

He also warned on the country’s handling of the programme: “The issue that we are having what we call compatible polio cases, which means our surveillance has not gone very well, we missed what could have been polio. We need to improve on our surveillance to ensure such compatible cases do not occur.”

Executive Director, NPHCDA, Dr Ado Mo-hammad, said the coun-try made unprecedented progress in its fight against the disease last year, which he noted was “widely commended globally by all stakehold-ers by reducing polio vi-rus to just few cases in 2014.”


Thursday September 4, 2014 53National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net


SportI have no offi cial role at Arsenal at the

moment. But I still go in there and just galvanise the players

–Retired footballer, Thierry Henry

ACL: Pillars get N100m largesse, set for Ghana 54

Rafael Nadal jubiliating after his game yesterday

NFF sends another set of refs to UK...as Pinnick gets more AFCON 2015 roles

erees Committee, Alhaji Yusuf Ahmed Fresh, and the Chair-man of Nigeria Referees Asso-ciation (NRA), Alhaji Ahmed Maude.

Three women are among the 20 arbiters who will undergo a similar exercise to that taken by a team of 10 Nigerian elite referees in a first run of the pro-gramme in December 2014. This second batch will return to the

Reading and Backroom Analy-sis Technique programme in England next month.

Meanwhile, NFF President, Mr. Amaju Pinnick, has been soaring high in his role as Match Commissioner at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Equatorial Guinea.

Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that Pinnick will be the Match

Commissioner for the Group D clash between Cote d’Ivoire and Mali in Malabo this Saturday.

This appointment is coming after he successfully commis-sioned the matches between Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea and Cameroun versus Mali.

Pinnick has also been pen-ciled down to take charge of one of the semi-final matches later at the tournament.

The second batch of Ni-gerian referees to go for capacity enhancing pro-

gramme in the United King-dom, since the inception of the Amaju Pinnick-led NFF Board, will depart the country next Monday.

All the 20 referees have been issued entry visas into the UK, and they will be accompanied by Chairman of the NFF Ref-

country on February 4. The third batch of referees

to benefit from the programme will leave for the United King-dom in April.

In a statement yesterday, the NFF said arrangements have also been concluded for the delegation of 17 highly quali-fied persons, among them ex-internationals and top coaches, to attend a three-week Match

EVEREST ONYEWUCHI

A visibly sick Rafael Nadal overcame his ailing body and an

inspired opponent in Ameri-can Tim Smyczek to add an-other memorable match to his lengthy Melbourne Park list.

Doubled over and strug-gling to stay on court on a day spectatorship rose to 72,954, Nadal showed the substance great fighters are made of.

The Spanish world No.3 never really found his groove, but found a way in a sapping four-hour battle with Smyczek last night.

Nadal had never lost to a qualifier at a major, but Smy-czek was on the verge of be-coming the first, eventually bowing 6-2, 3-6, 6-7(2), 6-3, 7-5.

Bidding to become the first American to down a top-three-ranked player at a major since Andy Roddick sent Andy Mur-ray packing at Wimbledon

It is where he held off Roger Federer in five sets to claim, so far, his only Nor-man Brookes Challenge Cup in 2009.

Yesterday, given the suf-fering he endured to claim the victory, Nadal admitted it was possibly the toughest win he had ever salvaged.

“In terms of feeling bad on the court, yes. Probably yes,” he said. “I was close to not continuing because I felt that I was very dizzy.”

2015:Aussie Open

six years ago, the mismatch on paper would have made this a monumental upset had Smyczek strung just two more games together.

Rod Laver Arena has been the stage of some of the Nad-al’s highest points and cruel-est blows over the years. It is the Grand Slam where luck has often deserted him most – be it injuries or falling short in that epic six-hour-plus de-cider to Novak Djokovic three years ago.

“After the third, fourth, and fifth (sets), I tried to play much more aggressive, with-out running, no running any-more, and try to go for the winners. In terms of physi-cally, at the end of the match I started to feel little bit better.”

There will be some reprieve of sorts for the Spaniard in his next match against World No.106 Dudi Sela, of Israel, who spared him a potential re-match with his 2012 Wimble-don conqueror, Lukas Rosol.

Nadal survives Smyczek scareNadal survives Smyczek scare

54 Sports National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.netThursday, January 22, 2015

JOEL AJAYIABUJA

The Nigeria Crick-et Federation (NCF) yesterday

changed the per-tour-nament plan of the Na-tional Under-19 team in preparation for the Af-rica Under-19 Cricket Championship sched-uled for Tanzania from February 13 and Febru-ary 20.

National Mirror re-ported earlier that the team was earlier sched-uled to travel to Dubai on training tour but it will now proceed to Ke-nya.

NCF spokesman, Musa Ehizoje, said yes-terday that the change was at the instance of the federation’s spon-sor, Dr. John Abebe.

“Our sponsor wants adequate preparation for the national team to enable it gain promo-tion to the World Crick-et League Division Four,” Ehizoje said.

“The date for the per-tournament camp did not change, it’s just the venue that changed and the NCF will now spon-sor it with Dr. Abebe supporting.”

National Mirror learnt, however, that Nigeria might host the Cricket World Cup fol-lowing the country’s inclusion as one of the bidders.

ABDULGAFAR OLADIMEJIKANO

Kano State government has approved N100mil-lion to Kano Pillars

FC to prosecute the 2014 CAF Champions League campaign.

Vice Chairman of the Con-tinental Campaign Committee, Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima, who disclosed this to National Mir-ror in Kano yesterday, said the fund would help the committee to execute the team’s prepara-tion for the continental compe-

Following their pedigree in Africa, host Egypt and Nigeria are top seeds for

the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Africa Senior Championships which serves off in Cairo tomorrow.

The draw for the team events of the championship, whose seeding confirmed the superi-ority of Nigeria and Egypt in Africa, also holds today at the same venue.

In the seeding list released by the Africa Table Tennis Fed-eration (ATTF), Egypt, which is the highest ranked African country in the world, is seed-ed number one in men’s team event while it is also seeded number one in the women di-vision as well.

Despite the rise of Nigeria’s Aruna Quadri in the world rat-

tition.Pillars are camped in Ka-

duna from where they will proceed to Accra, Ghana on February 2 for further camp-ing and engage in a number of friendly games with local sides that include Liberty Pro-fessionals and Accra Hearts of Oak.

“We have secured the ser-vices of eleven players, among who are Tony Ojomorogbe, Godspower Tower from Akwa United, and Abubakar Ali from Nasarawa United.

ing, however Egypt still holds the ace in the continent.

In the men’s seeding, other seeded teams among the 19 countries expected at the tour-nament are Congo Brazzaville, Algeria, Togo, Libya, Camer-oun and Congo DRC for the men’s event.

Egyptian players dominated the singles event with the trio of El-Sayed Lashin, Omar As-sar and Ahmed Saleh seeded in top three while Nigeria’s Quadri is fourth on the seed-ing list.

In the women’s category, Congo Brazzaville’s Han Xing tops, while Egypt’s trio of Dina Meshref, Nadeed El-Dawlatly and Farah Abdel-Aziz.

Other top seed players are Nigeria’s duo of Offiong Edem and Funke Oshonaike.

Messi rivalry thrills RonaldoU-19 Cricket: NCF changes team’s plan

ITTF Seniors: Nigeria, Egypt get top seeding

ACL: Pillars get N100m largesse, set for Ghana

“I’m sure that the competi-tion between us is a motivating factor for him too,” Ronaldo said yesterday.

“It’s good for me, for him and for other players who are keen to grow.

Despite his 36 goals and 17 as-sists in 30 matches thus far this season, the Ronaldo says he is still trying to better his game.

“I’m currently trying to im-prove my left foot, my accelera-tion and my direct free kicks,” the 29-year-old said, adding, “Working on my game is my guide. I sleep well, I eat well and I look for perfection too. “

Real Madrid forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, is en-joying his rivalry with

counterpart Lionel Messi, say-ing it is good for world football.

The recently-crowned Bal-lon d’Or winner scooped the coveted prize for the third time in his career, leaving him one behind perennial rival Messi, with the duo having won all of the last seven Ballon d’Or tro-phies between them.

The pair are constantly scru-tinised and compared, yet Ron-aldo believes this is a motivat-ing factor for him which is good for the beautiful game.

Gambo Mohammed

Ronaldo

Danagogo

Quadri

National Mirrorwww.nationalmirroronline.net 55Thursday, January 22, 2015 Sports

Bafana Bafana midfielder, Dean Furman, says the team must be more ruthless in at-

tack when it faces Senegal in the group game tomorrow.

Bafana lost their Group C opener 3-1 to Algeria on Monday, having missed a penal-ty, scored an own-goal and struck the wood-work against Africa’s top ranked side.

The Teranga Lions beat four-time con-

Co t e d’Ivoire captain,

Yaya Toure, has saluted the

impact of substi-tute striker Sey-dou Doumbia, who scored an

equaliser in the 1-1 draw with Guin-

ea on Tuesday.The CSKA Moscow forward

netted with a clinical finish in the 72nd minute, cancelling out Mohamed Yattara Jr’s first-half

tinental champion Ghana 2-1 in their first match and are second in the table.

“We have to lift our heads and go for a win and that’s all we need. The good thing is that we played some outstanding football out there but we are just very disappointed not to come out with a win,” Furman said.

“We really played very well but did not convert our chances, something we will have to rectify before we meet Senegal.”

opener.“Doumbia coming in made the

difference,” Toure said yesterday.“We always knew that AFCON

was not an easy tournament. We have been a bit clumsy in the first half but we had a good reaction,” he added.

“We have 23 quality players and I hope that the next game will go our way as we still have a chance to qualify.

“We had to react and change something tactically. I am con-vinced that even at 10 against 11 we had the means to win this match.”

Furman unveils ‘attack’ option

Judge us not yet –Renard

Edojo-Owono bids time

Furman

Renard

Doumbia gets Toure’s plaudit

AFCON 2015 Cote d’Ivoire Coach, Herve

Renard, believes that the point against Guinea is

not a true reflection of who will advance to the next stage of this Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Equatorial Guinea.

This follows after his side made a comeback after trailing to claim a 1-1 draw in their open-ing Group D match on Tuesday evening.

He admitted that the Ele-phants were not clinical, but he still has hope that they will ad-vance to the next round.

“We gave them the first goal with a communication gap in

Black Stars of Ghana got a timely injury boost yesterday ahead of

their crucial game against Algeria tomorrow with the return of captain Asamoah Gyan to full training.

The Al Ain star, who missed the opening Group C defeat to Senegal on Monday due to illness, proved a missing link as the Black Stars threw away an early lead to lose 2-1 to the Teran-ga Lions.

Gyan did some light shake up with the team on Tuesday at a session which was closed to the media and the public.

The 29-year-old is expected to return to full-scale training with the side in the coming days ahead of the game against Algeria.

Ghana is desperate for a win following their opening group defeat to Senegal to resurrect its campaign in Equatorial Guinea.

The West Africans face an ear-ly exit if they fail to secure the desired result against the North Africans.

Equatorial Guinea’s vet-eran, Juvenal Edojo-Owo-no, yesterday said he will

wait for his first-team chance at the 2015 AFCON after he led Nzalang Nacional past the group stage three years ago.

The Andorra-based player sat out his team’s opening 1-1 draw with Congo at the weekend and he said he is not worried he is playing a relegated role at this tournament.

“We have many good young players and the coach decides what is best for us,” the 36-year old, who made his international debut in 2003, said.

our defence,” the Frenchman said.

He said the team outclassed its opponent, despite the loss of Gervinho to red card.

“I was convinced that even at 10 against 11 we had the means to win the match,” h e added.

Gyan boosts Ghana camp

Seydou Doumbia

Zambia vs Tunisia

Cape Verde vs RD Congo

Today’s Matches

E’Guinea 1 1 Burkina Faso

Gabon 0 1 Congo

Results

Vol. 05 No. 1032 Thursday, January 22, 2015 N150

WORLD RECORD

The largest human centipede consisted of 2,961 people in an event at Ratchaborikanukro School, Ratchaburi, Thailand on 16

June 2010.

Largest human centipede

Printed and Published by Global Media Mirror Ltd: Head Offi ce: Mirror House, 155/161 Broad Street, Lagos Tel: 07027107407, Abuja Offi ce: NICON Insurance House, Second Floor, Central Business District Area, Abuja Tel: 08070428249, Advert hotline: 01-8446073, Port-Harcourt Offi ce: Suite 115, NICON Hotel, 6, Benjamin Opara Street, Off Olusegun Obasanjo Rd, GRA Phaze 3, Phone: 07032323254 Email: [email protected].

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Isn’t it disheartening that while the na-tion is upbeat that the year 2015 would witness positive political and economic

developments with the citizens deter-mined to assert their rights at the poll in February, the country’s Air Traffic Con-trollers (ATCs) are singing a discordant tune and threatening the peace and safety we have been enjoying in the skies?

They are fouling the breezy atmosphere of the new year of hope with their call for a strike by their members.

Referring to what they call the “insen-sitivity” of their employers, Nigerian Air-space Management Agency (NAMA) to the professional and welfare matters concern-ing the ATCs, the group declared its inten-tion to withdraw its services indefinitely from 0000 UTC on Monday, January 19, 2015.

The ATCs declared: “We regret to ex-press our grievances on the lack of the recognition of the long-standing sacrifices

and display of patriotism by Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers being among the prime professionals in the aviation industry at keeping the Nigerian airspace safe despite various challenges being faced in carrying out the safety critical functions. Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers are no doubt among the most efficient professionals the Nige-rian aviation industry can boast of.

Air Navigation Service Provision (ANSP) in Nigeria and world over revolves around the Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs). It is no gainsaying that ATCs are the arrow-heads of air safety since ANSP is primar-ily the provision of Air Traffic Services. The unfortunate working conditions of Air Traffic Controllers include but not limited to inadequate and delayed statutory train-ings for more than two years, inconclusive trainings spanning up to 4 years since the commencement of the trainings, excessive workloads due to inadequate manpower, incessant equipment failures, exposure to various health hazards, poor remuneration and inadequate working tools.”

Professionals do have an inalienable right to protest perceived marginalisation especially if it would compromise and un-dermine their integrity and consequently impact negatively on the nation. This is critically so if their role is a strategic one as in the case of the Air Traffic Controllers. They play a pivotal role in ensuring safe avionics in the society.

For even if you have well-built airports, soundly maintained aircraft manned by the best trained and experienced pilots, with highly motivated ground and back-

room staff, you would still need ATCs as much as a ship’s captain requires a com-pass to navigate the seas.

Now it is this that makes NAMA to ac-knowledge the centrality of the functions of the ATCs to make it bend over backwards several times to accede to their insatiable palate. As it is, the ATCs are about the only group within NAMA that have enjoyed the status of a pampered baby. They are now known as the Oliver Twists of the system.

For instance in addition to the statu-tory funds that go the ATCs in the form of enhanced wages and allowances which are unique to them to reflect their contri-bution to air safety, NAMA has ensured a seamless training package all-round the year for the controllers both at home and

Sport Extra

While the world waits on pound-for-pound pugi-list Floyd Mayweather

Jnr to agree to a May 2 fight with Filipino Manny Pacquiao, the latter yesterday took to Twitter again to persuade his adversary to commit to the fight.

Pacquiao, however, says he is

willing to move on should the un-defeated champion fail to agree to the bout date.

“My promoter and I have al-ready agreed to Floyd’s terms and conditions and we are just wait-ing on the signed contract from him,” Pacquiao said yesterday.

“That’s the hard part if they will fight or not. We have to know soon, because if they will not fight, we can move on and choose another opponent. We have a deadline this month.”

It also appears the yet unre-solved issue would be how cable

Boxing: Boxing: Pacquaio makes Weather appeal for title boutPacquaio makes Weather appeal for title bout

Pacquaio

AbanAlaba

Guest Columnist

Air Traffi c Controllers: Back to seasonal blackmail

PROFESSIONALS DO HAVE AN INALIENABLE RIGHT TO PROTEST PERCEIVED

MARGINALISATION ESPECIALLY IF IT

WOULD COMPROMISE AND UNDERMINE

THEIR INTEGRITY AND CONSEQUENTLY IMPACT

NEGATIVELY ON THE NATION

networks HBO and Showtime will be able to both broadcast the fight.

Mayweather, 37, hasn’t lost a fight in his professional career. He is 47-0, with 26 knockouts. Pacquiao is 57-5-2, with 38 knock-outs.

abroad.Following the deployment of the sophis-

ticated Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) technology in Nigeria, the bulk of funds for training NAMA staff went to the ATCs. There is profuse record to attest to this.

His successors Alhaji Ibrahim Auyo, Mazi Nnamdi Udoh and incumbent En-gineer Ibrahim Abdulsalam have all sus-tained the budget tempo (if not surpassing it) of kitting the ATCs to enable them be at par with their international counterparts.

The agency did issue a well-publicised statement on the training the Agency gives the ATCs. It said: “In its efforts to make Nigerian Airspace safer, the Nigerian Air-space Management Agency (NAMA) has successfully trained 30 Air Traffic Con-trollers on Area Radar Control within two months. Relevant training documents of the affected personnel are being submit-ted to the regulatory agency Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority [NCAA] for further en-dorsement. The training which took place at the Pan American International Flight Academy in Miami, USA was carried out in two batches with each segment lasting for four weeks.”Those who benefited have also admitted their gains.

The leader of a batch that arrived from the USA, Nelson Nwachukwu said that their practical experience abroad would help them brace for the emerging challeng-es of Air Traffic Services in the country and also compete with their counterparts in the world. He added that with the training, safe-ty would be enhanced with airlines getting better services from NAMA.

Sometime ago when the ATCs were on their seasonal warpath with NAMA over the same claims of Agency insensitivity and welfare concerns along with allegations of ill-equipped avionics systems, the respected Airline Operators of Nigeria were forced to refute the charges and hail the efforts of NAMA. Its chairman Dr. Steve Mahonwu put the issues in objective perspectives when he issued a press statement offering unalloyed support for NAMA.

Aban Alaba is a Public Affairs ana-lyst in Lagos.

Documents

Thursday, january 22, 2015