Thursday, april 2, 2015 new by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

OPS, bankers predict bright economic prospect

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Thursday , April 2, 2015

Tafewa Bale wa

Square, Lago s

Election: Businesses resume on Lagos Island

…set agenda for President-elect OUR CORRESPONDENTS Bello

Vol. 5 3 N0. 1082 657

agos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, yesterday described the election

of Gen. Muhammed Buhari as desirable for the nation’s economic growth in the CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

INSIDE

121-year-old Shitta-Bey mos que

>48

Easter: Trade rs lament low sales

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Again, À gut s Balogun re market shops

P.47 >10

Thursday, April July 4, 2, 2015 2013

N150

I’ll never take Nigerians for granted –Buhari P PAUL ARHEWE, OMEIZA AJAYI AND ROTIMI FADEYI

Gets certificate of return

Obama, world leaders congratulate Nigeria

resident-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday received his Certificate of Return, pledging never to take the aspirations of Nigerians for granted.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Celebrations claim lives in Niger, Gombe P.12

INSIGHT

Public Service:

FG moves to eradicate age falsification P.38

L-R: Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega; wife of the President-elect, Hajia Aisha Buhari (3rd left); Vice President-elect, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, displaying their certificates of return at the National Conference Centre, Abuja, yesterday.

Fire causes panic at Lagos airport

Bayelsa declares N2.8bn surplus for Jan 2015 P.50

CBN issues new guidelines on Mobile Money Services P.7

Dickson

Police parade Ondo robbery suspect, ring leader

P.2 P.50

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Thursday, April 2, 2015

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Fire causes panic at Lagos airport OLUSEGUN KOIKI

or the second time in five months, a major fire outbreak has occurred at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos causing massive panic to air travellers. The fire incident, which started at few minutes to 2.00p.m yesterday, our correspondent learnt emanated from the ceiling of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, situated within the terminal. But, the spokesman for NDLEA, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, who confirmed the incident said that the inferno, which enveloped the major parts of the terminal did not emanate from its office. Also, the General Manager, Corporate Communications, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN,

Mr. Yakubu Dati, in a press statement, described the fire incident as minor. A source close to FAAN, told our correspondent that the fire outbreak was allegedly caused by one of the cables inside the ceiling of the NDLEA. It started from the E-Wing of the terminal. No fewer than five fire service trucks from the Lagos State Government and FAAN were on hand to put out the fire. Our correspondent, who was at the terminal observed that all the staff of offices located in all the floors from the ground arrival hall, the departure hall and the first to third floors scampered for safety and moved outside their offices, while some were seen outside. Besides, due to the closeness of the NDLEA office to the airside, the firemen could not put off the inferno through the frontage of the

terminal and had to drive straight to the airside to combat the raging fire. Another source attrib-

uted the incident to recent wielding activities that took place within the terminal during the time of Princess

Stella Oduah as the Minister of Aviation without the supervision of FAAN technical staff.

The source told our correspondent that the fire outbreak started mildly, but CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

President Goodluck Jonathan (middle); Chief Observer, EU Election Observer Mission, Mr. Santiago Fisas (3rd left); Minister of State For Foreign Affairs I, Nicholas Ada (3rd right) and other members of the delegation after submitting their preliminary report to President Jonathan at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: STATE HOUSE

I’ll never take Nigerians for granted –Buhari CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

The certificate was presented to him at exactly 2:36p.m by Chief Electoral Commissioner and Returning Officer for the Presidential Election, Prof. Attahiru Jega. The president-elect sauntered into the hall at exactly 2.13p.m, sandwiched between Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and the Chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun. He said although mistakes would be made; they would not be deliberate ones. “Mistakes will be made but we shall never take you for granted. Our errors shall be one of compassion and not to punish you,” he pledged. The law requires that the winner of an election be issued a certificate of return attesting that such person has been duly elected to the particular office. At the brief ceremony, which lasted barely 34 minutes, Buhari said he felt truly honoured and humbled that Nigerians have entrusted him with the office. “Change has finally come. Your votes have changed our national destiny for the good of all Nigerians,” he added.

On the issue of terrorism, the president-elect conceded that though defeating terrorism was by no means a simple issue, he however sent a clear message to the Boko Haram insurgents to stop testing the will of the Nigerian people. “Boko Haram will soon know the strength of our collective will. We shall spare no effort until we defeat terrorism,” he said. He said Nigerians can soon go to bed knowing that they are in safe hands. “You are all my people and I shall treat everyone as my own. I shall work for those who voted for me, those who voted against me and even for those who did not vote at all,” Buhari added. He promised that his government will wage war against corruption, urging Nigerians to support him to succeed. He also paid glowing tributes to those who lost their lives or got injured during the whole period of electioneering up till yesterday. He appealed to his supporters not to engage in wild jubilation but to celebrate his victory with prayers and sober reflection. The president-elect also promised to ensure that democracy and the rule of law

is established in the land. While he lauded President Goodluck Jonathan for his exemplary display of statesmanship, Buhari said despite the rancour of the elections, he has extended a hand of friendship and reconciliation to the president and his team, saying, he harbours no ill-will towards anyone. He described Jonathan as a great Nigerian, who deserves the support of Nigerians and as well as their eternal respect. According to him, and his members would soon be meeting with the president to discuss how the two teams can ensure a smooth transition. He also thanked all former leaders of the country for their contributions to national development. “Let us put the past, especially the recent past behind us. We must forget our past grievances and forge ahead. I assure you that our government is one that will listen and embrace all,” he said. While promising that everyone will be protected by the law, he was however quick to add that no one is above the law. “There shall no longer be a ruling party again. APC shall be your governing party. We shall never rule over

the people as if they were subservient to government. Our long night has passed and the daylight of new democratic governance has broken over the land. This is not a victory for me. It is a victory for all Nigerians,” he said. Earlier, Prof. Jega had lauded Nigerians for their support for the electoral process. He however called for more reform and improvement of the electoral process. “It is important to do this to enhance good governance and deepen democracy in our country,” he stated. Meanwhile, world leaders have been praising the country on the peaceful outcome of the election. United States President, Barack Obama sent his warmth greetings to Nigerians and their leaders over the peaceful conduct of the polls. The US leader gave accolades to the matured and statesmanlike manner in which President Jonathan has accepted defeat. Obama also congratulated the president-elect, assuring that the US would work with the new government after inauguration on May 29. Obama said: “The last

few days have shown the world the strength of Nigeria’s commitment to democratic principles. By turning out in large numbers and sometimes waiting all day to cast their votes, Nigerians came together to decide the future of their country peacefully. “I commend President Goodluck Jonathan and President-elect Muhammadu Buhari for their public commitments to non-violence throughout the campaign. “President Jonathan has placed his country’s interests first by conceding the election and congratulating President-Elect Buhari on his victory. “I look forward to working with President Jonathan throughout the remainder of his term, and I thank him for his many years of service and his statesmanlike conduct at this critical juncture. “I urge President-Elect Buhari and President Jonathan to repeat their calls to their supporters to continue to respect the election outcomes, focus on unifying the country, and together lead Nigeria through a peaceful transition.” Obama also appreciated the effectiveness and fairness of INEC and its Chair-

man, Attahiru Jega. He said Jega and the commission “deserve special recognition for what independent international observers have deemed a largely peaceful and orderly vote. French President, Mr. François Hollande also joined Obama in congratulating Gen. Buhari on his election as Nigeria’s next president. Hollande, in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday by the French embassy in Nigeria, welcomed the commitment of Nigerians and the professionalism exhibited by INEC in the conduct of the polls. According to the statement, the French President will speak with Buhari today as France intends to continue its cordial relationship with Nigeria. “France continues to stand with Nigeria to uphold democratic values, fight against terrorism and promote economic partnership between the two countries,’’ it said. The European Union, EU, has also congratulated Gen. Buhari. The EU High Representative/Vice-President, Federica Mogherini was quoted CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

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Thursday, April 2, 2015

Photo News

L-R: National Secretary, APC, Mr. Fidelis Tumza; National Chairman, Chief John Oyegun; a party stalwart, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu; Rivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi; his Borno counterpart, Kashim Shettima; former Ekiti State Governor, Niyi Adebayo; President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and National Publicity Secretary of APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, during Buhari’s postelection speech in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

L-R: Governors Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto) and Sen. Bukola Saraki, during presentation of certificate of return to the president-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, by INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Thursday, April 2, 2015

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Vice president-elect, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (left) and President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, delivering his acceptance speech, after receiving certificate of return from INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

APC supporters celebrating after the presentation of certificate of return to president-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, by INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, yesterday.

L-R: Hon. Demola Kasumu; All Progressives Congress Woman Leader, South West, Chief Mrs. Kemi Nelson; Princess Bola Kazeem; Director of Buhari/Osinbajo Campaign for Lagos, Hon. Biodun Faleke and former Chairman of Mushin Local Government, Mr. Babatunde Adepitan, during a ‘thank-you Nigerians’ celebration in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

APC supporters celebrating victory of the president-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, in Bauchi, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

APC supporters celebrating the victory of presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, in Ado-Ekiti, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

APC supporters celebrating the victory of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, In Lafia, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

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Thursday, April 2, 2015

OPS, Bankers predict bright economic prospect CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

years ahead. However, President of the Chamber, Alhaji Remi Bello, in a statement yesterday noted that as salutary as the success of the elections appeared, the incoming government would have to brace up for major challenges in order to urgently reposition the economy on the path of growth. According to the Chamber, some of the problems requiring urgent attention include, the tumbling oil price, high cost of doing business, erratic power supply, fiscal leakages and wastes in government, insecurity, and unfavourable tax regime among others. Bello specifically noted that the plummeting oil price and the impact on the fiscal outlook presented a significant challenge to the incoming administration, adding that there is an urgent need to address the fundamentals of the high cost of doing business and low productivity, which could be ascribed to macroeconomic factors, institutional chal-

lenges and structural issues. He stated: “It is therefore critical to manage expectations at this time. The outlook for many macroeconomic indicators is not bright with foreign reserves dropping below $30bn and persistent pressure on the naira exchange rate. “Meanwhile, the success of the presidential election will definitely mitigate the anxiety and uncertainty that characterised the business environment before the elections. In his reaction, a seasoned banker and former President of Chartered Institute of Banker of Nigeria, CIBN, Mazi Okechukwu Unegbu, described the election as a boost to Nigeria’s global image, adding that the immediate fallout of the elections portended great prospects for improved investments in the nation’s economy. Unegbu said: “Today is a great day. Indeed Goodluck Jonathan has shown that he is a great Nigerian. Nigeria will begin to see real investment now that the election

has been conducted peacefully. I have even started getting calls from foreign investors since they heard that Jonathan has congratulated Muhammadu Buhari. While also lauding the outcome of the election, the Director General, Textile Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, TMAN, Mr. Jaiyeola Olanrewaju, charged the new government to be more proactive in restructuring the nation’s economy. The National President of Oil and Gas Service Providers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Colman Obasi, said he was sure the Presidentelect would deliver on his promises during his campaign that he would stabilise operations of the petro carbon resources industry. “Buhari is not new in the industry as he has been deeply involved in the past.

He is very familiar with the workings of the industry and institutions, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, and Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR. “I believe the stabilisation he talked about may mean the reorganisation of NNPC, DPR and other establishments. It may also mean the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, which could not be passed after so many years,” he said. Obasi maintained that Buhari may also initiate some positive reforms in the maintenance of the refineries as well as importation of petroleum products, adding that he believes that the new president would be able to fix these and other challenges in the industry. A Port Harcourt-based

energy analyst, Mr. Bala Zaka, said Buhari would likely succeed as he has contacts with technocrats in Nigeria and overseas to assist in the realisation of his vision. Group Chairman, Programos Software Limited, Emmanuel Amos, expressed optimism of a positive trend at the stock market following the results of the elections. Amos, a software developer, said that the value of the Naira, which is just one of the many casualties of the economy, will also experience a positive outlook as the capital market reopens. According to him, positive economic outlook will definitely bring about favourable changes in foreign exchange market and others with the implications for broadening the base of

the growth in the economy. Reacting to the outcome of the election, Maritime stakeholders called for a massive infrastructure upgrade. President of National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, NCMDLCA, Mr. Lucky Amiwero, in his reaction, said that nothing short of massive upgrade of road infrastructure would be good for the industry. He also called for a review of Nigeria’s cargo processing method, arguing that the current practice where the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, focuses on revenue generation instead of security and trade facilitation does not conform to international best practices.

Fire causes panic at Lagos airport CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

later increased at an alarming rate when it could not be contained early. The source said: “You can see that we have been having series of fire incidents at the terminal in recent time. I can tell you authoritatively that these fire incidents occurred because of some jobs carried out at the terminal by some contractors given some remodeling to carry out without the supervision of FAAN technical staff and anyone of them that tried to ask questions then were threatened with sack or redeployment. “The fire incident primarily affected most floors of the terminal and it started from the ceiling of NDLEA office at the terminal.” Ofoyeju in a telephone interview with our correspondent denied the fact that the fire incident emanated from its office at the terminal. He however confirmed that the inferno affected parts of its office within the terminal, but said none of its documents or other working materials was destroyed. He said: “The fire did not originate from our office, but it is just that it affected

a part of our office. We don’t have any major thing in that office; it is just a working office where we take people to for examination and others. “There are no drugs or files in that office and I can confirm to you that none of our items is affected. I learnt the fire started as a result of cables from the ceilings.” Dati in his statement confirmed that the fire started at the “E” arrival wing at about 1.13p.m. Dati stated that the smoke was quickly traced to some offices at the E wing on the ground floor by a combined team of FAAN’s electrical engineers and fire officers. “Investigations have commenced to ascertain the cause of the fire. The authority wishes to assure the traveling public and other airport users that there was no immediate danger to anyone as a result of the incident, neither did it affect flight operations at the terminal,” he added It would be recalled that about five months ago, a similar fire incident erupted from the terminal and caused serious disruption to work and activities at the airport.

The airside of the burnt Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday.

I’ll never take Nigerians for granted –Buhari CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

in a statement by Mr. Modestus Chukwulaka, its Public Affairs Officer as saying by holding successful elections, Nigerian had shown how democracy could work. Mogherini said that the tribute of the election went to all Nigerians who participated in the elections. Also, the EU Election Observer Mission yesterday described President Jonathan as a good example to the world for accepting the result of the presidential election. Head of the EU Observer Mission, Santiago Fisas spoke when he led a delegation to the Presidential Villa

to present an interim report on the March 28 election to the president. He said: “The elections are so important for the people of Nigeria, but it is an African example for all Africa and countries in the world. “You know many people didn’t expect that the elections will be peaceful, they expected a lot of violence after the elections but it turned out not to be true. “Also, I congratulate President Jonathan but I would like to congratulate Nigerian people because they showed a lot of commitment to that election. Former Prime Minister and UK envoy to the Middle

East, Tony Blair, applauded Nigerians for the peaceful poll. He also praised both Buhari and Jonathan for contributing to the democratic process in the country. Also, African businessman and founder Mo Ibrahim Foundation, Mr. Mo Ibrahim lauded the peaceful presidential election. He words: “The news from Nigeria today is wonderful. Africa’s largest country has concluded a peaceful election process. “Furthermore, the incumbent has already gracefully conceded and congratulated his successor – a first for Nigeria and a benchmark

for other African countries to follow. “Today, we Africans are all proud of Nigeria and President Jonathan. “Thank you Mr. President. If you are seeking a legacy, you have definitely achieved it.” Meanwhile, First Lady, Patience Jonathan, has congratulated Hajia Aisha, wife of Gen. Buhari. In a statement issued yesterday by her Media Assistant, Ayo Adewuyi, the First Lady appealed to Nigerian women to work with Hajia Aisha Buhari and give her the maximum support to make her succeed in her new assignment.

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Thursday, April 2, 2015

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Poll result: PDP govs commend Jonathan …assure of victory in April 11 poll ROTIMI FADEYI

ABUJA

overnors on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have commended President Goodluck Jonathan for his statesmanship and sacrificial decision to accept the result of the March 28 presidential election. Speaking with State House Correspondents

after the governors met with Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio, said the PDP remains the party that has maintained peace and refrained from violence in spite of anomalies witnessed during the election. According to Akpabio, the PDP remains undaunted, the party would record victory in the gubernatorial election

scheduled for April 11. Akpabio said: “As governors, we came to show solidarity with our president and to commend him for being a statesman. “He (Jonathan) has done something no African leader has done in such a flawed exercise, with under-aged voters everywhere, and disparity between states. “Some using card readers, some failed card

readers, some using manual and some states not using manual and some just taking ballot papers to government houses, particularly in certain parts of the country. “It was a very flawed exercise; yet he looked at it and said in spite of it all I want to ensure peace, unity and stability of the country, let me give opportunity to the APC presidential candidate to come in and then give his own to the country” “That kind of sacrifi-

cial stand by a president can only come from a PDP president and that is why we are very proud of what has happened,” Akpabio said. The meeting with the governors came shortly after former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari, received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as winner of the March 28 presidential election. Jonathan, who was defeated by Buhari in the election, had congratulated the former Head of State on his victory at the poll. The PDP governors who met with Jonathan yesterday at the Presidential Villa included Akpabio (Akwa Ibom); Theodore Orji (Abia); Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa) and Liyel Imoke (Cross River). Also at the meeting

were Idris Wada (Kogi); Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta); Martin Elechi (Ebonyi); Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe); Murktar Yero (Kaduna); Jonah Jang (Plateau); Sullivan Chime (Enugu). Some ministers, who also met with the President were Dr. Akinwumi Adesina (Agriculture); Ibrahim Shekarau (Education); Musiliu Obanikoro (State, Foreign Affairs II); Professor Viola Onwuliri (State, Education); Mohammed Adoke (Attorney General); Abba Moro (Interior); Aminu Wali (Foreign Affairs) and Suleiman Abubakar (National Planning). A group of female ministers were also at the Presidential Villa, they included Zainab Maina (Women Affairs); Omobola Johnson (Communication Technology); Sarah Ochekpe (Water Resources); Laraba Mallam (Environment); Akon Eyakenyi (Land and Housing).

We’ve fought a good fight -Fani-Kayode OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, consecrating the Holy Eucharist during the Catholic Chrism Mass in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Buhari’s victory, triumph for doggedness, perseverance –IBB PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

ormer Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has described the victory of the president- elect, General Muhammadu Buhari in Saturday’s presidential election as a triumph for doggedness, perseverance and triumph for democracy. Babangida, who stated this in Minna, while speaking with journalists said Buhari contested for the position thrice and lost, yet he did not give up. “He contested this election three, four times, he never give up. He continued to have faith and continued to believe that

he has something to offer this country and God in His infinite wisdom has made that belief to happen. So, I think it is a credit for democracy.” He hailed the statesmanship spirit displayed by the outgoing president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, for not only conceding defeat, but personally congratulated General Buhari, saying with such singular act, he had written his name in gold as the first African leader to concede defeat outright. He said: “I say he must be a posture of a good leader that I know for calling his opponent to congratulate him even before the actual announcement of the final result.” The former military

leader also expressed confidence in the ability of the new president-elect in taking the country to greater heights with a lot of experience, having once served in similar capacity Speaking on the high expectation of Nigerians on the president-elect, he said: “I agree that the general public have a lot of expectations and I think this is as a result of the fact that the people have been with a particular government or a particular party for a very long time. Naturally, Nigerians are human beings and human beings have the tendency to want a change, so if anybody comes up to offer change, you should expect that there will be

a lot of expectations from the public. “The expectations no doubt are high and he has a lot of experience and I know he will give his best with good people around him and they will be able to meet some of the expectations of the people. “Fortunately, we have established a culture in Nigeria for a long time and that seems to be working because when the president requires a broader view, he calls for a Council of State meeting and when he requires a narrower view, all of us are available and he could call any one of us who has a particular experience on a particular matter. We are always willing to offer ourselves,” he said.

eoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Organisation has said its candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan, fought a good fight even as it insists that the campaign never abused anyone. In its first official response since the declaration of All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, as winner of the poll, the campaign organisation reechoed the president’s show of sportsmanship when he congratulated the presidentelect by calling him on phone. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja, Director, Media and Publicity of the organisation, Femi Fani-Kayode, congratulated Buhari on his victory at the poll. He asked Nigerians to support the incoming administration as well as support democratic process and agitate for a better Nigeria. The organisation, he stressed, is very proud of the achievements of the president. He said: “We ask them to

co-operate with the in-coming government and to remember that we are first and foremost Nigerians before anything else.” On whether PDP would seek legal redress, he declined comment, saying while he would not speak on behalf of the party, it has every right to go to court if it deems it fit. “Having lost, it does not mean that is the end to the world, it just means we need to re-group, re-organise ourselves and begin the process all over again, because another election will come in a few years time. And that is where we are today. We have conceded that we have lost. We acknowledge the fact that we fought a good fight. “We do not have any fears about the future. We did the right thing during the campaign. We have no regrets about our candidate or the way in which we conducted our campaign and we will live to fight another day. “I had nothing personal against anybody. I was simply doing my job for which I have no regrets and I wish them well, and I sincerely hope they will take Nigeria to a level that we can all be proud of,” he said.

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Thursday, April 2 , 2015

crucial in managing Easter: FAAN advises air travellers Nutrition HIV/AIDS –Nutritionist to use passengers’ portal A

he Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN yesterday advised intending air passengers to take advantage of the Passengers Service Portal, PSP, before embarking on their trips for Easter holidays. The authority’s General Manager, Corporate Communication, Mr Yakubu Dati, said this in an interview with aviation correspondents at the Murtala

Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos. He said this would ensure seamless trip to their various destinations. According to him, intending passengers could get necessary information such as airline delays, ontime departures and flight cancellations at www.aviationportal.com.ng. Dati said the authority had put in place measures to ensure hitch-free pas-

senger movement ahead of the Easter celebration. He also cautioned passengers not to carry on board prohibited items such as liquids and inflammable items. The general manager stressed that such items must be checked in, adding that failure to do so would attract seizure at check-in points. Dati further advised travellers embarking on

international trips to approach the screening points as soon as they checked in, to avoid delays. He advised them to secure their luggage, adding that security agents would destroy any luggage left unattended. Dati said that FAAN, in line with the minister’s directive, had concluded plans to eliminate touting at airports across the country.

This is Nigeria’s finest moment, says Tinubu

hief Bola Tinubu, National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has described the victory of the party’s presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, as Nigeria’s finest moment in its political history. “It is a moment when hope is re-born, faith is re-

kindled and a fresh fire of patriotism is released for the task ahead,’’ Tinubu said in a statement by his media office on Wednesday in Lagos. He congratulated Buhari, Nigeria’s Presidentelect, on his “hard won victory.” “I salute our gallant par-

ty leaders and members for running the long distance to victory. “To millions of Nigerians, I say this; the APC seeks not power for its sake, but for the purpose of bringing a better life to our people and re-building our country. “This is also democra-

New pension scheme: Retirees to register with NUP

igerian Union of Pensioners, NUP, has called on pensioners who retired under the new Contributory Pension Scheme, CPS, to register with the association and show interest in union matters. National President of the association, Dr Abel Afolayan, made the call while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Abuja on Wednesday. Afolayan said it was important for retirees under the new contributory pension scheme to identify with the association, given the challenges encoun-

tered by pensioners in the country. He said that the inability of many pensioners under the new scheme to join the association would impede the smooth presentation of their grievances to the relevant authorities. He said the association was a veritable platform for pensioners in the country to present and champion issues that pertained to their welfare. “Actually the contributory pensioners have not been fully unionised with us. So, what we are doing is to completely get them to join us. “They should identify

with us as a union and mother body, to fight their cause,’’ he added. The NUP president said the association had communicated in writing to all the state branches in the country to ensure that all pensioners were integrated as members of the association. He said although some of the retirees were meeting on different platforms, there was need for them to formally join a recognised union in the country. He said the full identification of the retirees would give the association a legal footing to pursue their demands.

cy’s finest moment.” He said that Nigerians alive today, had witnessed the beginning of an era of change. “They made this to happen and they are the true celebrants, and they are deserving. “Together, we share this victory. Side by side we will work together to bring our country back,” the APC leader said.

Nutritionist with Garki General Hospital, Abuja, Mrs Yemisi Olowookere, said nutrition intervention was very crucial in the management and better quality life of HIV/AIDS patients. Olowookere said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN yesterday in Abuja. She said good nutrition would help improve the immune function, response to treatment and help infected persons live a more productive life. “An estimated 35 million people are living with HIV/ AIDS worldwide and occurring mainly in sub-Saharan African countries. “However, adequate nutrition is needed as a measure for one to stay healthy, prevent disease and speed up recovery from illness,’’ she said. According to the nutritionist, the most common symptoms of HIV reported in 95 per cent of all patients with advanced disease include loss of muscle tissue and body fat.

Others are vitamin and mineral deficiencies, reduced immune function and competence, and increased susceptibility to secondary infections. She said reduced food intake and increased loss of nutritional food could lead to rapid HIV progression. The expert said the objective of nutritional management was to maintain body weight and prevent loss of muscle mass. She said that in maintaining a maximum functioning of the immune system, patients could improve eating habits and build essential nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, important antioxidant nutrient. Olowookere stressed that nutritional deficiency could lead to sores in the mouth and throat, constipation, weight loss, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, among others. The nutritionist recommended consumption of good mixed diet that comprises adequate amount of all basic food nutrients for a healthy life.

VACANCIES A fast growing media organisation with headquarters in Lagos urgently requires the services of suitable candidates as • Sales/Marketing Officers. Qualification and Requirement •Minimum of OND in relevant field.

CBN issues new guidelines on Mobile Money Services TOLA AKINMUTIMI

he Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, yesterday approved new guidelines for Mobile Money Services in the country. The apex bank in a circular stated specifically that the guidelines were issued to address business rules governing the operation of mobile money services, and specifies basic functionalities expected of any mobile

payment service and solution in the country. The guidelines also identified the participants and defined their expected roles and responsibilities in providing mobile money services in the system as well as set the basis for the regulation of services offered at different levels and by the participants. The CBN listed the objectives of the regulatory guidelines as including, ensuring a structured and orderly development of mo-

bile money services in the country, with clear definition of various participants and their expected roles and responsibilities. Similarly, the guidelines specifies the minimum technical and business requirements for the various participants recognised for the mobile money services industry and promotion of safety and effectiveness of mobile money services and thereby enhance user confidence in the services.

Ideal applicants should be computer literate and possess adequate knowledge of Lagos business environment. Interested candidates should send their CV with current telephone number to: bodejohnson2009@yahoo.com or call 07066178740.

South West

Ambode urges Lagosians to vote continuity

ll Progressives Congress, APC, gubernatorial candidate in Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, has thanked people of the state for voting out the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Saturday’s presidential election. He was particularly grateful that the people, against all odds, heeded his plea to vote out PDP for nonperformance and cluelessness displayed in managing affairs of the nation for the past 16 years, which he said grew worse in the last six years. He explained that the concept of change was mid-wifed in Lagos and birthed in the nation with the unprecedented success of APC in the presidential election, the first of its kind in Nigeria, where an incumbent was peacefully displaced from power through the ballot. He said APC deserves to continue in Lagos to consolidate on her excellent performance despite the hostile federal might in the past 16 years. He also mulled what the party would achieve at the centre, saying the sky would be the limit. He said, “This rare feat achieved by the people of Nigeria is a fulfillment of the prediction of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo

that a day would come when the best of the progressives and conservatives would come together to provide an excellent future for Nigeria. “This has been made possible by the resilience of the people of Nigeria and our dear Lagos.” He urged Lagosians not to relent but to come out en masse on April 11 to vote for APC in Lagos in order to complete the cycle of excellence in governance. “Lagos must be the first partaker of the massive support of the APC-led Federal Government that PDP has denied her,” Ambode said. “The people of Lagos would recall how the PDP Federal Government ‘punished’ Lagos for creating 37 Local Council Development Areas by withholding allocation due to the state. “It was the ingenuity of the crack team of experts, of which I was a privileged member, set up by the then governor, Bola Tinubu, that led to the development of the template on which Lagos not only survived but expanded the Internally Generated Revenue.. The IGR has since grown from a paltry N4 million to over N20 billion today.” He added that the task of governance is not for wishful thinkers and verbose speakers but for thinkers, strategist and tacticians.

Thursday, April 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ekiti Assembly shut as APC lawmakers resurface Abiodun Nejo Ado Ekiti

n a dramatic turn of event, the 19 All Progressives Congress, APC, members in the 26-man Ekiti State House of Assembly surfaced at the House of Assembly complex yesterday after being locked out since November 17 last year. The Dr Adewale Omirinled lawmakers, who held a session that lasted about 10 minutes, arrived in the complex in a convoy of 14 vehicles about 11:30am and entered plenary. However, to safeguard lives, apprehensive staff of the Assembly picked up their belongings and rushed out of the complex. Omirin, the speaker before his purported impeachment by seven members of the Peoples Democratic Par-

ty, PDP, lawmakers, which elected Dele Olugbemi in his place, spoke on behalf of members after the session. He said the APC lawmakers were in the Assembly to begin their legislative duty, describing Olugbemi as an impostor. Omirin said: “Why are you surprised that we are here? I don’t expect you to be surprised that we are in our offices because we are duly elected as members of the House of Assembly. “This is my office and I shouldn’t be asked why I am here. Though, we have instituted a case against the seven lawmakers for the fake impeachment against me, but that would not prevent us from doing what we are supposed to do.” He, however, said their return to the Assembly was not prompted by the victory

of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, adding, “it is a mere coincidence. Although I have not been here since November, that does not mean I have not been performing my duties. “So, whether Buhari is declared winner or not, we have to do our work. I have been attending Speakers’ meetings in Abuja and attending to my people at my constituency, so we haven’t abdicated our duty,” the speaker said. However, Police Commissioner, Mr. Taiwo Lakanu, who led a detachment of security agents to the Assembly to save the situation from degenerating, ordered closure of the complex. Consequently, stern-looking policemen and soldiers took over the complex. However, the factional Speaker, Olugbemi, criti-

cised the police commissioner for shutting the Assembly. “I don’t think it was right to have closed the Assembly. We have the capacity to contain the APC lawmakers. We are ready to meet them fire for fire,” he said. But Lakanu said he took the action to prevent violence in the state, saying the police must be proactive to prevent the state from being plunged into crisis. It will be recalled that Omirin and the remaining 18 APC lawmakers had stayed away from the Assembly grounds since November 17 last year when the seven lawmakers loyal to Governor Ayodele Fayose took over. Subsequently, Omirin was impeached by the seven lawmakers on November 20, 2014 and Olugbemi was elected the new Speaker.

Don’t abandon confab report, Fasoranti urges Buhari Ojo Oyewamide AKURE

eader of pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, has urged the Presidentelect, Muhammadu Buhari, not to jettison the report of last year’s National Conference. Fasoranti, while advising Buhari to make the people’s interest paramount in his government, also harped on the need for him to eschew politics of bitterness and hatred. He said the recommendations of the conference reflected the wishes of people of the country, which the incoming government should not tamper with. The octogenarian described the conduct of last Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elec-

tions as unprecedented in the history of Nigeria’s politics. According to him, the elections were transparent, free and fair in all 36 states of the federation despite minor hitches, with usage of the Card Reader machines. The elder statesman, who spoke with reporters yesterday in Akure, lauded the use of card readers, but said the technology should be improved on in future elections. Fasoranti said the card readers’ shortcomings were not enough to call for the cancellation of results of the polls. He said: “It is clear from what we could see that the election was clear, free and fair. No problem, no rigging. I hope we shall be able to follow this path in future.”

Scene of a fire incident, which affected some lock-up shops at Balogun market in Lagos, yesterday.

Oyo REC directs aggrieved parties to election tribunal Kemi Olaitan IBADAN

esident Electoral Commissioner in Oyo State, Ambassador Rufus Akeju, yesterday called on aggrieved political parties in the state that protested against results of last Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections to seek redress at the tribunals. The REC, while briefing journalists at the commission’s office in Ibadan, said

he has not received any complaint or letter from any party, stating that he was shocked when he saw reports of protests against the election results in the media. It would be recalled that some political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Social Democratic Party, SDP, Accord Party and Labour Party, LP, on Monday protested against the results after they were announced. Akeju, who was accompanied by electoral officers

from the 33 local government areas of the state, said the commission was ready to maintain the tempo in giving Nigerians free, acceptable and credible elections. He also assured Nigerians that INEC and security agencies will not hesitate to deal with anyone who foments trouble in the state, adding that the commission would continue to prove prophets of doom wrong by maintaining its integrity through various innovative methods as displayed last

Saturday. He maintained that the condemnation of the results by the political parties was an insult to the commended efforts of the commission in giving Nigerians free and fair elections, noting that political parties and other stakeholders must be careful not to discourage the commission. The REC also assured all political parties of a levelplaying ground, stating that the commission would continue to remain neutral and unbiased.

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Thursday, April 2, 2015

Tafewa Balewa Square, Lagos

INSIDE

121-year-old Shitta-Bey mosque

>48

Easter: Traders lament low sales >47

Again, fire guts Balogun market shops

>10

Broad Street Diary

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Again, fire guts Balogun market shops T

raders at Balogun market, off Broad Street, Marina, Lagos, wore a mournful look yesterday, after a fire incident, which started around 12.30 in the morning, razed about four fabric shops. The affected shops contained heaps of lace materials, wrappers and George fabrics worth millions of naira. One of the victims, Madam Joval, owner of Joval Fabrics, told BSD that all her goods were burnt. “I came around the time the fire started, but there was nothing I could do to put it off, it was very fierce. The area boys also tried to help, but they could not do much. By the time the fire fighters arrived, the fire had already gutted everything,” she said. This is the second fire incident that occurred on Broad Street this year. At the time BSD visited, the traders were still in shock and ex-

BY THE TIME THE FIRE FIGHTERS ARRIVED, THE FIRE HAD ALREADY GUTTED EVERYTHING pressed dismay at the incessant fire incidents on Broad Street. One of the traders, who identified herself simply as Mrs. Asuan, said the traders are all scared of witnessing yet another occurrence. “We are all scared now, all of us having shops around here are all scared because we don’t know the next person that would be a victim. You know that early this year, we witnessed a fire incident, now another one has oc-

curred,” she said. While some of the traders wondered if it was simply sabotage, considering the political scenario in the country at the time the incident occurred, Madam Asuan, however, attributed the incident to electrical fault and fluctuation of power. “It is because electric light is always fluctuating. If we have constant electricity, I don’t think this will happen,” she said. Another trader, Madam Louis, who owns a shop at 46 Balogun Street, also expressed worry over cases of fire incidents at the market and advised government to have fire fighters stationed at the market for quick intervention. She also warned traders, who use generators, to beware of how they use it near fabric shops.

Franka Osakwe

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Thursday, April 2, 2015

CAN congratulates Buhari, says Jonathan a true democrat Olufemi Adeosun ABUJA

APC supporters jubilating over the victory of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park in Osogbo. INSET: Osun State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori; former Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; South West Coordinator, Buhari/ Osinbajo Presidential Campaign, Governor Rauf Aregbesola and his wife, Sherifat, on Tuesday night.

Be magnanimous in victory, CSOs tell APC, Buhari ...say results reflect the people’s wish

Ubong Ukpong ABUJA

coalition of Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, have urged the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, to be magnanimous in victory at the just concluded presidential election.

The coalition of over 400 CSOs under the auspices of the Transition Monitoring Group, TMG, also urged those who did not win to accept results as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, saying it was a true reflection of the wishes of the people. At a press conference

yesterday in Abuja to verify the results as released by the INEC, Chairman of TMG, Ibrahim Zikirullahi, said the results filed by the TMG citizen observers across the polling units in the country through the Quick Count technology, tallied with what was released by the INEC that led to the declaration of APC and Buhari as winners of

the presidential election. Zikirullahi said: “TMG’s Quick Count estimates and INEC’s official results clearly show that Muhammadu Buhari of the APC received the most votes and Goodluck Jonathan of PDP received the second highest votes, with all other candidates only receiving a very small number of votes.”

NLC, TUC urge commitment to nation building, democracy Olufemi Adeosun ABUJA

igeria Labour Congress, NLC, has congratulated General Muhammadu Buhari on his victory in the just concluded presidential election, urging him to justify the huge expectations of the people. The NLC in a statement signed by its president, Comrade Aliyu Wabba, also described Buhari’s victory after three failed attempts as a lesson in perseverance and commitment to a cause. According to Wabba, having been elected to the exalted position through the popular will of the people, Buhari could not afford to let them down. He said, “We, at the Nigeria Labour Congress, find it necessary to congratulate Gen. Muhammadu Buhari whose victory is a lesson in perseverance and commitment to a cause. “As he joins the league of Presidents given a second chance, there are unusually great expectations from his country men and women, which he can ill-afford not to

meet. “We look forward to working with and engaging the incoming government. We stand ready to work with the President-elect in defining a new agenda for our nation.” While expressing the belief that the election of Buhari had undoubtedly opened a new and important chapter in the socio-political development of the nation, the umbrella body of Nigeria workers also saluted the courage of President Goodluck Jonathan for not only

organising a free and fair polls, but in also conceding defeat. Wabba also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, and his team for organising a peaceful election despite pockets of irregularities in some places. Meanwhile, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUCN, in a statement signed by its President, Comrade Bobboi Kaigama, and Secretary

General, Comrade Musa Lawal, applauded the president-elect for his doggedness and refusal to quit despite having suffered defeat in three earlier attempts. While maintaining that President Jonathan was magnanimous in defeat, TUC said it regarded Buhari’s resolve to contest the 2015 general elections as a mark of his belief in project Nigeria, and his unflinching desire to contribute his quota in nation building.

Victory, a popular decision —Kwankwaso Abdulgafar Oladimeji KANO

ano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has felicitated with Nigeria’s President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, over his victory in last Saturday’s presidential poll. The governor said the victory of the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate as president-elect was a popular decision. Addressing journalists in Kano yesterday, Deputy

Governor, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, who spoke in vernacular on behalf of Kano people, extended a congratulatory message to Nigeria’s president-elect. Ganduje said, “On behalf of the executive governor of Kano State, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, myself, the APC governorship candidate and the State Executive Council, we congratulate our President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, and his deputy, Prof Osinbajo.” He, however, cautioned the jubilant Kano crowd to

celebrate the APC presidential candidate’s victory in a manner that would not constitute threat to lives and property. Ganduje further urged the electorate to ensure they cast their votes for APC at the governorship elections on April 11. He applauded the emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and members of the Kano emirate council for the fatherly role they played towards the conduct of a peaceful presidential election in the state.

hristian Association of Nigeria, CAN, and National Christian Elders Forum, NCEF, yesterday congratulated the presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, General Muhammadu Buhari, on his electoral victory. In separate congratulatory messages made available to journalists electronically in Abuja, CAN and the elder’s group also commended President Goodluck Jonathan for the spirit of sportsmanship in conceding defeat to his opponent. CAN President and Founder of Warri-based Word of Life Bible Church, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, in his message to Buhari also saluted Nigerians for a peaceful election and called for “harmony between Christians and Muslims in the quest for a prosperous Nigeria.” While praying for a pros-

perous future for Nigeria, Oritsejafor also praised President Jonathan for exhibiting sportsmanship in conceding defeat to Buhari. Secretary of NCEF, Pastor Bosun Emmanuel, in his congratulatory message said, “Despite the enormous tension and apprehension that preceded the election, Nigerians have demonstrated political maturity that elections can be won and lost without recourse to violence or acrimony.” While congratulating Buhari for his victory at the elections, NCEF wished him a successful tenure in office and “joined all Nigerians and indeed the entire world to commend his act of statesmanship, quality Christian and democratic character by his peaceful concession of defeat.” The organisation also encouraged all politicians in the country to play politics according to the admonition of Jonathan that “nobody’s ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian.”

Polls: Rights group lauds Nigerians • Jubilations continue in Lagos Francis Suberu

ommittee for the Protection of Peoples Mandate, CPPM, has commended Nigerians for their peaceful conduct at the 2015 presidential elections, urging them to continue to remain calm until the entire process is completed. In a statement signed by the group’s executive chairman, Nelson Ekujumi, CPPM congratulated the people of Nigeria for their courage and unity of purpose, saying their orderly conduct has further strengthened the country’s democracy. According to the statement, “we once again congratulate Nigerians for their sacrifices and endurance, which was a key factor that ensured the elections held peacefully and orderly in most parts of the country despite evil plots by enemies of democracy, peace, progress and national unity to truncate the process through incitements, postponement of the general elections, plotting the installation of interim government, military putsch as

well as the attempt to abort declaration of results at the national collation centre in Abuja yesterday. “We condemn in totality the desperate and despicable show of shame and national embarrassment exhibited by a chieftain of a political party which extended its anti-democratic plots against the people of Nigeria to the national collation centre having failed severally in their evil bid to ensure the elections did not hold. “We commend the political parties and candidates which took part in the elections and enjoin them to see their participation as contribution to strengthening democracy and unity of Nigeria. We must commend the media for an excellent coverage which contributed in no small measure to the success of the elections. We are not surprised because the media has always been alive to its constitutional and social responsibility of nation-building despite the odds.” Meanwhile, wild jubilations have continued in many parts of Lagos to celebrate Gen. Muhammadu’s victory in the just concluded presidential election.

REACTIONS

Thursday, April 2, 2015

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Saturday poll, a watershed in Nigeria’s history —Tambuwal Wole Oladimeji ABUJA

peaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, yesterday congratulated President Goodluck Jonathan and President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, over the successful conduct and outcome of the 2015 presidential election.

Tambuwal, while addressing his colleagues immediately they resumed sitting yesterday, described the election as a watershed in the history of Nigeria. He said the will of the majority of the people, as expressed in the results of the election, should be respected. Tambuwal said by conceding defeat, President Jonathan has written his

name in gold and will be remembered for playing a critical role to douse tension in the aftermath of the election. He, however, urged the president to ensure a smooth and successful transition. The Speaker equally tasked the president-elect to carry all Nigerians along in the new dispensation. “As I have always main-

tained, there is time for politics and time for governance. Politicking is over and we must accept that fact,” he stated. According to him, “I must not forget to, once again, highly commend the people of Nigeria for the mature conduct exhibited through the period of the first phase of these elections.” “The process has so far

been largely violence-free and it is important that we eschew violence in the post-election dispensation. Violence has never solved problems in any society and it will do us no good.” Tambuwal added that

Hoodlums invade Ekiti APC secretariat, vandalise vehicles Abiodun Nejo ADO EKITI

Mascots at the presentation of certificate of return to president-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, by INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, in Abuja, yesterday.

Buhari’s victory: 3 celebrants die in Gombe, Niger Danjuma Williams and Priscilla Dennis

o fewer than three persons in Gombe State died on Tuesday and Wednesday while

celebrating the declaration of General Muhammadu Buhari as winner of Saturday’s presidential election. Eyewitness from Billiri town, said two people died in a ghastly auto crash that occurred among celebrants in

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Billiri, headquarters of Billiri Local Government. Billiri is a stronghold of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, where votes showed that President Goodluck Jonathan beat General Buhari by a wide margin. The other victim died yesterday morning in Gombe, the state capital, when celebrating youths clashed in the heart of the town. The incident in the Gombe metropolis did not come as a surprise, as it is predominantly a stronghold of the All Progressives Congress, APC. The town was beginning to come back to live yesterday, having been shutdown since election day due to fear of the unknown, when the wild celebration further forced people back to their homes, especially business concerns. Confirming the incident, spokesman for Gombe State Police Command, Fwaje Atajiri, said they had succeeded in dispersing a crowd of celebrants as their activities were beginning to assume dangerous dimension. He said they had also warned that the police would

not spare anyone who takes the law into his hands. The PPRO, who said he was not aware of any death, as he had not been fully briefed on the situation, said police investigation was in progress at the time of filing this report. He told members of the public to go on with their lawful activities without fear as the command was on top of the situation, calling on them to be vigilant and report anything that could compromise the peace of the state. In the same vein, Niger State Governor, Muazu Babangida Aliyu, said jubilation by supporters following the of Geneneral Buhari claimed some lives in the state. Aliyu, who made the disclosure to journalists in Minna, said the deaths were recorded not as a result of violence, but an expression of joy at the outcome of the result of the presidential election in favour of Buhari. “Politics is not war. This election has shown that we can compete and get along after the elections and still live like neighbours.

special mention must be made of Professor Attahiru Jega and his colleagues at the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC for their doggedness in the face of mounting pressures.

olitical thugs yesterday invaded Ekiti State secretariat of the All Progressives Congress, APC, on Ajilosun Road, Ado Ekiti. Five vehicles were vandalised by the hoodlums, who allegedly shot sporadically into the office. APC state Publicity Secretary, Mr Taiwo Olatunbosun, alleged that the attack was perpetrated by a killer squad owned by Governor Ayodele Fayose. Olatunbosun said the invasion occurred shortly after members of the party held a procession round the town to celebrate the victory of General Muhammadu Buhari. The APC spokesman, who said the attackers came in three Hilux vans belonging to the state government, said policemen were in the vehicles. According to him, the

party got hint of the attack and effort to get policemen from Ologede Division to nip it in the bud was futile as the attack was supervised by security agents. But, Governor Fayose said the allegation that he sent some people in a Hilux vehicle to attack APC members should be disregarded by every reasonable human being. The governor also denied having any killer squad, alleging that it was the killer squad of the former APC administration that resurfaced to torment the state. Fayose, however, called on the police to be on the trail of members of the killer squad. Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Idowu Adelusi, said in a statement yesterday that the governor did not send anybody and had never done such a thing in the past.

Northern Christians task president-elect on moribund textiles A za Msue KADUNA

pan-northern Christians group under the auspices of New Life For All, NLFA, yesterday called on President-elect, Gen Muhammadu Buhari, to urgently revive the moribund textile industries across the country and tackle corruption. Addressing a news conference in Kaduna, chairman of the group, Reverend Yusuf Biniyat, while congratulating Buhari on his victory, said the presidentelect with military background should end the insecurity ravaging Nigeria, especially in the north. The group also hailed President Goodluck Jonathan for accepting defeat and allowing himself to be used by God to ensure that free, fair and credible elections are conducted in the

country, which clears Nigeria’s image before the world. Yusuf said:”As we congratulate him, we equally wish to draw his attention to the fears that some Christians in some quarters still fear that he will Islamise Nigeria if he became president. “Even though some of us do not think in this direction and we see impossibility in this myopic ideology bearing in mind that Nigeria is a secular state, but we do also appreciate their fear. “Therefore, we wish to request the president-elect to work toward clearing this fear as well as developing the required trust of his personality and integrity among all citizens of Nigeria irrespective of their religions.” “We want to see a fastgrowing economy where Nigeria will rub shoulders with other developed nations of the world.

Thursday, April 2, 2015

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Politics

OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU examines the doggedness of the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, who finally was elected President in the March 28 presidential election at the fourth attempt.

Buhari, his ‘can-do’ spirit and doggedness

resident-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari became the fourth time lucky early yesterday morning, when he was declared the winner of the March 28 presidential election by Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, having polled 15,426,921 votes to defeat incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan, who polled 12,853162 votes. The retired General, who contested the 2015 presidential election on the platform of opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, was making a fourth attempt at the Presidency, having contested the 2003 presidential election on the platform of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP and ran against then incumbent President Olusegun Obasanjo of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. With a 69.1 per cent voter turnout of 42,018,735 voters out of the 60,823,022 registered voters, Buhari garnered 12,710,022 votes, representing 32.19 per cent of 39,480,489 votes, but lost to former President Obasanjo who polled almost double Buhari’s ballots, 24,456,140 votes, representing 61.94 per cent. Undeterred, General Buhari again threw his hat into the ring of the 2007 presidential election, contested under the same ANPP platform and ran against his kinsman, late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, the PDP candidate. Again, he lost to Yar’Adua. In the 2007 election, of 35,397,517 valid votes cast, Buhari polled a paltry 6,605,299 votes, representing 18.66 per cent against Yar’Adua’s 24,638,063 votes, which represented 69.60 per cent. Treading where angels fear to tread, Buhari, for the third time running, jumped into the fray once again in 2011, but this time flying the banner of a new party, which he founded himself, the defunct Congress for Progressive Change, CPC. Yet again, the former military Head of State lost to incumbent President Jonathan, who polled a massive 22,495,187 votes which represented 58.89 per cent of the 38,209,978 valid votes cast against Buhari’s 12,214853 votes, which represented 31.89 per cent. Ordinarily, one would have expected the retired General to retire from active politics after his third loss to the PDP. In fact, on the eve of the 2011 elections, Buhari told Nigerians that if he failed to win the presidential election, he would no longer contest again. But according to General Buhari, his love for Nigeria spurred him on again and when the whistle was blown for the race for the 2015 presidential election, he was found among the front runners.

BUHARI’S INDOMITABLE SPIRIT AND DOGGEDNESS HAS FINALLY PAID OFF THIS TIME AROUND,

WITH HIS

‘CHANGE’

MANTRA

Buhari

When Buhari declared his intention to contest for the Presidency for the fourth time in October or thereabout, at close to 72 years of age, not few Nigerians, both politicians and other stakeholders from within his party and the ruling PDP raised eyebrows. Many wondered why Buhari, at 72, when he should have groomed successors to take over from him and also give the younger generation a chance to prove their mettle, was still looking for, especially against the background that he was a former Head of State of the military stock. But unfazed by all the criticisms trailing his declaration for the race, Buhari trudged on, fought a titanic battle to clinch the ticket of his party, the APC, which came into existence through the first merger arrangement in the history of Nigeria’s politics, of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, CAN, ANPP, CPC and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance in 2013, against all odds. The former Head of State grabbed 3,430 votes to beat former Vice President Abubakar Atiku, Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha and Sam Nda-Isaiah, publisher of Leadership newspapers to secure the bid. Kwankwaso garnered 954 votes to beat former Vice President Atiku, who polled 954,

to the second place. Okorocha came fourth with 674 votes while Ndah-Isaiah took the rear with 10 votes. After scaling that hurdle came different difficulties put in his way by the ruling PDP. First was issue of his West African School Certificate, WASC, which the retired General claimed was with the Nigerian Army Board, but which was flatly denied by the Army. This generated a lot of controversy, with the opposition party whipping up sentiments against the General, but he trudged on doggedly, refusing to be distracted by the barrage of attacks and name-calling that trailed his educational qualification. And when his school, the Provincial College, Katsina, which had metamorphosed into Government Secondary School, released a statement of Buhari’s WASC, it elicited another round of barrage. In all of these, Buhari remained focused, traversing the length and breadth of the country canvassing for votes. His age even became an issue, with his antagonists and supporters turning the social media, especially Facebook, to battle ground, attacking and counter-attacking one another. The courts were even involved with many stakeholders going to court in what many analysts believed was sponsored by the ruling PDP, all in an attempt to frustrate Buhari’s presidential ambition and if possible, get him disqualified from the race. Again, like a general that he is, Buhari remained undaunted and focused on running the race and pursuing his ambition with singularity of purpose. Even when it was perceived that he was coasting to victory had the election been held on the scheduled February 14 date initially fixed by INEC and the commission was arm-twisted to shift the poll by six weeks, Buhari remained undistracted. Ordinarily, any other politician would have given up, after trying unsuccessfully

three times, to assume the nation’s Presidency through the ballot, but not General Buhari. His doggedness eventually paid off in his fourth attempt at the Presidency, when he was declared winner of the March 28 election and was declared President-elect by INEC, after polling 15,426,921 votes to give President Jonathan a dose of what he gave Buhari in 2011, having polled 12,853,162 votes. Buhari defeated Jonathan with over 2.5 million votes, with his best performance in all his attempts at becoming Nigeria’s President. Predicting victory for Buhari earlier in the year, former military Head of state and former President Obasanjo said General Buhari will be the next Nigerian President, explaining that that was why those who are afraid of him are creating so many obstacles on his way Obasanjo said: “I see Buhari as the next President and Jonathan is aware of that, and that is the reason they are hitting him everywhere to put confusion in his camp. But a General is always a General…” The former President added that “some hawks with Jonathan do not want him to contest because they believed that he will win and come for them.” Obasanjo, while reacting to the controversies surrounding Buhari’s certificage saga, said: “The truth of the matter is that Jonathan is aware that Buhari is qualified to contest for President. “The issue came up in 2007, and we investigated and found out that his WASSCE is with the military and that was why he was allowed to contest in 2007. “Buhari cannot listen to anyone about his certificates because as a General of the Nigerian Army, he will speak when he chooses, not by Femi Fani-Kayode and Doyin Okupe asking him. “Fayose and other corrupt People including Kashamu do not want Buhari because of his anti-corruption slogan. Even Jonathan did not finish his PhD course but when it was presented we stated that, it does not matter, but many people do not know because it was PDP thing.” Buhari’s indomitable spirit and doggedness has finally paid off this time around, with his ‘Change’ mantra, which majority of Nigerians actually bought into and help propagated. His ‘never-give-up’ and can-do attitude, perhaps is one of the attributes Nigerians saw and needed at this point in time of the nation’s development that made majority of Nigerians to vote massively for Buhari as the next President of the Federal republic of Nigeria.

Politics

Acceptance speech by General Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, Presidentelect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, yesterday after collecting his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

Thursday, April 2, 2015

The die is cast

am immensely grateful to God for this day and for this hour. I feel truly honoured and humbled that the Nigerian people have so clearly chosen me to lead them. The official announcement from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, was the moment the vast majority of Nigerians had hoped and been waiting for. Today, history has been made, and change has finally come. Your votes have changed our national destiny for the good of all Nigerians. INEC has announced that I, Muhammadu Buhari, shall be your next president. My team and I shall faithfully serve you. There shall no longer be a ruling party again: APC will be your governing party. We shall faithfully serve you. We shall never rule over the people as if they were subservient to government. Our long night has passed and the daylight of new democratic governance has broken across the land. This therefore is not a victory for one man or even one party. It is a victory for Nigeria and for all Nigerians. Millions of you have worked for this day. So many have risked lives and livelihood; and others have died that we may witness this moment. And it is with a very heavy heart that I report many deaths and injuries amidst the jubilations yesterday. We send our sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives; and wish speedy recovery to those who suffered injuries. I appeal to all our supporters to celebrate this victory with prayers and reflection instead of wild jubilation. May the souls of those who died rest in peace. Let us take a moment of silence to honour all of those whose sacrifices have brought us to this fine and historic hour. As the results of the election have shown, their labour has not been and will never be in vain. Democracy and the rule of law will be re-established in the land. Let us put the past, especially the recent past, behind us. We must forget our old battles and past grievances; and learn to forge ahead. I assure you that our government is one that will listen to and embrace all. I pledge myself and our in-coming administration to just and principled governance. There shall be no bias against or favouritism for any Nigerian based on ethnicity, religion, region, gender or social status. I pledge myself and the government to the rule of law, in which none shall be so above the law that they are not subject to its dictates, and none shall be so below it that they are not availed of its protection. You shall be able to go to bed knowing that you are safe and that your constitutional rights remain in safe hands. You shall be able to voice your opinion without fear of reprisal or victimisation. My love and concern for this nation and what I desire for it extends to all, even to those who do not like us or our politics. You are all my people and I shall treat everyone of you as my own. I shall work for those who voted for me as well as those who voted against me and even for those who did not vote at all. We all live under one name as one nation: we are all Nigerians. Some unfortunate issues about my eligibility have been raised during the campaign. I wish to state that through devotion to this nation, everything I have learned and done has been to enable me to make the best possible contribution to public life. If I had judged myself incapable of governing I would never have sought to impose myself on it. I have served in various capacities and have always put in my best. But despite the rancour of the elections, I extend a hand of friendship and conciliation to President Goodluck Jonathan and his team. I hereby wish to state that I harbour no ill will against anyone. Let me state clearly that President Jonathan has nothing to fear from me. Although we may not agree on the methods of governing the nation, he is a great Nigerian and still our president. He deserves our support and permanent respect by virtue of the office he has held.

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Buhari

I PLEDGE MYSELF AND OUR IN-COMING ADMINISTRATION TO JUST AND PRINCIPLED GOVERNANCE. THERE

SHALL BE NO BIAS AGAINST OR FAVOURITISM FOR ANY

NIGERIAN BASED ON ETHNICITY, RELIGION, REGION, GENDER OR SOCIAL STATUS This is how an honourable nation treats its servants and conducts its affairs; and this is how Nigeria should be looking forward to meeting with President Jonathan in the days to come to discuss how our teams can make the transition of administrations as efficient as possible. Here, I want to thank my party for selecting me as its candidate. I thank our party leaders and members for the steadfast contributions they made to bring our dream to fruition. I thank the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the police and all other government agencies for performing their tasks in a proper manner and for refusing to be induced to undermine the election and the democratic process. I also wish to thank religious leaders, traditional leaders, the media, labour unions, civil society organisations, organised private sector, youths and students for their roles in this election. I give special thanks to President Barack Obama and his timely intervention and support for peaceful and credible elections in Nigeria and for sending Secretary John Kerry and other United States officials. The European Union, especially the United Kingdom, France, Germany and other nations that were actively involved in ensuring the success of this election are equally appreciated. My sincere thanks to the United Nationsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Secretary General, Mr Ban-Ki Moon. The Commonwealth, China, India and other Asian and Gulf states are also hereby appreciated. Finally our brothers in the African Union and ECOWAS have truly and clearly shown and demonstrate their commitment to our democratisation process. Former Presidents John Kuffour, Amos Sawyer, Bakili Muluzi and his

team are well appreciated. I must also add my appreciation for the role played by civil societies, national and international observers and other world leaders in ensuring that Nigeria holds free and fair elections. I assure all foreign governments that Nigeria will become a more forceful and constructive player in the global fight against terrorism and in other matters of collective concern, such as the fight against drugs, climate change, financial fraud, communicable diseases and other issues requiring global response. I want to assure our fellow African nations that Nigeria will now stand as a more constructive partner in advancing the matters of concern to our continent, particularly with regard to economic development and eradication of poverty. Former Heads of State and Presidents, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, General Yakubu Gowon, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, General Ibrahim Babangida, Chief Ernest Shonekan and General Abdulsalami Abubakar deserve commendations for their statesmanship and words of caution and counsel for peace during the tense moments of this electoral period. Most of all, I thank the people of Nigeria for reposing their confidence in me at this trying moment. Our nation wrestles many challenges including insecurity, corruption and economic decline. I pledge to give you my best in tackling these problems. The good people of Nigeria, your obligation does not end with casting your ballot. I seek your voice and input as we tackle these problems. This will not be a government democratic only in form. It will be a government democratic in substance and in how it interacts with its own people. No doubt, this nation has suffered greatly in the recent past, and its staying power has been tested to its limits by crises, chief among which is insurgency of the Boko Haram. There is no doubt that in tackling the insurgency we have a tough and urgent job to do. But I assure you that Boko Haram will soon know the strength of our collective will and commitment to rid this nation of terror, and bring back peace and normalcy to all the affected areas. We shall spare no effort until we defeat terrorism. Furthermore, we shall strongly battle another form of evil that is even worse than terrorismâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the evil of corruption. Corruption attacks and seeks to destroy our national institutions and character. By misdirecting into selfish hands funds intended for the public purpose, corruption distorts the economy and worsens income inequality. It creates a class of unjustly-enriched people. Such an illegal yet powerful force soon comes to undermine democracy because its conspirators have amassed so much money that they believe they can buy government. We shall end this threat to our economic development and democratic survival. I repeat that corruption will not be tolerated by this administration; and it shall no longer be allowed to stand as if it is a respected monument in this nation. I ask you to join me in resolving these and the other challenges we face. Along the way, there will be victories but there may also be setbacks. Mistakes will be made. But we shall never take you for granted; so, be rest assured that our errors will be those of compassion and commitment not of willful neglect and indifference. We shall correct that which does not work and improve that which does. We shall not stop, stand or idle. We shall, if necessary crawl, walk and run to do the job you have elected us to do. I realise that the expectation of our people today is as high as their commitment to change has been strong and their belief in us unshaken. While we pledge to begin doing our best without delay, we would like to appeal to them to appreciate the gravity of our situation, so that we become more realistic in our expectations. We will govern for you and in your interests. Your vote was not wasted. This is not the first time Nigerians have cast their votes for us, and this is not the first time they have been counted; but this is the first time that the votes have been allowed to count. With the help of God, we pledge to do our utmost to bring forth the Nigeria you seek. Thank you for your patience and attention.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ogun State, Dr. Femi Majekodunmi, has described General Muhammadu Buhari ‘s victory in the presidential elections as worth celebrating by all Nigerians irrespective of political party affiliation. The close associate of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in a release he personally signed and

Politics

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Presidential poll: Majekodunmi congratulates Buhari, lauds Nigerians made available to journalists yesterday, congratulated the APC presidential candidate for his victory in the keenly contested poll, saying it was due to his perseverance and doggedness. Majekodunmi said the outcome of the elections was a true reflection of the collective wish and

aspirations of Nigerians and must be respected, maintaining that the people of the country have opted for change by dumping the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP . The Baagbile of Egbaland, who congratulated Nigerians for making an informed decision to entrench a purposeful lead-

ership and good governance in the country, also described the victory as a positive change and revolution against corruption and injustice. He said: “To me, Buhari’s victory is quite exciting and I am very happy for this positive change. What it means is that the people showed that truly

power belonged to them. “The result of the presidential election is a victory for democracy, good governance and the good people of Nigeria. It is also important that we must also congratulate Prof. Attahiru Jega for a job well done, it is all about good leadership which he has proved to the

entire world.” He stated further that great kudos must go to Chief Obasanjo and APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, for championing and believing in a change that will put an end to poor governance, injustice, unemployment, poverty and insecurity in the country.

OPC, Yoruba Council of Youths congratulate Buhari AYO ESAN

an-Yoruba group, Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, and the Yoruba Council of Youths, YCY, have congratulated the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, on his success in the March 28 presidential poll. In separate news releases OPC and YCY maintained that by the resounding success in the election across the country, General Buhari has proved that he is the choice of the people. The OPC release, which was signed by its national coordinator, Otunba Gani Adams, commended Buhari’s resilience and tenacity over the years which have seen him equal the record of great leaders like Abraham Lincon of the USA. Adams said: “His victory is a lesson to all of us that we can be what we want to be if we are patient and persistent in our legitimate pursuits in life. “His speeches before, during and after the election are also commendable because they went a long way in dousing the tension in the country and this actually shows that the ‘Peoples General’ as he is fondly called is indeed a statesman.” He however admonished the President-elect to begin to see himself as the President-elect of all Nigerians and not just that of the All Progressives Congress, APC, adding: “For him, it is time to mend whatever differences that may have arisen as a result of the election. “It is time for all Nigerians, irrespective of

political affiliation, to come together to continue to build our nation in a positive way, which of course, should be the focus of the President-elect and every other political leader across the various political parties in the country.” OPC also congratulates President Goodluck Jonathan for creating a level playing ground for all the parties that contested the elections and the high spirit of sportsmanship he displayed when he called Buhari to congratulate him even before all the results were released. In a release issued by the YCY and signed by its National President, Barrister Oladotun Hassan, it described Buhari’s victory as well deserved and the will of God. YCY also commended President Jonathan for conceding defeat even before the official announcement of the result by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as well as congratulating General Buhari, describing the action as that of a good sportsman and statesman. It said: “By that singular action of President Jonathan, he has doused the tension in the country and has laid a good legacy which must be emulated by other political leaders in the country.” Calling on Nigerians, especially, the Yoruba, to maintain the peace as we go for the gubernatorial election on April 11, YCY said that Yoruba youths are eagerly awaiting the realisation of Buhari’s electoral promises and positive change in Nigeria.

Federal House of Representative-elect for Ajeromi/Ifelodun, Hon. Odichinma Orji (middle) during a press briefing on her victory in Lagos, on Monday.

EBERE NDUKWU

member of the House of Representatives and gubernatorial candidate of Labour Party, LP, in the June 21, 2014 election in Ekiti State, Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele, has congratulated the All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, describing the outcome of the last Saturday’s election as victory for democracy, brilliant outing by Nigerians and win-win for Buhari and President Goodluck Jonathan. Opeyemi, who stated this in a press statement made available to National Mirror, while felicitating with General Buhari on his victory, said: “I must not fail to quickly add that the real victory belongs to the Nigerian people whose determination to liberate themselves from the untold

Poll results: Victory for democracy, winwin for Buhari, Jonathan –Bamidele hardship and sheer misrule that characterised the 16 years of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, hegemony in Nigeria is worthy of celebration.” Calling on Buhari to take his victory as a Godgiven opportunity to provide a most unique and transformative leadership to the nation for the efforts of all lovers of democracy at home and within the international community not to be in vain, Bamidele advised that he should uphold his promises to ensure zero level tolerance for corruption as well as total commitment to the security and welfare of Nigerians on assumption of office. He said the Presidentelect should not be distracted nor dissipate so much energy in probing past leaders and administrations, but rather,

should encourage those who have looted public treasury to re-invest such money in the local economy, with a view to generating more opportunities for massive employment and financial stability. He said: “His most urgent assignment must be to concentrate on the critical need to assemble a highly professional and resourceful economic team that has the capacity to rescue the nation’s economy from the doldrums within a reasonable space of time, as the poverty condition among the people of this country is no more tolerable and requires an urgent intervention.” Congratulating President Goodluck Jonathan on the unique opportunity he has had to lead Nigeria and for not being a bad loser, he said: “He has

demonstrated that he has the spirit of good sportsman and has acted in the interest of peace, progress and unity of our dear nation. “The issue at stake is beyond Buhari and Jonathan, as it is essentially about the sustainability of our democracy as a nation and the need for us to demonstrate to the rest of the world that Nigeria has come of age and has set her foot on the right path in terms of commitment to global best democratic practice. “I call on President Jonathan to not only embrace the Buhari victory, which is victory for our democracy, but to sincerely ensure a peaceful and smooth transition between him and the President-elect as we move towards the inauguration of a new administration come May 29.”

Politics

OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU

ormer President Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday wrote a personal letter to Nigeria’s President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari in what analysts have termed “a possible sign that he is prepared to help the country’s leader-inwaiting.” In a public letter to Buhari shortly after he was declared the winner of Saturday’s presidential election, Obasanjo said: “I am also sure that there are men and women of goodwill, character and virtue across the board that you can mobilise to join hands with you in the reform, repairs and redirection that will be imperative to put Nigeria back on the fast

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Obasanjo to Buhari, assemble men of goodwill, character, virtue lane of good governance, unity, cohesiveness, development and progress. Both Obasanjo, 78, and Buhari, 72, are both former military Heads of State of Africa’s most populous nation, who have had the rare privilege of becoming elected civilian president. Former President Obasanjo, Head of State between 1976 and 1979 and civilian president from 1999 to 2007, fell out with the defeated incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan, on who he has launched series of public attacks in the past.

The letter reads: “I hasten to congratulate you on your success and victory in the presidential election of March 28. Your success and victory after three previous unsuccessful attempts must be great object lessons for you and for all politicians, particularly in Nigeria. “For me, the totality of the 2015 election holds many lessons for our democracy and democratisation process which are both maturing. On this occasion, the system has been unnecessarily overheated before and par-

ticularly during the campaign, when emphasis was more in trivialities and hate, divisive, undignifying and disrespectful statements and comments rather than on pressing issues requiring attention. “I know that in victory, you will be magnanimous to start binding the wounds and bitterness occasioned by the campaign and the evil disciples. “With so much harm already done to many national institutions, including the military which proudly nurtured you and me, you will have a lot to

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar (left) congratulating the President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja, yesterday.

UPU, Emerhor hail Buhari on victory

•Warns Urhobo nation against politics of opposition THEOPHILUS ONOJEGHEN WARRI

pex socio-cultural umbrella of Urhobo nation, Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, and the gubernatorial candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC in Delta State, Olorogun O’Tega Emerhor, have congratulated the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari for his victory in last Saturday’s presidential election. Their congratulatory messages were contained in two separate statements by the UPU and Emerhor and made available to National Mirror yesterday in Warri, Delta State. The factional PresidentGeneral of UPU, Chief Tuesday Onoge, while

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hailing Buhari and Nigerians for democratically making the victory possible, reaffirmed Urhobo nation’s belief in Buhari’s ability to turn the misfortune the country around. Onoge, added that Urhobo nation with over one million votes cannot be in opposition in the present democratic arrangements, strategically designed to end the era of corruption and bad governance. Urging Delta people to join hands with APC and the Urhobo nation to vote Olorogun Emerhor as governor on April 11, Onoge said: “God has provided the ample opportunity for the next governor of Delta State to come from the Urhobo extraction. All hands must be on deck to

ensure that this opportunity does not elude UPU and the entire Urhobo nation.” Emerhor on his part said Buhari/Osibanjo victory was assuring that the new government would bring positive change to the socio-economic fortunes of Nigerians. He asserted that Buhari and Prof Yemi Osibanjo are a super combination that will turn around the economic fortunes of Nigeria for the benefit of Nigerians and the entire black continent. The APC candidate said the wishes and aspirations of the Nigerian people to elect responsible and prudent political leaders at this critical time of our nation’s quest for economic remodeling have been ex-

pressed through the power of the ballots, pointing out that the “great light” has finally sparkled on our country and now ready to take the center stage in progressive world affairs.

EBERE NDUKWU

he people of South East geo political zone has congratulated General Muhammadu Buhari on his victory at last Saturday’s presidential election, even as they applauded Nigerians for making the right choice. A press statement made available to newsmen by All Progressives Congress, APC, South East coordinator, APC Presidential Campaign Committee, Senator Chris

do on institution reform, education, healthcare, economy, infrastructure, power, youth employment, agribusiness, oil and gas, external affairs, cohesiveness of our nation and ridding our land of corruption. Your varied and wide experience will undoubtedly stand you in good stead.

“Once again, I felicitate with you and wish you well.” The public letter to Buhari so soon after his being declared winner of the presidential poll may however be interpreted by political analysts as “a pitch for a job’, after he openly declared support for Buhari’s candidacy and aspiration.

Buhari’s victory, better funding for Osun –APC BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

sun state All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday said the emergence of General Muhammadu Buhari, as President-elect raises hope for greater development of the country. The party, in a congratulatory message to Nigerians, also disclosed that Buhari’s emergence promises a better, more reliable funding for Osun which it said shares same political philosophy with the President-elect. In a statement issued by the party’s Director of Publicity, Barr Kunle Oyatomi, made available to newsmen in Osogbo, it said: “With Buhari’s victory, change has been ushered into the Nigerian political space, and hopefully will permeate all spectra of our national life. “By the outcome of this presidential election, Nigeria has set in motion a truly democratic system which will place premium on the people as the traditional custodians of power. “The election has left Nigerians with a series of fundamental lessons, para-

mount amongst which are that it takes courage, persistence, and strength of character to succeed politically in effecting change in a system that had gone rotten like Nigeria over a period of 16 years of misrule by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP”. Reminding Osun people how the PDP-led Federal Government allegedly almost strangulated the APC Rauf Aregbesola-led government after the governorship victory of August 9, 2014, Oyatomi said that since then, “it has been a back-breaking struggle; but with Buhari’s victory at the presidential election, change, real change of fortune is on the way for the state.” Similarly, an APC chieftain in Osun state, Senator Felix Ogunwale, described Buhari’s victory as well-deserved, not only for the party but for the entire nation. In a statement signed by Ogunwale and made available to newsmen, the former federal lawmaker congratulated Nigerians for their undying spirit in “enthroning a disciplinarian who will ensure overall

S’East congratulates Buhari Ngige, said the 2015 presidential election in Nigeria would certainly go down in the annals of the country’s political history, as one that showcased a sharp departure from the past. Ngige said the fact that the most desired change has been realised by the massive support of Nigerians, who were desirous of change, voting Buhari as Presidentelect, has further strengthened the faith and belief of Nigerians in the country’s

democratic process. He said: “Against this back drop, we the people of the South East geo-political zone wish to applaud Nigerians and expressed our undiluted loyalty and support to success of the Buhari administration”. Ngige further stated that the recent development has gone to vindicate the Igbos in APC before “our kin and kiths in the South East on the need for us not to put our eggs in one basket.”

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Thursday, April 2, 2015

Lessons and precepts of Easter CRITICAL STROKES

KAYODE

KETEFE

kketefe@nationalmirroronline.net 08032147720 (SMS only)

omorrow is Good Friday, the beginning of this year’s Easter period. It also marks 1982th year anniversary of the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ, one of the greatest religious icons that had ever trodden on this planet. The entire world would be thrown into celebration during the three-day period, which will end on Monday (Easter Monday). It is a period historically representing the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ who died, according to Christian chronology, 1982 years ago. That is in contemplation of Gregorian numerology which starts counting from the year of His birth and thus has the year of death as 33 A.D. The Christ followers all over the world believe that this singular event is the pinnacle of divine intervention to salvage mankind- the denouement in the primordial plot featuring mankind saga and stretching all the eons from the blissful era of plenitude and grace in the Garden of Eden, through the tragic time when humanity fell in the same locale, to the period of unmer-

ited redemption. The Easter is seen as the ultimate symbolism of agape love; the divine love of God for mankind conveying the message of everlasting hope. No human is absolutely indifferent to the historical figure called Jesus of Nazareth. The Christians believe that Christ is the son of God, who came to world for the singular purpose of saving the fallen man from the eternal damnation. The Muslims see Jesus as one of the principal prophets of God, who came to the world with Allah’s message to human beings, who preached a sublime message of love for mankind and performed countless number of miracles, both to alleviate the suffering of the people and to underscore his mission as an emissary of the Almighty. Even the atheists regard Jesus as one of the greatest teachers of mankind, whose messages are laden with great felicities, charity and hope - requisite ingredients for harmonious co-existence among humans. In all these varied religious/philosophical world views, the phenomenon called love and its esteemed, inherent value in human affairs is ever constant. Thus, all the world religions, including even atheistic liberalism and scientific humanism, convey the underlying message that we should love one another and shun selfishness in all its ramifications. If we can imbibe the essence of Easter and allow its message of genuine and selfless affections to percolate our spirits, most of our problems will disappear. Neither the Holy Bible nor the Al-Quran Kareem enjoins us

WHAT AMOUNT OF LOVE INHERES IN A HEART THAT DIVERTS FUNDS MEANT FOR DEVELOPMENT INTO A PRIVATE ACCOUNT?

to embrace the culture of hatred and violence; neither says we should maim and kill one another on accounts of our reconcilable or irreconcilable differences, rather, the two scriptures are replete with passages urging love and forbearance. The politicians who exploit their public offices to pursue egotistic agenda; who loot the treasury with abandon, acquiring properties all over the world while the majority of their compatriots are languishing in poverty, have no love in their perverse hearts. What amount of love inheres in a heart that diverts funds meant for development into a private account or a leader who denies the people their fundamental human rights, or fraudulently steals the mandate of his opponents in an electoral contest? A religious zealot, who burns down places of worship of other people, is an inconsiderate, loveless, terrorist. The same thing holds true for those who kill other innocent people on the ground of ethnicity. The true lesson of Easter transcends mere festivities

and fanfare; it transcends mere attendance of places of worship in flamboyant dresses and listening perfunctorily to sermons. In countless number of churches around the world in the next few days, homiletic injunctions would be reeled out with exegetical precision and godly passion. But what is really important is the number of people who turns new leaves in obedience to the messages; and how many hearts would allow the real gospel of love to take roots and blossom? How many people are doing unto others as they would like to be treated? Many people know the customs and tradition behind Easter, but very few bother themselves about the significance of Christ crucifixion and resurrection. For a great number of people, Easter period, like other festive periods, is just an opportunity to engage in reckless bingeing, drinking, debauchery and lasciviousness. The practices exhibiting lack of love percolates every facet of the society. It would do us a lot of good if we strive to forget all our differences and unite as common sojourners in this earthly realm in which we are bound with a common destiny. To really move forward, we must cultivate the sublime virtue of love, evinced through positive attributes like magnanimity, forbearance, amity, charity and altruism. Happy Easter! Ketefe may be followed on twitter @ Ketesco

Nigeria and religious people without morality CHIEDU UCHE OKOYE

mong the dominant religious practices in the world today are Islam, Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, African traditional religions, etc. One’s religion may be determined by factors of geography and circumstances of birth. However, some people get converted from one religion to another at some points in their lives. Religion can be seen simply as the ways by which people try to reach their gods or God. No religion teaches violence acts, but evil-minded people twist the teachings of their religions to achieve their selfish and materialistic goals. The religious instructions and teachings we receive have the potentialities of modifying and reforming our bad characters. The world will become an abode of peace if Christians abide by the Decalogue contained in the Holy Bible. Likewise, religious insurgency will cease in our world if Muslims adhere strictly to the unadulterated and true teachings of Prophet Mohammed. But are all religious people morally upright? Not all intensely religious people have moral uprightness. From America to Britain, from Australia to Germany, we do hear sordid bawdy tales about Catholic priests who indulge in pederasty and pedophilic acts. And we cannot gainsay the fact that some revered pastors of Pentecostal churches commercialize and bastardize Christianity for pecuniary gains. They do

OUR LACK OF POSITIVE MORALITY IS THE REASON WHY WE INDULGE IN CORRUPT DEEDS exploit the naivety and ignorance of their members to fleece them of their money. Now miracles are hawked by men of God. Teaching people the importance of spiritual values and holiness is subordinated to the propagation of prosperity messages and the performance of miracles. In Nigeria, people believe that those who condemn the moral rot in the church will come under eternal condemnation and damnation as their action is believed to be akin to committing sin against the Holy Spirit. Our having this mindset induces into us permissiveness. So, we acquiesce to their wrong doings in the mistaken belief that they are the ambassadors of God on earth. It is not only religious leaders that have moral vacuity; devotees of many different religions in Nigeria do run foul of the teachings and injunctions contained in their holy books. Our political leaders, who are either Christians or Muslims, would engage in treasury looting after swearing an oath with either the Bible or Koran to be of good behavior. The bloodthirsty Muslims justify their murderous deeds by twisting and misinterpreting portions of the Koran.

So our practice of religions has failed abysmally in effecting moral regeneration among us. A country whose religious leaders cannot hold aloft the moral compass and torch for their compatriots will come adrift. Not surprisingly, and consequently, too, there is an erosion of moral and family values among us. Here, good is deemed bad; and bad, good. Nothing shocks and offends us, anymore. Moral vices have become normative in Nigeria. But people without positive morality tend to engage in corrupt acts. So, devout Anglicans and Aatholics buy WASSCE and Post-UME results for their children. Those deeply religious people who are rich collude with NECO, WASSCE, and UTME examiners and invigilators to compromise the integrity of those examinations. That is why the grades that appear on some people’s certificates are not a true reflection of their mental abilities. Do you still wonder why Nigeria is mired in underdevelopment? A morally upright person will not divert public money entrusted in his care into his private bank account, and a morally upright person is aware of what constitutes good and bad. But Nigeria teems with people who have moral vacuity and spiritual aridity. They indulge in deeds that destroy our country. Human beings mobilize and galvanize human and natural resources, and capital to effect national development. And if they place their selfish interests above other

considerations owing to their moral vacuity, then Nigeria will remain an underdeveloped country. Our lack of positive morality is the reason why we indulge in corrupt deeds. And while perpetrating evil deeds, we do not have prick of conscience and qualms. So, it is imperative for our religious leaders to effect moral regeneration among us. It is sad to note that Nigerians are putting their religions to bad uses. Some Islamic clerics brainwash and indoctrinate young Muslims with teachings that are not contained in the Koran. They misinterpret and twist them to suit their purposes. That is why the Boko Haram-induced insurgency in the North-East is still festering. And many Christian clergy subordinate biblical teachings that border on spirituality, holiness and love to the performance of miracles and propagation of prosperity messages. Our adherence to religious injunctions, no doubt, will activate our consciences and imbue us with positive morality. Then, we will start to desist from engaging in acts that can destroy our country. Okoye wrote from Uruowulu-Obosi, Anambra State.

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Editorial

Thursday April 2, 2015

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All the Facts, All the Sides A 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 AUGUSTUS IMEKAN ACTING HEAD, GRAPHICS

Imperative for Development Bank of Nigeria

ecently, President Goodluck Jonathan established the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) to address funds challenges faced by small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs). With a capital base of N320 billion and liberalized loan regime, the development would seem a most auspicious initiative given the hassles the nation’s SMEs contend with in their efforts to access funds from existing banks. Hitherto, the Bank of Industry (BOI) and the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), two specialized banks owned by the Federal Government, have the responsibility to address such challenges. It was also the realization of the neglect of the financial needs of this critical sector that the defunct Peoples’ Bank of Nigeria (PBN) was created in the past. It was also the reason why the government revitalized and reformed the nation’s micro-finance banking sector, even as the conventional deposit banks are expected to operate SME financing schemes. President Goodluck Jonathan, while launching the bank in Abuja, had said the DBN would provide medium to long term lending to micro, small and medium scale enterprises of up to 10 years tenor and a moratorium period of up to 18 months. The DBN mandate, nonetheless, offers an opportunity for the interrogation of the performance of similar institutions on

ground were established to facilitate economic growth and development in the country through nurturing small and medium scale business endeavours in the country. There is no gainsaying the fact that SMEs serve as the engine for driving any economy, Nigeria’s inclusive. They are critical to the development of any economy because they possess great potential for employment generation, improvement of local technology, product output diversification, development of indigenous entrepreneurship, as well as foreword integration with large-scale industries. As far back as 2010, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), for example, had provided a N500 billion debenture stock and N200 billion Small and Medium Enterprises Credit Guarantee Scheme (SMECG). The apex bank, in acknowledging the gross underperformance of SMEs in Nigeria, which undermined their contributions to economic growth and development, identified four critical issues as being responsible. These include the unfriendly business environment in which they operate, poor funding, low management skills and lack of access to modern technology. In CBN’s reckoning, shortage of funds occupies a central position. In Nigeria’s special case, we cannot agree less with the CBN, as commercial banks have been

April 2, 1982 Falklands War: Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands. The Falklands War, also known as the Falklands Conflict or Falklands Crisis, was a 1982 war between Argentina and the United Kingdom. The conflict resulted from the long-standing dispute over the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, which lie in the South Atlantic, east of Argentina.

BAILING OUT SMES IS NOT A FUNCTION OF THE NUMBER OF BANKS ESTABLISHED FOR THE PURPOSE, BUT…

repeatedly indicted of serious reluctance in providing the needed succour to SMEs, purportedly because of inherent high risks and uncertainties. Despite the promises of commitment by many of the banks to assist SMEs, the latter often encounter monumental and discouraging hurdles in their bid to source funds from banks. Instead of advancing loans to SMEs, most bank prefer granting loan to importers of fastselling products and other crooks who engage in round-tripping with the loans. The genuine entrepreneurs in desperate need of loans to expand the real sector of the economy are left in the lurch as a result. Perhaps more worrisome are the outrageously high interest rates, short and harsh repayment terms attached to the loans when banks decide to be ‘generous’ with giving them, apart from corrupt exploits by bank officials in the process of securing the facility. Indeed, the collapse of many banks in the 1990s is traceable mainly to indiscriminate advancement of credit to bank chiefs and their fronts. So, what difference is the DBN

ON THIS DAY

April 2, 2002 Israeli forces surrounded the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem into which armed Palestinians had retreated. The Church of the Nativity is a basilica located in Bethlehem, a Palestinian territory; and is considered to be the oldest continuously operating Christian church in the world. It is still traditionally considered to be located over the cave that marks the birthplace of Jesus of Nazareth.

going to make? The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala says it promises to prove “not just access (to loanable funds), but access in a manner that does not stifle them, but instead, grows them; access that gives them space to afford a decent life; while nursing their businesses; access that will not take substantial portions of their profits away from them; access to the sort of finance that empowers them and their communities”. However, what guarantees that the FG would superintend the realization of these lofty ideals? We assume the FG factored in the failures and limitations of existing banks, especially their predilections for sharp practices, insincerity and exploitation in the founding of DBN. We make bold to say that bailing out SMEs is not a function of the number of banks established for the purpose, but that of the resolve of appropriate financial monitoring and regulatory agencies to firmly commit banks to the performance of roles that facilitate economic development. Hopefully, the involvement of the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development, World Bank, African Development Bank and Agence France Development in the facilitation of the DBN would ensure it meets national expectations.

April 2, 2012 A mass shooting at Oikos University at Oakland, California, United States, left seven people dead and three others injured. The incident when a gunman shot at people inside Oikos University, a Korean Christian college. Within a few hours, the number of reported fatalities reached seven. The suspect, 43-year-old One L. Goh, a former student at the school, was taken into custody for the shootings.

AFE BABALOLA UNIVERSITY, ADO-EKITI (ABUAD) AFE BABALOLA UNIVERSITY, ADO-EKITI (ABUAD)

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Education Today Thursday, April 2, 2015

“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,)

Again, Ghana rules W/Africa in WASSCE results Sweeps laurels for 5th consecutive time

Registrar worries

Tunbosun Ogundare

t was yet another embarrassing moment for Nigeria as the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) announced the overall best three candidates in its 2014 May\June West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) at regional level last week with no candidate from Nigeria. Surprisingly, the country presented over 80 per cent of the total 2,016,497 candidates who sat for the edition alongside their counterparts from four other member countries, namely: Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia and Liberia. However, Ghana, which presented only 397, 275 candidates, representing just 16.21 per cent produced all the best three candidates in the exam. Amazingly, the edition made it the fifth consecutive time Ghana would record similar achievement. The exception was in 2011 when a female candidate from Nigeria, Christiana Adeloye, came third. The Registrar to the council, Dr. Iyi Uwadiae made this announcement in Lagos during the just concluded 63rd Annual Meeting of the council with delegates from all member-countries in attendance. Also present were the three brilliant candidates -Masters Hassan Mickail, Kenyah Blaykyi and Archibald Enninful Henry- who did Ghana proud. It has become a tradition for WAEC since 30 years ago to honour the best three outstanding candidates in its May\June exams at the regional level on yearly basis. “We use the occasion of the council annual meeting which holds among member countries on rotational basis to honour these outstanding candidates with the WAEC Excellence Award,” Uwadiae said. So far, Nigeria has produced the

PRIZE WINNERS: L-R: Masters Hassan Mickail, Kenyah Blaykyi and Archibald Enninful Henry at the event.

The first prize winner, Hassan, 18, did not only attend Ghana Secondary Technical School, Takoradi, he is also from financially poor background such that he gained admission into a university this academic session

but could not go for lack of fund. first prize winner of the award 11th times, Ghana 10th times, Sierra Leone thrice, Gambia once and Liberia none while no winner was declared for four editions- 1996, 1997,

LASU election recess illegal —ASUU

1998 and 2010. The award is meant for all candidates of the examination body notwithstanding whether they are from the public or private schools.

But surprisingly, most of the winners of the awards just like this year’s recipients are usually from the government-owned schools. The first prize winner, Hassan, 18, did not only attend Ghana Secondary Technical School, Takoradi, he is also from financially poor background such that he gained admission into a university this academic session but could not go for lack of fund. It is now that a bank in Ghana has come to his rescue giving him scholarship to university to study his dream course. His first and second runnersup, Kenyah, 19, and Archibald, 18, were also studied at St. Augustine’s College, and Mfantsipim School,

10 years after, UNILAG students elect leaders 25

both public schools in Cape Coast. To win the award, the candidates must fulfill all the requirements set by the exam body. Uwadiae explained that part of the requirements was that candidates must secured high Grade ‘A’ distinctions all round in at least eight registered science-related subjects. “WEAC also subjected them to further screening that comes in stages to ascertain genuineness of their results,” the registrar noted. “And when no candidate meets up the standard, the council will not declare any winner for that year and this had happened many times in the past.” Interestingly, the trio sat for CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

‘Only youths can make Nigeria better’

Education Today

Be well-behaved, Bauchi college tells new students Ezekiel Titus BAUCHI

he College of Education, Azare, Bauchi State has cautioned its newly admitted students to behave in a manner acceptable to the school and the society at large. The Provost of the college, Dr. Abdullahi Mohammed Isyaku gave the advice in his message to the new students during their matriculation ceremony recently. They are 2,799 students in all including those who are physically challenged. The provost in a statement by the college’s spokesman, Mr. Suleiman Shehu congratulated the new students, saying they should count themselves lucky to have been offered admission by the college. He noted the college witnessed upsurge in the numbers of applicants this year which he traced to increasing demand for higher education in the state and lack of space in other tertiary institutions in and outside the state. He however called on the students to study the college handbook very well for them to understand the behavior expected from them as well as keeping to the oath of allegiance they had sworn to. He also advised them to put in their best by committed to their studies so as to graduate from the college on record time and with good grades. He declared that that the college would offer the less privileged and physically challenged among them scholarship and provide free buses to ease their movement in and out of the college. He however promised that the college would provide all the basic needs that would studentship a worthwhile experience.

Thursday, April 2, 2015

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EKiti offers automatic employment to best graduating student Abiodun Nejo ADO EKITI

t was all smiles for the best graduating student of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti for the 2012/2013 session, Mr. Olamide Tawose, last week as the Ekiti State Government announced an offer of appointment for him. Tawose, who studied Mathematical Sciences with Computer Science option, had a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.87 from the possible 5.0 points to emerge the best graduating student for the session. He led the pack of 19 fresh graduates who bagged First Class during the 20th convocation ceremonies of the institution. Tawose is to resume work as a Graduate Assistant Lecturer in his department in the university on completion of the compulsory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). The gesture to the young scholar, according to the governor and Visitor to the university, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, is to reward his academic diligence and also encourage others to strive for excellence. Fayose, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Kolapo Olusola, congratulated the fresh graduates on their success and re-

Tawose

warding outcome of years of toil and perseverance while felicitating with their parents and guardians who had laboured to see them through the rigours and demands of university education. The governor, who charged the graduating students to allow the academic and mor-

al values they have acquired in the university bear positively on their day-to-day life, assured them of government’s continuous efforts to reduce unemployment among the graduate populace. He praised the Vice- Chancellor, Prof. Oladipo Aina and his team members for the prudent management of the limited resources at their disposal, assuring that his government would be relentless at finding ways of meeting the needs of the university community as the state finances improves. While congratulating the university on the recent accreditation given to its College of Medicine by the National Universities Commission (NUC), the governor expressed optimism that the report of the Medical and Dental Council being awaited would be favourable. Earlier in his address, the Vice- Chancellor, Prof. Oladipo Aina, said that the ceremony formalised the graduation of 2, 973 full time students, 1,411 part time, 485 sandwich, 1,731 affiliate colleges and 307 postgraduate students. He charged them to be good ambassadors of the citadel of learning wherever they found themselves and to live by the creed of their convocation which is to be found worthy in learning and character.

Boko Haram: Children in a class at the internally displaced persons camp, in Abuja

ACCA educates undergraduates on leadership Ojo Oyewamide AKURE

he Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, ACCA, last week in Akure, Ondo State capital organised one-day leadership seminal for university students studying management courses, especially finance in the southwest region of the country. The seminal tagged: “Inspiring Future Leaders in Finance” according to the association was designed to develop the students’ skills and knowledge in finance. Eight institutions were in attendance including Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin; Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti; Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji; Redeemers University and Ekiti State University amongst others. Part of the programme, which featured presentations by ACCA team was an interuniversity debate. Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji, won the debate with Elizade University coming second while Afe Babalola University came third. There was also an employability session facilitated by the ACCA Country Head in Nigeria, Toyin Adegbola. A member of the association, Seyi Olanrewaju, shared his experiences on his journey to ACCA membership and spoke to the students about positioning themselves to be successful in their careers in finance.

Again, Ghana rules W/Africa in WASSCE results CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

Mathematics, English language, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Integrated Science, Further Maths and Social Studies. They all scored A1 all through with narrow margin in their cumulative average scores. While Hassan scored a total of 682.093, Kenyah and Archibald scored 680. 429 and 676.935, respectively out of the possible 800 points. “So, the recipients of WAEC Excellence Award must be truly distinguished themselves from the crowd,” Prof. Pius Obanya, the immediate past chairman of the council, said in his remark. “Hence, their winning the award was the byproducts of thorough training by their parents, teachers and schools as well as the society which inculcates the culture of excellence in its youths.

However, the young promising boys were all happy for the achievement, which they attributed to God, their parents and teachers. They said they were the agents who laid the foundation upon which they built and still building on. They had all won one award or the other in the past for their schools. However, the spokesman for the group at the event, Kenyah, promised that they would continue to pursue excellence as they move up the ladder. Hassan’s aspiration is to become a petroleum engineer while Kenyah and Archibald want to be a lawyer and medical doctor, respectively. Reacting on the inability of Nigerian candidate to make the list of top three, Uwadiae expressed disappointment, saying it called for serious concern that required holistic approach from all stakeholders in the sector.

“The problem is not only that of the government which is not doing enough for education sector,” he pointed out. “The parents, teachers, schools, the society as well as the students themselves must have to wake up for their sleep and do their respective part to move the sector forward. Education is the bedrock of development in any society. We must encourage the spirit of hardwork, diligence commitment and excellence in whatever we lay our hands on.” Recalling those old good days like between 1997 and 2007 when Nigerians used to dominate the stage, the registrar said WAEC would not only sustain the standard it has been known for over the years, but would continue to conduct credible and globally acceptable exams for member nations.

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Education Today

Thursday, April 2, 2015

z Only youths can make Nigeria better, says don Saidat Alausa

he Dean of Student Affairs, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Professor Yemi Akegbejo-Samsons, has disclosed that the country cannot attain enviable heights among the comity of nations without the active contributions of the youths to its development. He made this known during the students’ programme, which featured the inter-collegiate oratory competition, launching of the motivational book; “A better Nigeria without me” and the unveiling of the proposed ultra-modern relaxation centre. The dean advised Nigerian youths not to allow themselves to be used as vandals or political thugs. Rather, they should stand up for themselves today and for their future because a better Nigeria without them was impossible. He charged the students not to disappoint their country even if others fail, saying “other Nigerians might have failed themselves but I will not fail my country,” The book reviewer, Dr. Sarah Iyasere, urged Nigerians to take their destiny into their own hands because the

unity of the country was not negotiable, as the people have roles to play in the development of the country, saying there is no Nigeria without people. Earlier, the Students’ Union President, Olajumoke Olawale, said the proposed ultra-modern relaxation centre would set the pace for other institutions across the country. While promising timely completion of the project, Olajumoke assured FUNAAB students of quality leadership and good representation, adding that the centre was to help students relax and unwind after rigorous lectures and academic exercises. The inter-collegiate oratory debate competition featured students from the various colleges speaking on the topic, “The Role of Students-Youths in Building: A Progressive Nation.” Speakers saw the need for youths to see themselves as nation builders for the country to make progress. The students, who noted that education remained the potent weapon for ensuring smooth and sustainable relationship and development, advised their colleagues to awaken the sleeping giants in them because they have a lot to offer the country for her to achieve greatness.

L-R: Registrar, West African Examinations Council, Dr. Iyi Uwadiae; Minister of Education, Liberia, Etmonia Tapeh; new Chairman, WAEC, Dr. Evelyne Kandaki; Vice-chairman, Hon. Hawa Goll-Kortchi and guest speaker and Minster of Foreign Affairs, Liberia, Hon. Augustine Ngafuan during 63rd WAEC’s annual meeting in Lagos, last week. PHOTO: TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

Group educates visually, earring impaired students on saving habit Tunbosun Ogundare

non-for profit making body, Financial Literacy for All (FLA) has organised a financial training session for the visually and earring impaired students in Lagos State , educating them on how to cultivate the habit in line with global best practices while in school. The group organised the training as part of activities to mark this year’s Global Money Week. The seminar took place at the Wesley School for the Deaf and Pacelli School for the Blind and Partially Sighted Children, both in

Lagos last week. At the programme, visually impaired participants after equipping with knowledge of how to save and spent money wisely took a swap on government condemning the frequent change of Naira notes. They said it was always difficult for them to master a new note whenever it is being introduced into the circulation. While calling on the Federal Government not to be changing money frequently, they equally called on the Central Bank as a regulatory finical institution in the country to compel the commercial banks to make their Automated Teller

Machines (ATM) easier for them to use by embossing them with Braille. Speaking shortly after the talk and presentation of books to participants, the group’s Project Director, Laja Shoniran said what reduces capability and effectiveness of a student was not his inability to see or hear but lack of appropriate knowledge. He said to be visually impaired doesn’t make one not to be part of the society thus the reason for them to acquire right knowledge that will help them do right things as they journey in life. He advised them as well as their visually impaired

counterparts to cultivate the habit of saving from the little pocket money they are being given and grow with the habit to adulthood for purpose of investment. “That is one of the ways to beat poverty after school,” he stressed. “We have taken the same message to your counterparts in regular schools.” Shoniran however commended all the Common Wealth Secretarial, London, CBN and Credit Awareness Nigeria for supporting the project technically and materially. While receiving the books on behalf of Pacelli School, the school Principal, Sister Jane Onyemeri thanked the organiser, saying it would greatly help her students now and in future.

Be law abiding, ADO Poly rector charges new students Nigeria needs to improve technology education —Expert less stressful. Abiodun Nejo ADO EKITI

he Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti has matriculated a total of 2,517 fresh students made up of 2,360 National Diploma and 157 Higher National Diploma for the 2014/15 academic session of the Continuing Education Centre in Ado Ekiti. The Rector of the institution, Dr. Taiwo Akande, charged the students to be law abiding and of good conduct. He also urged them to take advantage of the entrepreneurship programme introduced by the school to learn some skills, as they could not rely on white collar jobs alone after graduation. The rector promised further provision of amenities and facilities to make the stay of the new students in the school rewarding and

She said: “The Academic Board has also put in place mechanism to ensure that you have access to quality books to enhance your learning. The era of student’s extortion under one guise or the other is over as management has put necessary machinery in motion to detect and deal ruthlessly with anybody involved directly or through proxy or agents.” The occasion was yet another opportunity for the school management to recognise some outstanding students in their examinations last session at both ND and HND levels at the centre. Akande, who also seised the opportunity to assure of lasting solution to the recently resolved industrial crisis in the institution, said that most of the issues that led to the strike were as a result of the poor state of the economy.

Saidat Alausa

n associate dean for Research and Faculty Development, School of Engineering, Santa Clara University, USA, Prof. Tokunbo Ogunfunmi has said that for Nigeria to catch up with the developed and industrialised world in the training of next generation of engineers, it must be in

pace with technological innovation. He made the observation while delivering the 41st public lecture of Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State titled: “Technology convergence and the promise of internet of things: Prospects for developing economies.” The lecturer said this approach would help the country in the attainment of Vision 20:2020 initiative which is just five years away.

L-R: Registrar, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Dr. Olumuyiwa Oludayo; ViceChancellor, Prof. Charles Ayo; lecturer, Prof. Tokunbo Ogunfunmi; Education Secretary, Living Faith Church; Prof. Bridget Sokan; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Taiwo Abioye and a lecturer during the institution’s 41st public lecture held on campus last week.

According to him, “There is need to educate our students to take the advantage of new technologies of education delivery and tailor the curricula in a way that will produce sound professionals.” He said the country needs to embrace the idea where people activities irrespective of sectors of the economy are carried out on the internet. Noting that the country has improved in computer technologies especially through smart phones, he said broadband connectivity in all towns and villages nationwide would boost the system the more. Prof. Ogunfunmi who proposed for installation of free and functional internet facilities in all tertiary and secondary schools in the country, said by doing so would expose the students more to ICT. He disclosed that Covenant University had planned to run Internet of Things as a degree programme. He said the programme would help in the production of next generation of engineers that would build intent devices necessary to develop the sector.

Education Today

Thursday, April 2, 2015

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Monarch donates books to UNN

he Obi of Onitsha, Prof. Alfred Achebe, recently donated 10 complementary copies of different books he authored to the University of Nigeria, Nssuka, Enugu State. Presenting the books to the university, he explained that the books cantered on the history of Onitsha, its contribution to Nigerian development, especially in the field of education and how the city successfully combined modernity with culture to achieve economic growth. He said the donation of the book marks the beginning of the donations to all the universities in the South East.

The monarch said the books would help boost research and historical findings about Onitsha kingdom, its cultures and justice system. He congratulated the management of the university for the ongoing transformations in different aspects of the university, stating that the institution was better compared to the last time he visited. Receiving the books on behalf of the university, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Benjamin Ozumba thanked the monarch for his interest in the institution and his warm association with his administration.

Foremost educationist, Pa Lakisokun dies at 92

foremost educationist and administrator, Chief James Adeleke Lakisokun, is dead. He is the father of Principal, ObafemiAwolowo University International School, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Mrs. AderonkeLakisokunAdeniyi. Pa Lakisokun, who died at 92, was Apesin of Odeomu in Osun State. He worked in various schools in the South West between January 1942 and December 1983. He started as a classroom teacher and rose to become a principal. Among the schools he had worked

include Baptist High School, Iwo; Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo; Baptist Grammar School, Ilora; Iwo Grammar School; Ife-Oluwa Grammar School, Osogbo and Gbongan/Odeomu Anglican Grammar School, Gbongan. Chief Lakisokun, a historian was a National President, History Teachers’ Association of Nigeria (HISTAN) 1981 – 1987, Chief Examiner in History for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and Chairman, WAEC International panel for Syllabus Review 1978 – 1990.

50,000 for Cowbell maths laurels

o fewer than 50,000 junior and senior secondary students sat for the first stage examination of this year’s Cowbell National Secondary School Mathematics Competition (NASSMAC) nationwide last Saturday. The competition is being organized and sponsored by Promasidor Nigeria Limited, makers of Cowbell Milk and other confectionaries, The Category Manager of the company disclosed this in an interview at Immaculate Heart Secondary School, Maryland, Lagos, one of the 184 examination centres of the exam in Nigeria this year. According to him, 600 students sat for the examination at the Immaculate Heart Secondary School alone with many other students allocated to the 18 other centres located in different parts of the state. Ayodeji expressed con-

cerns about the mass failure the nation usually records in the West African Examinations Council’s (WAEC’s) mathematics examinations. He said the urge to develop the students’ interest in the subject formed the basis upon which Promasidor initiated the concept of NASSMAC 16 years ago. He was impressed that the annual competition has increasingly spurred the interest of secondary school students in the subject in Nigeria as Promasidor records yearly increase in the number of participating students in the competition. The Category Manager said the company’s determination to rekindle the interest of students in the competition informed the improved cash prizes provided this year. The overall best student in the junior and senior categories will win N750, 000; while the first and second runners-up will smile home with N500, 000 and N250, 000 respectively.

The 18 classroom block at Ayedere Ajibola Senior High School, Ketu, Lagos, built by the Lagos State Government and inaugurated by the Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, recently. INSET: L-R: Special Adviser on Education to Lagos State Governor, Mr. Fatai Olukoga; Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Lateef Ibirogba; Governor Babatunde Fashola,; Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye; her Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs counterpart, Mr. Ademorin Kuye, and that of Works and Infrastructure Mr. Ganiyu Jonhson at the event.

Saidat Alausa

he Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Kwara State, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali has said that the university introduced some new academic programmes as a way of increasing the access of Nigerian youths to quality education. He made this known recently while receiving the members of a National Universities Commission

UNILORIN expands academic programmes (NUC) Resource Verification Team to the proposed Departments of Food Engineering and Computer Science Education. According to him, it is very important to ensure that Nigerian youths are adequately educated. Pointing out that the university has been the most sought after by admission seekers in the last couple of years, the vicechancellor explained that over 107,000 candidates

have already applied to study in the university for the 2015/2016 academic session. Prof. Ambali, however, lamented that because of the limitation placed on it by the admission quota allocation by NUC, the university would be able to admit only about 12,000 of the applicants. The vice-chancellor commended the NUC for its good work and the Resource Verification Team

for a job well-done. He assured the commission of the university commitment to its Benchmark for Academic Standards (BMAS). Earlier in her address, the Coordinator of the NUC Verification Team, Dr. Adeniran said that the team was in the university in response to its application to commence the Food Engineering and Computer Science Education programmes.

Jonathan laments sales of govt textbooks in open market James Danjuma KATSINA

he Federal Government has spent over N27 billion from 2011 to date in the provision of free instructional materials to primary school pupils and junior secondary students. President Goodluck Jonathan stated this in Katsina State during the official opening ceremony of the distribution of instructional materials for public basic education schools nationwide last week. He said with the provision, every pupil in the public primary schools now has access to textbooks in targeted subject areas. He identified the core subjects to include English Language, Mathematics, Basic Science and Technology as well as Social Studies. He also said with the development, reading culture in the “junior secondary school is being reactivated through adequate stocking of the school libraries.” The president, represented by Minister of Education and former Kano State Governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, however said there were challenges despite huge resources in provision of these materials. He said major among the challenge which was undermining government’s achievement was the “appearance of these not for sale textbooks in a few markets in this country. “There have been media reports of

the diversion of the textbooks from the schools to the markets. “In order to curtail this, we have engaged the services of consultants to monitor the delivery and distribution of these books. “In addition, the security agencies are also monitoring the delivery and distribution of these books.” The president called on stakeholders in the sector to ensure monitoring, delivery and utilisation of the instructional materials, as such was a collective responsibility. On his part, Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, Dr. Dikko Suleiman said the federal government had distributed over 126.5 million textbooks in core subjects to public primary schools nationwide.

Suleiman also said that over 4.9 million textbooks in core subjects were procured and distributed to junior secondary schools across the country. He said 13.8 million library resource materials, and 2,375 science equipment were also distributed under the Jonathan-led administration since 2011 to date. He said the effort and “positive collaborative responses of state government had made us achieved 100 percent 1:1 pupil-textbook ratio in all public primary schools in the federation.” He said under the president’s Education Transformation Agenda, more than one million teachers and education managers have been trained and retrained “to keep them abreast of emerging pedagogical trends.” Vice-Chancellor, FUTA, Professor Adebiyi Daramola(right) presenting a plague to the guest lecturer, Prof. Jacob Olupona shortly after delivering the 2015 Foundation Day lecture of the university, recently.

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Education Today

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Restructure training programme for UBE teachers F or the last six years, the standard of education in Nigeria has been falling. Even when the standard appears to stabilise, it often turns out to be a fluke or an artifact of the very prevalent examination malpractice. One does not need to search far to find ample evidence of the fallen standard. In the regional scene, Ghana has consistently topped the West Africa Examinations Council (WAEC) competition for the international excellence award, ahead of Nigeria on each occasion since 2008. In fact, Ghanaians have literarily swept the top three positions for this award back to back for the past five years to the total exclusion of Nigerian contestants who are always in the majority. Evidence from the local scene is even more glaring. The other day, I was greeted by the chanting of I-T, “it”; I-S, “is”; T-O, “to”; S-O, “so” when passing by a school. It would have been a very welcome music to the ears, an evidence of excellent academic activity, if the music emanated from KG III or primary I pupils trying to string together the alphabet to produce their first English words. Rather, the chanting was coming from a secondary school; the Queen Primer has obviously made an unexpected return! Some concerned teachers were trying to teach JSS 1-3 students the basic two letter words in a bold attempt to ensure that their students can read and write. Why have they not learnt to spell, read or write before now? What did they learn in six years of primary school; little or nothing, and the situation is very widespread. It appears that the primary education segment of the Universal Basic Education Programme has completely collapsed. The teaching and learning process appear to have completely collapsed and there is no independent, controlled, examination process to assess the learning outcome as they progress from one class to another. They now migrate to the junior secondary school according to the new scheme to complete the last three years of the basic education programme, with absolutely no assurance of the quality of the candidates in the transition. Here lies the problem. The teachers in the Junior Secondary

The National Teacher’s Institute, Kaduna which was established since 1976 does not appear to have significantly impacted on the quality of teachers in the basic education sector.

School System are left to discover to their chagrin that the majority of the students entrusted to them cannot read or write. Not surprising then the interjection of the Queen Primer by the frustrated junior secondary school teachers in an attempt to ameliorate the situation. The persistence of decay despite the significant improvements in infrastructure suggests the persistence of a more fundamental problem. It is our opinion, which is widely acclaimed also, that the quality and dedication of teachers remain the most basic problem confronting the Universal Basic Education Scheme in Nigeria. The National Teacher’s Institute, Kaduna which was established since 1976 does not appear to have significantly impacted on the quality of teachers in the basic education sector. It is my belief that there is a need to completely restructure the programme of teachers training specifically those that are involved in teaching at the basic education levels in order to improve on their quality, and the quality of

their output. The first step in restructuring the training programme is to improve the quality of candidates admitted into the teachers training colleges. This can become a reality only when the conditions of service of teachers are significantly improved. A thirty percent improvement on the emolument of UBE teachers over their counter parts in the civil service will attract qualified candidates to take up teaching as a profession. The current practice whereby the cut-off point for candidates seeking admission into the colleges of education is reduced to 160 by the JAMB would become unnecessary. The second step would be to restructure the curriculum for training teachers in the teachers training institutes, colleges and faculties of education in the university system. The current curriculum of our teachers training colleges has been skewed too much in favour of methodology to the disadvantage of course content. A ratio of three to one in favour of course content would greatly improve the knowledge base of our teachers and deliver us from the curse of illiterate teachers. A third step would be to create an effective and proactive teachers certification and registration councils respectively that will act as quality control bodies to ensure the highest standards of teachers in the Universal Basic Education Programme. These would monitor and assess the quality of the products of the teachers training colleges through independent processes which will culminate in certification and registration of the teachers. The random and uncoordinated efforts by various players in the past have not yielded tangible results. A coordinated national effort with achievable milestones is most likely to yield dividends more quickly. The various governments in Nigeria must cooperate to train qualified teachers which will help mould our youngsters in character and learning at the basic education level. This would provide the solid educational foundation for the industrialization which would lunch us into an era of prosperity.

Firm introduces water conservation clubs in schools LASU election recess Saidat Alausa

o further drive its water stewardship programme in the country, the Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (NBC) has established Water Conservation Clubs in some secondary schools nationwide. Head, Public Affairs and Communications of the company, Mr. Uzo Odenigbo made this revelation in his message to participants at the company’s events in Owerri and Kaduna to mark this year’s edition of the World Water Day observed worldwide. NBC organised an awareness programme for over 200 students from 10 public secondary schools held in its production facilities in Owerri and Kaduna to commemorate the event under the theme, “Water for Sustainable Development.” In addition, the students embarked on a guided tour of the Company’s water treatment and Effluent Treatment Plants to understudy water conservation initiatives of NBC with a

view to replicating same in their schools and communities. According to Mr. Odenigbo, the annual World Water Day presents a platform for NBC to enlist water ambassadors in its communities who will partner with the Company in propagating the message of safe water practices. He said NBC was fully committed to sustainable partnerships and integrated

approaches to solving water problems in its communities under its water stewardship programme, adding that the task of conserving finite natural resources such as water is everybody’s responsibility. “This year, we have gone a step further to ensure the sustainability of our awareness campaign on safe water practices with the students, by encouraging and supporting them to start Water Conservation Clubs in their

schools”, he added. Similarly, Mr. Ben Langat, Managing Director of NBC while speaking on the company’s activities to mark this year’s event, said “The Water Conservation Clubs will further provide volunteering opportunities for our colleagues to donate their time and expertise to aid knowledge transfer on safe water practices among students in a sustainable way.”

Secondary school students on a tour of a waste water treatment plant at Nigerian Bottling Company in Owerri, Imo State as part of the activities to mark the 2015 World Water Day, last week.

illegal —ASUU Tunbosun Ogundare

he Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo chapter has described the indefinite closure of the institution by the management as illegal. The union made the observation in a press release jointly signed by its chairman and secretary, Dr. Adekunle Idris and Dr. Wale Adeyemi-Suenu, saying there was nothing that warranted the indefinite closure of the university especially when the Federal Government had earlier directed all schools to remain open during the elections. The university management had on Monday, 23rd March, shut down the institution and asked both students and workers to vacate the campus using the ongoing general elections as a reason. But the union said such election recess was not only illegal and uncalled for but

also disruptive to the academic calendar capable of prolonging students stay unnecessarily on campus. The lecturers who said the Vice- Chancellor, Prof. John Obafunwa had no power within the laws to shut down the institution maintained that he was using the tactics to buy more time before his exit. By law according to them, only the Senate of the university has the right to adjust the academic calendar and declare a recess while the Visitor to the university has the power to shut down the institution for purpose of elections. “That is why we condemn this Obafunwa’s aberration in strong terms,” the union said. “We are not on strike and there is also no breakdown of law and order on campus to justify the closure. Even none of other state owned higher institutions including the polytechnic and the two colleges of education are closed down because of elections. So, why should LASU own be different?”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Edited by: Saidat Alausa saidat_alausa@yahoo.com 08027633686

z UNIBEN Man ‘O’ War recruits new members

Excitement as OAU students celebrate ‘Aro’ Day

Eddy Uwoghiren

300L MED. AND SURGERY UNIBEN

o fewer than 25 persons have been recruited into the ‘Man O War’ Club of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Edo State. The recruitment exercise which was held for two days at the hill behind the senior staff club popularly called Mount Kilimanjaro was coordinated by the commandant of the club, Emeka Nwaede, a 400 level medical physiology. The programme was for six hours with the new recruit undergoing pushups, rolling, high jumps, frog jump, endurance trek, sprint race and mounting climbing. It was gathered that the recruitment was held in two phases—physical and oral. The recruitment started with the oral interview where the applicants were assessed based on their intelligence and academic records The commandant said, “The oral interview was basically to test the students on their academic performance, thinking capacity because we would not recruit students with poor academic records. Noting that no casualty was recorded during the exercise, Emeka revealed that some of the new recruits developed sickness but they immediately acclimatised to the problem.” The recruits later jogged from Mount Kilimanjaro to the hall car park where the do’s and don’ts of the club were read out to them. “Having gone through this rigorous screening exercise, I officially welcome you to the club. You must be disciplined. Do not see the club as a means of intimidating anybody. Be good ambassadors both within and outside campus. Anyone of you that default will be penalized,” Emeka said. A new recruit, Chinedu Ejechi, 200 level philosophy and religion, expressed delight in successfully going through the exercise. He stated that he would use the experience gotten from the club to help develop himself and be a worthy ambassador of the club.

Osayuki

Students of the university with their food during the celebration.

Afees Lasisi

200L POL SCIENCE, OAU, ILE-IFE

t has become a tradition for residents of Awolowo Hall at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State to celebrate Aro Day. ‘Aro’ is a name of a community in Abeokuta, Ogun State hosting a psychiatric hospital. The word is coined after the community as a symbol to demonstrate some extraordinary behaviour of the residents of the hall, regarded as the political headquarters of the students union of the institution. As usual, the residents woke up

Emeka Chukwuemeka ULI

he Vice-Chancellor, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) Uli, Anambra State, Prof. Fidelis Okafor has charged new students of the university to be of good conduct and eschew any act capable of causing their rustication from the university. He said this last week, during the university’s 15th matriculation ceremony for Regular undergraduate and Post-Graduate Programme for the 2014/2015 academic session. Prof. Okafor, while urging the students to study very hard and shun all forms of distractions, implored them to bear in mind that the university’s academic regulations does not allow students to extend their their expected year of graduation. He disclosed that a powerful and dynamic security network exists in the university

very early in the morning to jointly cook their favourite meal for the occasion which is beans. But this year, rice was added following the demand of some residents. At exactly 2pm, the food was ready and students lined-up with their plates, buckets, bowls, and trays, among others to collect their portions. After the food was served, students trooped to the venue of celebrations, Awo Cafe to dance, sing and laugh to the most hilarious club on campus, kegite Club. Female students were not left out as they joined their male counterparts in the ceremony.

Narrating his experience, a part one student, Bayo Owolabi said he was aware of the day even before he got admission into the university, “I’m happy to be part of it.” For Ola Adeola, he said it was a day the students displayed real madness. “It is a day we abuse anyone and crack jokes with nobody taking offence in such jokes.” Sogo Ayoade, a 200-level student of Public Administration said the day had become a tradition for not just residents of the hall, but all the students of OAU in general.” “We are celebrating the real madness on campus today,” he

maintained. One of the female students, Sade Bajo, who was caught dancing to the beat of Kegite Club, said she left her hall to be part of the event because “I always love any activities Awo Hall organises on campus. She also said the day was the funniest day she has ever witnessed, especially on the display of maturity of students. Tayo Adewale on his part considered the occasion important, saying it is a day students gather to eat, drink and dance and crack jokes together like one big family.

COOU students charged on good conduct

to monitor and apprehend cult members. “So say no to cultism today.” He stressed that penalty for cultism was expulsion and punishment in accordance to the constitution of the Federal Re-

public of Nigeria. While commending Anambra State Government for committing huge sums of money for capital development of COOU, Prof. Okafor, said that university is having linkage

programmes with overseas universities in Africa, Europe and United States whereby the students will be opportune to spend a semester or more in these foreign universities in a form of exchange programme.

Cross section of students of National Open University of Nigeria, Apapa Study Centre, Lagos during their matriculation ceremony, recently.

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Thursday, April 2, 2015

Edited by: Saidat Alausa saidat_alausa@yahoo.com 08027633686

UNIBEN student fellowship welcomes freshers

he National Fellowship of the Christian Pharmacy Students, NFCPS, University of Benin, Edo State has welcome the new students into the department. Addressing the new students, Dr. Henri Okeri urged them to be up and doing as the faculty was in no way ready to retain students who were not ready to burn the mid night candle. He said: “It is what you sow that you will reap. You do not expect to reap academic success after spending your time in frivolities and night parties.” He also warned the students to shun cultism as pharmacy students were always known for their cool headedness and humility. “You should not think of becoming a cultist. In fact, it is only the coward who thinks that a secret society can protect him or her. So, be a man, stand to face your challenges, read your books and serve the Lord and then all your ways in this university will be smooth.” Other activities at the events were drama presentation, choir ministration and bible recitation. The association also organised an academic seminar tagged: “Ten times better.” Lecturers from various departments of the faculty were present to address the academic needs of the students of faculty.

10 years after, UNILAG students elect leaders Miftaudeen Raji,

100L, MASS COMM.UNILAG, AKOKA

fter almost a decade of ban of students’ unionism at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, the students’ union of the institution has inaugurated a set of leaders. They were voted in last Thursday at the university’s sports centre used as the venue of the election. And they will administer the affairs of the students for the 2014/2015 academic session. The new leaders are 12 in all out of 19 who vied for the various posts.

A total 599 votes gave the President-elect, Abiodun Abdul-Rafiu of Science and Technology Education a landslide victory over his opponent, Hassan Abiodun of Micro Biology Department, who polled 330 votes. Olushola Oshin of Faculty of Law trailed the duo from behind with 305 votes. While four of the candidates emerged with varying total votes received, eight others were elected unopposed. Martins have been declared the winner of the election by the Chairman of the 30-member- electoral com-

mittee, Dr. Alabi Soneye, an Associate Professor of Geography. Soneye, who addressed newsmen after announcing the results, noted that the election was free and fair. He expressed satisfaction over the conduct of the election as he said the results were highly competitive, adding that UNILAG is back to what he described as a peaceful unionism. In his own inaugural message, the President-elect said thanked the students in general for giving him the mandate to serve them, saying he would not let them down.

NSUK mass comm students sensitised on department relocation Ahmad Muhammad Auwal 400L, MASS COMM. NSUK

o explain reasons for the recent relocation of the Department of Mass Communications at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), from the Faculty of Arts to the Faculty of Social Sciences, a Mass Communication Assembly was held last week at the 100-seater auditorium of the university. The university’s senate formally approved the transfer of the department recently after it had spent 10 years under the Faculty of Arts. The immediate past Head of Department, Malam Muhammad Rabiu, under whose tenure the repositioning was done, sent a proposal to the Vice-Chancellor and Chairman of Senate, Prof. Muhammad Mainoma, seeking the movement based on the reason that the research methods used in mass communication were adopted from the social sciences and the National Universities Commission (NUC) has listed mass communication under the social sciences. He explained that to be in step with the time, mass communication must operate from the Faculty of Social Sciences because by origin and orientation, the discipline was created from Sociology. He further revealed that the department was due for accreditation by NUC anytime from now and the accreditation team arrives, it has to see and certify what the department is doing, especially in the area of location and must be up to the required standard before it receives clearance and recognition. Welcoming staff and students of mass communication to his faculty, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Professor, Andrew Zamani explained that the faculty currently comprises five departments, namely Sociology, Political Science, Psychology, Economics and Geography and with the addition it becomes the sixth department in my faculty.” In his own remark, the current Head of Mass Communication, Dr. Tonnie Iredia who succeeded Malam Rabiu urged the students to embrace the relocation of the department while assuring them that the movement was done in their own best interest.

Students waiting for election results

Provost enlightens student leaders on best practices Emeka Chukwuemeka ULI

he Provost, Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze, Anambra State, Prof. Josephat Ogbuagu has charged the newly elected executive members of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the college to be committed to their studies and as well work as a team for the best interest of the students and the college at large. He congratulated the new SUG caretaker committee on their appointment which he said was based on their track record of discipline, diligence and academic excellence and assured them that the college administration would provide an enabling environment for them to function. However, he cautioned them not to lose sight of their primary goal of acquiring sound education and graduating with good results. Prof. Ogbuagu urged them to up-

hold the legacy of their immediate past predecessors, whom he said were never disrupted the academic calendar of the institution. “Do not compromise standards. Abide by the college’s rules and regulations and avoid corrupt tendencies. The ball is now in your court, do it well.” While urging them to show good example to other students by shunning cultism, examination misconduct, he enjoined the new student leaders to use dialogue to resolve issues among themselves and discharge duties with high sense of decorum. Also speaking, the Dean, Students’ Affairs of the college, Mrs. Okafor urged them to follow the union’s constitution in the discharge of their duties. She charged them to maintain and sustain the peace and tranquility currently existing in the college. In his speech, the out-going SUG President, Mr. Charles Anya, thanked

the college management for their passion in developing the institution and urged them to accord their successors such support given to them while in office. Responding, on behalf of the new executive, the President, Raphael Ezeonyedika, pledged their loyalty to the college administration and assured that the student’s welfare would be their utmost priority.

Ogbuagu

“T

Thursday, April 2, 2015

OTAL and Conoil petrol stations, opposite the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, though selling, was (were) besieged by motorists….” This extract from VANGUARD of March 20 welcomes us this week for the first time this year. Other improprieties from the above stable follow: “NLC splits in (into) two, as another faction emerges” “Reacting to the election of a parallel officers (officials) to run the NLC….” Delete ‘a’ “Today, the Ajaero led (Ajaero-led) NLC appears to be more formidable judging by the number of the affiliates controlled by the factions. “Long queues was seen….” I discontinue! “I love the pain and excitement that comes (come) with fashion” (SATURDAY INDEPENDENT Headline, March 14) The next headline solecism comes from the front page of THISDAY, March 14: “Military discovers bomb making (bomb-making) factory in Yobe” It is not the bomb that is making the factory! THE NATION ON SUNDAY Front Page of March 15 goofed: “Don’t yield to campaign of division, Tinubu tells Igbos (Igbo or Ndigbo)” From the COMMENT of the above medium comes the following infraction: “His appointment was meant to allay fears that the government frustrated Dr. Kolade out with a view to derailing the programme.” You allay fear/concern/suspicion/public anxiety etc.—no pluralism. “Efforts by the Presidency and the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to resolve the lingering crisis in the party’s Sokoto State chapter without success appears (appear) to have put the party’s chances in next month’s election in serious jeopardy….”

Officials, not officers

“The day I attained the position of the secretary general, I felt like I should call it quit (quits).” One of the readers of this column called me last Thursday and sought to know which is correct: ‘send forth’ or ‘send-off’? According to Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, International Student’s Edition, New 8th Edition),’send forth’ (old-fashiond or literary): to send somebody away from you to another place. In other words, a valediction. What amazes me most is the fadishness of the word among amajoriity of Nigerians. It also reminds me of the growing usage of ‘invite’, a very informal word, instead of ‘invitation’ that is formal. ‘Send-off’: noun (countable) informal—a party or other occasion where people meet to say goodbye to someone who is leaving. Example: When he leaves the department, we’re going to give him a send-off he won’t forget. (Source: Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English) From the foregoing, the good, old ‘send-off’ still holds the ace for me! “We have no genuine reconciliation in Nigeria even though the Oputa panel did its very best.” ‘Best’ is an absolute and, as such, does not admit qualification of any sort (very). “As the governor of Akwa Ibom, he has not reneged on both promises to his party and his electioneering campaign promises to the people of the state.” Either electioneering or campaign…both cannot co-exist. “…before the advent of the Europeans in Nigeria, most societies or kingdoms have

thriving and stable political system….” This way: kingdoms had (not have) a (a vital component) thriving and stable political system. “Somebody who can formulate policies and see to its execution to the minute (minutest) detail.” An eye for detail: policies and their (not its) execution. “As such (a comma) the little time that have been given to the politicians.…” Time that has…. “…Guinea finally elects a president in an election that witnessed series of crises and postponements.” The long road to democracy: a series of crises and postponements. “In one breathe, there are those who are still….” Take a fresh breath before we continue. “…it was a soothing balm.” What else do balms do apart from soothing? “It is however a consensus opinion that the home, that is parents, should bear the prime responsibility of introducing the subject.” For grammatical sanity, jettison ‘opinion’ from the extract. “The occasion was held in Victoria Island.” Get it right: on Victoria Island. “The accused policeman was said to have actually demanded for N10,000 before he was….” Simply yank off ‘for’ from the excerpt. “Mark advocates for more states” ‘Advocacy’ in the verbal context does not take ‘for’. “…she opens up on how she gained entry into the world of make-belief….” Grammar is not make-believe. “…the food situation in the continent….” Classical writing: on the continent.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

On radio: “There is six DStv channels on….” (An ad line by Multichoice) Who wrote this copy?

FEEDBACK The only feedback this week is from ‘Uncle’ Kola Danisa (07068074257), a ‘Fellow’ of the News Agency of Nigeria and soon of the Nigerian Guild of Editors. IDIOMS are fixed expressions which Nigerians distort at will. One such idiom, “at the helm” (to be in control) was changed to “at the helm of affairs” by The Nation in its Comment, March 15, Page 15. Let’s delete “of affairs”. Besides, in what context does the word “elite” (collective noun) take an “s”? I believe it was wrongly used in “Sambo, Northern govs shun ACF lecture: Mark, Yero blame ‘elites’ for region’s woes” in The Nation, March 15, Page 68. It should have read “elite” or “the elite”, denoting a group and not individuals. In contrast, in an advertorial placed in the Sunday Vanguard, March 8, Page 16 by some 20 enterprises inviting guests to the presentation of a book entitled “Modern & Traditional Elites in the Politics of Lagos State”, the author rightly uses “elites” because two distinct sets or groups of elite (modern and traditional) are involved. In “Battling Boko Haram”, The Nation, March 15, Page 13, “ammunitions” was used. The word is non-count but “munitions” is plural.

Don tasks students on entrepreneurship education Saidat Alausa

A L-R: Convocation lecturer and Director General, Standard Organisation of Nigeria, Dr. Joseph Odumodu; Pro- Chancellor, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Dr. Chilo Offiah; Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo; Chancellor, Dr. Hassan Adamu; Vice- Chancellor, Prof. Cyprian Onyeji during the university 16th convocation, recently.

Lawmaker donates N25m ICT centre to school Kemi Olaitan IBADAN

member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abiodun Awoleye, has called on youths in the country to prepare themselves to take charge as leaders in the future. He gave the admonition in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital during the inauguration

of some of the educational projects he facilitated for the use of the people of his constituency. According to him, his desire to make the students of the area competefavourably with their counterparts across the world was the rationale behind the official opening of a N25 million worth ICT centre at Anglican Commercial Grammar School, Total Garden, Ibadan.

He urged the students and other beneficiaries of the projects to make wise use of them, urging the youths to engage in activities that would promote them rather than in acts thatwould put them in bad light. “Nigerians most especially youths should shun violence, thuggery and any other acts of social vices that may tarnish their image and that of their families,” he said.

renowned geologist, Prof. Oluwafeyisola Adegoke has said that students of higher institutions should take interest in entrepreneurship to the extent that after graduation they would become employers of labour instead of seeking for government jobs that are not available. He said entrepreneurship education seeks to provide students with the knowledge, skills and motivation to embrace entrepreneurial challenge in variety of settings. He gave the advice while delivering the 20th Ekiti State University convocation lecture, titled: “The Entrepreneurship Education Initiative: Implication for Higher Education Administration in Nigeria.” He also advocated that entrepreneurial studies should be introduced in primary and

secondary schools. Citing examples of the world-class universities with successful entrepreneurship achievements, Prof. Adegoke urged Nigeria students and youths to look inward and set up small manufacturing businesses to counter the present situation where Nigerians are importing foods, drinks and junk gifts and using up scarce foreign exchange in the process. The geologist mentioned several areas where youths could start small scale businesses such as in local foods and drinks, flowers, artisan equipment, hair attachments, farming tools and tailoring, among others. In his view, “the national goal should be that not less than 25-30% of our youths who attend the universities and other higher educational institutions should cultivate the entrepreneurial spirit while in school.” He was of the belief that

these entrepreneurs through creation of start-ups would later provide employment for a significant number of other less entrepreneurial colleagues. Using his life-experience as a guide in the 32-page lecture, the astute scholar urged universities to set up consultancy services which would generate funds stressing that governments might not be able to provide all funds to universities. Professor Adegoke who bemoaned the situation whereby many industries became moribund and turned to event centres challenged the youths to wake-up and revive such industries particularly in Lagos. He commended the management of Ekiti State University for making bold steps to make the institution a world class university, noting that the structures in Ekiti State University today were amazing and functional.

Business

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Wrong aircraft crippling aviation industry –Ex-NAMA boss

NiRA: Building national identity through .ng domain name 31

Battle for supremacy in detergents’ market segment heightens

Managing stakeholders challenge to privatisation, reform –BPE TOLA AKINMUTIMI

he Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE, Mr. Benjamin Dikki, has said that managing the various stakeholders remained one of the challenges to the reform and privatization programme of the country. Dikki, who identified the stakeholders as labour unions, players in the sector, prospective investors, consultants/advisors and those he called ideologues, maintained that skillful management of the various stakeholders was critical to having a credible and successful transactions. The BPE boss in a radio programme said that the management of labour issues in the power sector was more challenging but that the Federal Government’s directive that every worker of the over 47,913 staff of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) must receive every kobo of his or her entitlements, helped in achieving success in the power sector exercise. He noted that the power sector reform and privatization was globally acclaimed to be the best because of the high degree of transparency which stakeholders observed; and that explained

the absence of any controversy about the outcomes. “As a result, all the proceeds from the sale of unbundled companies of the defunct state monopoly were expended in the settlement of workers’ entitlements across the country”, he added. Dikki also pointed out that reforms in the various sectors of the economy had generated employment, with most of the privatized entities such as WAPCO, Oando and the banking sector through local and international expansion creating mil-

lions of jobs. He said in the last 16 years, the defunct PHCN could not employ engineers but that the successor distribution and generation companies had employed 2,022 engineers in the past year alone. The DG added that the transformation agenda had started to yield results as five to six automobile companies, including Nissan and Volkswagen, Hyundai had returned to the country as a result of the investmentfriendly industrial revolution policy.

He said that the cardinal objective of the government should be to provide an enabling environment for the private sector investors to invest in such areas like roads and railways as it is the practice in developed economies while focusing on the provision of education, health and social welfare services to the citizenry. According to him, there is no alternative to reforms which allow the private sector to come in and do a better job than government would have done to transform the economy.

ollowing the rising demands for food products, the African Organisation for Standardization, ARSO, has advocated effective use of standards to improve the performance of the global agricultural sector. ARSO in a statement, signed by its official in Nigeria, Dr Joseph Odumodu, noted that adopting good standardisation and conformity assessment regimes would create new cost-efficient technologies in post-harvest pro-

AIRLINES’ FLIGHT SCHEDULES Dana Air Abuja-Lagos 9am, 1pm, 5.28pm daily Lagos-Abuja 7am, 11am, 1.23pm,3.30pm daily Lagos-PH: 7.20AM, Ph-Abuja9.54am, Abuja-ph: 3.30pm and Ph-Lagos: 5.28pm daily Lagos-Uyo: 9.20am, Uyo-Abuja: 11.07am, Abuja-Uyo 1.05pm, Uyo-Lagos: 3pm daily Weekends Lagos-Abuja: 7.02am, 9am, 3.30pm Abuja-Lagos: 9am, 2.20pm and 5.28pm Lagos -Phc: 11.07am Phc-Lagos: 1.05pm Phc-Abuja: 12.51pm Abuja-Phc: 10.50am Lagos-Uyo: 9.18am Uyo-LOS -3.03pm Uyo-Abuja: 11.07am Abuja-Uyo: 1.05pm

Aero Contractors

L-R: Supply Chain Director, Guinness Nigeria, Cephas Afebuameh; Chief Executive Officer, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema; Managing Director/CEO, Guinness Nigeria, John O’Keeffe, and Executive Director, Nigerian Stock Exchange , Ade Bajomo , at the Guinness Nigeria Plc. Close of business Bell Ringing Ceremony, recently.

Standardisation ‘ll stimulate agric sector’s boom -ARSO SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

cessing and storage that adds value to agricultural products as well as improving product safety. Odumodu, who is also the Director General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, also said the step would lead to more efficient and fair market chains that improve product marketability by reducing losses through transportation while addressing demands for quality and safety attributes. According to the organisation, adoption of standards will equally help to develop robust agricultural value chains for diversified commodities that would reduce

vulnerability while mitigating the effects of fluctuating commodity prices. Maintaining such standards and conformity assessment procedures, it said would ensure private and commercial consumer protection against inaccurate results of measurements in agricultural trade while safeguarding fair competition, especially for small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises. “A formal legal metrology system which is in accordance with internationally accepted requirements promotes confidence and clarity of measurement. This re-

duces barriers to trade. “It is also interesting to note that some African countries have access to most available sub surface water for irrigation, in the world, but is not utilized. It is estimated that more than 75 per cent of the African local cereal production is provided by small scale farmers. Only a fraction of these farmers are trained and educated in quality management of their crops”, ARSO stated. Recent study by the Food and Agricultural Organisation, FAO, revealed that crop failures are increasing, global population and increase hunger.

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 Lagos- Abuja (Mon-Fri): 07.00, 08.50, 12.00, 16.30. Abuja- Lagos (Mon-Fri): 09.00, 14.00, 15.00, 18.30. Lagos-Yola (Mon-Fri): 8.50am. Yola-Lagos (Mon-Fri): 13.00. Lagos- PHC (Mon-Fri): 17.00. PHC-Lagos: 19.00. Abuja-Yola: 11.00. Yola-Abuja: 13.00. Lagos-Abuja (Sat): 08.00, 08.50. Abuja-Lagos (Sat): 10.00, 15.00. Lagos-PHC (Sat): 17.00. PHC-Lagos (Sat): 19.00. Lagos-Yola (Sat): 08.50. Yola-Lagos (Sat): 13.00

Business News

Thursday, April 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Maritime truckers count losses as import volume dips FRANCIS EZEM

trong indications emerged that truck owners in Nigeria’s shipping industry might be groaning under the negative effects of the sharp decline in the volume of goods imported into the country, occasioned by the declining value of the naira, economic and political uncertainties that characterise the electioneering processes and the consequent decision of importers to postpone most import transactions till after the elections. The decline in the price of crude oil, which is Nigeria’s economic mainstay from over $100

per barrel to about $54 per barrel following the reduction in demand especially by the United States, had brought about lots of pressure on the naira, which led to massive devaluation of the currency to sustain the nation’s non-oil exports. Transporters under the aegis of Association of Maritime Truck Owners AMATO, umbrella body of all truckers operating in the country, say the dwindling volume of imports is currently taking its toll on the operations of members of the association, most of which have been pushed out of business. Chairman of AMATO, Chief Remi Ogungbemi, who spoke in a telephone interview, disclosed

that the drastic decline in the volume of imports since the beginning of the year, is currently taking its toll on members of the association, most of who are out of business. According to him, majority of the trucks belonging to members have been idle due to the low volume of shipping activities at the ports, a development that has led to high cost of maintaining the vehicles since they are not in use. “You know that truckers are better off when the volume of imports is high and vice versa. Many of our members have been compelled to keep their trucks idle and you know what that means in terms of maintaining them since they are not making

money”, he said He argued that the completion of the port reform programme, which abolished truck holding bays at the ports, thus making them park on the roads, the increased volume of cargo throughput due to the enthronement of a level of efficiency in port operation led to the worsening gridlocks on ports access roads. He also attributed the almost disappearance of the traffic gridlock that has characterised Apapa and the seaport environs in the last five years to the drastic reduction in the volume of activities at the ports. “I will give you a simple analogy. When you pour out sugar, the ants would go out in serch of the

and when there is no sugar, there will not be any ants anywhere. The sugar represents the consignments while the trucks represent the ants. Because there are no containers to lift anywhere, naturally the trucks would not be found on the roads looking for business”, he stated. He blamed the declining cargo imports on the depreciating value of the naira due to the volatility in the global crude oil market, the uncertainties that have characterised the nation’s economic and political terrain due to the anticipation of possible violence after the just concluded presidential election, among several other factors.

Proposed US airport passenger tax hike causes concern

onflicting opinions are being expressed over a proposed sharp increase in the Passenger Facility Charge (PFC), a fee paid by users of US airports, which would significantly raise the cost of air travel for passengers. PFC fees of up to USD4.50 are presently collected for every boarded passenger at commercial airports controlled by public agencies. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), US airports mainly use these fees to fund projects “that enhance safety, security, or capacity; reduce noise; or increase air carrier competition.” However, many airports are now advocating for an almost 90 percent increase in the PFC to USD8.50. Such a hike in the fee, which is applied on both passengers leaving and arriving at airports, could be approved when the US Congress considers the reauthorization of FAA funds in September this year. In support of the fee increase, the US Travel Association released survey results on March 25 that show that, “although travelers remain frustrated by ticket add-ons from which they derive little benefit, such as bag and change fees, … 58 percent

of travelers would be willing to pay up to USD4 more per ticket to fund airport improvements projects that would enable airports to accommodate more airlines, modernize facilities or reduce delays in and around the airport.” US Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow said: “Air passengers aren’t thrilled about ancillary fees, which disappear into the airlines’ pockets, or federal taxes, which disappear into Washington’s pockets. But if you show them a local user fee that is tightly structured to invest in our outdated and overburdened infrastructure, they understand the difference and strongly support it.” “The trouble is,” Dow added, that the PFC “hasn’t been indexed for inflation in a decade and a half, while our air travel infrastructure falls further behind the rest of the world.” However, Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) President Grover Norquist sent a letter on March 26 to members of Congress urging against an increase in the PFC that would “represent an unnecessary and unfair burden to airline passengers.”

L-R: Head, Product Management, West Africa, Transactional Products and Services, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Nnenna Okoro; Chief Legal Officer, Oando, Ngozi Okonkwo, and Head, Transactional Products and Services, Financial Institution Sales, West Africa, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Abimbola Akerele; at the 6th annual West Africa Trade and Export Finance Conference in Lagos, recently.

Political uncertainties halt loading of petroleum products GBENGA ODOGUN

he long queues at filling stations across Lagos have been linked to the suspension of products loading at various depots at Apapa. National Mirror investigations revealed that there had not been any loading activity at any of the depots in Apapa since last Thursdaydue to what industry sources attributed to the tension arising from the conduct and subsequent announcement of the presidential and the national assembly elections.

It was gathered that security managers in all oil marketing companies had been instructed not to allow any loading activity in any of their depots until tensions subsides. A visit to Apapa on Wednesday revealed long queues of empty trucks queuing on both sides of the roads leading to the depots. An industry source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they were under instruction not to allow any loading activity for now for fear of being attacked as the presidential election results were being announced. “No one would like to take any

risk loading in the midst of tense atmosphere like this” ,the source said, adding that all depots as well as offices have been closing at 1pm since last Friday. When our correspondent visited various depots such as Oando, Conoil, Ascon, Obat, Nipco as well as MRS, no loading activity was noticed. As at Monday, three vessels were sighted at Tin can port waiting to discharge petroleum products but were said to be under instruction from men of the Nigerian Navy not to discharge until situation improves.

Pass Local Content Bill, CCESSA urges NASS MESHACK IDEHEN

he Construction and Civil Engineering Senior Staff Association (CCESSA) has called on the National Assemblyto take necessary steps to fast tract the deliberations on the Local Content Bill in order to ensure its enactment into law.

The association said that the call had become necessary to ensure that the policy is established as a Local Content Act in the construction industry National President of the labour union, Dr Augustine Etafo, made the demand on Tuesday, saying there lay great dangers in the government’s refusal to intervene in the challenges facing

the construction workers in the country “We call on the NASS to take all the necessary steps to fast tract the deliberations on the Local Content Bill to ensure that the policy is established as a Local Content Act in the construction industry to save the industry from collapse. “We also call on the Federal,

state and local governments to start as a matter of urgency, to address the unemployment needs of the youths,” Etafo said. “Our Association has specifically looked at youth’s unemployment, high level of corruption that creates a wide gap between the rich and the poor, the poor infrastructural facilities as some of the key challenges which the

government must pay attention to for us to address these security challenges in the country,” he said According to him, the NASS needed to take all the necessary steps and fast tract the deliberations on the Local Content Bill to ensure that the policy is established as a Local Content Act in the Construction Industry.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Wrong aircraft crippling aviation industry –Ex-NAMA boss OLUSEGUN KOIKI

he acquisition of wrong aircraft for flight operations has been identified as one of the major reasons why most Nigerian airlines shut operations earlier than their counterparts in other countries of the world. An industry expert also described the liquidation of the former national carrier, Nigeria Airways, as a wrong step taken by the Federal Government. The former Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, and the Chief Executive Director of Topbrass Aviation, Mr. Roland Iyayi ,said this earlier in the week in an interview with our correspondent at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, MMA, Lagos. Iyayi explained that most Nigerian airline operators acquire airplanes that are cheaper and would not last them for up to three years, thereby leading to a huge financial loss on their parts. He also noted that the nation’s carriers are at the moment in a war of attrition as virtually all of them operate to Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt at the same time, saying that no fewer than 80.2 per cent traffic move between the three airports.

The industry chieftain declared that with the “triangle routes,” it would be difficult for the carriers to operate profitably even if they are carrying all the passengers. He said: “Those three airports accounts for 80.2 per cent of travelling public in Nigeria. In my research I refer to those three airports as business triangle of Nigeria. Everybody is gravitating towards these three destinations. People who are into oil and gas are into Port Harcourt. Those going to Lagos go there because of the sea ports and commercial na-

ture of the city while Abuja as the political capital of Nigeria. “Those three cities remain key and vital. Because the airlines recognise that this is the case, they have thrown so much of their capacities into this market. If you have that situation, there is already deep ticket competition in those markets. “Nigerian airlines will go and acquire airplanes that will not last two or three years before they are out of operations and it would run on forever. If quality at that time had been looked after, am sure we would have had Nigeria

Airways.” Iyayi insisted that as at the time of the liquidation of the former national carrier, the airline had about $500 million assets, which should have been used to offset its debts and acquire more aircraft to enhance its operations. The Topbrass Aviation chief explained that the restructuring committee, which he belonged, had advised the Government to release $127.5 million to resuscitate and acquire additional aircraft to make a total of 15 aircraft comprising five short haul, five medium haul and five long hauls

for the airline, but surprisingly, the Government to the part of liquidation for the carrier. He emphasized that unlike Nigeria Airways that had solid foundation in finance, the privately owned carriers do not have such financial prowess, a situation, which he said had made making Lagos and Abuja International and regional hubs unrealistic. “What we do is to say, let them run an airline. Do they start with any particular model in mind? If you don’t have, you will come and go. We have this boom and burst cycle”, Iyayi added.

UBA’s subsidiaries post 345% profit JOHNSON OKANLAWON

BA Africa has announced 34 per cent profit for the financial year ended December 31, 2014 despite challenging macroeconomic environment in most of the SubSaharan African markets. UBA Africa, comprising the bank’s operations in 18 African countries outside Nigeria, has continued to increase its contribution to the group. A statement from the bank

said the subsidiary also contributed N290 billion earnings in 2014 compared to the preceding year, reflecting the increasing penetration of the UBA brand across African markets. The statement quoted Group Deputy Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of UBA Africa, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka, as saying that the subsidiary is gaining critical mass across its target markets and it continues to leverage her innovative products to increase the share of customers’ wallet in the African

banking space. He explained that UBA Africa’s earnings is receiving a boost from enhanced service channels, product offerings and customer service with a number of UBA subsidiaries in Africa becoming stand out performers in their respective countries. He said that UBA Senegal has been ranked the best bank in the country for three years in a row, just as UBA Cameroon is ranked the Best Bank in its host country for four consecutive years. “We are pleased with the cur-

rent year performance, which reflects our commitment to deliver value to all stakeholders. We are optimistic on the years ahead and will profitably grow our African subsidiaries by focusing on the viable yet safe sectors of the respective countries,” he added. He also noted that the remarkable outlook of UBA Africa reinforces the revenue and risk diversification benefit that the UBA Group offers its shareholders.

European equities winners suffer losses as Q1 ends

he industries and markets that led the rally in European shares this quarter were responsible for their decline on Tuesday. The Stoxx Europe 600 Index lost 0.6 percent to 397.3 at the close of trading in London, trimming its best first-quarter rally since 1998. Carmakers and chemicals companies fell the most among 19 industry groups. Benchmark national gauges of Germany and Portugal, up more than 22 percent this year, dropped at least 0.8 percent. The benchmark gauge for European equities pared its quarterly advance to 16 percent. It reversed gains of as much as 0.5 percent earlier on Tuesday after a report showed the annual rate of inflation for the euro area fell for a fourth month. It then trimmed losses of as much as 1 percent as U.S. consumer confidence increased more than forecast. “Equity markets are losing a bit of steam today,” said Guillermo Hernandez Sampere, who helps manage about 180 million euros ($193 million) at MPPM EK in Eppstein, Germany. “It will take more time to see the QE effect and consumers have to open their wallets as well. In the sec-

ond half of the year, it should be more visible what the purchase program does to bring inflation more to the 2 percent level.” The start of the European Central Bank’s quantitative- easing program and economic data beating forecasts by the most in two years helped the Stoxx 600 reach its highest level since 2000 on March 20. The gauge closed 2 percent away from a record on Tuesday. Investors have poured money in European equities this quarter, with a U.S. exchange-traded fund tracking the stocks gathering almost $1.3 billion in 10 straight weeks of inflows, data compiled by Bloomberg show. Another ETF following the shares while hedging against currency swings has received more than $10 billion. “Europe has seen a huge wave of money,” said George Godber, who helps manage about $5 billion at Miton Group in London. “We had the QE announcement and if you look at some of the numbers, it’s incredible how U.S. investors have piled into Europe. Most of the improvement is in a very nascent stage. It’s benefited exporting nations like Germany.”

L-R: Former Commissioner for Information, Ogun State, Dr. Fash Yusuf; Managing Director, Daily Independent Newspapers, Mr. Ted Iwere; Guest Speaker and Chairman/CEO, Channels Television Limited, Mr. John Momoh; and President, UNILAG Mass Communication Alumni Association (UMCAA), Chief. Lawson Omokhodion, during the 1st Distinguished Lecture Series of UNILAG Mass Communication Alumni Association (UMCAA), theme: The mass Media setting the Nigerian Agenda, held at UNILAG Lagos, recently.

StarAfrica supports young talents

n order to promote new African music talents, StarAfrica. com - Orange’s entertainment portal in Africa – is launching the fourth edition of the StarAfrica Sounds music contest. The 2014 edition was a great success with 88 candidates and more than 50,000 votes. For this 4th edition, Marema, winner of the 2014 StarAfrica jury’s prize and of the 2014 “Prix Découvertes RFI”, will be the official sponsor of this edition. A digital and participative competition: From 31 March 2015 to 26 May

2015, the candidates (singers, groups, artists, musicians…) can register on StarAfrica.com, proposing an original song, representative of their musical style. From 26 May 2015 to 7 July 2015, the public will be invited to vote for their favorite candidates on StarAfrica.com. A jury composed of music professionals will designate the Jury Prize from all the candidates. The Jury Prize winner will be announced on StarAfrica.com on 10 July 2015. The music title of the 10 winners of the competition will be

part of the StarAfrica Sounds 2015 compilation. This year a remix contest, in partnership with Soonvibes, will be organized using the Public Prize and the Jury Prize winners’ songs. The winner will be rewarded as follows: The winner of the Public Prize will be given coverage on StarAfrica.com and Deezer Africa and North Africa, an interview on Africa N°1, a Deezer 4 Artists certified account, six months free access to Deezer Premium+ and free distribution of 3 albums on Zimbalam.

Business News

Thursday, April 2, 2015

CA seeks improved credit opportunities for Nigerians MESHACK IDEHEN

he Institute of Credit Administration (ICA) has called for improved access to credit in monetary and trade terms, to boost Nigeria’s export goods and grow the economy. This is just as the institute described the poor attitude to credit, especially to public loans provided by government’s Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and lack of robust regulatory regime for the DFI sector to operate as serious threats to the credit system in the country. President and Chairman ICA, Mr Tunji Oyebanji, who disclosed this at the inauguration of the new Governing Council of ICA, said the institute was created to foster development of credit management in Nigeria and Africa, and to ensure that standards are set based on best practices in professional and ethical conducts.

This is in addition to provision of services geared towards enhancing skills and capacity building of those involved in credit functions. Oyebanji urged the government to be committed to enhancing the regulatory regime as well as credit regulations by providing more protection for DFIs. He also stressed the need for Nigeria to engage in free market economy to achieve remarkable overall resilience in economic activities, employment and fiscal performance. “In today’s globalised economy, the need to advance credit to businesses and individuals and managing credit risk has taken on a much bigger dimension. In spite of this, the business community still lacks proper commitment towards the culture of honouring credit obligations. “In an environment of heavy and persistent national deficits and borrowings, inflationary

pressures are bound to surface and negatively impact the available money supply which otherwise be deployed for productive investment and consumption,” he added. He explained that the shortage of cash in the system has amplified the demand on banks to create more money through loans and advances. Oyebanji noted that as demand for credit had long increased, businesses were expected to participate in the credit creation mechanism through deferred payments and credit terms granted to their customers. He pointed out that under these economic and financial realities, competition has also driven businesses to improve and compete not only on quality and price, but more significantly so on the credit terms they provide. Businesses today are using generous credit terms as an effective tool to gain a competitive advantage.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Fidelity Bank wins 2014 Green Era Award UDO ONYEKA

idelity Bank has won the Green Era Award in recognition of its Green initiati

ves. Announcing the award at a gala night during the 2015 Green Economy Forum in Germany, Association OtherWays Management & Consulting, organisers of the event said that Fidelity Bank was adjudged the winner of the award having come tops in all the parameters set for the award. Specifically, they said that the Bank’s drive for long term economic development; contribution to reduction in greenhouse emissions and ability to manage environmental risks in customers’ businesses among others won the award for the Bank. Receiving the award, the

Access Bank lauds Eko Atlantic Beach Polo winners UDO ONYEKA

L-R: The Zonal Head, Edo/Benin of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited, Mr. Chinedu Ogosi; the Financial Secretary, New Benin Market Traders Association in Edo state, Mrs. Doris Eboigbe; Chairman of the Association, Mr Samson Ojo and Chairlady of the Association, Mrs. Felicia Osarhuorhuomwan, at the unveiling of FCMB Personal Business Account with N1million free insurance cover for business owners and traders. The event took place at the market in Benin, Edo state on March 23, 2015.

IBM to invest $3bn in Internet units

nternational Business Machines, IBM will invest $3 billion over the next four years in a new Internet of things unit, aiming to sell its expertise in gathering and making sense of the surge in real-time data. The New York-based technology company said its services will be based remotely in the cloud, and offer companies ways to make use of the new and multiplying sources of data such as building sensors, smartphones and home appliances to enhance their own products. For its first major partnership, IBM said a unit of the Weather Co will move its weather data services onto IBM’s cloud, so cus-

tomers can use the data in tandem with IBM’s analytics tools. As a result, IBM is hoping companies will be able to combine live weather forecasting with a range of business data, so companies can quickly adapt to customer buying patterns or supply chain issues connected to the weather. For example, insurance companies could send messages to policy-holders in certain areas when hailstorms are approaching and tell them of safe places to park, saving money all rounds. Retailers could compare weather forecasts with past data to predict drops or surges in customer buying due to extreme

weather, and to adjust staffing and supply chain logistics accordingly. IBM said it was already working with some large companies, such as German tyre-maker Continental and jet engine maker Pratt & Whitney to help them implement data in their processes. Focusing on the cloud is part of IBM’s gradual shift away from its traditional hardware and consulting business. The company is targeting $40 billion in annual revenue from the cloud, big data, security and other growth areas by 2018, which should be about 45 per cent of its total revenue at that time, based on analysts’ growth estimates.

bank’s Managing Director, Nnamdi Okonkwo thanked the organisers of the event for honouring the Bank. Okonkwo, who was represented by the Head, Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, Chris Nnakwe said the award was a testament to the hard work and commitment the bank made in its corporate social responsibility, CSR and sustainability practice towards a sustainable environment. He explained that Fidelity, as a “Green Bank” had consistently explored ways of making a difference towards a sustainable future. “Through our tripod CSR philosophy -Environment, Education and Health/social welfare, we are creating a sustainable society; one that will balance economic and social needs as well as environmental realities”.

ccess Bank Plc has commended all teams that competed in the first ever Beach Polo Tournament, held Lagos with Lagos Polo emerging winner. Executive Director, Commercial Banking Access Bank Plc, Rooselvet Ogbonna, who lauded the players for their sportsmanship, thumps up the winners, the runners up and all the players for their awesome display of skills and robust competitions throughout the prestigious event which is the first of its kind in the whole African continent. “It was a great tournament

with a fantastic show of sportsmanship from all the teams. There just had to be one winner and clearly the better team won. I applaud the skills displayed by the players, it justifies the months of hard work and dedication they put into their training sessions. As a business, we are proud of them” Ogbonna who led the Access Bank delegation to the grand finale. “Apart from being a major stake holder in the promotion of polo for over eight years now, we also decided to partner with the organisers of the event from the inaugural edition of this prestigious event as part of our sports development initiatives,” he added.

ICANN to support Commonwealth Cybersecurity Forum

he Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has confirmed that it will support the Commonwealth Cybersecurity Forum 2015 as a platinum sponsor. Organised under the theme “Securing Cyberspace for Social and Economic Development”, the event will take place on 22 24 April 2015 in London, United Kingdom. Cyberspace can be a major contributor to socio-economic development, provided it is safe, secure and resilient. This makes strengthening cyber security a priority for all countries, and with the increase

in frequency and complexity of cyber threats, more importance is given to the safety and security of the domain name system which underpins cyberspace. “We are delighted to partner with the CTO again for this important annual event on cyber security. The security, stability and resilience of the Internet is clearly a critical issue for all Internet users, with the Commonwealth ideally placed to play an important role in fostering multistakeholder solutions. We look forward to contributing to the upcoming forum this April”, said John Crain, Chief Security, Stability & Resiliency Office, ICANN.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Info Tech

NiRA: Building national identity through .ng domain name Established in 2005, the Nigeria Internet Registration Association, NiRA, the managers of the nation’s identity on the internet, has so far been able to register 60,000 domain names, ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN examines the association’s journey so far in creating a credible national identity for Nigeria on the global communications highway, the Internet. Uduma

lobally, the task of national identity on the internet has never been taken lightly but pursuit vigorously so much that citizens of other nations now parade the identity of other nations online. While many countries in the developed economy have had long years of national identity on the internet, Nigeria has just gone into a national identity representation in the cyber space. Investigations reveal that the long absence of the presence of Nigeria in the cyber space was in itself shrouded in several controversies notable among them was the right to manage the nation’s presence on the cyber space. The move to resolve that gave birth to the Nigeria Internet Registration Association, NiRA, but that was without some opposition from other stakeholders in the industry. An enthusiast of the internet in Nigeria, Adeola Akinbo, traced the genesis of the crisis that resulted to the birth of NiRA in March 23, 2005 as stakeholder-led organisation, charged with the management of the Nigeria’s country code Top Level Domain name, ccTLD, dot ng. Akinbo, who is the Treasurer of the association, said the re-delegation of the .ng ccTLD came nearly 12 years after the country code was hosted first in Italy, and later by Randy Bush, an American. While Bush was the technical contact for the ccTLD, Mrs. Ibukun Odusote, served as the administrative contact.However, it was learnt that that did not put NiRA on a sound footing as a fresh controversy trailing the hosting right made former President Olusegun Obasanjo to step in on January 16, 2004 and directed that the management of the .ng ccTLD be transferred from Odusote to National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, temporarily. While most part of the developed economy started having their own ccTLD as far as back the early 90s, internet awareness was

Folayan

THE ASSOCIATION WILL CONTINUE TO FIGHT AGAINST REGISTERING WITH FOREIGN DOMAIN NAMES LIKE .ZA OF

SOUTH AFRICA, .CA OF CANADA, .CO.UK OF UNITED KINGDOM AND .US OF AMERICA

Odusote

just about evolving in Nigeria such even as at today, most Nigerians and indeed, corporate bodies still have email address with the ccTLD of dot Uk dot Ca for yahoo account. President of NiRA, Mary Uduma, told National Mirror that the association had created a national identity that portrayed Nigeria on the cyber space, adding that that is why it views internet as a global vehicle to drive e-governance. According to her, the developed economies are what they are today due to the attention that they gave the use of the internet in governance stating that Nigeria needs more presence in the internet. She urged that more Nigerian companies and organisations both in the public and private sector must be on the internet with the domain name dot ng saying that NiRA has been in the vanguard of championing e-governance embrace by governance. Uduma hinted that the registration of .ng domain names is progressing such that there were fewer registrations in February 2015 than in January 2015 noting that with

increased public interest, greater awareness drive and some outlined outreach programmes, Nigeria is positioned for growth in this business this year. Statistics obtained from NiRA indicated that there had been an improvement in the numbers of registered domain name dot .ng. It was gathered that in January 2015, 1,542 domain name of dot .ng were registered while 1,070 were renewed and 14 others were transferred from one owner to another. Similarly, in February 2015, 1,512 domain name of dot .ng were registered while 1,048 were renewed and 45 others were transferred from one owner to another. Uduma attributed the increase to the campaign and awareness programme of NiRA on the domain name dot ng to the support of the media. While expressing hope that the numbers will increase drastically this year, she said that there are big names on the internet that goes with the domain name dot ng. She said that the association will continue to fight against registering with foreign domain names like .za of South Africa, .ca of Canada, .co.uk of United Kingdom and .us of America, amongst others.

Uduma, who expressed the association’s desire to populate the internet with Nigeria’s domain name and to retain internet traffic that are generated within Nigeria,said about 60,000 domain names had been registered in the .ng registry till date. She encouraged Nigerians who were yet to register their business with .ng domain name, to do so without further delay. Vice President, NIRA, Sunday Afolayan described the domain name represent the address of an individual or corporate body on the internet saying that there are rules and conventions that govern the choice and registration of domain names. According to him, the naming conventions have been carefully created to avoid confusion, and make it easy for users to navigate on the Internet stressing that “NiRA as much as possible abides with global best practices, in the implementation of domain names.” He said that domain names are intended to be human-memorable addresses that direct to online information or services noting that the use of dot ng by more Nigerians and Nigerian companies or organisation give more exposure to the country on the internet. While calling for more adoption of the dot ng, he said that NIRA currently does not operate Internationalised domain names, which allows domain names in the natural languages of the users. Afolayan explained that said domain name was made up of several levels, such as the first level domain name, which is premium, the second level domain name, the third level domain name, the fourth and fifth levels domain name, with each level separated by dots. According to him, each level comes with its own specialties and pricing, advising Nigerians to register any level of domain name, except for the first level that is reserved. He, however noted that NiRA NIRA reserves the right to maintain the list of domains that shall not be available for registration, or can be withdrawn if already registered saying that they include offensive names such as words determined by NiRA to be offensive to the Nigerians, restricted names, which may give the wrong impression if used and premium names with generic words only, commanding premium value. The industry leader explained that the NiRA Domain Name Policy Version 1.0, which operated since May 5, 2008 describes the NiRA rules for the registration and use of domain names within the .ng domain and its sub-domains saying that registration was only possible in the third and fourth level and that the Policy was modified in April 2013, to allow direct registration in the second level.

Info Tech

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Tech Box Samsung printer that needs Android apps

Banks, customers can guarantee against bank frauds –E-PPAN STORIES: ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN

A F

ew technology products can be as annoying as printers, but Samsung Electronics is hoping to change that by convincing developers to create applications for its multifunction printers. The apps can be created using the new Smart UX SDK and will run on Samsung’s MultiXpress and ProXpress line of multifunction printers for offices, which are controlled using an integrated Android tablet with a 10.1-inch screen. The company hopes enterprise in-house developers, ISVs, system integrators and resellers will build Android applications for the printers. So far, Korean company Hancom is the only company outside Samsung to do so. With Hancom’s Office app, users can view and edit documents directly at the printer. The supposed advantage is that they

don’t have to go back to their computer to correct errors on printouts. Samsung has also created apps of its own, including Mobile Print, which offers integration with online storage services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft’s OneDrive and Box. Using the kit, developers can access printing, scanning and copying features as well as cloud-based applications. To help them get started Samsung has posted a programming guide. It makes sense for Samsung to try to take advantage of its position in the Android ecosystem to sell more professional printers, but convincing developers will still likely be a struggle as it has had little luck getting developers to customise apps for its mobile devices, a market in which it is far more dominant than in printing.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

s the Easter period coincides with the ongoing 2015 elections in Nigeria, the Electronic Payments Providers Association of Nigeria, E-PPAN has said that banks and their customers could achieve about 80 per cent safety for their deposits and other assets if they prevent online security breaches on their banking procedures. The E-PPAN, which offers the advice also offered banking customers tips to achieving up to 80 per cent financial security against the antics of cyber criminals. According to Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of E-PPAN, Mrs. Regha Onajite, urged that if personal details are protected, there are chances of fraud being reduced by 50 per cent and even by 80 per cent saying that “what we should do as individuals is to protect ourselves and our personal details.” She stated that the other 20 per

cent security measures would then be left to the banks to handle adding that electronic payments come with a lot of convenience and with lot of speed. Onajite who gave the advice ahead of the Easter celebration warned that current developments in the country, which include the election, should not give room for security lapses in electronic banking stressing that the elections obsession be carried away from taking proper protection of their personal sensitive data connected to their financial activities. “This is the period of election and there is a lot of anxiety. We are trying to change to a new administration or retain the existing one and because we are anxious about our political future, a lot of people may let down their guards in their financial security”, she explained. She disclosed that financial fraudsters are always focused and as such the banking public should always be focused and on the alert because fraud migrates to a state

of less security during a period of anxiety noting that people can fall victims of frauds in this period. Onajite explained that if somebody is able to get your details or cards and access your channels of payment, the person will also be able to conveniently and speedily steal your money. She called on bank customers to be couscous of the increasing wave of phishing, warning bank customers to beware not open unsolicited emails, respond to them, and feel information online as this may be phishing, which makes it easy access personal financial details of victims. Onajite said with electronic payments, a lot of banking customers have gotten increased financial security since they carry less cash and rely more on electronic platforms for their transactions. She said: “So many of us went home during the election without having cash on us but relied solely on electronic channels to access fund and carry out other transactions.

LG’s LTE stand alone watch

G’s first standalone smartwatch and the first watch based on WebOS— is not going to come cheap. The LG Watch Urbane LTE launched in South Korea recently, with price tag of roughly $590, Android Central reports. That’s before tacking on a $9 per month wireless plan for voice, text and, data. The price puts LG’s latest smartwatch on par with the midrange Apple Watch, which starts at $549 for the 38mm model and $599 for the 42mm model. LG is hoping the Watch Urbane will stand out through its built-in SIM card and 4G LTE connection, as the Apple Watch and most other smartwatches require a paired phone to get online. The LG Watch Urbane also boasts a more stylish design than most smartwatches. Unlike LG’s other smartwatches, which run Android Wear, the Watch Urbane LTE uses a custom version of WebOS. This includes some built-in apps for things like email, fitness, and voice commands, and allows for

wrist-based payments with NFC. The details on those NFC payments are still murky, however, and LG hasn’t talked about thirdparty apps. The watch will also require an Android phone for notifications, even though it isn’t using Google’s software this time around While most smartwatch makers started with cheap, plasticclad timepieces, they’ve quickly followed Apple’s lead into luxury land. But with Apple dominating the high-end of the market, it should have an easier time selling expensive smartwatches to its existing clientele.

L-R: Senior Manager, Data & Portals, Airtel Nigeria, David Umoh,Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Maurice Newa, Vice President, Data Products & Services Nitin Anand at the Airtel Smart Network media launch in Lagos.

Shipment for wearable device to hit 45.7m in 2015

he volume of shipment for wearable device across all market in the world is expected to hit a high mark of 45.7 million units in 2015, a 133.4 per cent increase from the 19.6 million units shipped in 2014. The increase is the result of a combination of new vendors, new devices, and greater end-user awareness in the worldwide wearable market in 2015. According to the most recent forecast data from the International Data Corporation, IDC, Worldwide Quarterly Wearable Device Tracker, vendors will ship a total of 45.7 million units in 2015, up a strong 133.4 per cent from the 19.6 million units shipped in 2014.

By 2019, total shipment volumes are forecast to reach 126.1 million units, resulting in a fiveyear compound annual growth rate, CAGR of 45.1 per cent. Propelling the market higher in 2015 is an increased focus on smart wearables, or those devices capable of running third-party applications. The IDC report said these include devices like the Apple Watch, Motorola’s Moto 360, and Samsung’s Gear watches adding that the total volume of smart wearables will reach 25.7 million units in 2015, up a whopping 510.9 per cent from the 4.2 million units shipped in 2014. Also the report said basic wear-

ables, or those devices that do not run third party applications, will grow from 15.4 million units in 2014 to 20.0 million units in 2015, resulting in 30.0 per cent yearly. Research Manager with IDC’s Wearables team, Ramon Llamas said the smart wearables are about to take a major step forward with the launch of the Apple Watch this year saying that “The Apple Watch raises the profile of wearables in general and there are many vendors and devices that are eager to share the spotlight. In fact, we anticipate continued growth here as many segments of the market seek out simple, single-use wearable devices.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Info Tech

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Government Technology

Airtel deploys technology to empower youths STORIES: ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN

irtel Nigeria as part of its corporate social responsibility is deploying technology to assist a youth currently facing some challenges. Akinwale Adesina who despite his own limitations has been rendering a selfless service to train hapless youths in the community for free. The telecommunications company has decided to empower Adesina and his computer institute by donating 4 computers; a generator; UPS; Internet modem; A Black/White & Colour Printer; 2 external drives; 2 card readers; scanner and laminating machine and a one year shop rent. Adesina was born and bred in Ogbomosho, Osun State. He went to primary and secondary school at Ogbomosho. Unfortunately, Akinwale was unable to finish his secondary education due to family problems and financial issues but was encouraged by his mother who took him to a church where he assisted in organising computer centre named Glorious Computer Institute. He said he is always happy to teach children about computers. Adesina

is always motivated when he when he sees children or youth who are willing to make good their lives. According to Mr. Akanbi Olawale who nominated Adesina, whom he had known for four years, he nominated him because he is gentle; kind; willing to learn, and hardworking. One of Adesina’s students Taofeck Akanji, stated that he joined the Winner Computer Institute in order to become a successful person in life and also be able to help his friends and family. Another beneficiary of the institute, Alabi Grace said she went to the institute to study computer because she had been challenged that what a man can do a woman can do better. His joy knew no bounds when Airtel rolled out these tools. He thanked the people’s network for empowering him to achieve his dream of helping himself and assisting the less privileged youths around him. The second story is that Mama Mercy who is a barren and has suffered most of her life as a result of rejection by her family and her community. Life has been unbearable for Mercy Wbiabia from Nonwa, a

rural community located outside Port Harcourt city, she is a considerable farmer who does not have a farm of her own. She lives in a mud house where part of the house has collapsed. She is struggling to look after herself and her sister son, Sunday Nomubari who is like a son that was left with her. According to James Wbiloyii who nominated Mercy, he said whenever he travels home to

meet his Aunt, she always tells him how she has been humiliated; intimidated; sometimes beaten and also robbed of her food. He said he nominated her in order for her to get help from Airtel Touching Lives programme. Nomubari was unable to complete his school because of money. He is helping her because he was born out of wed lock and was left with her, he promised never to neglect her. Both of

them were excited and very happy when Airtel Nigeria decided to support her and touch her life by giving and making her comfortable. Airtel has promised to build a one bedroom bungalow for her and she was given sixty plastic chairs; ten plastic tables and two canopies. She emotionally thanked Airtel and said she never imagine such great change can ever happen to her.

L-R: Beneficiary of MTNF Science and Technology Scholarship for the Blind, Lawal Tolulope;, Regional Trade Marketing Manager, South-West, MTN, Akinolu Oludiran; Dean, Student Affairs, Federal College of Education, Special, Oyo, Mr. Ogunjide Adebayo, and, another beneficiary, Oluwwatoyosi Lawal at the 16th convocation ceremony of FCE, Special, Oyo town, recently.

Financial Technology

Microsoft seeks data security for Nigerian youths

icrosoft Nigeria is seeking data protection for all Nigerian students describing them as a vulnerable group whose data should only be used to provide and enable them access educational and learning materials. That formed the reason for the signing of the Student Privacy

Pledge developed by the Future of Privacy Forum and the global Software and Information Industry Association in 2014. According to the Chief Technology Officer, Microsoft Nigeria, Olayinka Oni, Microsoft became one of the first major companies to establish standardised principles to protect the privacy of

student information saying that Microsoft believes that students are a vulnerable group and that their data should only be used for educational purposes. “This is our privacy creed. We signed on to the Student Privacy Pledge and other providers followed suit. Locally, we have sponsored inputs into the Cybercrime

OLX acquires new ad site

LX Nigeria has acquired another online sales platform known as Tradestable as part its expansion plan in the free classified ad site business. A statement from OLX Nigeria reveals that, combining both platforms will make it faster and easier for users to trade and turn their items into cash adding that the acquisition would give consumers access to more variety in products and services. Commenting on the acquisition, the Country Manager, OLX Nigeria, Lola Masha stated that with the acquisition, users would be able to choose from a wider se-

lection of items and be more successful in selling their own items to a larger audience of buyers. She said that OLX Nigeria is committed to developing a high quality, online market place for consumers wanting to buy and sell across multiple categories including vehicles, mobile phones and electronics. “OLX is excited about the opportunity to provide an improved classified platform with a broader product selection for buyers and sellers. We have a long-term commitment to our Nigerian users and we warmly welcome Tradestable users to OLX”, she said.

Masha assured buyers and sellers who had been transacting business on the Tradestable platform that, the acquisition would not only provide a wider and larger audience of buyers and sellers, but would allow them to benefit from product and customer service improvements on OLX. She noted that in less than three years of its launch in Nigeria, OLX has become a household name for consumer-to-consumer trade, where people can discover buying and selling opportunities that can help them achieve success, earn a little extra cash and get a good bargain.

Bill, we are driving conversation with different regulators to ensure that services are secure from end-to-end,” Oni said. Meanwhile, Microsoft has become the first major cloud provider to adopt the world’s first international standard for cloud privacy, ISO/IEC 27018 in its relentless effort to assure customers and the public of the privacy and security of their data in Microsoft’s cloud. Director Corporate Affairs, Microsoft Nigeria, Ijeoma Abazie told journalist in Lagos that Microsoft cloud will empower customers of all sizes to do more, be more, achieve more in their digital work and life and still be fully in control of their data and how they are used at all times. She said Microsoft’s ISO 27018 Certification and adherence to the standard is important, given all the benefits to customers in guaranteeing the privacy and security of their data which gives them peace of mind and enables customers focus on their businesses. According to her, given recent government surveillance practic-

es and following the U.S National Security Adviser, NSA, Snowden leakages, there have been growing concerns regarding the security of data stored online and in the cloud noting that for over 10 years Microsoft has remained committed to providing strong privacy and security protections for its customers’ data. Abazie said that undertaking the audit culminating in receipt of the ISO 27018 certification affirms its unrelenting and longstanding commitment to the privacy and security of customers’ data in the cloud. She said Microsoft fully identifies with enterprise customers who increasingly express concerns about other cloud service providers using their data for advertising purposes without consent and assures them and the public that it does not capture, maintain, scan, index, or mine enterprise customer data or use its customers’ data for advertising, marketing or other hidden purpose but accesses customer data only to provide services and support.

Global News

Thursday, April 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

will drive growth, says spirits Wall Street dips after rally; Asia maker Diageo indexes set for quarterly gain D U .S. stock fell on Tuesday in a modest retreat from the previous session’s sharp rally, though major indexes remained on track for a positive first quarter and the S&P500 was set for its ninth straight quarterly rise. Energy shares will be in focus as crude oil CLc1 fell 1.4 per cent to $48 per barrel, sending the S&P Energy index .SPNY down one per cent and Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM.N) down 1.1 per cent to $84.73. Oil is set for its third straight daily decline, losing about seven per cent over that period. Oil was pressured as Iran and six world powers entered a final day of talks on a nuclear deal that could see the energy-rich country increase oil exports. The talks come at a time when oversupply is already a major concern for energy investors, having contributed to crude falling more than 50 per cent from a high in June. Endurance Specialty Holdings Ltd (ENH.N) agreed to buy reinsurer Montpelier Re Holdings Ltd (MRH.N) for about $1.83 billion, while Charter Communications Inc (CHTR.O) agreed to acquire Bright House Networks in a roughly $10 billion deal. The news follows a number of big

deals announced on Monday, all of which contributed to the market’s broad advance and the Dow’s biggest one-day rise in more than a month. Charter rose 8.3 per cent to $198.66 while Montpelier rose three per cent to $39.31. Endurance fell 2 percent to $63.02. “Today’s move is largely in reaction to yesterday, a back-to-normal session, but our view on the market is still constructive. As we see continued acquisition deals, that will be supportive for the backdrop,” said James Dunigan, chief investment officer at PNC Wealth Management in Philadelphia. Trading may be volatile ahead of the March payroll report, due on Friday, when the stock market is closed for the Good Friday holiday. If the report is strong, investors could view the U.S. Federal Reserve as more likely to raise rates earlier than currently expected. Tuesday marks the end of the first quarter. Over the period, the Dow rose 0.5 per cent, the S&P 500 rose 0.9 per cent and the Nasdaq rose 4 percent. This is the ninth straight quarterly advance for the S&P and Nasdaq, the longest such streak for the S&P since 1998 and the longest

Obama

for the Nasdaq in its history. The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI fell 74.74 points, or 0.42 percent, to 17,901.57, the S&P 500 .SPX lost 8.68 points, or 0.42 per cent, to 2,077.56 and the Nasdaq Composite. IXIC dropped 18.60 points, or 0.38 per cent, to 4,928.84. Declining issues outnumbered advancing ones on the NYSE by 2,028 to 628, for a 3.23-to-1 ratio; on the Nasdaq, 1,628 issues fell and 540 advanced, for a 3.01-to-1 ratio favoring decliners. The S&P 500 was posting 6 new 52-week highs and no new lows; the Nasdaq Composite was recording 15 new highs and 10 new lows.

espite the recent volatility in its Asian business, the chief executive of the world’s largest spirits maker, Diageo, says 50% of its products’ sales growth will come from the region. The fundamentals in the region were still very strong, Chief Executive Ivan Menezes told the BBC. Factors such as 60 million people in the region turning the legal drinking age every year will drive that growth. A crackdown on extravagant spending in China dented Diageo’s sales last year. The British firm reported lower-than-expected sales for the second half of 2014 in January at £5.9bn ($8.7bn), while its per cent to £1.7bn. In China, the company said sales of Scotch whisky were

down 22 per cent as a result of the government’s austerity drive. Mr. Menezes said Asia accounted for 20 per cent of Diageo’s current business. He sees that growing to 25 per cent with good growth prospects in China, India and South East Asia. “Our focus in China is to build a consumer-led business, to get our brands resonating with the consumers,” he said. “It’s a very attractive market as the emerging middle class is yet to come through strongly.” Diageo makes Johnnie Walker whisky, Smirnoff vodka and Guinness, as well as a number of malts. With low growth in developed markets of the US and Europe, Diageo is turning to emerging markets to drive growth in the next decade.

Oil drops to $55 as Iran nuclear talks intensify

rent crude oil dropped towards $55 a barrel on Tuesday as Iran and six world powers entered a final day of talks over a nuclear deal that could see the energy-rich country increase oil exports to world markets. With a self-imposed deadline set for the end of the day, the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China ramped up the pace of negotiations with Iran in Switzerland over an outline deal on Tehran’s nuclear programme. Disagreements on enrichment research and the pace of lifting sanctions remained as hurdles that could scupper a deal to end a 12-year standoff between Iran and the West. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters in Moscow he believed the talks had a good chance of success. “The chances are high. They are probably not 100 percent but you can

Oil rig

never be 100 percent certain of anything,” Lavrov said. Western diplomats however played down expectations for the talks in the Swiss city of Lausanne. Brent LCOc1 was $1.14 lower at $55.15 a barrel by 1335 GMT and was heading for a monthly drop of around 12 percent. U.S. crude CLc1 was down 67 cents at $48.01 a barrel. Both benchmark contracts were heading for a third consecutive quarter of declines. Oil prices extended two days of falls as investors said a deal in Lausanne could lead to an increase in Iranian crude supply to a market already oversupplied due to U.S. shale production. “If the flood gates to Iranian crude open, (prices) will probably test this year’s lows again,” Daniel Ang, analyst at Singapore-based brokerage Phillip Futures, told Reuters Global Oil Forum.

Iran could increase oil production by around 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) within six months if sanctions are removed, and by an additional 700,000 bpd within another year, according to estimates by Facts Global Energy. Western sanctions have limited Iranian crude oil exports to around 1 million bpd, and shipping sources say Iran is storing at least 30 million barrels of oil on a supertankers. BNP Paribas nevertheless did not expect a large increase in Iranian oil exports. “Whether or not there is a deal, we do not expect a flood of oil on the market as consequence. Which sanctions will be lifted and the uncertainty in the timing of lifting suggest that Iran will not be in position to significantly add to the current oversupply in the market,” BNP chief oil and commodities strategist Harry Tchilinguirian told Reuters Global Oil Forum. Oil prices came under further pressure after a Reuters survey showed OPEC oil supply had jumped in March to its highest since October as Iraq’s exports rebounded after bad weather and Saudi Arabia pumped at close to record rates, a sign key members are sticking to their effort to regain market share. U.S. commercial crude oil stocks are likely to have risen by 4.2 million barrels last week to a record high for a 12th week, a Reuters poll showed ahead of weekly data by the American Petroleum Institute.

Johnnie Walker whisky

Chinese tech giant Huawei’s net profit jumps 33%

hinese tech giant Huawei Technologies says profits jumped a third last year, boosted by strong performances in all its businesses. The world’s second biggest telecoms equipment maker said its net profit was 27.9bn yuan ($4.5bn; £3bn), up from 21bn yuan in 2013. That matched the company’s forecasts announced in January. The firm, which is also a major smartphone maker, saw revenues rise by 21 per cent over the year. “Our cash flow, revenue, and profit all grew over the previous year,” said chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou in a statement on Tuesday. “Moreover, our debt and financing structures have continuously improved.” Foreign exchange gains also had a big impact on the company’s earnings, because it generates more than 60% of its revenue abroad. Huawei’s growth comes despite it facing challenges in several major economies. In the US, it was branded a national security threat by legisla-

tors, because of its alleged close ties with the Chinese government. Meanwhile, it has been banned from being involved in broadband projects in Australia over espionage fears. However, the company said it was well positioned to capture business opportunities with heavy investment in innovative areas such as cloud computing and fifth generation (5G) mobile technology.

China President, Xi Jinping

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Brands & Marketing

Battle for supremacy in detergents’ market heightens

The battle for market supremacy amongst detergent brands in Nigeria’s market has continued to raise the bars for improved products’ value for manufacturers for decades. While these brands are dominated by known big names, investigations have however shown that consumer patronage is now no longer dependent on brand name but value derivatives from products and affordability. DAVID AUDU reports.

rends in Nigeria’s detergent market show that it is an intensely competitive market, where no brand can comfortably claim the leader. Major manufacturers are now engaged in various marketing activities to maintain their brands’ visibility and try to capture more consumers. Investigation has shown that most re-branding activity now around claims of added ingredients or an increased number of varied pack sizes. For instance, when Unilever new variant of Omo Multi Active was introduced the company claimed that it contained ‘Max Clean’ particles, which makes it an improved stain remover and whitening quality. At that same time, Procter & Gamble Nigeria was also advertising its brand as the most effective stain remover. Another major player, PZ Industries, extended its Canoe brand from bar to detergent with similar claim, to increase competition in the detergent category, whilst So Klin, acclaimed to be the volume leader, focused on a consumer promotion, in its aim to remain the brand with the most mass appeal. Market analyst have come to agree that the volume of detergents in the market is overwhelming, but at the same time, they also believe it is a right business response to the population as well as the new desire to embrace quality home and fabric care. Currently the market is dominated by the following brand in no particular order: Bimbo, Good Mama, Zip, Sunlight , Ariel, Omo, So Klin, Canoe, Goodnews, Breeze, Surf, Bonux, Sunlight among others Research from Euromonitor indicate that increasing urban lifestyles and the growing sophistication of consumers account for the increasing demand for home care products in recent years, and invariably leads to a better market performance in the last ten years period. The research indicate that rising income and the increasing number of people with white collar jobs in urban areas has resulted in consumers moving away from known traditional methods of home care to more modern methods in the Nigerian context. This result in the higher growth rate recorded in the home care market. In Nigerian market today there are over two dozen brands of home care detergents competing for the attention of the Nigerian consumers. In a competitive laundry care market, Unilever Nigeria Plc is perceived to be the leading company according to a 2013 report, with a 29 per cent share of retail value sales. Unilever’s leadership is attributed to long-standing ownership of the well-known and strongly advertised Omo brand. However, in recent years, the company had to make improvements to its brand line, and has had to battle hard to maintain its leading position, with tough competition coming from Procter & Gamble’s Ariel and So Klin brand. So Klin is described as an economy brand. However, in volume terms, So Klin, which is cheaper than Omo and Ariel, and focuses on selling smaller pack sizes, is the leading brand, particularly among the low end consumers. Analyst believe Omo has succeeded by virtue of its positioning in the mid-to-premium-priced segment, as well as constant innovations to packaging and products by Unilever Nigeria Plc. Unilever also manufactures the Sunlight brand, which offers laundry detergent and bar soap variants. According to a consumer analysts and Managing Director of Careline Consult, Godwin Obiora, the Nigerian detergent market today is witnessing a robust competition, and the rea-

I CAN TELL YOU THAT MOST OF THE TIMES WE MAKE OUR MONEY FROM THE BRANDS THAT YOU THINK ARE NEW AND NOT KNOWN OR YOU DO NOT SEE BEING ADVERTISED ON TELEVISION sons for this are not far-fetched. He attributed it to the large population, which the Asians and Far East businessmen have identified and have moved in with detergent brands that are not only good in quality but also affordable to the average Nigerian consumers. Obiora explained further that the monopoly of the detergent market by the big brands from the multinational companies have been so fragmented such that many of them are now battling for survival to retain a profitable market share. “The responses to such competition are the frequent rebranding of popular brands and introduction of new brand, and sometimes multiple brands from the same company to saturate the market. The detergent market Nigerian is unarguably saturated, but the beauty of completion is that the good ones stand out. And one brand that has exemplified this is the So Klin detergent.Nobody gave it a chance to survive against the stiff competition and advertising power of some of the popular brands. “So Klin introduction into the Nigerian market seem to follow the pattern of Promasidor’s introduction of Cowbell Milk into the milk market some years ago. Then, milk to some extent was for the privileged few, but when Cowbell came in with small sachets of N10 and N20, it instantly captured the Nigerian milk market, especially among the low income earners who ironically constitutesover 85 per cent of the Nigerian consumers.”

Investigation by National Mirror in selected markets and retail outlets in some parts of the country revealed that while some big brand no doubt controlled sizable share of the market,but other brands are also very visible. Bimbo Olaleye owns a fully stocked detergent storeof various brandsin the busy Balogun market on Lagos Island. Speaking on the detergent trends and consumer patronage, she said while the big brands are patronised, the relatively unknown brand are very much in competition. “I can tell you that most of the times we make our money from the brands that you think are new and not known or you do not see being advertised on television. The people that use them tell us that they are very good. What do you want from detergent, is it not to wash your clothes? We know that big names and big money do not mean they are better ones”. Another detergent trader in Ojuwoye market in Mushin, Lagos, also believes that while some customers have brands they are loyal to, others buy on the basis of performance. Asked to name which of the brands gets such patronage? She declined, saying she sells different brands and those who come to buy know what they want no matter how you called them and how attractive the label may be. “What is good is good and people always find a way to identify with what is good. We know in those days when we have no choice but one or two, but now it is different. If you claim your detergent has stain removing ingredient and whitening quality, the consumers will know. With the bad economy people want to budget low and still derive maximum benefits. So, consumers go for quality products at affordable prices”. The same trend was reported in Kano, where investigation show that old known brands capitalising on the company widely established distributions networks have been able to penetrate most markets across the country, brands such as So Klin, Bimbo and others have shown demonstrable presence in markets in Kano, Port Harcourt, and other parts of the country.

Brands & Marketing

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Why colour depicts production attitude – UAC GMD DAVID AUDU

roup Managing Director, UAC Nigeria Plc, Mr. Larry Ettah revealed that the Dulux Colour of theYear initiative signifies the confluence of a great brand and an impactfulidea about one of the central themes of life - colour. Chemical and Allied Products (CAP)Plc, makers of Dulux brand of paint, a subsidiary of UACN Plc group recently named ‘Copper Orange’ as the 2015 Colour of the Year. ‘Copper Orange’ was unveiled as the 2015 Colour of the Year in line with the AkzoNobel global tradition and the Dulux brand thought leadershippositioning in the paint sector at a special event held in Lagos on last week. Delivering his keynote address at the event, Ettah revealed that one of the outcomesof the Colour of the Year initiative is the elevation of the art of colourbeyond the mundane and prescribed usage and applica-

tion of colour includingthe various icons and manifestations. He stated that the theme for the 2015 Dulux Colour of the Year, “Explore”, was strategically chosen to depict the mood for the colour which encourageseveryone to explore everyday opportunities. Ettah added that Copper Orange totally captures the everyday mood and thefive trends that support it which are adventure, unseen spaces, him and herlayering and friendly barter in tandem with the prediction of colourexperts, based on research, that a warmer spectrum of reds and oranges isemerging, one that reflects a more positive global outlook. “The intriguing side to the 2015 Colour of the Year is that it has shiftedattention to the basic and ordinary things around us. After all, nature inits natural state tends to weave an array of colour in a way that blends,pleases and soothes our daily lives. “I, therefore, urge you to enjoy anddiscover the value and true worth

of the normal things of life! Let us allembrace the current colour tone and mood for the year as we strive forall-round excellence and success! Also speaking at the occasion, the Managing Director, CAP Plc, Mrs. OmolaraElemide, stated that the Dulux Colour of Year is a global initiative ofAkzoNobel where a trend setting colour that sparks discussions in the designand architectural sector, is chosen to represent and set the mood for aparticular year. “The event marks the 10th anniversary of the Dulux Colour of the Year inour country. The colour of the year is chosen based on the constantmonitoring of emerging social, economy and design trends happening aroundthe world and a panel of independent design experts. The colour of the yearis one of the ways the brand ensures it keeps its brand promise of “touchingpeople’s everyday livesevery day”, she added.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Should agencies strike over pitching practices?

t may sound unethical but that is exactly what the Marketing Agencies Association has called for a among agencies working for Anheuser-Busch InBev due to what it called “despicable pitch practices”. The MAA claims that a recent AB InBev e-auction questioned agencies on how low they would go on their rate card, how many hours’ work they would offer for free and how much longer they would extend its current 120-day payment term. They were also asked how much over the minimum five per cent they would consider giving in a rebate as part of AB InBev’s corporate social responsibility programme, Better World.

Scott Knox, the MAA’s managing director, said: “What would make this a ‘better world’ would be for AB InBev to stop screwing agencies over payment terms and approach any negotiation on price in a respectful way.” The MAA is calling for the strike on 7 April. Brands owned by AB InBev include Stella Artois and Budweiser. A spokeswoman for AB InBev UK said: “Payment terms are always set as part of a broader commercial negotiation. As part of the process, we ask all potential partners to provide details on many dimensions of their service so we can evaluate in a fair and objective manner the proposals we receive.”

Etisalat Cliqfest motivates students at LAUTECH

tisalat Nigeria took its youth-centric education and entertainment initiative, Cliqfest to Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomosho in Oyo State this week, with no fewer than 6,000 students of the University benefiting from the initiative. The two-day programme was held recently at the University’s premises, featured series of activities, including an inspirational session, a five-a-side novelty football match, raffle draw as well as an exciting concert featuring Nigerian hip hop stars such as Jaywon, Reminise and Skales. Speaking at the event, Head, Youth Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Elvis Daniel, reiterated the company’s commitment to empower the youth and position them for successful careers in future. “Cliqfest is an initiative designed

to encourage young Nigerians to pursue their dreams. The essence is also to help them identify their passions, have fun and also experience Etisalat’s youth product-Easycliq.’’ While flagging off activities for the two-day event with an inspirational session tagged, “Seizing Opportunities,” motivational speaker, Niyi Adesanya dwelt extensively on talents development. Adesanya provided insights on sectors where opportunities abound in the country, urging the students to explore their talents and choose careers that suit their skills. The peak of the event was the raffle draw for the ultimate prize of a brand new Hyundai car, which was won by a 400- Level Civil Engineering student, Olaniyi Oluwaseyi. Etisalat Cliqfest has been to over 54 tertiary institutions in Nigeria, inspiring thousands of students with its unique combination of education and entertainment activities.

Kraft to partner Heinz in 3G, Buffett-led deal

L-R: Nigerian Idol 5 Top 30 Contestants-Iheanacho Nancy-23, Efuetanu Tobore-30, Orah John-25, Ekeoma Victor Chibuzor-23 and Aisosa Edeh-Nosa-18 during the Group Stage performance in Lagos at the weekend.

Fanta: Deploying animated characters for brand association DAVID AUDU

nimated characters have become a staple in the world of marketing communications, as brands explore more creative ways to connect with their target audience and project brand essence over extraneous noise from competing products. Brand characters appeal to organisations, because they can be leveraged to create characters that match the characteristics of their brands. The use of brand characters to personify brands and engage customers became popular in the 1950s after global cereals brand, Kellogg’s introduced cartoon mascot “Tony

the Tiger” for its frosted flakes breakfast cereal. Decades after his birth, “Tony the Tiger” transcends his role as a mascot for Kelloggs’ Frosties and is now an embodiment of the brand’s identity. So integral to the Frosties image is Tony, his absence on packaging raises questions of authenticity. Beverage giant, Coca-Cola, is also pioneering a new wave of cool characters reflecting brand persona, with the unveiling of a colourful digital world of animated youngsters for Fanta. Eight unique individuals, diverse in personality and interests but bound by their passion for play, make up the Fanta crew present in all of Fanta’s recent messaging,

which is heavy on the brand’s association with youthfulness, play and vibrant colour. Leader of the pack, Gigi, strikes a chord with all young people. Adventurous, brave, fiercely loyal, intelligent and strong, Gigi loves parties, sending texts and traveling, but she sings out a warning…don’t be late, don’t argue when there’s no point and don’t be a coward. Cool-dude, Tristan, is the style king of the Fanta pack. Dapper and suave, Tristan is self-confident, proud of his talents and cannot imagine a world without music, preferably blaring through his oversized headphones or flying off his DJ turntables at parties.

euters - Ketchup maker H.J. Heinz Co, owned by 3G Capital and Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc, is acquiring a majority stake in Kraft Foods Group Inc to create the third-largest North American food company, executives said on Wednesday. Shares of Kraft were up more than 38 percent near $85 in morning trading. The deal would provide Heinz with access to Kraft brands, which it says are in 98 percent of North American households and include well-known names like Oscar Mayer and Jell-O. Heinz’s international presence provides an opportunity to sell those brands overseas. Kraft stockholders would get one share in the combined company, to be called the Kraft Heinz Co, and a special cash dividend of

$16.50 for every share held. Heinz shareholders will own 51 percent of the combined company and Kraft shareholders the rest. Packaged-food makers such as Kraft are battling sluggish demand as consumers shift to products perceived to be healthier. Kraft has overhauled its senior management over the past few months and has said it will develop products to meet changing consumer preferences. However, “the board saw the 3G opportunity as more compelling,” Kraft Chief Executive Officer John Cahill, who will be vice chairman of the combined company, said on a conference call. The combined publicly traded company is expected to save about $1.5 billion in annual costs by the end of 2017. It will have eight brands worth over $1 billion each, the companies said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Brands & Marketing

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Lafarge rewards distributors with cash, other gifts DAVID AUDU

t joy for many distributors of Lafarge Africa Plc as the company doled out valuable prizes including cars, cash and electronic gadgets at the 2014 Partners Award held on Wednesdayat the prestigious Intercontinental Hotel, Lagos. Alhaji Olasunkanmi Buraimoh Olaoshun of Temitope Enterprises emerged First National Winner and went home with a brand new Sport Utility Vehicle, while Engr. Basiru Atinsola, CEO, Oyinbashy Enterprises came second and smiled home with a Hyundai Sonata Executive Car. Others who went home with brand new cars include Alhaji Rasheed Ishola, CEO, Rasheed Ishola Ventures Limited who was presented a KIA Cerato Car as third national winner and Mr. Innocent Okafor Obi, CEO, Rosent Investment Limited, based in the Eastern Part of the country, who got a Hyundai ix35 jeep for winning the special recognition

award for outstanding performance. Aside the cars, other distributors, corporate partners and outstanding sales staff of the company also won various electronic gadgets and volume of cement products. Speaking at the event, Chairman, Lafarge Africa Plc, Chief Olusegun Osunkeyedescribed the event as a rewarding scheme to impact and empowers their trade partners who have contributedto the continued growth and overall well-beingof the organisation. “Today, we are witnessing the 10th edition of this open demonstration of our company’s appreciation of your role as a key stakeholder and partner in our business. While reassuring the trade partners of the company’s determination to continue giving support to trade partners to boost their performance, the Chairman pointed out that the recently released 2014 full year financial results indicated that thecompany was yet able to put up a good performance even in such a volatile market as an affirmation

BRAND talk with Michael Umogun

of the strength of the new company and the group’s commitment to achieving excellence. Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director, WAPCO Operations, Lafarge Africa Plc, Mrs. Adepeju Adebayo, said as an organization, Lafarge is passionate about providing world class building solutions to individual home builders in Nigeria, through value adding partnerships with its esteemed trade partners. She pointed out that the strong equity and rich heritage of the company’s flagship brand –Elephant Cement, which has been sustained for over 50 years, has made it possible for the company to contribute visible landmark in the area cement manufacturing in Nigeria. To further improve on the service of Lafarge to its customers, the Managing Director disclosed that the company had appointed Field Sales Managers to individual Key Distributors, who are expected to provide support and traction needed to win in the highly competitive market place.

Tel: 08023117969/08031100462 Email: michael.umogun@millwardbrown.com

Optimising Ads

t’s a sign of the times: Do everything better, faster and cheaper. Marketers confront this challenge daily as their own discipline becomes more difficult. Not only are their financial resources limited, but the consumer attention they seek is scattered and fragmented across a myriad of media. So it’s understandable that advertisers are eager to explore options that might help them reach consumers with maximum effectiveness and minimal expense. With advances in technology, neuroscience allows for a better understanding of the impact advertising has on consumers. For example, this knowledge enables the most effective scenes within a TV spot to be identified and edited into a shorter and often more neurologically impactful version. This certainly sounds great, the possibility that ads could be shorter (and therefore cheaper) and “more impactful” (according to brain activity recorded on an EEG). The problem though, is that making ads shorter and “more impactful” does not necessarily make them more effective. The goal of advertising is to build brands. Advertising is effective when it creates or reinforces positive brand associations in consumers’ minds,and that can happen

L-R: Chief Marketing Officer MTN, Bayo Adekanmbi; beneficiaries of the 2015 Resolution Promo Yetunde Jack and Otoide Quincy, at the presentation of winners in Lagos, recently.

only when the attention generated by an ad is linked to a brand. So it’s not enough to just light up the brain; an effective ad must cast some light on the brand too. Millward Brown has been helping clients optimise their creative for more than four decades. Our work is based on our understanding of how advertising works, developed through years of in-market observation, testing, and validation. In conjunction with traditional research that asks direct questions to elicit conscious and introspective reactions from respondents, neuroscience allows us a better understanding of how the brain works. We now incorporate a variety of indirect measurement techniques, including some with roots in neuroscience such as Implicit Association, Eye Tracking and Facial Coding, to add depth and nuance to our assessment. But whenever wehave advised clients on optimising any aspect of their communications, including ad length, our recommendations have always been based on a holistic understanding of how an ad is intended to work against its specific objectives. We will continue the discussion next week. Share your thoughts with me at:Michael. U m o g u n @ m i l lw a r d b r ow n . com

Ranti Michael: Our exceptional customer service officer

y Public Relations firm, SHORTLIST Ltd opened a Current Account with Skye Bank, Ikeja Plaza some years back. I had often wondered how our Customer Service Officer was only calling me on phone. The rationale for the calls was mainly to confirm some payments. I had to inform the then Manager, Mr. Williams, that my Customer Service Officer had not met me personally and he took it up. The Customer Service Officer in question is Mrs. Ranti Michaels. I had a stereotype perception of her when I met her but all that vanished when we developed a relationship. Ranti Michael is dead now! I write this as my own way of appreciating her high level of courtesy,

respect and positive disposition. I can recollect severally how she had personally intervened to help us out at critical moments. A very good instance was when a client was unveiling its new office and we had mobilized resources. Our company had uncleared cheque and we had to source for money. I approached Ranti and she provided the cash personally, she did this for us in some other occasions. Even when she could not offer any assistance, you could feel her emotions and the glaring openness in her. Ranti Michael exemplified the values of the Skye brand. She was a friend who was ever prepared to say YES to all your needs like the Skye Brand. She always exhibited a positive spirit at all times. I have always

Brand X-Ray with Ayodeji Ayopo Tel: 08023448199 E-mail: mayomipo@yahoo.com

focused on relationship building as an integral part of Customer Service. We had a beneficial relationship and her personal attributes endeared her not only to us but also several other customers. Ranti is a good listener and she embodies the Customer Service Charter of Skye Bank even before the Charter was launched. She treats customers with respect and a high level of courtesy,

she was always willing to apologise for any perceived error on her part. How I wish she is alive to read this! Ranti breathed life into Customer Service and she was very meticulous in all her dealings. The most important thing is for every customer to demand qualitative service delivery. Ranti was always at her very best in terms of delivery. Ranti was always at her peak to see the positive light in horizon

to enhance customer satisfaction. I state this with all sense of responsibility because I may be tempted to complain or measure any service rendered to us alongside the Ranti Michael standard of exemplary Customer Service. It is to her credit that she personified the values of the Skye Brand and was an exceptional Customer Service Officer till death. I do not know whether any Customer Service personnel can attain her lofty standards but her colleagues in Skye Bank, Ikeja Plaza should ensure they raise the bar of qualitative service delivery. It is a moment of grief and I commiserate with her family and her wonderful colleagues in Ikeja Plaza Branch of Skye Bank on this irreplaceable loss.

Insight

s at the end of last year, the government, through the Federal Ministry of Finance had deleted no fewer than 46,861 names from its payroll, thanks to its newly introduced centralised database - the Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS). In Edo State, over 3,000 workers in the State Public Service lost their jobs after a verification conducted by the Information Communication Technology (ICT) department in the governor’s office. According to the state government, the new technology revealed that the dismissed civil servants had falsified their ages and educational qualifications among other offences. The state was also reported to have sacked some 962 primary school teachers, found to have falsified their ages too. Even a chief judge in Abia State was not spared. He got the boot from the National Judicial Council (NJC) last year for not declaring his true age. The battle is now raging everywhere in Nigeria across all tiers of government against a major canker and national embarrassment. Nigeria is waging a quiet but fierce onslaught against a common societal ill – age falsification. Until recent years, age falsification was not really a big deal in the country. Although more rampant in the civil service, it is a common practice in virtually every sphere of life in the country either as a means of extending the individual’s service years in government, gaining employment opportunities or winning laurels in sports. As revealed by National Mirror investigations, the average government worker or civil servant, for instance, has two age profiles: one, a sworn affidavit declaring a younger age and the other, the real age known only to him and his immediate family. In a country where birth and death registrations and general record keeping are not really a standard practice, age falsification is not seen by most people as a serious crime or anomaly. Yet, it has continued to rob the nation of huge revenues, not to talk of integrity as a nation. For instance, over N139billion was reported to have been saved by the Federal Government through the single massive sack of age falsifiers, who constituted a majority of the ghost workers detected in the Federal Civil Service (FCS) payroll last year. A senior Civil Servant in the Ministry of Establishment, the organ responsible for recruitments into the Federal Civil Service who pleaded anonymity told National Mirror that the practice has thrived over the years mainly because of Nigeria’s very low literacy level. “Believe me, a large percentage of Nigerian adults do not know their real ages. We have not always taken the issue of birth and death registrations serious, so people depend on sworn affidavits for employment and other issues requiring age declaration. Of course, the process has been subjected to serious abuse as people use such declaration as it suits them. Many would backdate their ages to prolong their retirement from government service. For some people, age declaration helps them to get jobs meant for younger people,” the source said.

Thursday, April 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Public Service: FG moves In the three tiers of government in Nigeria, grey-haired and old public officers are still in service, claiming not to have reached the retirement age. But OMEIZA AJAYI reports that the cancer of age falsification will soon be a thing of the past with introduction of the Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS).

Pensioners undergoing verification to authenticate their records

IN A COUNTRY WHERE BIRTH AND DEATH REGISTRATIONS AND GENERAL RECORD KEEPING ARE NOT REALLY A STANDARD PRACTICE, AGE FALSIFICATION IS NOT SEEN BY MOST PEOPLE AS A SERIOUS CRIME OR ANOMALY Indeed, that was the discovery made by a young lady who joined the FCS two years ago. Ms Ada was advised by a senior staff of the recruiting ministry as she tried to submit her papers for documentation to submit a sworn affidavit instead of her original birth certificate and reduce her age of 37 by at least 10 years to extend her date of retirement. “I was told this is a normal practice which will help me in future as retirement life in Nigeria is often not palatable for most civil servants. The gentle man cited cases of civil servants dying while processing their pension and gratuities while others live in abject poverty as a result of government neglect. Honestly, the man made a lot of sense. I had to quickly arrange for a sworn affidavit which is very easy to get and was able to backdate my age a bit,” she said. In no other sector has Nigeria drawn so much global embarrassment and opprobrium to itself, as a result of age

falsification, than in sports, especially football. A lot of reasons have been advanced in some quarters especially in Africa why players choose to falsify their birth certificates to be included in a given team. For a long time now, football has been discovered in the continent by many as a money spinning business. And it has become a ready source for European scouts or agents to recruit talent. The players know that there is a lesser chance of being signed on if they are over 23 years old as there would be less time for clubs to develop them. This has led to overage players being wrongly registered in various youth competitions. And the countries and players of these poor nations often benefit from an unfair advantage due to their greater physical maturity compared to players with real age. Nigeria got a sour taste of FIFA’s statute on age cheat when her ju-

Fortune Chukwudi was involved in age controversy during the 2009 U-17 World Cup hosted by Nigeria

nior teams were banned. In 1989, Nigeria’s youth national teams were banned by FIFA for fielding over-age players in FIFA-organised youth tournaments. The birth dates of three players at the 1988 Olympics were different from the ones used by those players at previous tournaments. The resulting ban lasted for two years and Nigeria was also stripped of its right to host the 1991 FIFA World Youth Championship.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Insight

Thursday, April 2, 2015

to eradicate age falsification

Retirees sorting their credentials

Head of Service of the Federation, Mr. Danladi Kifasi

THE IPPIS IS DESIGNED TO ENSURE THAT THE RECORDS OF ALL EMPLOYEES OF GOVERNMENT ARE BROUGHT UNDER A CENTRAL DATA BASE

In the 1998 FIFA U-17 World Championship Nigeria beat Japan 9-0. Following the game, Japan’s French manager, Philippe Troussier, quipped that he saw one of Nigeria’s U-17 players enter a taxi “with his wife and two children,” implying that Nigeria had fielded overage players. Anthony Kojo Williams in late 1999 was elected as the chairman of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA). He lasted less than three months on the job and was dismissed because in NFF board member, Sani Zaria’s words, “He has failed to carry the other board members along.” In the 2010 BBC World service documentary “Africa Kicks,”

Williams stated that the Nigerian Government was “afraid of change.” He went on to say, “I don’t see Nigerian football getting out of the quagmire, it is in today because it (corruption) is getting deeper and deeper and deeper. From time to time we get flashes where we do well in some competition with overage players and we celebrate. That was one of the issues I looked at; we can’t keep using overage players. We use over-age players for junior championships, I know that. Why not say it? It’s the truth. We always cheat. It’s a fact. When you cheat, you deprive the young stars that are supposed to play in these competitions their rights.”

In 2009, Barrister Adokiye Amiesimaka accused the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of being complicit with age-cheats because it gave the nation a competitive advantage. He had what he considered as proof that some players were overage but the NFF was not interested in taking his complaint seriously. Not too long ago, The British Mail online reported how the President of Patizan Belgrade, a professional football club based in Belgrade, Serbia, Zarko Zercevic, accused Nigeria’s soccer star and former Derby County, Plymouth and Inter Milan defender, Taribo West, of lying about his age. “He joined us saying he was 28. We only later found out he was 40, but he was still playing well so I don’t regret having him on the team,” Zecevic said. His claim was corroborated by a Croatian club, Rijeka. According to the club, Taribo claimed to be 32 when he was already 44 years old. It was only after an examination that the doctors raised suspicion with the club because his knees suggested he was older. Taribo was reportedly not signed on by the club, but later joined Plymouth and then Iranian side, Paykan FC, where he ended his career at the age of 46 in 2008. However in his reaction in the Soccer Star, he dismissed the allegations as “absolute nonsense.” “I don’t really know what they are talking about and that’s why I don’t really know what more to say. But it is curious that they are raising such matter about 10 years after I left that place. Why not raise it when I was there,” he quipped and many Nigerians agree with him on this. Apart from in sports, several other Nigerians have been found wanting in different spheres where they have been asked to declare their age. But National Mirror can now reveal that the tide is turning fast against age cheats. Virtually every government, from the local government to the federal level is devising a means of checking the menace of age falsification. In fact, with the introduction of the IPPIS, the Federal Government is optimistic that the era of age falsification in the FCS is now over. Many of the ghost workers detected through the introduction of IPPIS were those who had retired from service or those who were due for retirement but had clung on to their jobs, swearing affidavits to declare new age. A document obtained by our correspondent listed some MDAs as recording a higher number of ghost workers. They are National Planning Commission (74.90%), Federal Ministry of Finance (68.35%), Budget Office of the Federation (77.33%), Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (74.68%), Ministry of Niger Delta (64.87%). Others are Public Service Institute (66.67%), Federal Ministry of Information (57.15%) and the Federal Ministry of Works (51.67%). National Mirror findings revealed

that with the IPPIS, particulars of civil servants are automatically updated by the system and hence the alteration of dates of birth is no longer feasible. The IPPIS is designed to ensure that the records of all employees of government are brought under a central data base. Director of Communications in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Alhaji Haruna Rasheed Imrana, told our correspondent that IPPIS is designed in such a way that the incidences of agecheat are eliminated. He disclosed that all civil servants that are enrolled in the system now know their expected date of leaving the service and that when such time comes, the system automatically blocks their salaries. “The IPPIS is a platform that has the data of all civil servants. It has information on their dates of appointment as well as when they will leave the service. So, there is no issue of age falsification because once your details of first appointment is entered into the system, you cannot go and alter it by bringing sworn-affidavits or declaration of age. On the date of retirement, the system will automatically block such staff from being paid,” he explained. Age falsification, according to the Civil Service Rule carries a punishment of summary dismissal. Government had before now expressed worries about the high personnel costs of its workforce, as the system in place was unwieldy, making it difficult to plan, manage and make effective budgeting. “Through this medium, wastages are cut down, as well as promote effective planning and decision-making. It has also facilitated automation and storage of personnel records, to support monitoring of staff emolument payment against budget,” a document from the Office of the Head of Service stated. Financed by the World-Bank, the IPPIS was introduced in 2006 with seven pilot MDAs and now has over 292 MDAs on its platform. There are currently about 530 MDAs. Nigeria’s public sector is made up of the civil service and the public bureaucracy. Often referred to as the core service, the former is composed of line ministries and extra-ministerial agencies, while the latter is composed of the enlarged public service, including the Services of the State and National Assembly, the Judiciary, Armed Forces, the Police and other security agencies, paramilitary services, educational and research institutions among others. All these are expected to join the war against age falsification. With other tiers of government being fully involved in the crusade, who knows, the cankerworm that age falsification represents in our national life may well be on its way out of the Nigerian system.

Cocktail

Thursday, April 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oddities

‘New onions’ engineered to avoid tears, bad breath

Japanese firm announced it has developed tear-free onions that are low in the enzymes responsible for causing watery eyes in onion-cutting cooks. House Foods Group -which won the tongue-in cheek Ig Nobel Prize in 2013 for identifying the process that causes eyes to water when onions are sliced -- announced it has

developed onions that are extremely low in the enzymes that cause tears. The company said its “new onions” differ further from the onions of yesteryear by leaving a person’s hands and breath stench-free after handling and eating the vegetables. “It not only reduces the tears, but should put more smiles” on the faces of consumers, the company said.

Wild rhino kills woman, chases people in street

woman was reportedly killed Monday in the southern region of Nepal after she was gored by a wild rhinoceros, which wreaked havoc on the town of Hetauda. The town, about 50 miles away from the Nepalese capital of Kathmandu, was literally run over by the massive animal. News reports said the rhino even entered buildings, such as a hospital, bus station and a local market. The animal also appeared

to chase motorcycles in the street. Many people took photos and videos of the animal’s run through town and posted them to social media channels. Experts say rhinos are not aggressive animals toward humans, but can be unpredictable when frightened. Officials said there are about 500 one-horned rhinos in Nepal, and the animal is classified as an endangered species.

Cars drive through malls during burglaries

ustralian police have released a pair of videos showing thieves crashing cars into shopping malls and driving around inside to break into jewellery stores. The first video, shot early Monday at the Kippax Fair shopping centre in Canberra, shows a white Subaru Liberty, which police said was previously reported stolen, crash through the glass doors of the mall and drive around inside before ramming the facade of a jewellery store to gain access. Two suspects can be seen in the video getting out of the vehicle and smashing display cases to steal handfuls of jewellery. Police said the incident is believed to be linked to a similar theft Tuesday morning at the Gungahlin Village mall. Video from the Tuesday heist shows a stolen silver Subaru Impreza crash into the shopping centre and drive to the Diamond King Designs

jewellery store, where the vehicle was again used to break through the facade. “The vehicle has been driven into the arcade complex, driven into the front of a jewellery shop inside the centre, and items stolen from the premises,” police said in a statement. “After forcing en-

The car driven into the mall

try to the jewellery store, the driver then drove out of the complex through a second set of doors on Gungahlin Place.” The second incident was witnessed by mall workers preparing to open their businesses. Colin Pick, who works at a bakery in the shopping centre,

told The Canberra Times said he heard “an incredible noise.” “It all happened in a bit over a minute, there was the huge screech of tires and I looked up and saw the car coming towards me,” Pick said. “I thought I was going to get killed.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Election boosts equities’ value by N906bn JOHNSON OKANLAWON

rading in equities recorded a strong performance on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as some investors reacted positively on investments after the presidential election. The All Share Index appreciated 8.30 per cent or 2,635.31 points to close at 34,388.46 points, bringing year-to-dated return to 0.78 per cent. Similarly, market capitalisation rose N906.3 billion with a substantial improvement in market breadth, while the sectoral indices closed higher, with the Industrial Index gain-

ing 9.76 per cent, taking the lead. The last time the index recorded such a dayon-day performance was May 30, 2014, with a 1,188 points gain. Analysts at DLM Securities Limited, an investment firm said, “We believe the key driver of the positive market reaction is a direct result of the successful conduct of Nigeria’s 2015 presidential election and the resultant calm political atmosphere.” The firm noted that in spite of the rally, valuations remain at significant discounts to other emerging markets, based on forward earnings.

“Hence, we see ample capacity for significant return on capital to investors via dividends and capital appreciation. “The conclusion of the 2015 general election and earnings will increasingly be the key driver at this stage of the market cycle. Markets will of course continue to face some risk of correction due to profit taking and portfolio rebalancing,” the firm added. Dangote Cement Plc led the gainers’ table with N16.40 or 10.25 per cent to close at N176.40 per share, followed by Wapco Plc with N8.61 or 10.25 per cent to close at N92.61 per share. UACN Plc added N3.32

Why Lotus Islamic index is reviewed – NSE

he Nigerian Stock Exchange has announced the review of the Lotus Islamic Index to coincide with the end of the first quarter 2015. A statement from the Exchange said the review became expedient following the expected merger of Lafarge Cement Plc and Ashaka Cement Plc later in the year. The recomposition of these indices after the review became effective yesterday. The Exchange in partnership with Lotus Capital Limited began publishing certified Shari’ah compliant Index known as the “NSE Lotus Islamic Index” or NSE LII in July 2012. The index consists of companies in conformity with the principles of

Shari’ah and was the first index created to track the performance of Shari’ah compliant equities on the floor of the exchange. Investment instruments like Exchange Traded Funds were built on the Index which ethically minded investors, both in Nigeria and overseas can invested in. The Nigerian bourse began publishing the NSE 30 Index in February 2009 with index values available from January 1, 2007. On July 1, 2008, the NSE developed four sectoral indices with a base value of 1,000 points, designed to provide investable benchmarks to capture the performance of specific sectors. The sectoral indices comprised the top 15 most capitalised and liquid com-

or 10.25 per cent to close at N35.72 per share, while Forte Oil Plc appreciated N18.14 or 10.24 per cent to close at N195.22 per share. Stanbic IBTC Plc was up N2.93 or 10.22 per cent to close at N31.61 per share. Conversely, Fidson Healthcare Plc lost 18 kobo or 4.79 per cent to close at N3.58 per share, while Integrated Insurance Plc shed one kobo or 1.85 per cent to close at 53 kobo per share. Okomu Oil Plc fell nine kobo or 0.30 per cent to close at N29.75 per share. A total of 881.6 million shares valued at N10.9 million were traded in 4,611 deals.

Source: NSE

Inter-Bank Rate Naira

US Dollar

N197.00 Market indicators All-Share Index 34,380.14 points Market capitalisation 11.62trn

Stock Updates GAINERS

panies in the Insurance and Consumer Goods sectors, top 10 most capitalised and liquid companies in the Banking and Industrial Goods sector and the top seven most capitalised and liquid companies in the Oil & Gas sector. In July 2012, the Nigerian bourse launched the Lotus Islamic index (NSE LII) which consisted of companies whose business practices were in conformity with the principles of Shari’ah with the aim of increasing the breadth of the market and creating an important benchmark for investments as the alternative non-interest investment space widened. All the companies that appeared on the Islamic Index had been thoroughly screened by Lotus Capi-

tal Halal Investment, in accordance with a methodology approved by an internationally recognised Shari’ah Advisory Board, comprise of renowned Islamic scholars. The price indices, which were developed using the market capitalisation methodology, were rebalanced on a biannual basis -on the first business day in January and in July. The compiler of the indices, the Exchange, noted the right to modify the circulated selection above in connection with any mergers, takeovers, suspension or resumption of trading or any other company structure changes during the period before the effective date of the annual review.

Gold producers listed in Johannesburg fell as job figures from US private employers showed the smallest growth in more than a year, supporting views that the Federal Reserve will hold off any rate hike until next year. Gold is particularly sensitive to shifts in US interest rates, which also move the dollar, in which the metal is priced. The gold index was down 2.3 per cent as AngloGold Ashanti shed 2.7 per cent and Gold Fields lost 3 per cent. Activity was fairly brisk with more than 198 million shares changing hands, comparison to a

daily average of 183 million shares last year.

COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

DANGCEM

160.00

176.40

16.40

10.25

WAPCO

84.00

92.61

8.61

10.25

UACN

32.40

35.72

3.32

10.25

215.00

195.22

18.14

10.24

STANBIC

28.68

31.61

2.93

10.22

OANDO

14.50

15.98

1.48

10.21

GUARANTY

26.25

28.93

2.68

10.21

INTBREW

18.90

20.83

1.93

10.21

ZENITHBANK

20.98

23.12

2.14

10.20

143.70

158.34

14.64

10.19

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

FIDSON

3.76

CLOSING 3.58

-0.18

-4.79

INTENEGINS

0.54

0.53

-0.01

-1.85

OKOMUOIL

29.84

29.75

-0.09

-0.30

FGN Bonds

Offer

Bid

Description

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

South Africa’s shares creep higher on Nigeria’s poll result

13.05 16-AUG-2016

1.38

98.93

13.90

99.08

13.77

15.10 27-APR-2017

2.07

102.12

13.87

102.27

13.79

outh African stocks ticked up slightly yesterday buoyed by telecoms operator MTN Group, spurred on by peaceful presidential election in Nigeria, where it is a market leader. Financial markets in the country, which is also MTN’s most important market in terms of revenue and subscribers, rallied after an unprecedented win by opposition politician Muhammadu Buhari. MTN shares ended nearly six per cent higher, pushing Johannesburg’s Top-40 index up 0.2 per cent to 46,128 points.

16.00 29-JUN-2019

4.24

105.83

14.11

106.13

14.01

16.39 27-JAN-2022

6.83

111.72

13.68

112.02

13.62

14.20 14-MAR-2024

8.95

101.95

13.81

102.25

13.75

10.00 23-JUL-2030

15.31 66.00

16.00

66.30

15.93

The All-share index added 0.2 per cent to 52,281 points. “MTN was on the back of the Nigerian election. A lot of people thought the elections wouldn’t go through smoothly,” said Chad Bushnell, a trader at Anglorand Asset Managers. Capitec Bank Holdings hit a life high of 537.65 rand per share as investors lapped up the stock anticipating it would be included in the blue chip Top-40 index, on the back of its rising market capitalisation, which has gained 57 per cent so far this year.

Rate (%) Inflation

8.2

MPR

Crude oil price

$58.96

Closing Market Prices of April 1, 2015

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

Exchange

Rates (N)

02-Jul-15

13.90

14.40

WAUA

270

USD

197

01-Oct-15

14.02

15.08

EURO

214

24-Mar-16

13.62

15.72

CFA

0.32

YEN

1.64

Tenor

Rate (%)

SWISS FRANC

202

O/N

13.6683

POUNDS STERLING

293

15.5486

16.6926

SDR

273

17.5973

NIBOR

The Fixings of April 1, 2015

Capital Market

Thursday, April 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at April 1, 2015 1st Tier Securities

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Young & Next Generation

Thursday, April 2, 2015

EiE Nigeria sensitises youths on peaceful elections Stories: Leonard Okachie

n a bid to encourage active participation as well as ensure violent free general elections, thousands of youths were gathered recently at the #RSVP Abuja Peace Concert organised by the advocacy group, Enough Is Enough Nigeria (EiE Nigeria). The well attended event, which held at the Ladi Kwali Conference Centre, Sheraton, Abuja, brought together popular Nigerian entertainers MI, Sound Sultan, Julius Agwu as well as up and coming performers such as DNA Twins, LK Kuddy, Krump Dance Studious, Ceaser, Debby Veren, Othmanbee, Spell, Distrikt Matters, Spotlight and many others.. Speaking at the event which was open to everyone with free entrance to anyone with a Permanent Voter Card (PVC), the Nigeria Director of Osiwa, funders of the RSVP Concerts, Jude Ilo, explained how pertinent it is for every citizen of voting age to join the decision process as that’s the only voice we have to decide who leads the country to the better place we crave. “No one should allow themselves be used by politicians to shed blood or vandalize properties. That speaks very low of the leaders of tomorrow we are preparing ourselves to be. Besides if you give your soul because of any Politician, when you are gone, their life continues like nothing happened. Please beware Nigerians… Let’s Vote Not Fight, because no politician is worth shedding your blood for”, he adds. Other highlights of the events were mobile phones and laptop giveaways among others. Up and coming artiste, Spotlight, winner of the laptop giveaway, was overwhelmed as it came to him as a total surprise “ I had no idea they will be giving out laptops or mobile phones. I only came here to do what I do best and amazingly, everyone fell in love with my performance and started screaming they should give me the laptop. This is the Nigeria we really need where we appreciate a fellow’s efforts and not tear down. Very grateful to the organizers for this”, he said. The RSVP Concert tour, which already held in various cities across the nation - Lagos, Jos, Kaduna, Owerri & Port-Harcourt - is a voter education and youth mobilization initiative of EiE Nigeria, a non-partisan coalition of individuals and organisations committed to instituting a culture of good governance and public accountability in Nigeria. MI, one of EiE’s RSVP ambassadors and a headliner in three of the six cities said, “It is impor-

Some participants at the Abuja peace concert.

tant to engage as many young people as possible in the governance process and whenever I can lend my voice and my time, I’m glad to support EiE’s work.” EiE believes that if Nigerians engage actively around the message of the RSVP, the quality of governance in Nigeria will improve. In a related development, the Special Assistant to the President on Youths and Student Matters, Comrade Jude Imagwe has assured youth across the country of adequate security protection during the elections, This is even as president’s aides cautioned Nigerians youth against engaging in electoral violence. He gave the warning during a workshop on youth against-

violence and crime in Nigeria towards 2015 General elections organized by Duchess Royale Foundation in Abuja. Imagwe urged them to avoid being used by politicians as political thugs who are against the cry for peaceful, credible, free and fair elections. According to him, the government will provide adequate security to protect voters while urging the youth without voters card to avoid polling units as they have no business there. He added “I urge you all to shun violence and not to allow yourselves be used by politicians to destroy investment that took your parents years to invest on the country. After March 28th Nigeria will continue to be United so don’t be used to kill or

destroy properties. “We must think about tomorrow and not allow anyone to use the instrument of religion to use us to caused violence. Nigeria is not limited to two parties and we must therefore not give in to the enticement of anyone to make engaged in violence. 2011 is still fresh in our mind, this time we must not our action today to affect our future.”

On her remarks the Director, Duchess Royale Foundation, Mrs. Duchess Obat, called on the youth, to shun politicians who may want to use them to foment trouble during the election. “Nigeria belongs to you, don’t allow yourselves to destroy it, shun religious, ethnicity consideration and don’t sell your conscience,” She urged.

Diabetic parents advised on good diet for children

aediatrician, Dr. Kunle Otuneye, has advised parents who are diabetic to be mindful of the type of diet they give their children as the disease could be hereditary. Otuneye, a staff of the National Hospital, Abuja, said in Abuja that diabetes among children was often caused by bad diet from a young age. He said that diabetes is a disease that affects the body’s ability to produce or use insulin, stressing “If there is family history of diabetes, the child or children have the tendency of being diabetic. “Some of the symptoms of the disease in children are extreme thirst, unusual weight loss, frequent urination and

when the child is eating well and not growing properly. “Parents should be careful in the way they give their children junk food. They should encourage their children to live active lifestyle and exercise regularly.’’ The paediatrician explained that type one diabetes is a condition when the pancreas does not produce insulin. He said that type two diabetes occur when the body does not produce enough insulin or when the cells are unable to use insulin properly. “Toddlers and preschool children should be encouraged to be physically active throughout the day. They should have outdoor playtime, access to

playground or open grass and adequate indoor play environment at child-care centres,’’ he said. Otuneye said denial of food, physical activity and watching television should not be used to punish children, adding that there are other ways to discourage bad behaviour. He advised adults to set good example of healthy nutrition and encourage children to eat fruits, vegetables, protein, whole grains and low- or nonfat dairy. Otuneye said high blood sugar levels could lead to kidney disease, heart disease and blindness. “Excess sugar in the bloodstream can damage the tiny

blood vessels in the eyes and kidneys and can harden or narrow the arteries,’’ he said. He said that routine examination by ophthalmologist would reveal if one is diabetic or not. “Diabetes also affects blood circulation to the feet and the tiny blood vessels in the eyes. If the ophthalmologist or podiatrist (foot doctor) suspects you have diabetes, they will recommend that you see your regular physician for blood sugar level test,’’ he said. Otuneye said the most common test for diabetes was fasting blood glucose test, taken after not eating for at least eight hours, usually overnight through blood sample.

Young & Next Generation

Thursday, April 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

TV reality show judges doze off on stage Stories: Leonard Okachie

ild drama ensued at the weekend when two of the celebrity judges on the Nigerian Idol Season 5 TV reality show catnapped on stage during a drab performance by one of the contestants, Iheanacho Nancy who goes by the stage name ‘Nana’. The two judges, afrobeat maestro, Dede Mabiaku and R ‘n’ B crooner, Darey ‘Art’ Alade could not face the disappointing performance by the contestant, and to express this, they decided to lay down their heads on the table. After some insipid showing earlier by some of the contestants who made the first batch of 10 from the pool of 30 contestants, the judges had expected Nana to put up a re-assuring performance in keeping with her potentials and past experiences on the show having featured consecutively in the past three editions. But as it turned, the 23 years old Nana who performed the song ‘Bin, Bing, Bang’ by Katy Tiz failed to measure up. “You sang like you were singing to yourself. You have a lot to offer, not this. Even your auditions were better than this,” Yinka Davies jibes at her. In a related development, 18 year-old Edo born Aisy (Aisosa Edeh-Nosa), also a contestant on the show, failed to hold back tears on stage after being told by the judges that she had a ‘flat and off ’ performance. Aisy’s group stage performance was a rather uninspiring and disappointing one as she struggled to maintain a balance between the song’s lyrics and her audience. “You did not own the song,” began Dede. “The character the song needed was not there. The introduction had promises, but on the whole you did not catch the audience,” he concluded. Speaking shortly after the show, an unperturbed Nana blamed her poor delivery of the song on the difficulty in combining the mastering of the lyrics

Nigerian Idol top 30, group 1 contestants with show host, Illrhymz (middle).

and delivery on stage, a task she claimed was made more difficult by her lack of previous knowledge of the song. Meanwhile, eight other contestants also performed in the first batch of the group stage phase. These include Ogunmoyero Modolowamu (Dolu), Iwuchukwu Franca (Franchesca), Oyinkepreye Deborah Toun (Preye), Edema Paradise Weyinmi (Paradise), Okukusie Precious Ajiri (Play P), Ekeoma Victor Chibuzor

(Prime), Efuetanu Tobore Ezekiel (Tobore) and Orah Ojochenemi John (Blue C). From this lot, three contestants with the highest number of votes from the viewing public will automatically qualify for the top 12 round. This process will be repeated when the second and third batches’ contestants take the stage in the coming weeks. A total of nine contestants will emerge through this process

while the last three slots will be filled from among un-successful ones on the back of the Judges’ wild cards. The broadcast of the Nigerian Idol season 5 on both terrestrial and satellite stations continues weekend of April 4 and 5 across the country. It promises to offer real time fun and quality entertainment to the millions of viewers and fans of the family-oriented talent-hunt show 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 popularity and followership on the basis of the unique platforms it offers to young Nigerians with exceptional music talent. It is the only music TV reality show in Nigeria with a global appeal that currently cuts across 46 countries. Nigerian Idol focuses on discovering Nigerian youths with talent in music and giving them a unique platform to take shots at stardom. The eventual winner goes home with N7.5 million cash reward, a brand new car, a recording deal worth N7.5 million with Universal Music label, South Africa and some highend devices.

HOT to empower 5,000 youths as beauty entrepreneurs

ouse of Tara (HOT) to train and empower 5,000 beauty representatives on how to start an empire House of Tara International, in partnership with FCMB, is gearing up to train 5,000 beauty representatives on its ongoing Beauty Business-On-The-Go (BBOTG) initiative. BBOTG aims to alleviate unemployment by empowering 5,000 young Nigerians to be beauty entrepreneurs by providing make-up starter kits, financial training and marketing tactics, which they will need to start their own beauty business. The initiative will also teach participants on how to be effective entre-

preneurs while trying to run a successful business in today’s economic climate. The weekly seminars are scheduled to hold every Saturday at 11am at any HOT makeup studio across Nigeria, particularly in the following cities- Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kaduna, Kano, Asaba, Benin, Enugu, Ilorin, Uyo and Ibadan. Set up in 1998, House of Tara House of Tara representatives is a pioneer in the beauty and Known also as an industry enabler, makeup industry in Nigeria and Africa as the brand; being the first to set up a a whole and a trailblazer in the areas of beauty school in Nigeria has over 3,000 retail, distribution channel management reps spread across the country and 20 and education. stores to its name.

Science for Kids

Why do babies suck thumb ?

Thumb-sucking baby

humb-sucking is normal in babies and young children. Most babies and toddlers suck their thumbs. They may also suck on their fingers, hands, or items such as pacifiers. Little by little, most children stop on their own at age 3 to 6 years. Babies have a natural urge to suck. This urge usually decreases after the

age of 6 months. But many babies continue to suck their thumbs to soothe themselves. Thumb-sucking can become a habit in babies and young children who use it to comfort themselves when they feel hungry, afraid, restless, quiet, sleepy, or bored. In rare cases, thumb-sucking after age 5 is in response to an emotional problem or other disorder, such as anxiety. Thumb-sucking in children younger than 4 is usually not a problem. Children who suck their thumbs often or with great intensity around age 4 or 5, or those who are still sucking their thumbs at age 6, are at risk for dental or speech problems. Prolonged thumb-sucking may cause the teeth to become improperly aligned (malocclusion) or push the teeth outward. This usually corrects itself when

the child stops thumb-sucking. But the longer thumb-sucking continues, the more likely it is that orthodontic treatment will be needed. Speech problems caused by thumbsucking can include not being able to say Ts and Ds, lisping, and thrusting out the tongue when talking. At home, treatment includes parents setting rules and providing distractions. It may help to limit the times and places that your child is allowed to suck his or her thumb and to put away blankets or other items your child associates with thumb-sucking. Putting gloves on your child’s hands or wrapping the thumb with an adhesive bandage or a cloth may help remind your child not to suck the thumb. Offering praise, positive attention, and rewards for not thumb-sucking may

also help your child break the habit. For example, put stickers on a calendar each day that your child doesn’t suck his or her thumb. After an agreed-upon number of days, have a celebration for your child. Don’t shame or punish your child for thumb-sucking. This will only lower your child’s self-esteem. If home treatment doesn’t work and you are concerned or feel frustrated about your child’s thumb-sucking, talk with your child’s doctor. There may be other treatment options, such as behavioral therapy, thumb devices, or devices for the mouth. But remember that thumb-sucking usually isn’t a problem in children at preschool age or younger. Most children will stop on their own if you give them time. Source: WebMD

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Media

Thursday, April 2, 2015

New Media challenge: Entrepreneurs tasked on creativity

Stories : Leonard Okachie

rospective media entrepreneurs have been urged to adopt creative ways of dealing with the challenges posed by New Media. Publisher of TW Magazine, a lifestyle magazine for today’s woman Mrs. Adesuwa Onyenokwe, who gave the advice in a statement in Lagos said that digital media had forced traditional print media proprietors to adopt technological innovations in the dissemination of news. It said, “Globally, increased competition with digital media has seen the print media forced to supplement their platforms with websites as technological innovations threaten to silence hardcopy newspapers completely. “Prospective media entrepreneurs should adopt creative ways to deal with the challenges that come their way.” According to the statement, online news media is witnessing accelerated increase in patronage as many people use their internet enabled mobile phones to access news from all parts of the globe. She continued: “But as more Nigerians get access to the web, new media is increasingly gaining ground with citizen journalism on social media and mobile applications. “Blogs and websites continue to gain traction and amass a significant size of advertising budgets. ``Newspapers and magazines are seemingly stuck on the wrong side of the McLuhan’s famous Theory of Technological Determinism which predicts more emphasis on digital media as the world advances.” While quoting from the 2013 “The State of the News Media Report’’, the publisher said that the total traffic to the top 25 news sites increased to 7.2 per cent in 2012. According to Pew Research data, 39 per cent of respondents got news online or from a mobile device “yesterday” up from 34 per cent in 2010 when the survey was last conducted. That indicates patterns of audience growth on digital platforms, the statement said. It, however, expressed optimism in the ability of the Nigerian publishing industry to leverage on the opportunities offered by digital technology to supplement print media with digital platforms. In order for her magazine to remain relevant in the digital age, it quoted Onyenokwe as saying that TW Magazine launched a website and an app to supplement its print version.

Stakehoders at a Town Hall meeting organised by Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria, NPAN.

“Thus aligning with the proliferation of digital devices in peoples’ lives,” the statement said. The publisher said that the biggest problem of publishing in Nigeria was

distribution which, according to the statement, explained the littering of the streets of Lagos with vendors. It believes that the key to transforming the fortunes of the print media business-

es in Nigeria perhaps lay with changing the sector’s distribution mechanism. This, the statement noted, was still largely characterised by road-side hawking and the ubiquitous free readers association

IPC decries attack on journalists on election duty

he International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria has condemned the various incidents of attacks on journalists by security operatives and political thugs during last weekend’s presidential and national assembly elections. IPC said its monitoring of media coverage of the elections revealed that the following violation of journalists’ rights and press freedom occurred between Saturday and Sunday. Funsho Arogundade of PM News/ TheNews was arrested and released by mobile policemen in Ipaja on Saturday 28 March for attempting to take photographs during the election exercise. Similarly, Perez Brisibe of Vanguard newspapers and some other journalists were assaulted by suspected political thugs at the Ughelli office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Delta State while being barred from monitoring the collation of results. Imani Joe-Adeniyi, Channels TV Correspondent; Saviour Etim Asuquo, Channels TV Cameraman; Tina Todo, The Guardian newspaper reporter and others were reportedly stopped and molested by men of the Nigeria Police in Calabar, Cross River State on their way to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to obtain updates on the collation of election results. A private radio station, Unity FM and some of the journalists were attacked by

some youths from Anguwan Rogo and Zinaria in Jos North LGA of Plateau State over an alleged offensive live programme. Director of IPC, Lanre Arogundade said the attacks were unbecoming and certainly not acceptable more so as the journalists were carrying out legitimate professional duty during the elections. “The fundamental rights of the concerned journalists and media institutions were violently violated and we hereby call on them to immediately seek appropriate legal redress,” Arogundade said. He called on the police authorities, other law enforcement agencies and the leadership of the political parties to en-

lighten their men and members on the important role of the media during elections which requires that the freedom of journalists should not be tampered with. “In particular we are again appealing to the police authorities to consider the guarantee of the safety of journalists as one their scared duties during elections,” Arogundade said. IPC also called for the immediate release of two Al-Jazeera journalists, Ahmed Idris and Mustafa Ali, who according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) have been confined to Sutus Hotel, Maiduguri by Nigerian military authorities since Tuesday March 24, 2015.

L-R:Director, IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade and Dean, School of Communication, LASU, Prof. Lai Oso.

Thursday, April 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

code breach: NBC names defaulters

Stories: Leonard Okachie

he National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has released the list of broadcasting stations that contravened the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting code from the beginning of electioneering campaign to date. A statement signed by the commission’s Director/Head, Public Affairs, Alhaji Awwalu Salihu, in Abuja, said the contraventions included breaches of the rules on the broadcast of sponsored campaign materials. Other breaches were the airing of campaign materials or programmes that promoted political parties or candidates within the 24-hour prohibited period, as well as unauthorised networking by a group of stations. The statement said that NTA breached the sensibilities rules while AIT and

NTA both breached the rules on airing sponsored materials. According to the statement, Rima Radio, Sokoto and BSES, Ekiti defaulted on denial of access. The further said that 15 stations nationwide breached the code for advertising and promoting a political party after campaigns had stopped 24 hours to election time. The stations included Liberty TV, Liberty FM, Karama FM, Alheri FM, NTA, AIT, Rima Radio, STV Lagos, TVC Lagos, NTV, PRTV, Jos, NTA Makurdi, Vision FM and Nigeria Info, Others were BECOS TV, NTA Jos, Gombe Media Corporation Radio FM, OSBC TV and Freedom TV Ilesha. According to the statement, all the stations involved had been either queried or outrightly sanctioned, according to the provisions of the Nigerian Broadcasting code.

Media Abroad

Mum uses Facebook to apologise for rude daughters

hen Kyesha Smith Wood heard that her teen daughters were rude to another patron who asked them to be quiet at a local movie theater, she was furious. The Birmingham, Alabama, mom made them write an apology note, but she didn’t know who should get it. That’s why Wood posted a plea on her local community’s closed Facebook page on Saturday to track down the woman, according to CNN affiliate WMBA. The Jefferson County’s Sheriff ’s Office reposted her note the same night, and the post has been liked more than 250,000 times. “My son later told me, much to my humiliation and embarrassment, that my girls were rude and obnoxious during the movie. The woman I’m looking for addressed them and asked them to be quiet and they were disrespectful,” Wood wrote on her Facebook post. “After the movie she approached my girls and told them that her husband had been laid off and this was the last movie she would be able to take her daughter to for a while and my girls

ruined that for her,” wrote Wood, who asked the woman to contact her. “This rude, disrespectful, and awful behavior is unacceptable and they owe you an apology.” Wood promised that her daughters would pay for another movie for the family out of their allowance. The woman Wood was trying to reach is Rebecca Boyd, who saw the sheriff ’s department post and contacted her. “The note from their mom brought me to tears and shows there is still good people in the world,” Boyd wrote on the sheriff ’s department Facebook page. “I have no hard feelings towards them and I am proud of their parents. The girls are not not bad...they are children. Glad they are learning a lesson. I hope if my teenagers are out and they act up...I hope someone says something to them.” Wood called Boyd the real hero of the story. “She took it upon herself to correct my girls and nobody else did.” “She’s the most gracious and kind and forgiving woman. I am so humbled by that.” The two mums are now Facebook friends.

Broadcast studio

Cool FM’s Mannie shines at Nickelodeon awards

ool FM’s On-Air Personality Mannie has been named Favourite OnAir Personality Nigeria at the 28th Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards, which held recently at The Forum in Inglewood, California, USA. The host of the popular ‘Mannie and the Angels’ radio show won the award ahead of fellow nominees, Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, Tosyn Bucknor and Big Tyme after winning the most votes from Nigerian kids. Voting for the 2015 KCAs took place at 19 localised voting sites across six continents in addition to twitter hashtag voting. The international awards had a host of superstar nominees across different award categories such as Troy Sivan (Favourite Internet Sensation), Iggy Azalea (Favourite Australia/New Zealand Music Act), Alexis Sanchez, Wayne Rooney, Diego Costa, Raheem Sterling (Favourite UK Football Player) and Ed Sheeran, Little Mix, Jessie J and One Direction (Favourite UK Music Act). Mannie joins last year’s winner, Freeze as the second Nigerian OAP to be recognized at the Kids Choice Awards since inception. “I cannot believe I won Best OAP in Nigeria at the KCAs 2015... i’m too excited! I am so grateful to everyone that voted for me and i know that this is just the begin-

Malaysia arrests 3 editors over sedition

alaysian police have arrested three editors from a news portal on suspicion of sedition, their lawyers and authorities have said, over a news report on discussions about punishments meted out under Islamic law. Police and officials from the Malaysian communications and multimedia commission (MCMC) raided the offices of the Malaysian Insider late on Monday. The managing editor Lionel Morais, features editor Zulkifli Sulong and Malay news editor Amin Iskandar were taken into custody and computers and other

items were confiscated. Authorities in the socially conservative country have conducted a series of arrests for sedition since last August, detaining opposition politicians, activists and academics. Nurul Izzah Anwar, the daughter of the jailed opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, was arrested this month after she made a speech in parliament. The latest arrests were over an article that said the Confederation of Rulers – Malaysia’s monarchy – had rejected a proposal to amend a federal law that could allow the use of the Islamic punishment, hudud, in

Malaysia. The Islamist opposition party is calling for the strict enforcement of sharia, or Islamic law, for Muslims. “This started out as the cops wanting to question the editors and take statements,” said Syahredzan Johan, a lawyer representing the company. “We only knew they wanted to make arrests after they came to the office“. Police and officials from the MCMC are investigating Morais, Sulong and Iskandar for sedition and improper use of network service that is “obscene, indecent, false, menacing or offensive in character”, Johan said.

ning of greater things to come.” In addition to the awards and several thrilling stunts, the 2015 Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards also featured 5-star performances from 5 Seconds of Summer, Iggy Azalea among many other performers. Angelina Jolie Pitt, Liam Hemsworth, Emma Stone, Jennifer Lawrence, One Direction, Selena Gomez, SpongeBob SquarePants were among this year’s fan favourites, winning orange blimps at Nickelodeon’s 28th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards (KCA), at the weekend. Hosted by recording artist/actor Nick Jonas, the awards took place at Los Angeles’ legendary “Fabulous” Forum, where kids celebrated their favourites from the worlds of film, music, television and more. Kids from around the world cast more than 500 million votes, a record-breaking tally. The Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards premieres on Nickelodeon (DStv channel 305) on Wednesday 1 April at 4:00PM (encore performances on Friday April 3 at 5:00PM, Saturday April 4 at 08:55AM and Sunday April 5 at 1:10PM. Multi-talented host Jonas opened the show with a stunning performance of his Billboard Top 10 smash, “Chains” and number-one radio hit, “Jealous”. This year’s Kids’ Choice Awards proved to be as messy as ever, from Jennifer Lopez presenting Jonas with his award and a surprise sliming; to the Favourite Family TV Show stars of Modern Family getting doused in goo; Jonas chugging a mug of slime in a “Dare or Dare” slime challenge; and a backstage pie fight between Chris Pratt and the cast of Henry Danger.

Mannie

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

S Shoppers’ D Guide

nlike last week when major streets on Lagos Island were busy in readiness for the Easter celebration, a visit on Tuesday revealed that traders are experiencing low patronage as shoppers have not been coming to the market to buy goods in preparation for the celebration. BSD discovered that activities in shops are low despite traders’ new deliveries. Mrs. Nimotalai Akande is a trader in Balogun market, she told BSD that patronage has been extremely low since last week. Akande who deals in Fabrics told BSD that despite the increase in exchange rate she still makes sure she got new materials so that customers can get variety when they come to her shop. “We thought maybe because of the elections that was why people didn’t come

Broad Street Diary

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Easter: Traders lament low sales to buy fabrics but from the look of things it seems people are not really ready to shop for Easter,” Corroborating Akande, Mr. Nkem Odia who trade in lace and George materials also in Balogun told BSD that customers visit to his shop has been very low compared to last year’s Easter. He said people from the eastern part of the country usually travel home during Easter for one engagement or the other and that means more sales for them at this period but the case was different this year as patronage has been very low. Mr. Ogbonnaya Okoro, dealer in Wrist watches, Sun glasses, Wallets, jewelries told BSD that patronage this year was very low compared to last year where shoppers were everywhere shopping in preparation for the celebration. “Though patronage dur-

… As shoppers turn out in trickles

Easter shopper in Lagos.

PHOTO: ADEMOLA AKINLABI

ing Easter was not always like Christmas and New Year but at least people still come around to buy gifts

items for their loved ones.” However a visit to the popular Mandilas revealed a different thing as shoppers

clamoured for changes at all levels in terms of governance and policy just as they wanted reformation in all sectors of the economy. The major issue, which has been hindering the business activities, is the high rate at which dollar exchanged with naira. Prior to the election date, some marketers had associated the unfavourable commercial situation to the persistent naira devaluation, which has led to the increment in prices of major goods, while others attributed the situation to the gloomy political situation heralded by imminent elections in the country, whereby everybody is afraid of what becomes post-election period. With the hitch-free election, leader of the wine dealers at Apogbon markets, Mrs. Biola Bello, charged the incoming President to address the issue of naira devaluation as a matter of urgency. She believed that once that is thoroughly addressed, business activities in the markets across the country would be back to normal.

According to her, marketers, traders, and consumers alike are not afraid of election any longer, naira exchange factor remains the bane of commercial and business activities in the country. She said despite the full resumption of business activities, there were still no sign of improvement in their sales, noting that the buying and selling activities remained as it were due to high rate of dollar-naira exchange. To some other dealers engaged by BSD, especially those who deal in agricultural products, the main sector they wanted the Buhari led-government to focus is agriculture. According to them, if the sector is duly reformed and the agricultural value chain is improved, the country would not need to import most of its needed products, thereby reducing the costs and improving the economy of the country.

General election: Businesses resume on Lagos Island

ince the start of 2015 General Election on Saturday, most marketers at Lagos Island have closed shop due majorly to the fair of election violence, known to be always identified with the Nigerian system. However, activities resumed fully yesterday following the declaration of the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission without any rancor or violence from the opposition party. While bearing their minds to BSD on the just concluded general election, which produced General Muhammed Buhari as the next President of Nigeria,

the traders on Broad Street, Lagos showed satisfaction with the way the elections were conducted. Unlike previous elections, they described the just concluded one as the most peaceful, during and after which the marketers had lost nothing to the political hoodlums. The marketers, who saluted the courage of President Goodluck Jonathan for being the first incumbent President to accept the result of the election in good manner, congratulated the President-elect as they set target for him on major issues that mostly affect them and business activities in the country. In their quest, they

Balogun market

Abolaji Adebayo

BS marketers mourn colleague’s death

n the Saturday when election commenced, she went to her polling unit to cast her vote for her farourite candidate. After exercising her civic right, she played with her

colleagues as she entertained people with foods and drinks out of her generousity. Mrs Mulikat Giwa, a 44-year restaurant operator at Shop 200, Broad Street, Lagos Island, described

as a hardworking, jovial and openhanded trader by her colleagues, slept on Sunday, March 29, 2015 but never woke up to the land of the living. All other shops had been closed in mourn-

ing her death since Sunday till yesterday when the business activities resumed around the vicinity. Mrs. Giwa is survived by husband and three children.

Abolaji Adebayo

were buying shirts, trousers, ties, hats, suits and belts. One of the shoppers, Mr. Temilade Alade told BSD that Easter celebration is more of English wears that was why he came to get shirts, trouser and a belt in preparation for Easter Sunday. “When I got here, I realised the price is on the high side but everyone knows that the exchange rate is high so it is not the fault of the traders that the

price went up,” he said. Unlike Alade, Miss Tolulope Oluranti who was also shopping at Mandilas when BSD visited lamented the high cost of goods in the market. She said she had wanted to buy more than what she had at the moment but because of the price, she had to reduce the quantity. “A shirt I bought for N3, 000 before now, costs 4,500 same with the trousers, everything is on the high side,” Also at Dress Up on Broad Street, the shop attendant who does not want her name in print told BSD that customers have been coming in their trickles to buy dress and tops unlike before now that people especially workers come in to shop. She attributed the low patronage to the elections, “You can see that people are not many on the streets because of the fear of what might happen after declaration of the winner of the presidential election but we hope things will pick up by Thursday when the tension might have gone down.”

-Saidat Alausa

Broad Street Diary

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Shitta-Bey Mosque

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

hitta-Bey Mosque is one of Nigeria’s historical monuments on Broad Street. This building, solely financed by Mohammed Shitta-Bey, the 1st Seriki Musulumi of Lagos, Nigeria, after whom it was named, is the oldest mosque on Broad Street. Construction of the mosque started in 1892 and was completed and opened on July 4th, 1894. The opening ceremony was an important, magnificent, social and religious event in Lagos. It was witnessed by sheiks, kings, chiefs and imams from all the Muslim communities on the west coast and some parts of Western Sudan as well as Muslims, Christians and other well wishers within and outside Yoruba land. The opening ceremony was greeted by thousands of Muslims faithful on horsebacks, in carriages and on foot lined the Marina Front from one end to the other. The torrential rain which greeted the day was not a hindrance, as many jubilant men, women and children were parading the streets singing various songs. Today the mosque has been named one of the nine national monuments in Lagos State and also stands in the rich history of Nigeria and Broad Street in particular.

Aisha Titilayo

121-year-old Shitta-Bey mosque

hitt B mosque, Martins hitta-Bey M ti street, t t Lagos, L is the oldest mosque on Broad Street, it about 121 years old. Its construction started in 1892 and was completed and opened on July 4th, 1894. According to the Chief Imam of the mosque, Alhaji Habeebullah Tawfeeq Muazu, who assumed the duty of Chief Imam of Shitta-Bey mosque on May 3, 2012, the mosque was solely financed by Mohammed Shitta-Bey, the first Seriki Musulumi of Lagos, Nigeria, after whom it was named. “I learnt that he built the mosque with (£ 5, 000).” Being the first of its kind on Broad Street, Alhaji Muazu narrated with enthusiasm the opening of the mosque. Although he was not born then, but said he learnt from history how the whole thing went and had since allowed the image of the opening ceremony to remain in his mind till date. He said, “I learnt it was a great day. The opening ceremony was an important social and religious event in Lagos. It was witnessed by sheiks, kings, chiefs and Imams from all the Muslim communities in the west coast, some parts of Western Sudan as well as Muslims, Christians and other well wishers within and outside Yoruba land.” He continued; “Thousands of Muslims on horsebacks, in carriages and on foot lined the Marina Front from one end to the other. The torrential rain which greeted the day was not a hindrance, as many jubilant men, women and children were parading the streets singing various songs.” On whether there was any account of foreigners who witnessed the opening ceremony of the mosque, Muazu said representative of

Abdull H Hamid, Abd id the th Sultan S lt off Turkey T k (Mr (M QuilQ il liam) was to arrive for the opening ceremony, but he was unable to make it and his failure to arrive that day kept the crowd waiting till the next day. He added that since then, Imams of ShittaBey mosque have since been chosen from his lineage. “Long before my turn was my father, who reigned as imam for twenty years. After his demise was my uncle’s turn who also reigned for eighteen years, then my turn to reign. ‘’Like I said, it is close to three years now that i became the imam of this mosque. A foreigner cannot be made imam. It is also the tradition that a new imam can only be chosen after the demise of a reigning imam,” he said. Shedding more light on why the Friday Prayer is not said in Shitta-Bey mosque, Muazu said: “Shitta-Bey mosque being the oldest mosque here used to conduct the Friday congregational prayer long before the new Central Mosque was built. But since the new Central Mosque was built, we have moved there for the Friday prayers. It is bigger and can accommodate more people. The normal daily Salat still hold here, we only go to LCM for Jumu’ah prayers. Also, Muazu revealed that Shitta-Bey had been named a National Museum. “On December 10th, 2013, the Director General of the National Commission for Museums and monuments notified the family that ShittaBey mosque is one of the nine national monuments. The remaining being Kings College, Lagos Island, Christ Church Cathedral (CMS), Marina, Independence Building, Lagos Island, First storey building in Nigeria, Badagry, Brazilian Slave Baracoon Museum, Badagry, Iddo railway terminal building, Lagos mainland,

National Nigeria N ti l theatre, th t Iganmu, I Ni i first fi t flag fl and expensive accommodation on the Island, raising memorial, TBS, Lagos Island,” he ex- he said it is the same everywhere. “A room plained. can go for five thousand in Surulere whereas Reminiscing on how he was born and you can get it for three thousand here on the brought up on the Lagos Island, he simply de- Island. Only new buildings are somehow exscribed it as very sweet. Muazu said his fam- pensive because they used to be old buildings ily house, which used to be 25, Oluwole Street, that are demolished and rebuilt; that accounts was demolished and a shopping mall was for their high cost.” built on the land. “ I attended Lagos SecondSpeaking about the rich cultures on the isary Commercial Academy before I later went land, especially those passed down by the Portuto an Islamic school in Ilorin and al-Azhar uni- guese and Brazilians, Muazu said some of them versity, Cairo, Egypt.” still remain as people on the Island still celebrate “There was enough space to play, we would carnivals in remembrance of those old days. play and eat in other houses. We were taught Aisha Titilayo good things. We would go out in the afternoon, plucking fruits and mangoes at Marina. Everywhere was safe, there was peace. Our parents had time for us, unlike most of today’s parents who do not have enough time to nurture their children” He added that they would gather at the mosque early in the morning to learn, go to school from there and go to Madrasah (Quranic school) in the evening. Speaking about the general belief that the Lagos Island is not a safe place to live, Muazu said: “It is still secure, there is no fight or stealing, Oluwole especially. We all sit and play together; we don’t fight or enShop 13 Wilberforce Plaza 182/183 Broad gage in violence because we all have names to protect.” Street opp. Ecobank Apongbon Lagos. Reacting to issue of scarce Tel: 08033017130, 08023953220

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South East

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Guber poll: Ebonyi opposition plan merger to unseat PDP Aliuna Godwin ABAKALIKI

bonyi State Governor, Martin Elechi, yesterday led a delegation to opposition political parties in the state ahead of the April 11 gubernatorial election to negotiate an alliance. A source at the secret meeting of Elechi with the opposition parties, who pleaded anonymity, told National Mirror that the governor convened the meeting to enable him negotiate alliance of among the Labour

Party, LP, All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, and All Progressives Congress, APC, against the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state. The source said the alliance was to prevent Ebonyi South senatorial zone from producing the next governor of the state, adding that the governor plans to collapse LP and APGA into APC to form a merger against PDP in the April 11 gubernatorial election. The merger, which might likely fail because of ideological differences of the

parties, has been described as the last attempt by Elechi to frustrate the ambition of PDP governorship candidate, Engr. Dave Umahi. In a swift reaction, Chairman of Media and Publicity for Divine Mandate Campaign Organisation of the PDP governorship candidate, Senator Emmanuel Onwe, however, described the alliance as one that is bound to fail as PDP had already consolidated following results of the last presidential and National Assembly elections in the state.

“They will gather to conspire, but will scatter in hopelessness. This agenda is nothing but that of losers; the desperation of political merchants and the foolishness of crass opportunists. “The PDP will remain resolute, confident and focused as we march into the second half of a game in which we have already scored nine goals (3 Senate seats and 6 House of Reps seats) and anticipating to score 25 more (24 House of Assembly seats and the governorship seat),” he added.

16 Ebonyi LP members defect to PDP Aliuna Godwin ABAKALIKI

o fewer than 16 members of the Labour Party, LP, executive in Ebonyi State have defected to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, ahead of next Saturday’s gubernatorial election, due to crisis rocking the party in the state. Addressing journalists in Abakaliki on behalf of other defectors, the party’s financial secretary, Prince Augustine Nwankwo, said the programmes and policies of the LP were hijacked by some forces in the state government. He explained that they defected because some people embezzled over N10 million belonging to the party. According to him, “on behalf of myself and other state executive members of LP, Ebonyi State chapter, we hereby formally defect to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, with effect from today. “The reasons we are defecting are many. They

include the internal crisis rocking the state’s chapter of LP executive, which results from the unmitigated fraud and embezzlement of over N10 million belonging to the party by some people. “Also, it is due to the high-handedness exhibited by the state LP chairman in alliance with his hired (men). We wish to contribute our quota in electing Engr. Dave Umahi in the April 11 gubernatorial poll as next governor of the state.” Nwankwo lamented that LP was founded on fraudulent foundation and called on people of the state to ignore the purported sentiment that LP will bring development, adding that the hired leaders in the party have no credibility to effect change in the state. Receiving the defectors, the state Acting PDP Chairman, Joseph Onwe, directed all ward chairmen to issue membership cards to the defectors, stressing that the party is ready to accept more members of the opposition.

Okom, others reject election result in Anambra Francis Ekpone ONITSHA

L-R; Barrister Chike Maduekwe; former Governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim, and Chairman, Grand Towers Plc. Nze Chidi Duru, during a press conference of Igbo Conversational Group (ICG) in Abuja, yesterday.

Police disperse protesting PDC members Dennis Agbo ENUGU

ombined teams of the military and police yesterday shot teargas canisters to disperse members of the Peoples for Democratic Change, PDC, who were protesting alleged rigging of Enugu East Senatorial election. The PDC is the political party of former Enugu State Governor, Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani, who contested for Enugu East senatorial seat but lost to the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Members of PDC had yesterday protested in major streets of Enugu metropolis, carrying placards that portrayed their misgivings about the election. The protesters were, how-

ever, dispersed with teargas, while some were arrested by the police. Similar situation occurred on Monday when the protesters tried to occupy the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, office in Enugu. Leader of PDC and Enugu East senatorial candidate, Nnamani, declared himself and other candidates of PDC as winners of the National Assembly elections conducted in Enugu east senatorial zone. He accused the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Chukwuemeka Onukaogu, of trying to extort money from him before the election, which he refused. Nnamani said: “The ruling PDP has again subverted the will of our people

by brazen inducement of INEC officials and security agencies, outright rigging, open vote buying at polling stations, intimidation and violence. “The PDP and rigging have always been Siamese twins. But never before has this scale of electoral chicanery been visited so callously on a people so desirous of effecting change through the ballot. “It is remarkable that the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Enugu State, Prof. Onukaogu, notorious for his ignoble role in the last controversial governorship election in Anambra State, is also true to habit, at the centre of this election scam. “Some consistent patterns were observed in every local government area on the blatant manipulation

of the exercise. “Almost everywhere, partisan INEC officials refused to show the original result sheets to our party polling agents before commencement of voting as required by law, while in many places our agents were kept at bay to prevent them from doing their legitimate duty of monitoring the voting process.”

Abba

n spite of the declaration of Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as winner of last Saturday’s presidential election by the Independent National Electoral commission, INEC, APC House of Representatives candidate in Orumba North/South Federal constituency of Anambra State, Okonkwo Okom, yesterday rejected the outcome of the election, describing it as a sham. Okonkwo, while briefing newsmen in Awka, said the outcome of the election did not reflect the wishes of the people, accusing INEC and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, of masterminding the manipulation of votes in the area. He, however, congratulated Buhari for his uncommon victory at the poll, noting that APC will bring the long-awaited change to Nigeria. The INEC had declared Ben Nwankwo of PDP

winner of last Saturday’s election in Orumba North/South Federal constituency, but APC candidate, Okom, rejected the election result, threatening to petition INEC if the poll result was not cancelled. “As the candidate of my party, APC, I want to make it known to Ndi Anambra, and the world that INEC and PDP murdered sleep in Orumba North and South. “I have documented evidence and am still documenting the atrocities committed by PDP conniving with INEC officials and these agents to deny our people their God-given right to exercise their democratic franchise. “I have evidence of cases of ballot box stuffing, non-collation of votes, improper accreditation, allocation of figures, and even a denial of some victories for me. I will soon petition INEC, as well as prepare to go to the tribunal,” he said even as he urged his people and supporters to remain calm and trust in God.

South South

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Delta PRP carpets PDP over legal action against AC, LP, APC Amour Udemude ASABA

elta State chapter of the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, has carpeted the leadership of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state for seeking legal disqualification of all nominated candidates of Accord Party, AP, Labour Party, LP, and the All Progressives Congress, APC, ahead of the general elections on April 11. Leadership of the state’s PDP, in suit No. FHC/ASB/ CS/28,29,30/2015) is seeking disqualification of all candidates of the three political parties from

contesting the general elections on grounds that they did not comply with the provision of Section 85(1) of the Electoral Act 2010, as amended. The section provides that political parties give the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, at least 21 days notice before the date sets for primaries to nominate candidates for general elections to be conducted by the commission. In a statement issued yesterday in Asaba by the state Chairman of PRP, Comrade Igbini Odafe Emmanuel and Publicity Secretary, Comfort Obi, which was made available

to our correspondent, the party noted that the section is often not complied with by almost all registered political parties in the country and as such, is not a necessary and sufficient ground for justifiable disqualification of candidates nominated by parties. The statement said: “Worse of all, it is not a ground for non-bonafide member of a political party to seek legal action against the nomination of a member of a different political party. “The big questions to ask are: how is the nomination of candidates of another political party of special concern and

effect on another political party to warrant the court to grant locus standi in such suit? “How is the nomination of these candidates of the three political parties (respondents) of any negative effect or disadvantage to PDP and its candidates in these elections? While warning against any form of legal actions that would cause another series of distractions for duly and rightly elected candidates in elections in the state, PRP advised PDP to immediately and unconditional withdraw the suit and concentrate on her campaigns for the remaining elections.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MEND, INC hail Buhari, Jonathan over poll outcome Dennis Naku

PORT HARCOURT

ovement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, and Ijaw National Congress, INC, have congratulated Gen. Muhammadu Buhari over his victory in Saturday’s presidential election. The two groups also lauded President Goodluck Jonathan for conceding defeat and for congratulating the President-elect. The groups lauded Jonathan for setting a precedent as the first president in Nigeria to concede defeat and congratulate his opponent. MEND in an electronic mail issued yesterday and signed by its spokesman, Jomo Gbomo, said Buhari’s message of hope, freedom and opportunity resonates with the group. The statement reads: “The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, extends our heartfelt congratulations to President-elect Gen Muhammadu Buhari on his victory in the 2015 presidential elections. “The Nigerian people have spoken and elected Gen. Buhari to be the next Presi-

dent of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In doing so, we have not only made the right choice of a new leadership, we have also reaffirmed the strength of our democracy. “President-elect General Muhammadu Buhari’s message of hope, freedom and opportunity resonates with our group, as it does with the Nigerian people. In these difficult times, with the economic crisis and security challenges, we are confident that under your leadership, Nigeria will once again regain its Peace and Unity. “MEND also wishes to commend President Goodluck Jonathan for his outstanding show of Statesmanship in conceding defeat and setting precedence as the first ever incumbent Nigerian President to be defeated and concede defeat, without any interference. “May the Lord grant President-elect General Mohammadu Buhari and all those who will serve with you wisdom, strength and compassion in the coming years.” INC on its part said President Jonathan made all Nigerians proud by his show of sportsmanship in conceding defeat and putting a call across to Buhari to congratulate him.

Edo police parade Ondo robbery suspect, ring leader Sebastine Ebhuomhan BENIN

L-R: PDP Governors, Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta), Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom), Sulivan Chime (Enugu) and Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa), during their solidarity visit to President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Bayelsa declares N2.8bn surplus for January 2015 Osahon Julius YENAGOA

ayelsa State government has declared N2.8bn as funds available at the end of February 2015, just as it announced N758m as Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, for the month of January. Governor Seriake Dickson, represented by his deputy, Mr. Gboribiogha John Jonah, announced this at the monthly transparency briefing in Yenagoa, the state capital. Dickson, who announced a gross inflow of N10.9bn from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee, FAAC, com-

prising Statutory Allocation of N2.3bn, Derivation N7.6bn, Value Added Tax, VAT, N572m, Excess Crude, N257m and NNPC refund of N156m. He explained that deductions on bond obtained by the state government stood at N1.2bn, servicing foreign loans, N12.9m, commercial agricultural credit scheme (2), N66.7m, fertiliser for 2013 farming season, the 4th out of six installments, amounted to N2.9m, while refund of arrears of derivation revenue to Akwa Ibom State on the Iro Ekanga Oil field was N132m, totaling N1.5b. The deductions, according to Governor Dickson, brought the net inflow

from FAAC to N9.5bn, while funds from other sources amounted to N500m, in addition to special refunds of N751m. On expenditure, the governor said bank loan repayments stood at N5.2bn, salaries of civil servants, including pension payments was N4.035bn, while that of political appointees came up to N404m. He noted that there was no monthly overhead and 18 per cent minimum arrears payments. Total payments gulped N1.4bn, comprising recurrent of N983m and capital payment of N1.1bn, leaving a balance of N2.8bn, including SURE –P alloca-

tion. For January, the governor declared N10.7bn as net inflow from FAAC, N809m as IGR receipts for December 2014, funds from other sources was N1bn and Bond refunds to the state N1.5bn, bringing total funds available for spending to N13.987bn. On expenditure, the governor said N4.968bn went for loan repayments; salaries of civil servants gulped N4.015bn, political appointees got N394m, monthly overhead payments stood at N921m, monthly standing approvals was N241m, while there was no payment for the 18 per cent minimum wage arrears.

do State Police Command yesterday paraded a suspected ring leader of the bank robbery in Owo, Ondo State, in which 20 persons were killed. The suspect and alleged ring leader, 35-year-old Etopa Sadiq, was paraded in Benin City yesterday alongside 28 other suspects. According to the police, the robbery suspects numbering about 40, attacked four commercial banks and a police station in the town, leaving about 20 people dead. The robbers, who were alleged to have operated unchallenged with about 10 vehicles, carted away undisclosed huge sums of cash, arms and ammunition before fleeing to neighbouring Edo State. Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Samuel Ademola Adegbuyi, who paraded Sadiq at the Command Headquarters, said the sus-

pect was arrested after a gun battle at Ibilo in Akoko Edo Local Government, where the suspects fled after the killing and robbery. During the gun battle, the suspects, many of who are still at large, reportedly abandoned some assault rifles and other ammunition at the scene. Adegbuyi said, “After the robbery, the hoodlums headed towards Ibilo in Edo State, where operatives of the command intercepted them in a gun battle, which made some of them to flee, while one suspect, by the name Etopa Sadiq, ‘m’, was arrested. “Efforts are in top gear to arrest the fleeing suspects.” Other items the police command recovered from the scene included seven AK-47 rifles; three riot guns; two sub-machine guns; two Lar rifles; four TO6 rifles; one Scorpion rifle; one Berretta rifle; one chief revolver pistol; two pump action guns and one Tasser rifle.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Thursday, April 2, 2015

FCT outlines new measures to tackle emergencies

L-R: Newly elected APC senators from Adamawa: Mrs. Binta Garba, Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Nyako, and Alhaji Ahmad Abubakar, during a thank you visit at the party’s state secretariat in Yola, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

We’ll replicate Buhari’s victory in Plateau guber poll, says APC JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

overnorship candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, in Plateau State, Mr. Simon Lalong, yesterday said last Saturday’s presidential election won by Gen. Muhammadu Buhari will galvanise the party to victory on April 11 in the state.

Lalong, who addressed a press conference in Jos after the election, however, pointed out that even though the hopes and aspirations of APC were dashed by the ruling party, they would do everything possible to reclaim their “stolen” mandate. The former Speaker of the House of Assembly urged the people to brace up to the chal-

lenge by being “part of the process of entrenching this final lapse of change blowing across the country.” Expressing gratitude to the people for voting for Buhari, Lalong said it was only when an APC government is enthroned in the state under his leadership that the people can benefit from the mainstream of Nigerian

politics. He assured that he would pursue the party’s desire of alleviating the sufferings of the people when voted into power, including provision of free education, functional health facilities, beneficial agricultural policy, commerce and industry, youth employment, peace and security, among others

Political thugs manhandle returning officer in Benue HENRY IYORKASE MAKURDI

senior lecturer with the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Dr. Smart Chor, who was returning officer for Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections in Benue State, yesterday narrated how he escaped death. Chor was the return-

ing officer for Konshisha Local Government Area of the state. The lecturer said he was kidnapped by thugs, who tied his hands behind his back and left him in the bush. Dr. Chor further narrated that he was in the bush for several hours and was brutalised, while his clothes were torn. He said: “I was appointed as returning of-

ficer and in the course of performing my duties, some unidentified men accosted and forcefully whisked me away along with some ad hoc staff to unknown destination where we were tortured. “It was miraculous that our lives were spared. We were to be killed but, suddenly, something miraculous happened and our captors jettisoned the idea and left us.”

He appealed to politicians to desist from acts of thuggery, which he said was now old fashioned. According to him, despite some minor hiccups, the introduction of card reader has greatly improved and brought legitimacy to the electoral process, even as he charged stakeholders to discard any thought of electoral manipulations.

Aliyu concedes defeat to APC opponent PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

overnor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu has conceded defeat to Niger-East Senatorelect, Mr. David Umaru, who defeated him in last Saturday’s National Assembly election. He also said the March 28 presidential and National Assembly elections have added value to the entrenchment of democracy

in the country. Speaking shortly after the State Executive Council meeting in Minna, Aliyu confirmed that he called the senator-elect seven times and sent a text message that reads: “Chief Servant calls” in order to congratulate him, but there was no response. “I have already conceded defeat to Barrister David Umaru. I have called Umaru’s number after he was declared winner about seven

times, but he did not pick. I sent a text saying ‘this is the Chief Servant calling, please pick’ and I have not received a reply by now. “I have no qualms about the defeat. I did not see my defeat as an insult to my person, but as God’s will,” he said. Commending the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for its effort, particularly the attention to details, he stated that the electoral

body should appreciate the shortcomings noted in the election and work towards correcting them. He also hailed President Goodluck Jonathan’s courage in conceding defeat, noting that his gentlemanly approach of congratulating the President-elect, Gen Muhammadu Buhari, has gone a long way to douse tension in the country. He urged Jonathan to work together with Buhari to ensure a smooth transition.

ederal Capital Territory, FCT, Emergency Management Department, FEMD, said yesterday it had adopted measures to promptly respond to emergencies and disasters when they occur. Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Abuja, Director of FEMD, Alhaji Abbas Idris, said the measures were adopted to reduce emergencies and disasters in the FCT. “Some of the measures the department is adopting to reduce emergencies include implementation of Hazard Mapping of the territory. “This involves a delineation and special focus on parts of the territory that can be prone to unavoidable natural disasters. “We are also focusing on reducing our response time to such emergencies and disasters. “The measures will enable prompt responses to such occurrences to prevent avoidable casualties,” he said. The director said the department had also created a toll-free telephone line that residents could call to report emergencies, urging them to improve cooperation with the department. “We also have a tollfree telephone line ---122 --which residents can call to

report emergencies. “The telephone line is open to all networks and will assist us to respond promptly when the need arises, but we need residents’ total cooperation for these measures to be effective. “We also plan to embark on sensitisation and town hall meetings with residents as a way of providing them with basic information on how to tackle various emergencies,” he added. Idris said that the department saved 435 lives and property worth N3.71bn in 2014 through prompt response to emergency calls, adding that it would strive to improve in 2015. “The issue of fire outbreak was particularly prevalent during the festive period when some people travelled out of their homes without switching off their appliances. “We appeal to residents to avoid bush fire because this usually becomes uncontrollable and results to loss of lives and property,” he said. The director said that the department would also continue to ameliorate the pains of residents affected by other disasters such as flood, communal clashes and windstorms, through the donation of relief materials.

Abuja banks resume regular operations, witness low patronage

ommercial banks in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, resumed regular operations yesterday after rendering skeletal services prior to announcement of the winner of March 28 presidential election. News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that most banks in the FCT closed operations at 2pm on March 30 and 31 following alleged security challenges occasioned by the general elections. Some of the banks visited by a NAN correspondent included Zenith Bank, Guarantee Trust Bank, GTB, Ecobank, Unity Bank, Fidelity Bank, Diamond Bank and First Bank of Nigeria. At a branch of Zenith Bank in Central Area, customers were seen at 2pm at various units transacting

business. A customer, Mrs Kate Eneh, said she was happy to transact business in the bank in a peaceful atmosphere and without fear of being attacked. At GTB, Diamond Bank, and Unity Bank in Area 3, customers were also seen doing various transactions. Also at the First Bank in Central Area, a customer, Mr. Jacob Asua, said he was happy that Nigerians accepted the result of the elections in peace. Some officials at the various banks, who did not want their names mentioned, told NAN that the banks would not close earlier than usual. They attributed the early closure of the banks on March 30 and 31 to the fear of alleged insecurity in the capital city.

Thursday, April 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

World News Terrorists neither require passports nor recognise nationalities Afghan President, Ashraf Ghani

Boko Haram uses children as human bombs, commits heinous crimes –UN

oko Haram Islamist militants in northern Nigeria are using children as human bombs and targeting women and girls for particularly horrific abuse, including sexual slavery, the United Nations human rights chief said yesterday. Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein told a special session of the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva that his office had received reports of Boko Haram using children as its first line of attack, as “expendable cannon fodder”. “Bodies of children around 12 years old have been found strewn across such battlefields,” Zeid said. Boko Haram has been attacking towns and villages in northern Nigeria and border regions of neighbouring Cameroon, Chad and Niger. “The group has also repeatedly used young children as human bombs, including a case of a 14-year-old girl carrying a baby on her back who detonated a bomb in a marketplace,” Zeid said.

Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein

The Council condemned “the heinous terrorist activities of Boko Haram”, including the abduction of more than 200 girls from a school in Chibok, northeast Nigeria, a year ago, and called for “drying up all possible sources of financing” for the group. It called for those who have committed crimes on behalf of Boko Haram to be brought before competent courts of the affected states and held accountable.

Boko Haram has killed thousands and displaced some 1.5 million people during a six-year campaign to carve out an Islamic state in northern Nigeria. A joint offensive by Nigeria and its neighbours has succeeded in driving the group from most of the positions they controlled earlier this year, reversing militants’ gains that forced Nigeria to delay its February presidential election.

Zeid said that appalling atrocities committed by the group had created a critical human rights situation not only in Nigeria, but in the whole Lake Chad region. Both children and adults have been abducted by the group on a massive scale, he said. Women and girls have been enslaved and subjected to sexual violence, forced labour and compulsory conversion, he said, citing reports from witnesses and survivors. Retreating Boko Haram militants have murdered their socalled “wives” - women and girls they held as slaves - and other captives as military offensives by Nigeria and its neighbours advanced, Zeid said. He said he had received information suggesting that the security forces of Nigeria and other nations combating the insurgency had also committed human rights violations, and called for a thorough and transparent investigation.

African envoy expresses concern over EU migrant centre plans

frica’s envoy to the European Union warned yesterday that EU plans to process migrants in the countries they leave or transit on their way to Europe are “a dangerous approach.” The EU is trying to persuade Niger, Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco and Turkey to pre-screen migrants and has launched a pilot project to send immigration officers abroad to help assess asylum demands. African Union Ambassador Ajay Kumar Bramdeo told EU lawmakers that by outsourcing migrant management, the EU would be “shirking its own responsibility in receiving refugees and migrants, also in footing the bill for managing and controlling migration.” More than 280,000 people entered the EU illegally last year, according to figures released Tuesday by the EU’s border agency Frontex. Thousands have taken to rickety boats from conflict-torn Libya and Europe’s coast guards are unable to cope.

WORLD BULLETIN

Yemeni rebel fighters in tanks reach central Aden Houthi fighters and their army allies advanced in a column of tanks yesterday into a central district of the southern city of Aden, the main foothold of loyalists of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, witnesses said. The Houthis’ military push into the Khor Maksar district happened despite a week of Saudi-led air strikes as well as bombardment from naval vessels off the coast of Aden aimed at reversing relentless Houthi gains on the battlefield. The Shi’ite Muslim fighters and their ally, former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, emerged as the dominant force in Yemen after they took over the capital six months ago. Aden residents saw large groups of fighters carrying rocket propelled grenades accompanied by tanks and trucks mounted with machine guns in Khor Maksar, which lies on narrow neck of land linking central Aden with the mainland.

‘Attackers launch shells at UN base in north Mali’ Unknown attackers fired shells at a United Nations base on the outskirts of a town in northern Mali early on Wednesday, residents told Reuters. Mali’s desert north suffers frequent militant attacks despite a French-led operation to drive out Islamic fighters following a Tuareg uprising there in 2012. “We are worried by shells being fired in the direction of the military base,” said a resident in the town, Ansongo. He said helicopters were flying over the town, which is about 100 kilometers (60 miles) southeast of Gao. The MINUSMA peacekeeping force did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Iraq declares victory over ISIS group

West African migrants sitting exhausted after a night of heavy rain and hail that destroyed their tents near Gradsko, Macedonia.

Frustrated by its inability to handle the migration wave, the EU has sought to tackle the problem at its source, mainly in Africa. The head of the International Organization for Migration’s EU office, Eugenio Ambrosi, cautioned against any rush to set up processing centres.

“The priority has to be about protecting people and not protecting borders,” he said. Ambrosi noted that some EU nations have been unwilling to share the costs and responsibility of housing asylum seekers with partners like Greece, Italy and Malta, which are bearing the brunt of the migration wave.

Germany and Sweden are also hosting many refugees from Iraq and Syria. “It’s a little bizarre that we ask other countries outside Europe to show solidarity toward Europe in sharing the burden when within Europe we still haven’t got there,” he said.

Iraq declared a “magnificent victory” Wednesday over the Islamic State group in Tikrit, a key step in driving the militants out of their biggest strongholds. Iraqi Defence Minister Khalid al-Obeidi made the pronouncement, saying security forces have “accomplished their mission” in the month long offensive to rid Saddam Hussein’s hometown and the broader Salahuddin province of the militant group. “We have the pleasure, with all our pride, to announce the good news of a magnificent victory,” Obeidi said in a video statement.

Thursday September 4, 2014

Thursday, April 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

I hope to use my expertise to improve the lot of players in the senior national team as we move forward –New Super Eagles Team Coordinator, Pascal Patrick

Essien nears Milan summer exit

Kano pillars players

ACL: Fans to watch Pillars, Moghreib for N100 ...match kicks-off 2pm ABDULGAFAR OLADIMEJI KANO

head of Saturday’s African Champions League clash between Kano Pillars and Moghreib Athletico of Morocco, management of the Kano side has slashed ticket prices to as low as N100 in a bid to attract fans to the stadium. Vice Chairman of the

club’s Continental Committee, Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima, told National Mirror yesterday that the decision was informed by economic factors coupled with the efforts to encourage Kano fans to turn out en mass to watch the game at the Sani Abacha stadium. Galadima said fans have a crucial role to play to spur the team to cancel a first leg 0-4 deficit and win.

“We need their large attendance to play their usual motivational role. Before tickets were sold for N200, N500, N1000, but for Saturday’s match the tickets will now sale for N100, N200 and N500,” Galadima disclosed. The former NFA helmsman disclosed that Saturday ACL match between Pillars and their Moroccan foes will now kick-off at 2pm.

...‘Wolves won’t disappoint in Ethiopia’ Warri Wolves attacking midfielder, Ikechukwu Ibenegbu, has said his side will not defend their 2-0 first leg advantage at Ethiopian giants, Dedebit FC. The Seasiders will be guests of the Hor n of African side in the second round reverse fixture of the CAF Confederation Cup clash in

Addis Ababa on Sunday. Ibenegbu said his side has prepared adequately for the crucial clash only waiting for match day to unleash their full weight on the hosts, Dedebit FC. “Of course, we won’t lean on the first leg advantage in Addis Ababa but will go all out to achieve good result.

“We’ve prepared adequately for the clash and now wait for match day to unleash our venom on Dedebit FC. “The spirit among my teammates is quite high as each of us is looking forward to good outing in Addis Ababa,” Ibenegbu said.

AAG: NFF moves Falcons, Mali clash backward

he 11th All Africa Games (AAG) final qualifying round, return leg match between Nigeria’s Super Falcons and the Senior Women’s Team of Mali will now be played at the National Stadium, Abuja on Friday, April 10. General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, told thenff.com that a letter to this effect had been sent to the Mali Football Federation for its information and necessary action. The Confederation of African Football (CAF), organisers of the Men and Women Football Tournaments of the 11th All Africa Games, has already permitted the NFF to host the match within the period of Friday, April 10 – Sunday, April 12. Already, a full house has been recorded in the Falcons’ camp in Abuja as the African champions prepare for the crucial return leg, which guarantees the winner a place at the Women’s Football Tournament of the 11th All Africa Games that is scheduled for Congo-Brazzaville, from September 3-18 this year.

Azizat Oshoala of super Falcons

Sports

Thursday, April 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Essien

nears Milan summer exit A

C midfielder, Michael Essien, yesterday said his future at the club remains uncertain with recent reports that the manager and the fans are not happy with his performances. The 32- year old former Ghanaian midfielder, who has featured for Chelsea and Real Madrid, might find himself without a club if the Italian reports hold true and if the fans persist on putting pressure on him. F e l l o w Ghanaian and team mate, Sulley Muntari, is also said to face s i m i lar ar challenge, although he

is still a fans’ favourite. But the reports said both players should left the club in June following massive supporter distrust towards them. The fans would like Milan to bring in quality new players to over tur n t h e i r d ow n Giroud

ward spiral. It is also uncertain if Coach Filipo Inzaghi will remain after this summer, although the club’s directors have yet to come out with a verdict on the gaffer.

Essien

Giroud

Drogba

eyes more goals A

Drogba

mentors Blues’ kids C helsea legend, Didier Drogba, is doing his part to help shape the club’s future by mentoring the promising youngsters trying to follow in his footsteps at the Blues. The 37-year-old explained that he is there to lend a helping hand, but insists it’s up to the young guns to take the lead and make sure the

Alaba

club continues to prosper. “They’re going to be there, we won’t be any more so it is up to us to give them all they need and pass it on to the younger players as well,” Drogba said. “It’s important for us, the older players, to be there to support them, but at the same time it’s even more important for them to take the

lead now, to feel there is no restriction from us. “They can play, they can talk, we can debate and exchange because all we’re doing now is for the team-to be better next year, in two years and five.” Drogba, who scored over 150 goals in his first spell at the club, has scored six goals in all competitions this season.

Alaba blow for Bayern

eports yesterday said Bayern Munich defender, David Alaba, has been ruled out for seven weeks with a medial ligament tear. The Austrian sustained the knee injury in his country’s 1-1 draw with

rrsenal senal str striker, rik ikerr, Olivier O Ol livie ierr Gi Giroud, he ssaid sa aid h e hopes outscore Alexis Santo outsc sc core ore Al A exis S anbetterment chez ffor orr tthe o he b ette et t rment of the e tteam. ea am. Both Bo oth th fforwards orwa wa ards rds have h ve ha contributed Premier contr ribu ri ute ted d 13 P re emi mier er League goals Leag gue ue g oalss tto oa o th the he club’s cl lub ub’s b’ss push for a topffour our finish. finish. “W “We We push each other, we’re on we’ ’re o n 13 goals, and I would like to score help some so me more to hel elp p th the e team te am achieve e its objecobjec cstrikttives,” ti ves,” th the e Fr France str trik ik-

Bosnia on Tuesday. Should Alaba’s recovery go to plan he will return for Bayern’s final two League matches of the season, and the Champions League and DFB Pokal finals provided his team advances accord-

e said er sai aid d yesterday yest ye ster erda er da . Meanwhile, GirMean anwh whil wh i e,, oud says ys he has ha as no demands international m ma nds at inter ern level after controverle con n calling ssially si ally yc alling on n France Didier Deschamps boss bo ss D idier De id Desc hand to oh a d hi an him m a sstarting role att la year’s rol ro ole le a llast ast st y e r’ World ea Cup. “It’s not m me who picks the team. What’s important for me is to be ca called up all lled ed u p and to contribute as contribu co ute as ssoon as I ca can,” can, n ” Giroud submitted. ted.

ingly. Alaba has been a key figure for the Bundesliga leader this season, scoring five goals in 28 appearances in all competitions. The Bavarians face Borussia Dortmund away this weekend.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Grant ‘pleased with team’s displays’ G

Musa Muhammed

hana Coach, Avram Grant, has expressed satisfaction with his team’s outputs in the two friendly games played against Senegal and Mali last week. The Black Stars were beaten 2-1 by the Teranga Lions last Sunday in Le Havre and shared the honours with the Eagles of Mali in a 1-1 draw. It meant Ghana is without a win since finishing second at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea.

But Grant says there is no need to panic and states he achieved his targets. “I think we reached our targets in the last seven days,” the Israeli coach said. “Of course, the results are important but in friendly games, results are less important than in tournaments,” he added, stressing, “We had the team for a short time which was about a week in a few months so we used the situation to try a new system.”

AAG:

Muhammed boosts U-23 team

lying Eagles captain, Musa Muhammed, yesterday became the first of the five invited players from the U-20 team to join the U-23 training camp in Abuja ahead of the return leg of the All Africa Games qualifier against Zambia in Lusaka on April 11. Muhammed said his team mates would also arrive today

as the Dream Team intensifies training ahead of the crucial tie after the Zambia fought to a goalless draw in the first leg in Abuja last month. “Mustapha Abdullahi, Zahradeen Bello, Taiwo Awoniyi and Dele Alampasu have also told me they will join the tomorrow (today),” the captain said. The U-23 Coach, Samson Sia-

sia, had turned to the Flying Eagles’ quintet for rescue after his charges failed to beat the Zambians in Abuja to render the second leg a no-contest. “There is need to beef up the team so that we can guarantee the AAG ticket and the Flying Eagles come handy having just played in the AYC in Senegal recently,” Siasia said last week

…Mabo warns Falcons over Mali

Grant

MERCY JACOB

Zambia coach laments neglect O

ormer Super Falcons coach, Ismaila Mabo, has warned the team against complacency when they face their Malian counterparts in the second leg of All Africa Games (AAG) qualifying match scheduled for April 10 in Abuja. Nigeria was held to a 1-1 draw in the first leg played in Bamako last month, a result that surprised many observers and which gave the Malians hope of sealing a ticket to AAG billed for Congo Brazzaville in September. “Mali can give any opponent a run for their money any time and I expect the Nigerians coaches to be wary of this reality, Mabo cautioned. “The attack should be cease-

Okon

less from the blast of the whistle if Nigeria must win well next week,” he added. “I have confidence that Nigeria will qualify because the pains of missing out in the

last edition of the AAG is still haunting the Falcons. “Let the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) support the girls to propel them to go for victory”.

utgoing Zambia Coach, Honour Janza, is still undecided about taking up the offer to lead Chipolopolo in the upcoming 2015 COSAFA CUP in May. This comes after the Football Association of Zambia President, Kalusha Bwalya, said last week that the coach would not be given a permanent contract. The situation has since angered Janza, who reportedly snubbed Bwalya at half time during their friendly against Rwanda as he felt betrayed that his con-

tractual issues could be discussed in public before he was engaged. However, FAZ quickly rescinded the decision to sack Janza, saying the gaffer was still in charge of the team. “I am not happy with the way I have been treated and I don’t think I can trust anyone and I am saying this from deep down my heart,” Janza lamented yesterday. “There’s been a lot of hide and seek and that’s not nice in the game of football and when managing other human beings,” he added.

WORLD RECORD

Heaviest balls rotated on the back of the hand

N150

Vol. 05 No. 1082 Thursday, April 2, 2015

The heaviest balls rotated on the back of the hand weigh 4.19 kg (9.24 lbs) and was achieved by Xie Jiajun (China) on the set of CCTV.

Presidential poll and ethno-religious calculations

pattern of our political behavior had been established from the results of last Saturday’s Presidential election preponderance of ethno-religious calculations in voters’ preference. While ultimate power in a polity resides with the people, who are the sovereign, I doubt the voters know they can use their votes to change a bad leader or re-endorse a good one. It is a universal maxim that human beings are not always rational in their choices, even economic ones. One distinctive feature of our national politics since the colonial era is that Nigerians tend to see things through the prisms of religion and ethnicity. We always sacrifice merit at the altar of our ethno-religious prejudices. We are blinded by the rage of ethnicity, religious intolerance and

ound for pound boxer, Floyd Mayweather Jnr, says his long-awaited bout with Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas on May 2 is more about leaving a legacy than it is about money. The 38-year-old, unbeaten in his 47 fights and a five-division world champion, heads into a clash with eight-

Guest Columnist

Dickson Di k

Agbonifo

selfish interests when deciding who our leaders should be. Sadly, the western education we acquired, even up to the university level, has not succeeded in disabusing our minds of ethnic bigotry. Our national underdevelopment, which is traceable to our bumbling political leadership, is a consequence of our inability to rise above selfish interests, primordial sentiments and ethnic particularisms, when choosing our national leader. The presidential election conducted last Saturday was a toss-up between incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan and General Muhammadu Buhari, his APC challenger. During the build up to the election, it was obvious to discerning minds that the contest had been reduced to a geopolitical one between the North and Niger Delta. Throughout the electioneering the northern leaders left nobody in doubt of their determination to get the trophy, while the Niger Deltan said they would go to war if their son was denied a second term. The results have confirmed the war mindsets of the voters. The overwhelming endorsement of Buhari in his traditional North West region, where Kano, Kaduna and Katsina posted over one million votes each in his favour, and heavy support in the North East, shows that the only consideration in the choice made is “our son” factor. Even Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State was helpless as his PDP supporters opted for Buhari. Ditto for Jonathan in the South East, where a massive Igbo support is

OUTSIDE THE KILLER REGIONS, WHERE THE SON-OF-THESOIL FACTOR IS THE PREDOMINANT CONSIDERATION FOR WHO TO CAST THE VOTES, HONOURS WERE SHARED evident. If Hausa-Fulani denied Jonathan common 25 percent of the votes in each of the declared North West states, the Igbo revenged this ‘hatred’ in the same measure in the South East. Not even the Owelle Rochas Okorocha factor could prevent Buhari humiliation in Imo State. Though Jonathan may not be a South easterner, his is considered an adopted son of the region. After all Jonathan’s middle names are Azikiwe and Ebele. In his South South region, all the six states in the region also spite Buhari by denying him the minimum 25 percent support. Outside the killer regions, where the son-of-the-soil factor is the predominant consideration for who to cast the votes, honours were shared. But it is also easy to see that the preferred choice is a function of the political weight of the associates of the two main presidential candidates. This explains why the Bola Tinubu factor swayed support for Bu-

hari in the South West. The Yoruba PDP chieftains were no push over as they snatched respect for their candidate by giving him more than the mandatory 25 percent of the votes cast in each of the declared states. If Buhari eventually wins the plum presidential trophy, I consider it the pay back for the North, who made the victory of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo possible in 1999, even when his South West people rejected him at the polls. I also consider the prospect a strong rebuke to myopic politicians in the country, who, blinded by extreme ethno-religious bigotry, never consider it politically imperative to shake hands across the geopolitical bridges in the country to broaden their acceptability bases. It should have dawned on General Buhari now that he circumscribed his dream to lead Nigeria by his narrow puritan politics before now. His strategy in 2011 fell short of what would give him victory because he never broadened his appeal beyond his northern enclave. His success in 2015, if he eventually emerges victorious, is because he became a born again politician by embracing ‘one Nigeria politics’. President Jonathan would become the biggest victim of his own brand of politics should he fail to carry the day. First, he is a poor reader of men. It is obvious that many of his northern PDP governors did little to bolster his political momentum in the North. He also emerged a poor strategic thinker. Of what use is a deputy who brings little or no political capital to the table. Vice President Namadi Sambo in two presidential elections was unable to market the PDP brand in his Kaduna State. However, one troubling revelation from the presidential election is that a broad-based national leader would be a tall order in a country still steeped in atavistic cravings. God bless Nigeria. Comrade Agbonifo wrote from Igueben, Edo State.

Sport Extra

Boxing: I fight for legacy, not money –Mayweather division title holder Pacquiao that is expected to set financial records but insists his reputation and the education of his children remain more important to him. “When you’re young, you look at everything like you want nice cars, you want jewellery and you want a big

house,” Mayweather said yesterday. “But once you’ve been living like that for so long, it’s not really about that anymore. It’s about my children, the legacy and them getting the best education. “That’s what’s mainly important to me. I don’t worry about the fight because I know what I can do and I

know what I bring to the table, especially when the chips are down.” “Things just happen and you come up with different ways to gain strength, with the new era. But I had to go back to where it all started from. I like it a lot more. I like it. I appreciate it.”

Mayweather

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