IMSU Announces New Date for 2013/2014 Matriculation Ceremony

Information reaching us says that the matriculation ceremony of newly admitted students of the Imo State University for the 2013/2014 academic session has been rescheduled .

The new date now is 6th June ,2014.

You all are invited.

ASUP Strike: Akamu Ibiam, Federal Polytechnic Uwana Pulls out

This is to bring to your notice that the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic Uwana Chapter has finally pulled out of the ongoing ASUP nationwide strike.

Students are expected to return back to school from 2nd June 2014 while lectures commence 9th June 2014.

AAU Announces Date for the Commencement of First Semester Examination.

The Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma has released the 2013/2014 first semester examination time table.

Examination will commence from June 6th, 2014.

We wish all students success as they prepare.

AUCHIPOLY Announces Admission into Degree Programmes for 2013/2014 Academic Session

Following an affiliation arrangement with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and the subsequent approval by the National Universities Commission (NUC), to run degree programmes, Bachelors of Science in Business Administration, Accountancy and Estate Management, applications are hereby invited from qualified candidates for admission into the relevant underlisted programmes:

Business Administration – with Mathematics, Economics and one other subject as UTME subject combination.

Accountancy - with Mathematics, Economics and any Social Science subject as UTME subject combination.

Estate Management - with Mathematics, Economics and any other subject as UTME subject.

Admission Requirements:
Candidates seeking admission into any of the three (3) programmes listed above must meet the following entry requirements:

Must possess Five (5) credit passes in GCE O/Level, WASCE, NECO or NABTEB a sitting or Six (6) credit passes at two (2) sittings which must include English Language and Mathematics and subjects relevant to the proposed programme.

Must have scored 180 marks and above in the year 2013 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

Must have chosen the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka as his/her most preferred or more preferred institution. However, for applicants who did not choose the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka may also apply but should note that a change of institution will be processed if offered admission into any of the programmes.

Method of Application

Application forms will be completed online via the Polytechnic website www.auchipoly.edu.ng. Each applicant is required to pay a non-refundable application fee of (N3,000.00) in cash made payable to Account No.4032013288 Form account of ECO Bank, Igbe Road, Auchi, Edo state. An access card will be obtained from the Bank to enable you complete the application form online.

Return Of Completed Application Form

All completed applications must be submitted online. Thereafter, follow the links on the portal to print:

(1)A copy of the Acknowledgement Slip. This will be presented at screening venue before an applicant is screened.

(2)Two copies of the Application form. The forms, accompanied with two (2) sets of photocopies of credentials and two (2) recent passport - sized photographs should be enclosed in the institutions customized envelop already purchased at the point of collection and returned to the Bank where the Online Application Request Access Card was purchased NOT later than two (2) weeks from the date of this advertisement.

Procedures for Using Auchi Polytechnic Online Application Admissions Platform

Read and follow the steps below carefully:
Gently scratch the covered portion of the Admission Request Access Card to uncover the hidden Access Number (Pin Code). This is a 12 digit number under the foil.

Open your web browser and type in Auchi Polytechnic URL: www.auchipoly.edu.ng to display the Auchi Polytechnic web page.

At the left corner of the page, you will see the Admissions link to Auchi Polytechnic degree programmes admission. Click on Auchi Poly Degree Programmes Admissions.

The Application Form Request page will appear.
Carefully complete this Application Form Request that is displayed when you clicked New Admissions. Ensure that you provide all required information including a username, (preferably your e-mail address) and a password.

NOTE: Keep your user-name and password in a safe place because you will need them for subsequent logins.

6.Type in the Access Card Pin code as required.

7.Click SUBMIT.

8.At this point, an application form will be displayed. Carefully complete this form. Ensure that you provide all required information correctly as false information may disqualify your application.

9.Fill in the subjects and grades you obtained in the specified examinations you have taken.

10.Fill in your sponsorship and reference details as required and save the form.

11.If you are sure that all information provided are correct, you can finally click SUBMIT to finish the application process.

12.You will be prompted to upload your passport. Make sure your passport is not larger than 2x2 inches in size.

13.If you are sure all information provided are correct, click submit Application Form.

14.Print a copy of the Acknowledgement slip and two copies of the application form.

15.Attach photocopies of your credentials and birth certificate to the forms and enclose them in the envelop already purchased. Then submit the envelope at the Bank where you purchased the application access card.

Note: After completion, the candidate can re-open the form anytime before the closing date by logging in with his/her username and password, for the purpose of editing and/or additional information. However, once the candidate has submitted the completed form online, he/she can no longer have access to the form for the purpose of editing, but the candidate can access the form to be able to print copies. If you have any difficulty in completing the application form, please call or text the GSM number 07087129298 (between 9am and 4pm week days).

Besides, applicants are advised to enclose photocopy of receipt of purchase of forms alongside their completed application forms.

Date of interview:
A computer based interview/ test will be conducted for all applicants on Friday, 13th June, 2014 at E - learning centres of Auchi polytechnic, Auchi beginning at 7:00 am. Thereafter, Names of admitted candidates will be displayed on the polytechnic website.

SIGNED
Dr. (Mrs.) M. I. Aashikpelokhai
Registrar

MOUAU: 2013/2014 1st Semester Examination Date

Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike will start her 2013/2014 first semester examination on monday 2nd June, 2014.

In preparation for the exam the school management had organised one day workshop for all 100 level students, Theme: 'EXAM ETHICS' this is to maintain zero tolerance for exam malpractice in the school. I wish all MOUAU students 'EXAM SUCCESS'.

OKOPOLY: 3rd Batch Admission List Is Out (2013/2014)

This is to notify all aspiring students on the release of the 3rd Batch Admission List for ND and HND Regular2

To check your admission status obtain an admission status checking card from any of the banks in the vicinity and follow this link:CHECK ADMISSION STATUS

You are hereby referred to the REGISTRATION GUIDE FOR NEW STUDENTS on the website Notice Board to ascertain the registration processes.

Babcock Post-UTME Format & Past Questions

The Babcock Post-UTME is an intensive 3 hour examination that tests you on 4 major subjects in your field of study.

For the Science, Technology and Engineering Students, you will be tested on English Language, Biology, Maths, Agric, Chemistry, Economics, Physics & Food and Nutrition.

For School of Education and Humanities, you will be tested in subjects from English Language, Lit in English, French, CRK, Government, History, Commerce and Economics.

For Management and Social Sciences, you will be tested on English, Economics, Maths, Commerce, Government, History, CRK, Lit in English and Accounts.

For Law and Security Studies, you will be tested on either English Language, Mathematics, Government, Economics, Commerce, History, CRK, Lit in English.

Please avoid any for of malpractice. Don't copy or allow your work to be copied because the institution is a very serious one that require only the brightest and truthful students.

You should ensure you read and follow all instructions as stated in your booklet and you are not allowed to mark anything on your booklet because it instantly disqualifies you.

Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron Announces Interview Date, Venue and Requirements For Shortlisted Candidates(2014/2015)

Maritime Academy of Nigeria Interview Dates, Venues 2014
mcmedal001 Updated on May 30th, 2014 Schools Admission Leave a Comment
The Maritime Academy of Nigeria Oron has released interview dates, venues and requirements for the successful candidates who applied for the Maritime Academy admission and have their names shortlisted in the list released by the management.

INTERVIEW DATE : 7th JUNE, 2014 to 14th JUNE, 2014.
Candidates are advised to adhere strictly to this schedule.

2014 MAN Interview Venues
LAGOS
ZARIA
RIVERS STATE
MARITIME ACADEMY ORON

Maritime Academy of Nigeria 2014/15 Interview Address
ZARIA CENTRE
Venue: Nigeria Institute of transport Technology(NITT).
Interview Date 7th June to 14th June 2014.

LAGOS CENTRE
Venue: NYSC Orientation Camp Sagamu Ogun State.
Interview Date 7th June to 14th June 2014.

RIVER STATE CENTRE
Venue: NYSC Orientation Camp NONWA/GBAM TAI LGA.
Interview Date 7th June to 14th June 2014.

MARITIME ACADEMY OF NIGERIA ORON CENTRE
Venue: MARITIME ACADEMY OF NIGERIA ORON P.M.B 1089.
Interview Date 7th June to 14th June 2014.
MAN, Oron Interview Notice

All candidates coming for the Maritime Academy of Nigeria Interview are expected to arrive their respective centres not later than 2pm on Sunday 7th June, 2014.Upon their arrival,they are expected to report to the team leader for registration,accommodation and instructions.
Requirements for Maritime Academy Interview (2014)

All candidates are requested to report at their respective centres with the following items (1)Original of credentials(including first school leaving certificate (2)Original of birth certificate(age declaration) (3)Original of certificates of local government/state of origin (4)Personal photocard print out (5)A pair of white canvas and socks (6)White Short and vest (7)Blanket (8)Bucket and drinking cup (9)Toiletries.

NOTE: Medical examination would be conducted at the respective interview centres ,candidates are therefore requested to come with the sum of 20,000.00 to take care of both medical examination and administrative costs.Candidates are expected to the above amount into Ministerial committee on Maritime academy of Nigeria, Oron Guaranty trust bank, Account/number:322-3481736110,and present teller during interview.

FEEDING/ACCOMMODATION: Accommodation would be provided to all candidates ,while candidates are expected to come with sufficient amount of money for the feeding.

Shortlisted Candidates for 2014 Interview-Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron

The names of shortlisted candidates for interview in the Maritime Academy of Nigeria 2014 Admission can be accessed on the following links depending on the programme applied for:

SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES FOR 2014 MAN ORON ND BS RANKING ENTRANCE INTERVIEW


SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES FOR 2014 MAN ORON ND NS RANKING ENTRANCE INTERVIEW


SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES FOR 2014 MAN ORON MT(MTBS)RANKING ENTRANCE INTERVIEW


SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES FOR 2014 MAN ORON ME RANKING ENTRANCE INTERVIEW


SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES FOR 2014 MAN ORON ND HL RANKING ENTRANCE


SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES FOR 2014 MAN ORON ND EE ENTRANCE INTERVIEW ENTRANCE INTERVIEW


SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES FOR 2014 MAN ORON ND MR(MET)RANKING ENTRANCE
 

Keshi will have selection problems – Yobo, Osaze

Players of the Super Eagles have said they don’t envy Coach Stephen Keshi at this very difficult period.

They said this after Nigeria’s pulsating 2-2 draw against the Tartan Army of Scotland on Wednesday at the Craven Cottage in London.

A statement by the Media Officer of the team, Ben Alaya, reported the team captain, Joseph Yobo, at the post match conference, as saying that if he was the coach, he would find it difficult to drop any of the players currently in the 30-man squad.

“Nigeria is blessed with talents and that is why I think all the players here merit to be in Brazil, even when we have some other very good ones still hanging out.

“If you watch the game against Scotland, you will know that the ‘Big boss’ needs to be pitied over dropping players and picking those who will make the final 23. It will be tough,” Yobo said.

Stoke City forward Osaze Odemwingie said he was happy at the response of his teammates to his return to the national side.

“But how do we drop players now from this squad. Everybody here is good but we should leave that to the coach but I know it would be a tough task,” he said.

Former Newcastle striker, Shola Ameobi, declared that playing for the Nigeria made him a better team player because of the quality of players in camp and wished he had started playing earlier for the team.

“We are all good but we should just pray for the coach to ensure that he picks the best for the World Cup.”

Towering defence ace, Azubuike Egwuehwe, put it more succinctly: “When I was going into the match against Scotland, I said to myself O’boy you are on trial; now I know that its our coach who has a really difficult job of picking the 23 players for Brazil 2014.”

I sacked SUBEB chairman for dishonesty – Gov. Wada

Governor Idris Wada of Kogi on Thursday said he sacked the chairman and members of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) over mismanagement and dishonesty.

Wada made this known during an interaction with journalists in Lokoja as part of activities marking the 2014 Democracy Day.

He said he relieved the board members of their duties because “their cups were full”.

He explained that investigations into complaints of non-payment of salaries of primary school teachers’ emanating from SUBEB revealed widespread corruption.

“There was gross misappropriation and dishonesty; we gave them a long rope but they failed.

“One of the things I did was to give the SUBEB chairman time and I asked him to give me his own deadline to clear all the salary arrears.

“He said he would clear them before Easter period and I told him that I will hold him responsible if he failed and he said I should trust him.

“But after that, I was still getting complaints upon complaints that he still owed teachers salaries from January till date, and a responsible government cannot do that,” he said.

The governor noted that a critical element for quality education was quality teachers, adding that an unpaid teacher could not be a quality teacher “no matter how bright the teacher is”.

“You must pay teachers for the work they do and the money for SUBEB to do so is there as money is deducted every month for the payment of teachers’ salary.

“It is not about lack of money but mismanagement,” he said.

Wada said he gave members of the board enough time while collating evidence about the mismanagement going on at the board.

He said that a committee he constituted headed by Steven Aku to investigate the board, cleared the arrears of teachers’ salary up to March.

The governor said the issue led to strike by members of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) in the state.

He said that though the strike had been officially called off, the teachers said they would not go back to their classrooms until the arrears of their salary were cleared.

He assured that the committee would likely pay the outstanding arrears till May in a fortnight to enable primary schools re-open.

Uganda joins oil producers in 2016

Uganda’s finance minister said on Thursday that the country hopes to begin full-scale oil production within two years, but vowed it will not become a petro-state.

Maria Kiwanuka promised that the government would not squander the windfall that will come with the exploration of an estimated 3.5 billion barrels of crude, which could transform the economy.

Speaking at an IMF meeting in Maputo that is plotting “Africa’s rise”, she added that oil would only be one part of a bigger recipe to develop the economy.

“The petroleum sub-sector, however sexy it may be, is only part of the overall economy. Uganda is not Saudi Arabia, it is not Venezuela, we are not even Nigeria.”

Uganda, she said, would remain an agriculture-first economy.

Kiwanuka said the government had already started working to make sure the oil cash will not be siphoned away from the state coffers.

She said a law will come before parliament next month that would form a framework for the sector and would create a single bank account through which oil revenues, taxes and royalties would flow.

“We will not have special accounts here and there,” she said.

“I have a colleague from another African country who told me that when they became finance minister they found the national oil entity had 96 accounts.”

In Uganda, she said, oil “will not be a parallel economy.”

Uganda’s path to production has been a bumpy one since deposits were discovered in 2006 near its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

14 die in Edo auto crash

No fewer than 14 persons on Thursday lost their lives in an auto crash on the Benin-Okene Highway.

NAN reported that the incident, which occurred around the Ewu slope in Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo, involved a 15-seater Toyota Hiace bus belonging to Edo City Transports Service and an articulated vehicle.

The truck, which was believed to be coming from Abuja ran into the bus, resulting to death of all passengers on board.

An eyewitness, Ben Omoede, claimed that the incident occurred when brakes of the articulated vehicle failed.

“The truck lost brake and ran over the Toyota bus coming from the opposite side, killed the 13 passengers and the driver,” he said.

Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Red Cross evacuated the corpses to Irrua Specialist Hospital in Edo.

Mike Odiahi, the Chairman, Edo Central branch of the Nigeria Red Cross Society, who was at the scene, confirmed the incident to journalists.

“Fourteen bodies were recovered and they have been taken to the mortuary at Irrua Specialist Hospital,” he said.

Odiahi lamented over frequent accidents around the Ewu slope and advised road safety officials to ensure regular patrol in the area to prevent further accidents.

China fines foreign eyewear makers in price crackdown

China on Thursday fined several foreign eyewear makers more than 19 million yuan ($3.1 million) for “price manipulation”, the government said, in the latest targeting of overseas firms in the giant market.

The powerful National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China’s top economic planner, launched an investigation last August into alleged violations of anti-monopoly law in the sector, the agency said in a statement.

Five companies — all foreign — were given penalties ranging from 1.7 million yuan to 8.8 million yuan, it said.

They included units of France’s Essilor, Germany’s Carl Zeiss and Japan’s Nikon, as well as Bausch & Lomb and Johnson & Johnson — both of the United States — according to the statement.

“All operators should take heed, be more law-abiding, consciously regulate their own prices and maintain market order for fair competition,” it said, adding some companies had used coercive methods to maintain prices.

Japan’s Hoya and another company whose name was given as Shanghai Weicon also faced investigation but escaped fines for providing evidence and acting to “rectify” the situation, the NDRC said.

It is unknown whether Shanghai Weicon has any relationship with German adhesive maker Weicon.

Last year, China launched similar probes into foreign firms’ pricing for goods ranging from drugs to baby formula, moves which were perceived as ways to exert pressure on companies to control retail prices.

China eventually fined six mostly foreign baby formula producers, including New Zealand’s Fonterra, for price-fixing as it sought to cool public anger over high costs in the sector.

Earlier this month, Chinese authorities accused a top GlaxoSmithKline executive of ordering employees to commit bribery, following a 10-month probe into the British drugmaker.

Mozambique plans sovereign wealth fund

Mineral-rich Mozambique is considering the establishment of a sovereign wealth fund, the country’s finance minister said Thursday.

“We think it’s a good idea,” Manuel Chang told AFP on the sidelines of an International Monetary Fund (IMF) conference on Africa.

“But we won’t do what others have done,” he added, suggesting Mozambique would not rush into creating the fund given other pressing demands that will require huge injections to fix, such as the infrastructure.

An estimated $10 billion in foreign investment are expected to flow into the southern African country once a natural gas processing plant is built on its northern coast.

Mozambique’s reserves are believed to be the world’s third largest.

Chang said Mozambique should avoid “opening so many (bank) accounts and having all these billions but continue to have a lack of roads and infrastructure to help develop the country,” Chang said.

Multinationals, including Texas-based energy giant Anadarko and Italy’s ENI, are expected to make their final investment decisions once Mozambique passes new legislation governing the oil sector.

Gas production is expected to come on stream in 2018 at the earliest.

Anadarko alone has spent over $3.0 billion on its Mozambican investment to date and will spend billions more once the project goes into production, initially building two gas plants.

Even before the gas project goes ahead, Mozambique has collected over the past year, more than a billion dollars in once-off capital gains taxes as multinationals sold off stakes in their projects.

There are now questions over what to do with the windfall.

Despite recording economic growth of over seven percent for over a decade, Mozambique remains one of the poorest countries in the world.

The country is still rebuilding infrastructure devastated by a 16-year civil war.

Only after the country had managed to balance its own budget, would it consider creating such a fund, Chang said.

Algeria leads nine African countries on the SWF roll, with an investment of $77.2 billion, according to Wikipedia. Libya, despite its unrest is second with $66 billion. Botswana has $6.9 billion, Angola $5 billion and Nigeria $1.5 billion.

Gabon has an investment portfolio of $400 million, Mauritania $300 million, Equitorial Guinea $80million and Ghana $70 million.

Amosun weeps for prisoners in Ogun

Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun on Thursday broke into tears at the pitiable sight of inmates at Oba prison in Abeokuta.

Amosun, who had earlier granted amnesty to 15 inmates at Ibara prison also in Abeokuta, could not hold back his emotions at Oba prison over what he described as the “inhuman condition” to which the inmates were subjected.

The governor was informed that majority of the 492 inmates on awaiting trial list at the prison had spent between four and seven years in jail.

He ordered immediate medical attention for the inmates with critical medical conditions and directed that others should be taken to the hospital.

While conceding that prison services was under the control of the Federal Government, Amosun said it would be irresponsible of any leader to neglect the conditions of prison inmates.

He expressed dismay at the deplorable state of prisons saying it would not enhance rehabilitation of inmates.

“I have come to share today with them and see if I can commit death sentences passed on some of them to life imprisonment based on the recommendations from relevant quarters.

“I think it is a big shame and I feel so ashamed really that I am a governor in this kind of condition that I have seen.

“It is clear that these people are traumatised and dehumanised under this very appalling condition.

“The condition here is like sending someone to an early grave,” he said and promised to pay regular visits to prisons.

Aturu, others against religious organisations paying taxes

Some prominent lawyers in Lagos on Thursday kicked against the payment of taxes by religious organisations in the country.

Delegates at the ongoing National Conference in Abuja had on Wednesday voted in support of taxing both churches and mosques.

The lawyers told NAN that the move by the conference was a clear misplacement of priorities.

Human rights lawyer, Bamidele Aturu, said the delegates should focus on important issues that would foster the unity and development of Nigeria.

Aturu said it was the duty of the National Assembly to promulgate such laws, adding that the non-payment of taxes by religious organisations was not an issue in Nigeria.

“For me, it is a misplacement of their priorities and they are only going to create more controversies which may make their report unacceptable at the end of the day,” he said.

Wale Ogunade, said the conference should address issues such as unemployment, poverty, corruption and national unity.

“This is just a diversion because there are more pressing issues. The government has not exhausted the money being generated from oil and other mineral resources.

“The delegates should be concerned with how to make the government accountable to Nigerians on how our resources are being spent.

“By doing this, many Nigerians, including churches and mosques, will voluntarily start paying their taxes”.

Uche Edeh, a Lagos-based lawyer, said taxing religious organisations could lead to crisis because it would be difficult to enforce.

Edeh advised Nigerians to exercise caution on the issue in order not to heat up the polity.

Adebamigbe Omole, former Chairman of the Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, however, supported the recommendation of the conference.

“I am in total support because some of the religious centres have been commercialised.

“They are making so much money and I think the best thing for us to do is to make them to pay taxes because the government needs money,” he said.

Police set up team to apprehend false alarmists

The spokeswoman of the Lagos State Police Command, Ngozi Braide, on Thursday said the command had set up a team to apprehend alarmists in the state.

Braide told NAN that circulating false alarms using the social media had done more harm than good to society.

“We have set up a team to monitor people raising false alarms in Lagos. This move is to check rumour mongers. Very soon, some people will be brought to book for misinforming the general public. It is a crime.

“It is wrong for some people to sit somewhere and cook up false story and send it to members of the public. It is evil against the nation. It destabilises the society, people become uneasy and insecure.

“Our men are working on them now. Anyone caught will be dealt with according to the law. We also advise members of the public to ensure that they confirm from security agents around them before spreading any news.

“People should always be vigilant and security conscious. The alarm that followed the strange object discovered on the Lagos Island is a welcome development. We want more of such information.

“The people were not sure of what they saw and they raised alarm, which is acceptable. People should not patronise rumour, call the PPRO’s line No. 08125151603 for confirmation.

She stated that more avenue have been available to contact the poile. “Other security lines to call are 08060357795, 07055350249, 08065154338, 07055462708, 080632992641, 07079279349 and Abuja lines 08086669910, 08092569884,” she said.

Peter Gana, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of investigations, also advised Nigerians to always provide the police with information.

Gana said the activities of terrorists had made many people to react easily to false alarms.

“Please be watchful of your environment, the police are available but they cannot police your homes for you.

“However, you can be our eye, be security conscious and report strange faces in your environment,” he said.

Similarly, Dipo Kehinde, a security expert, described the increase in “false alarms” using the social media as a dangerous trend.

He said false alarms had their good and bad sides, stressing that members of the public must be conscious of that.

“The good side is that it helps to raise people’s consciousness. People need to be very alert and very suspicious now.

“The bad side is that when you cry wolf too often, like the proverbial Greek shepherd boy, the authorities might not respond the way they should, when we are truly struck by terror.

Nollywood stars join #BringBackOurGirls protest

Nollywood stars led by Patience Ozokwor on Thursday marched from Allen Avenue to Alausa Secretariat soliciting for the release of the kidnapped Chibok school girls.

The actors included Chinedu Ikedieze, popularly known as Aki, Ejiro Okurame, Mercy Aigbe, Femi Ogedengbe, Thelma Okaz and Tony Akposhere.

They said the march was their own way of celebrating the Democracy Day because they were unhappy that the kidnapped school children were still being held by the Boko Haram sect.

The actors, who marched with various placards asking for the release of the girls, were addressed by the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji.

Ikuforiji assured them that government was doing its best to get the girls released.

He said that the public might not be aware of things that were being done to release the girls but that government was alive to its responsibilities.

He commended the actors for having the nation at heart and joining in the clamour for the release of the girls.

Ikuforiji assured them that he would take their request to the government and thanked them for their efforts.

NAN reports that some other professional bodies including hairdressers and tailors also joined the actors in the rally.

UNILAG 2012/2013 Session Convocation Ceremonies: Schedule of Events

The University Community, the general public, parents, guardians and in particular the 2012/2013 graduating students are hereby informed of the Convocation Ceremonies which have been scheduled as follows:

PRE-CONVOCATION PRESS CONFERENCE
Date:Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Event:Pre-Convocation Press Conference to be addressed by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rahamon A. Bello, FAEng.
Venue: Senate Chamber, 2nd Floor, Senate House, University of Lagos , Main Campus, Akoka, Lagos.
Time:10:00 a.m.

UNILAG ALUMNI ASSOCIATION EDUTAINMENT FIESTA
Date:Thursday, June 5, 2014
Time:4.30 p.m.
Venue:Main Auditorium, University of Lagos, Main Campus, Akoka, Lagos

CONVOCATION LECTURE
Title:“Learned Academies and Social Responsibility”
Guest Lecturer:Professor Emeritus Ayo Banjo, CON, NNOM,FNAL Former Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Ibadan

Chairman:Professor Akinlawon Ladipo Mabogunje, CON, NNOM, HLR

Date:Monday, June 9, 2014
Time:2. 00 p.m.
Venue:University of Lagos Main Auditorium, Main Campus, Akoka

CONVOCATION DAY ONE: Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Event A: Congregation for the Award of First Degrees, Diplomas, Certificates and Prizes of the Faculty of Arts; Faculty of Education; Faculty of Environmental Sciences; Faculty of Science; Faculty of Social Sciences and the Distance Learning Institute (DLI).

Venue:Multipurpose Hall Complex, University of Lagos, Main Campus, Akoka, Lagos

Time:10:00 a.m. prompt to be seated

Event B:Alumni Reception

Time:6. 00 p.m.

Venue:Quadrangle Guest Houses, University of Lagos, Main Campus, Akoka

CONVOCATION DAY TWO: Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Event A: Commissioning of Projects:

1.Central Research Laboratory Building donated by Dr. Daniel K. Olukoya

2.The Alumni Jubilee House

3.Mass Communication Building donated by Mr. Biodun Shobanjo

Time: 9.00 a.m. – 10.00 a.m.

Venue: Usman dan Fodio Boulevard & Oduduwa Drive
Event B: Congregation for the Award of First and Higher Degrees, Diplomas, Certificates and Prizes of the College of Medicine, School of Postgraduate Studies and Faculties of Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences; Dental Sciences, Business Administration, Engineering, Law and Pharmacy.

Time: 10:00 a.m. prompt to be seated

Venue: Multipurpose Hall Complex, University of Lagos,

ASUP STRIKE : YABATECH Students Beaten and Arrested

Report has it that about 50 students of the Yaba College of Technology, YABATECH who took to the streets to protest the ongoing strike by ASUP and the government’s insensitivity to it were beating up and arrested by the police.

According to the report, even the buses that were carrying the protesting students were badly damaged.
One Mr. Segun Akinpelu, a journalist with Sahara Reporters was also beaten while his camera and other gadgets were destroyed.

The spokesperson of the Joint Action Front, whose members joined the students during the protest has condemned the attack mon the stidents saying that it is a pointer to the fact that the government is not even ready to resolve the issue.

Supposed JAMB CBT Exam at Digital Bridge Institute on 26th May Shifted to 31st May

It was gathered that the JAMB CBT candidates that were supposed to write their exams on the 26th of May at the Digital Bridge Institute DBI in Lagos could not do so due to power outage in the centre.

Consequently their exams were shifted to the 31st May 2014 by 11.am.

According to a JAMB official some of the candidates were coming from far distance and it won’t be conducive writing the exam at night, hence the need to shift the exam since the power problem could not be fixed immediately.

Some of the affected candidates called on JAMB to make sure there is no such occurrence again, saying it is quite demoralizing to have prepared so hard to write an examination only to be told otherwise at the last moment.

Notice on ID cards' Data Capture For Newly admitted Students, 2013/2014 Session-UMYU

This is to inform All the newly admitted students of the Umaru Musa Yar’adua University ,UMYU for 2013/2014 academic session that Data capture for the production of ID Cards shall commence from 2nd to 24th June, 2014 at DICT Centre by 9.am to 3.pm daily.

This is to inform All the newly admitted students of the Umaru Musa Yar’adua University ,UMYU for 2013/2014 academic session that Data capture for the production of ID Cards shall commence from 2nd to 24th June, 2014 at DICT Centre by 9.am to 3.pm daily. - See more at: http://campusflava.com/articles/notice-id-cards-data-capture-newly-admitted-students-20132014-session-umyu#sthash.RDq40VD3.dpuf

This is to inform All the newly admitted students of the Umaru Musa Yar’adua University ,UMYU for 2013/2014 academic session that Data capture for the production of ID Cards shall commence from 2nd to 24th June, 2014 at DICT Centre by 9.am to 3.pm daily. - See more at: http://campusflava.com/articles/notice-id-cards-data-capture-newly-admitted-students-20132014-session-umyu#sthash.RDq40VD3.dpuf

This is to inform All the newly admitted students of the Umaru Musa Yar’adua University ,UMYU for 2013/2014 academic session that Data capture for the production of ID Cards shall commence from 2nd to 24th June, 2014 at DICT Centre by 9.am to 3.pm daily. - See more at: http://campusflava.com/articles/notice-id-cards-data-capture-newly-admitted-students-20132014-session-umyu#sthash.RDq40VD3.dpuf

T.W.O Drop Two New Singles

After a two-year break from the music industry, the wait is almost over as musical duo, Tunde and Wunmi Obe, popularly referred to as T.W.O, are set to release two new singles.

The new work titled Green White Green and Wedding Day are to be released on 1 June.

“With the state of the nation, we just decided that it’s time to lend our voices as the oldest existing group to the gospel of peace, safety and oneness,” said Tunde Obe.

And with the new songs, we hope to excite existing T.W.O fans and attract new ones with the type of songs T.W.O is known for,” added Wunmi Obe. Tunde and Wunmi Obe started as lead singers in a campus band ‘Turning point’ in the 80’s and got popular nationwide with their weekly television slots on the Charly Boy Show and Zoom Time.

The exceptional duo is known for producing deep and quality songs. And the last 25 years of their career has seen them release five albums and numerous chart topping singles including Fine Bara, Adupe, Mogbomoya, Zombie and many more.

Season nine of the Big Brother Africa, the continent’s biggest reality series is about to hit the screens soon.
Since its first season, the reality series has attracted some funny, dramatic, weird and wonderful characters that have kept viewers glued to the screens. Some house mates who have been part of the show have gone on to grace TV screens; newspapers and have their profiles trending on every social media site, blog and website. Season 9 will be no different.
Entry will be open to the same 14 countries with the only exception being Angola which will be replaced by newcomers Rwanda. As a result of the change, participating countries this year are: Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Entries are only open to persons over the age of 21, who are citizens of one of the participating countries and must have a valid passport. Producers are looking for persons who are entertaining and passionate about the Big Brother experience; and they have to be fluent in English. Big Brother Africa is produced by Endemol SA.
Audition dates will be finalised in June.
- See more at: http://campusflava.com/articles/big-brother-africa-back#sthash.RZPwHtCo.dpuf

Season nine of the Big Brother Africa, the continent’s biggest reality series is about to hit the screens soon.
Since its first season, the reality series has attracted some funny, dramatic, weird and wonderful characters that have kept viewers glued to the screens. Some house mates who have been part of the show have gone on to grace TV screens; newspapers and have their profiles trending on every social media site, blog and website. Season 9 will be no different.
Entry will be open to the same 14 countries with the only exception being Angola which will be replaced by newcomers Rwanda. As a result of the change, participating countries this year are: Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Entries are only open to persons over the age of 21, who are citizens of one of the participating countries and must have a valid passport. Producers are looking for persons who are entertaining and passionate about the Big Brother experience; and they have to be fluent in English. Big Brother Africa is produced by Endemol SA.
Audition dates will be finalised in June.
- See more at: http://campusflava.com/articles/big-brother-africa-back#sthash.RZPwHtCo.dpuf

Season nine of the Big Brother Africa, the continent’s biggest reality series is about to hit the screens soon.
Since its first season, the reality series has attracted some funny, dramatic, weird and wonderful characters that have kept viewers glued to the screens. Some house mates who have been part of the show have gone on to grace TV screens; newspapers and have their profiles trending on every social media site, blog and website. Season 9 will be no different.
Entry will be open to the same 14 countries with the only exception being Angola which will be replaced by newcomers Rwanda. As a result of the change, participating countries this year are: Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Entries are only open to persons over the age of 21, who are citizens of one of the participating countries and must have a valid passport. Producers are looking for persons who are entertaining and passionate about the Big Brother experience; and they have to be fluent in English. Big Brother Africa is produced by Endemol SA.
Audition dates will be finalised in June.
- See more at: http://campusflava.com/articles/big-brother-africa-back#sthash.RZPwHtCo.dpuf

Season nine of the Big Brother Africa, the continent’s biggest reality series is about to hit the screens soon.
Since its first season, the reality series has attracted some funny, dramatic, weird and wonderful characters that have kept viewers glued to the screens. Some house mates who have been part of the show have gone on to grace TV screens; newspapers and have their profiles trending on every social media site, blog and website. Season 9 will be no different.
Entry will be open to the same 14 countries with the only exception being Angola which will be replaced by newcomers Rwanda. As a result of the change, participating countries this year are: Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Entries are only open to persons over the age of 21, who are citizens of one of the participating countries and must have a valid passport. Producers are looking for persons who are entertaining and passionate about the Big Brother experience; and they have to be fluent in English. Big Brother Africa is produced by Endemol SA.
Audition dates will be finalised in June.
- See more at: http://campusflava.com/articles/big-brother-africa-back#sthash.RZPwHtCo.dpuf

We’re not match-fixers, we’re footballers – Keshi

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi launched a furious defence of his players following Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Scotland in a match whose build-up had been disrupted over a matchfixing investigation being launched.

Keshi, who captained Nigeria at the 1994 World Cup finals, said his World Cup finals-bound players were not gamblers they were footballers and ridiculed allegations that anything sinister had taken place.

The game was threatened after Britain’s serious crime squad the National Crime Agency were called to investigate a possible threat of match-fixing linked to illegal betting rings ahead of the game at Fulham’s ground in London.

But Keshi, who coached Nigeria to the Africa Cup of Nations title last year, said his team were not affected by the off-field issues before the kick-off.

“We did (talk about it) because it’s something ridiculous, something that we don’t know where it’s coming from. We’re not gamblers, we are football players,” said Keshi.

“I don’t even know where that is coming from, we don’t know what happened, match fixing or no match fixing.

“This is the first time I’ve been a coach or been a player and the first time I’m hearing this, match-fixing. I don’t think it had anything to do with our build-up or the game.”

On the pitch Charlie Mulgrew opened the scoring for the Tartan Army after 10 minutes before Michael Uchebo equalised with four minutes left of the first half.

The Scots regained the lead through a bizarre own goal by reserve goalkeeper buike Azubuike Egwuekwe who appeared to flick the ball into his own net from James Morrison’s cross in the 52nd minute.

But super-sub Uche Nwofor converted an equaliser in stoppage time in a game that the Nigerians looked second best in throughout.

Scotland coach Gordon Strachan was delighted with the way his side played as they extended their unbeaten streak to six – whilst also refusing to be drawn on the match-fixing storm.

“I liked that performance,” said Strachan.

“I think the only thing we had a problem with is that some of the lads have not trained for three weeks and have been on holiday.

“We could have ended up with four or five goals and that’s the first time I have said that.

“In terms of play so far, that’s as good as it gets. Overall I think there was a bit of flair and imagination, which I like and it was against a top side.

“It is something we have been working on and we want to take it up a level, Nigeria are a terrific side and they upped their level and pressure.

“There is a lot to be proud of and I’m just disappointed for them that we haven’t got the win.”

Omeruo signs new Chelsea deal

Kenneth Omeruo has signed a new deal at Chelsea. Chelsea Football Club announced the new deal on its website.

“Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce Kenneth Omeruo has signed a new contract which will keep him at the club until 2018.

Omeruo who joined Chelsea from Standard Liege in January 2012 and upon signing went on loan to Dutch top-flight side ADO Den Haag said he was happy to have extended his stay at the London club.

“I’m thrilled to sign a new contract with Chelsea and I’m really excited about the future.

“To play at such a fantastic club is a real honour for me and I’ll be working incredibly hard to be successful. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time in England so far and can’t wait to get going.”

The 20-year-old defender, who is part of the Nigeria World Cup squad plays as a centre-back but can also comfortably play on the right.

Omeruo made one appearance for Chelsea’s Under-21s in November having recovered from a shoulder injury that kept him sidelined at the beginning of the campaign. He then spent the second half of the season on loan at Middlesbrough in the Championship, where he made 14 appearances.

Chelsea website said: “The Nigerian has already gained significant experience at international level, becoming an African champion last January before appearing in last summer’s Confederations Cup in Brazil.”

Amuneke hails Eaglets after 3-2 win against Egypt

Coach Emmanuel Amuneke has nothing but praises for the Golden Eaglets following a brave 3-2 comeback win against Egypt in the first of their double header international friendly match against Egypt at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna on Wednesday.
The visitors scored two first-half goals through Mahmoud Mahbob and Walid Attid but were overhauled by Nigeria’s goals by Samuel Chukwueze, Kelechi Nwakali and Sunday Alimi.
“Sincerely, I thank the players for their courage to win this match despite conceding two early goals,” Amuneke said, adding that, “Of course, there were errors because this was the first time we were playing on a natural pitch since we had long been training on artificial surface.”
“But I praise the players for job well done. We are going to work better for the next game on Friday,” he said.
It was indeed a hard fought win for the Golden Eaglets as the Egyptians took the lead just six minutes into the game following a loss of concentration at the Nigeria’s end.
Right full-back, Anas Mohammed failed to clear a ball and allowed Egypt’s Mohammed Hamdy to float a ball for Mahbob who effortlessly guided the ball into the net.
Five minutes later, the Eaglets were punished yet again in a similar circumstance when another ball was floated into the box for unmarked Walid Attid to nod the ball into an empty net beyond a badly positioned goalkeeper Amos Benjamin.
But Golden Eaglets fought back in the 27th minute when Samuel
Chukwueze pulled a goal back after collecting a through ball from Suleiman Abdullahi and ghosted past his marker before driving the ball beyond the reach of Egypt’s goalkeeper Mahmoud Gad.
Chukwueze’s goal coincided with the arrival of Ambassador Nuhu Bajoga, Kaduna State’s Deputy Governor and other top government officials as the Golden Eaglets began their revival towards the end of the first half.
Afterwards, Nigeria made changes in the second half with Alimi Sunday replacing injured Nuru Umar as well as Ebere Osinachi for Suleiman Abdullahi. Those changes prove vital as it spurred the lads to a comeback.
Egypt conceded a penalty after Osinachi was fouled in the box and Nwakali scored the resultant kick in the 68th minute.
Sunday, a former national Under-13 player capped his debut for the Golden Eaglets in fine fashion when he grabbed the winning goal in the 86th minute much to the delight of the spectators.
The two teams would return to the same venue on Friday for the second match as they both continue their build up towards the 2015 African Under-17 qualifiers in July.

Ogun debt profile rises marginally

The Ogun State Government Wednesday revealed that its debts profile had risen marginally to N37.9 billion as at March 2014.

The government also disclosed that it had accessed only N5 billion of the N29.3 billion approved by the state House of Assembly as loans in this year’s appropriation law. The state’s bank debt figures as at December 2013 stood at N35.66 billion.

The government, however, said that it had achieved a budget performance of 61.87 per cent in the first quarter of this year.

The debt profile of the state was revealed today by both the state Commissioner for Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun and her Budget and Planning counterpart, Mrs Oluwande Muoyo, during a joint press briefing by their ministries at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, to mark the third year anniversary of the administration.

“The management of our debt to comply with debt sustainability recommendations of the World Bank and other policy makers is a key objective of this administration. In the interest of consistency, I shall restate the figures presented to the House of Assembly in January of this year which was bank debt of N35.66 billion as at December 2013. This has increased marginally to N37.9 billion as at March 2014,” Adeosun stated.

She stated that the government would not “materially increase borrowings” this year, adding that “in the 2014 appropriation law, the House of Assembly approved that the government can source N29.3 billion in loans. To date, we have accessed just N5 billion of this as contractor finance obligations.”

The commissioner lamented the persistent drop in federal allocation which, according to her, had constituted a strain on the finances of the state government.

Adeosun disclosed further that the funds accruing to the state from the Federation Account reduced by 26 per cent, falling from an average of N5.01 billion in September last year to N3.83 billion as at March 2014.

“If not for the increase in the state’s internally generated revenue of N4.64 billion, which exceeded N4.11 billion federal allocation, we would have found it hard to weather the current challenging financial climate better than would have otherwise been the case,” she stated.

On the performance of this year’s budget, the budget and planning commissioner posited that this has been evidently shown in the various road projects, free education, new schools, renovated schools, health facilities, mass transit buses and taxis, markets and low interest loans to farmers.

Muoyo disclosed that the government continued to execute pro-poor projects aimed at facilitating the Millennium Development Goals by the country.

“In this connection, the local government scale-up projects for construction/renovation of primary health centres, supply of drugs, installation of solar power boreholes and hand pumps, construction/renovation of some classrooms and provision of furniture for schools have been completed in Yewa North, Ikenne and Odeda local government areas,” she revealed.

No regrets concessioning power plant – Sambo

Vice-President Namadi Sambo on Wednesday said the Federal Government had no regret in concessioning Shiroro Hydro Power Plant to North South Power Company.

Sambo stated this when he received a delegation from the management of the North South Company, led by its Chairman, Malam Ibrahim Aliyu, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said the concessioning of the plant to the company was not a mistake, in view of the new ideas the company was injecting to enable the power plant generate to its optimal capacity.

He commended the company’s determination to venture into the provision of solar power, saying “this is a welcomed development”.

He expressed the readiness of government to link them up with international financing agencies such as the World Bank, the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), African Development Bank (AfDB) and the China EXIM Bank, where they could source for cheap financing at single digit interest rates.

He commended the management of the company for the “excellent management” of Shiroro Power plant.

Chairman of the company, Ibrahim Aliyu, said the team was at the State House to brief the Vice President, being the Chairman of the National Council on Privatisation (NPC), on their activities, since they took over the Shiroro Hydro-Power Plant in Niger State.

He said that in spite of challenges, the company had made considerable investments to ensure that the power plant operated optimally.

He explained that two of the four turbines are currently fully overhauled, while the third will soon be functional.

He expressed the hope that when all the turbines become fully functional, the power plant would work seamlessly for the next 10 years.

“The first stage of these investments will be in the general improvement of the facility, which will involve the installation of instrument transformers, civil engineering works, intake structure repair, as well as pen stock repairs.”

Other aspects of the investment, he said, would also include the repair of spill way, provision of auxiliary spill way, protection controlled system/scatter, potable water system and other general improvements.

The chairman further disclosed that the company was working assiduously to improve the flow of water to the dam.

He said the company was also making efforts to install 200 megawatts of solar plant farm to upgrade the plant’s capacity from 600mw to 1,000mw in the next five years.

Nigeria can draw international attention and investment – Experts

The McKinsey Global Institute (MGI), an international economic and business concern, said that Nigeria was endowed and strategically positioned to benefit from global economic trends.

The institute made the disclosure in its report titled “Nigeria’s Renewal: Delivering Inclusive Growth in Africa’s Largest Economy” released on Wednesday in Abuja.

The report said Nigeria had an estimated 17 million citizens living overseas, whose remittances back home accounted for about 10 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

It said that the country, with an ocean port, had a strategic location which allowed it access other developing economies of the world.

According to the institute, Nigeria has a global megacity, a young and growing population and a tradition of entrepreneurism and a much stronger fiscal position than many other economies in Africa.

It stated that about 21 per cent of individuals in the country run their own businesses, adding that 81 per cent of the people had embraced entrepreneurship as desirable career choice.

“Nigeria’s size provides a domestic market that is large enough to draw international attention and investment,” the institute added.

It noted that Lagos was one of the only two coastal megacities in Africa with favourable location for trade, tourism and industry.

Nigeria could derive greater benefits from the coastal location of Lagos by reforming port operations and streamlining customs processes, it suggested.

It stated that the country had the ninth largest workforce in the world, adding that by 2030, the number of its citizens of working age would be 50 per cent higher than it currently was.

Democracy Day: Senate committed to democracy gains

The Senate on Wednesday said the National Assembly remained resolutely committed to pursing legislative actions that would guarantee the gains of democracy to the people.
The resolution was the outcome of the senate’s felicitation on Nigeria’s 15th Democracy Anniversary contained in a motion brought by Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba and supported by all the senators.
“The National Assembly, is determined to enact legislations that would facilitate the Transformation Agenda to deliver on the bountiful dividends of democracy to her citizens.
“The National Assembly also remains single minded in its pursuit enduring peace and security in all parts of the country,” he said.
Deputy Senate Leader, Sen. Abdul Ningi said although Nigeria’s democracy had made appreciable progress, attention must be focused on how to address national problems.
He identified the problem of disunity among the citizenry, godfatherism, and non-implementation of budgets as some of the major issues holding down Nigeria’s progress.
“The problem of godfatherism should be addressed so that people are elected based on their performance and character,” he stressed.
Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu called for entrenchment of the principle of rule of law in every level of government to check the rising impunity.
“For a country to make progress, we must have fear of God and of the law. The rule of law should guide all our dealings and activities in our private and public life.
“We should set up industries as is done in other places like China, to create jobs for our populace because the public sector cannot provide jobs to the teeming populace,” he advised.
In his contribution, Sen. Ahmed Lawal (APC-Yobe) stressed the need to revamp the nation’s economy.
“We need to re-work the economy to make it work for Nigerians. Nigerians are not living better lives to reflect our status as the largest economy in Africa.
Sen. Ayogu Eze (PDP-Enugu) urged Nigerians to desist from projecting the image of the leadership in bad light because this impacts negatively on the nation’s external image.
“We should have pride and faith in what belongs to us and in what we are doing. We have to keep faith in what our leaders are doing to move the country forward without denigrating them before the outside world,”Eze admonished.
Senate President, David Mark noted that besides the development of infrastructure, the greatest gain of the nation’s democracy was the freedom of expression for all.
“Today, all of us here can get up and criticise the government. Under this democracy, we can discuss our problems and if we can identify and discuss the problem half of the problem is solved.
The senate also paid tribute to all patriots who are pillars of Nigeria’s collective Democratic journey and the armed forces for their steadfast subordination to civil authority.

Amosun to eject squatters from Govt. quarters

Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun, southwest Nigeria, has threatened to eject illegal occupants in state’s government quarters.

Head of Service, Mrs. Modupe Adekunle, issued the threat Wednesday during a briefing to mark the third year in office of Governor Amosun.

She expressed dismay at government officials who had converted government quarters into either a guest house or provision store, stressing that illegal occupants will be ejected soon.

“From the report of previous verification exercise, it was discovered that some of these quarters are being occupied by illegal occupants. In some cases, government quarters had been converted to guest houses and provision stores. This ugly trend must be addressed with all sense of seriousness.

“Officers are known to have unilaterally transferred quarters to their relations upon vacation of the quarters. Most disturbing are cases of officers renting out the quarters to other people,” she revealed.

She disclosed that the state governor has approved some committees to commence action on restoring sanity.

“The governor has approved that the Office of the Head of Service in collaboration with the Bureau of Lands and Survey, ministries of Justice and Housing, to as a matter of urgency, commence action on ways of restoring the sanity and efficient administration of government quarters in the state and I can confirmed to you that the people has commenced operations and will soon submit its report,” she said.

She assured that the public service will continue to be a reliable partner in the development of the state.

“It is my desire that the public service will strive to be a reliable partner to the present visionary and focused political leadership. We should be seen as agents of change. You will recall that I said during my last year’s press briefing that I was looking forward to being the proud Head of Service of the most focus driven, purposeful, oriented, vibrant, efficient and highly skilled civil service in Nigeria. That dream is still in focus.”

“The present administration is not looking at the direction of the workers alone. Those that have retired are also being catered for as their money is not being delayed. It is important to note that the number of pensioners in the state had increased from 10,334 in April 2011 to 12,034 as at April 2014.

“This is not a tall dream, it is achievable and will require our strong determination, commitment and sense of discipline. By God’s grace, we shall achieve this together,”

APC behind #bringbackourgirls campaign, alleges Maku

Nigeria federal government said on Wednesday that over 90 per cent of those campaigning to bring back Chibok girls are also members are members of the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC.

Labaran Maku, Nigeria’s minister of Information told reporters that the fact that the three states mostly affected by the Boko Haram insurgency are controlled by the opposition party, is an indication of failure of governance.

Maku who said the Federal government has spent billions of naira to control the insurgency in the three APC States spoke on the same day groups believed to be thugs believed to be sponsored by President Goodluck Jonathan led Federal Government attacked the #BringBackOurGirls protesters led by Dr Oby Ezekweshili, a former Minister of Education in Abuja.

The Information minister said despite the huge security spending by the federal government on the three states, most of the protesters accusing the government of not doing enough on security are APC members.

“Today, the federal government is spending huge chunk of its resources in maintaining security especially in the north east; yet they (APC members) constitute over 90 per cent of those protesting against the federal government.

“Look: the entire money we are spending is to maintain security in states controlled by the APC . So why do you come back and start playing politics? We are busy spending money to maintain security in those states, what have they done about it? Because 90 per cent of all insurgency is in states controlled by that party,” said Maku.

“Ninety per cent of those campaigning to bring back Chibok girls are also members of that same party”, said the Information Minister who also lamented that the federal government who he described a the “fire fighter,” fighting the insurgency is being blamed for the abduction of the girls.

He nevertheless affirmed that the rescue of the over 250 girl kidnapped on April 14 in Chibok, Borno State remain a priority for government.

“The Chibok girls remain our number one priority, we will never sleep, we will not rest until God brings them out.

Analysts said this mindset influenced the attack on members of the #BRINGBACKOURGIRLS, Abuja family Wednesday by men believed to be thugs sponsored by government.

In a statement signed by Hadiza Bala Usman and Obiageli Ezekwesili, the two leaders of the movement, narrated how their regular daily meetings was disrupted by the thugs and a rival group believed to be sponsored by government.

The statement reads: “Following our march to meet with President Jonathan, during which he was represented by a delegation, led by the Secretary to the Government, a speech was read on his behalf advising our movement #BringBackOurGirls, Abuja Family: “…that protests should be directed at the terrorists…”.

Last Monday 26th May, being the 27th day of our daily gathering at the Unity Fountain and the 42nd day since the abduction day of our girls, we observed a large contingent of a new group that arrived in over 30 Federal Government SURE P Buses with a message that aligned with what we had been told during our meeting with the Federal Government delegation.

Understanding fully the constitutional guarantee of every citizens’ right to their expression and to peaceful gathering, we continued with our own meeting in a new location, having lost our usual spot to the new group.

Regrettably, we then witnessed patterns of escalating aggression toward our group by this new group.

In our bid at stemming any further aggravation, we wrote a Letter of Complaint dated 28th May to the Inspector General of Police and the FCT Commissioner of Police which was duly received by their respective offices.

“In our letter, attached to this Statement, we reminded the Nigerian Police that we have been a group, which has conducted itself with utmost civility in the course of our campaign for the abducted Chibok girls.

“We asked the Nigerian Police Force to be available to reprimand the aggressive group and remind them of the need to conduct themselves similarly and to desist from any form of confrontation to our group.

Unfortunately, what we feared would happen unfolded, and tragically with officers of the Nigerian Police Force looking on, thugs, hooligans, miscreants dressed in the red, yellow, and white t-shirts with the inscription: #ReleaseOurGirls Boko Haram” burst upon our group breaking chairs, and bottles on the heads of members of #BringBackOurGirls, Abuja, many of the women broke down.

“They snatched phones and handbags of ladies in our group and also attacked the local and international media correspondents, confiscating and breaking their cameras.

“The police, at a point, arrested two of the ringleaders, but before our very eyes, released them barely 10 minutes after.

“By this Statement, we are calling the attention of the President, the Federal Government and the international community to the descent to anarchy against our group, which simply emerged as a women-led civil society group driven by a response to the plight of the abducted Chibok girls and their families.

We know that this is a violation of our fundamental right to peaceful assembly and freedom of association, but we remain resolute in standing with the Chibok girls.

“We invite every Nigerian with goodwill towards the abducted girls to our daily events.

“Tomorrow, we shall stand in solidarity with them through a National Symposium, which will be holding at Thisday Dome, with live broadcast on Channels TV.

“We shall return to the Unity Fountain on Friday, May 31, 2014 and will continue with our daily advocacy.

“We shall continue to demand that those with the responsibility to protect our lives and our welfare, to BringBackOurGirls,”they said in the statement.

PDP looking beyond 2015 and 2019 – Anenih

The Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Chief Tony Anenih, has said in spite of the predictions of doom about Nigeria, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party is looking beyond 2015 and 2019 in its efforts to sustain a stable, functional and democratic nation.
Anenih called on Nigerians to unite against forces seeking to endanger the country`s unity and security in Abuja on Wednesday.
In a goodwill message to commemorate 15 years of uninterrupted democracy in the country, he maintained that the PDP-led Federal Government under President Goodluck Jonathan had promoted the sanctity of unfettered democracy and freedom of expression.
His message titled; “Nigeria is stronger than it has ever been”, said despite the security challenge by terrorists, Nigeria remained stronger than it had ever been.
“This year’s Democracy Day falls within a period when, arising from the scourge of terrorism, some people question the strength of our democracy and unity.
“Without hesitation, I assure Nigerians that, despite the challenges we are facing, Nigeria is stronger than it has ever been,” he said.
He added that it had been a great privilege for the PDP to be at the helm of affairs of the country’s administration since the return of democracy in 1999.
“As with all human endeavours, we have had differences with our fellow citizens on the other side of the political divide.
“Our ongoing democratic journey is proof that the PDP continues to faithfully discharge its foremost duty to our country, which is sustaining democracy,” Anenih said.
He added that the party had also allowed dissent and the greatest level of inclusive political participation ever recorded in the country.
Anenih noted the high number of women in senior elective and appointive positions under the PDP leadership as one of the achievements of the party.
He added that President Jonathan had also demonstrated respect for the rule of law by his non-interference in the judicial, legislative and electoral matters.
He said it was ironic that the liberal and exceptionally tolerant president had been vilified for promoting the very democratic freedoms that others were using unfairly against the government.
He said the PDP was looking beyond 2015 and even 2019 when the fourth republic would be 20 years.
Anenih maintained that the PDP’s confidence stemmed from the fact that it had always been the party of the people, for the people and by the people.
The PDP, he added, had been responsible for the strategic restructuring of a largely state-run economy to a free-market economy.
This, he stressed, had engendered greater human development, free enterprise and irreversible economic expansion.
He said it was important to note that pursuing policies that were necessary for inclusive economic growth had further guaranteed political and democratic stability in the country.
He held that Nigeria had in the past four years, remained the choice destination for Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in Africa.
“The World Economic Forum on Africa (WEFA) held recently in Abuja is an affirmation from the international community that Nigeria’s democracy is on a firm footing despite security challenges,” he said.
Anenih noted that before the advent of PDP in 1999, official statistics placed the number of telephone lines in Nigeria at about 500,000.
“The Nigerian Communication Commission reports that there are well over 120 million active telephone lines in Nigeria. The benefits and the multiplier effects to our economy are phenomenal,” he added.
Anenih said PDP would continually strengthen the mechanism for internal democracy and urged other parties to do same.

Senate yet to conclude probe of missing NNPC billions – Saraki

Senator Bukola Saraki, a member of the Senate Committee on Finance on Wednesday described as misleading, reports indicating that the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Deziani Alison-Madueke and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) have been cleared of allegations of missing funds levelled against them by suspended Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Lamido Sanusi.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Saraki noted that the committee is yet to conclude its work as it is waiting to receive the forensic audit and independent anaysis report from those it saddled with the task.
The Chairman of the Finance Committee and former Governor of Kaduna State, Ahmed Markarfi, had while presenting the report at plenary said the Committee could not establish any missing money as alleged by the suspended Governor of the CBN, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.
“The recent media reports claiming that the Senate Committee on Finance has cleared NNPC of any unaccounted revenue fund is not true.
“Though I could not attend the last meeting of the committee, I have been very active in the investigation. Nothing significant has changed to suggest clearing anybody.
“I can say on behalf of the Committee that these media reports bear no correlation to the content of the Senate Committee report and I would urge the public to disregard it in its entirety.
“The Committee is yet to receive the report on the forensic audit and independent analysis on the subject clearly indicates we have a lot of grounds to cover in order to determine the level of culpability or otherwise of agency on the alleged non-committal, so to suggest any clearance for anybody at this stage is out of the question.
“I will further advise that the media should wait for the senate to release the details of the Committee report to the public before they jump into spurious conclusion,” Saraki stated.

Important Notice to Graduating Students- TASUED

All graduating students should confirm the correctness of their names and particulars at the Students’ Affairs Office on or before Wednesday, 28th of May 2014 in order to meet NYSC deadline for mobilization.

Students whose names are on the “issue list “(Click to view) should appear at the Students’ Affairs Office on or before Wednesday , 28th May, 2014 to complete their records.

Please note that students with incomplete records will not be mobilized.

DELSU Announces Date for Commencement of First Semester (2013/2014) Examination

The Delta state University, Abraka has released the 2013/2014 first semester examination.

Examination will commence from June 9th, 2014.

we wish all students success as they prepare.

Giroud scores twice as France thrash Norway

Olivier Giroud scored a double as France stepped up their World Cup preparations on Tuesday with a 4-0 victory over Norway at the Stade de France in the first of three pre-tournament friendlies.

Paul Pogba netted a first-half opener in Paris, while Giroud enhanced his reputation ahead of next month’s finals in Brazil through a second-half brace that came either side of Loic Remy’s first international goal since 2011.

Despite the absence of some key regulars, Didier Deschamps fielded a strong side featuring seven probable starters for Les Bleus’ World Cup opener against Honduras on June 15.

Hugo Lloris and Franck Ribery were both rested while Karim Benzema and Raphael Varane have yet to join up with the squad after helping Real Madrid win the Champions League final against city rivals Atletico on Saturday.

France made a promising start as Antoine Griezmann and Giroud both tested Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland with headers inside the opening few minutes.

Griezmann again came close to putting the hosts in front when he redirected Yohan Cabaye’s bouncing effort just wide of the far post, but it wasn’t long before France found the breakthrough.

Mathieu Valbuena clipped a cross into the box and Pogba was on hand to send a stooping header beyond a helpless Nyland to give Les Bleus a 15th-minute lead.

The Juventus midfielder came close to a second shortly after as he fired narrowly wide from distance before France goalkeeper Stephane Ruffier, winning just his second cap as a stand-in for Lloris, held a low fizzing strike from Norway’s Alexander Tettey.

Saint-Etienne keeper Ruffier, whose international debut came in a 2-1 defeat against the same opposition four years ago, then stuck out his right hand to deny Tom Hogli.

However, the Norwegians, ranked joint-55th in the world, found themselves overmatched in the second half as Arsenal striker Giroud drilled in a second on 51 minutes before the hosts rammed home their superiority.

Remy, who had only just come on in place of Griezmann, ran onto Newcastle teammate Mathieu Debuchy’s wonderful through ball and slotted home a third on 67 minutes.

Giroud then doubled his tally, again combining well with Valbuena, as he sent an excellent looping header into the far corner to cap a resounding win two minutes later.

France will next head to Nice to play Paraguay on Sunday before making the trip north for a friendly with Jamaica in Lille on June 8.

They kick off their World Cup campaign against Honduras in Porto Alegre before facing Switzerland and Ecuador in Group E.

Brazil’s Zagallo hospitalized

Brazilian football legend Mario Zagallo, 82, was Tuesday hospitalized in Rio for tests on a spinal infection, Brazilian media reported.

Zagallo, a world champion as a player in 1958 and 1962, then again as coach in 1970 and once more in 1994 as assistant coach, has been suffering from the ailment for three weeks.

“He was not able to undergo the tests at home so he had to go to hospital for an intravenous treatment,” Zagallo’s son, Mario Zagallo Jr, told Brazilian media.

He added his father would stay in hospital at least until June 2.

“All is under control but of course due precautions have to be taken given his age.”

Westbrook, Durant lift Thunder over Spurs

Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant combined for 71 points Tuesday to lift Oklahoma City to a 105-92 victory over San Antonio that tied their NBA playoff series at two games each.

The Thunder pulled level in the best-of-seven Western Conference finals with their second straight home win, after the Spurs had taken a 2-0 lead with two big victories on their home floor.

San Antonio will try to regain the advantage when they host game five on Thursday.

The winners of the series will face either two-time defending NBA champions Miami or Indiana in the NBA finals.

With the win, the Thunder have recalled the 2012 Western Conference finals, in which the Spurs won the first two games at home only to drop the next four contests to a young, hungry Oklahoma City team.

“We’re not even thinking about 2012,” Thunder coach Scott Brooks said. “We’ve moved on from that.”

But Brooks was pleased that his team withstood a fast start by the Spurs, shooting 50.8 percent from the field over the first three quarters to build a substantial lead, one aided by a staggering 21-0 advantage in fastbreak points

“That was one of our keys going into this series,” Brooks said of the transition game. “We played with great toughness tonight.”

This year the Thunder were buoyed in the third game by the return of Serge Ibaka from a left calf injury, and by the dominance of Westbrook and NBA Most Valuable Player Durant on their home floor.

Westbrook finished with 40 points, 10 assists, five steals and five rebounds, while Durant scored 31 points on just 22 shots from the field.

San Antonio point guard Tony Parker scored 14 points, while the other two-thirds of the Spurs’ “Big Three” — Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili — totaled 14 points on 5-of-16 shooting.

Boris Diaw added 14 points with 10 rebounds off the bench for the Spurs, who are trying to get back to the NBA finals a year after falling in seven games to Miami in the championship series.

Kawhi Leonard scored six of his 10 points in the first two minutes of the game as the Spurs raced to a quick 8-0 lead.

The Thunder kept their composure, even though starting guard Reggie Jackson rolled his ankle and limped to the locker room midway through the opening quarter.

Oklahoma City turned up the intensity and ended the frame on a 13-2 surge.

Steven Adams’ awkward jump hook in the lane gave the hosts their first lead at 19-18, and it was one they never relinquished.

The margin was 26-20 after 12 minutes and stretched to 34-24 four minutes into the second following Ibaka’s fastbreak dunk off a Westbrook steal.

Durant scored eight points in a 1:02 span later in the quarter with a pair of three- pointers and a jump shot as the thunder took a 58-43 lead at halftime.

Nigeria’s consumer market worth $400bn yearly – US Institute

Nigeria’s consumer market is worth more than 400 billion US dollars, the McKinsey Global Institute (MGI) announced in its report released on Tuesday in Abuja.

The report entitled, “Nigeria’s renewal: Delivering Inclusive Growth in Africa’s Largest Economy”, said the value of Nigeria’s consumer market could reach 1.4 trillion dollars by 2030 with food and non-food consumer goods accounting for one trillion of the total.

It stated that one of the most important under-appreciated changes in Nigeria was the growing size and strength of its consuming class.

“While the middle income is 680 dollars per year and 43 per cent of the population lives below the poverty line, the number of households in the consuming class is growing rapidly.

“In 2013, an estimated eight million households had income of more than 7,500 dollars per year, the threshold which MGI considers as ‘emerging consumers’.

“With sufficient income to meet all basic necessities and have money to start buying more and better food as well as health and education services,” the report said.

It stated that the labour productivity in the country had grown by 3.6 per cent per year since 2010 and had contributed to the greatest share of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The report, however, stated that in spite the improvement in labour productivity, Nigeria was still far behind other major developing economies.

“At less than 9,500 dollars per worker per year, Nigerian output is 58 per cent less than the average of seven large developing economies.

“Nigeria also has a low ratio of employment to population of 31 per cent compared with 52 per cent in Brazil, 46 per cent in Indonesia and 48 per cent in Russia.

“Productivity is also being held back by poor infrastructure, which increases the cost of doing business in the country,” it said.

The report said that the oil and gas sector had many opportunities to improve productivity, adding however, that the large share of the economy that existed outside oil and gas was where the productivity gap to other countries emerged.

It explained that the recent rebasing exercise had demonstrated that the natural resources sector was a smaller share of the country’s economy.

The report further said that the rebasing had cleared the misconception by people outside Nigeria that believed the oil sector was the engine of growth in the Nigerian economy as it is with several Middle Eastern economies.

Group lauds FG’s industrial cities plan

The Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Bauchi State Chapter, has said the Federal Government’s plan to establish industrial cities in seven states and the FCT was commendable.

The Chairman of the association in the state, Malam Tijjani Jallaba, said this in an interview with NAN in Bauchi.

Jallaba said the industrial cities, when established, would go a long way in boosting the nation’s industrialisation drive.

“The government provides the land, they provide the road network, they provide the power and they provide the water, definitely the private people will come.

“Because that will ease their operation, it will make their financial commitment very negligible because they don’t have to bother about bringing water; they don’t have to bother about bringing light and they don’t have to bother about bringing road.

“I think we can give this project a 50/50 chance of either taking up or dying like the previous programmes”.

He said that small scale industrialists did not have the capacity to construct the needed road network, provide water supply and electricity for industrial cities to thrive.

Jallaba also said that if industries were located in clusters would boost market potential develop expertise and ensure the sustainability of the industries.

He expressed optimism that the programme would be successful if the federal government provided the enabling atmosphere as well as the infrastructure that would attract private investors.

NAN reports that the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga, said at the 2014 Joint Planning Board (JPB) meeting held in Bauchi that the cities would fast track the nation’s industrial growth.

He said the states that would benefit from the pilot scheme included Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Lagos, Delta, Ondo, Kano, Niger; and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Lagos to abolish charges on telecom operators

The Lagos State Government on Tuesday expressed its readiness to abolish arbitrary charges on telecommunication operators in the state.

This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Adebiyi Mabadeje, at the just-concluded Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Eight Annual Business Law Conference in Lagos.

Mabadeje said this at the conference themed “Exemplary Governance: Enhancing Economic Development in Nigeria”.

He said that the state government had already partnered with the Association of Licenced Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) to develop a viable model to achieve the target.

“This model is an agreement between all telecom stakeholders and the Lagos state government to harmonise telecom infrastructure, taxes and administration,” he said.

According to the commissioner, the model would aid the development of broadband in the telecom industry.

“We went further to reduce the taxes on ground, in order to get cheaper and quality services from Operators.

“This will also eradicate poverty through the development of infrastructure. This in turn will grow our economy”.

He, however, urged telecommunication operators to work together as a team for smooth policy enhancement.

Sambo inaugurates 100 buses, says commuters will ‘greatly rejoice’

The Federal Government on Tuesday said that its road-map on the transport sector was aimed at tackling the challenges in the economic sector holistically.

Vice-President Namadi Sambo said this in Abuja when he inaugurated 100 high capacity buses, procured by the FCT Administration, under the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P).

According to him, the Jonathan administration sees the transport sector as very crucial to the attainment of economic and social well-being of the people.

“We have reiterated the crucial role of transportation in the promotion of economic and social well-being of our people as one of the key drivers of economic development.

“I am, therefore, very confident that not only would the teeming commuters of the FCT greatly rejoice but it shall be at the disposal of all that ply the FCT roads.

“Worthy of note is the FCT initiative which forms part of the comprehensive Federal Government transportation roadmap designed to address the challenges being faced by the sector.

“The comprehensive roadmap examines the source of attaining such lofty targets through a huge financial investment to be sourced through public sector investment as well as Public-Private-Partnership.

“We intend to tackle the transport sector challenges holistically through the involvement of intra and inter-transport networks to connect Abuja city centre to the rest of the country, using all relevant means of transportation.”

The Vice-President expressed the determination of the government to ensure that Abuja had world class transport network system that would connect the capital city with the rest of the country.

“When completed it will significantly ease the problems of accommodation and transportation in the city as workers would rather choose to live in the satellite towns and commute to work in these improved and efficient mass transit systems.

FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, said that the buses had state-of-the-art facilities to ensure security and comfort of the passengers.

According to him, the administration plans to procure 200 of such buses, annually, for the next three years and also plans to set up an assembly for the buses in Abuja.

Court gives date for suit over APC registration

A Federal High Court in Abuja will on Thursday, 3 June commence hearing in a suit filed by the African Peoples Congress, APC, where the party is asking the court to declare the registration of All Progressive Congress in 2012 by the Independent National Election Commission, INEC, as illegal.
The suit was at the instant of Chief O. M. Ikegwuonu alongside 29 other members of the party who claim to be acting on behalf of the African Peoples Congress.
African Peoples Congress had in March 2013 approached INEC to be registered as a political party, but was turned down which subsequently led to the association suing INEC and seeking an order suspending or annulling any step taken by the electoral umpire in registering any other association having the acronym APC as a political party pending the hearing and determination of their suit.
APC lawyer, Ikoro. N. Ikoro, told the court that the party has two pending applications that are yet to be heard but he however, withdrew one of the applications where the party sought to restrain INEC from registering the All Progressives Congress as a political party, since INEC had already registered it.
“This matter was pending in court but INEC went ahead to register the All Progressives Congress. So, it is no longer relevant” Ikoro told the court.
Subsequently, the trial Judge, Justice Gabriel Kolawole struck out the application, since INEC did not oppose the withdrawal.
On the second application, Ikoro informed the court that it was ready for hearing, but INEC’s lawyers led by Ibrahim Bawa objected to taking the application.
“We are in court today to argue on the motion that sought to restrain INEC from registering the All Progressive Congress which has been struck out. The pending application now is that the court declare as illegal the registration of APC as a political party by INEC, since the matter was before the court.”
Ikoro had in the court processes argued that “Section 66(a) of Nigerian Constitution stated clearly that when a suit is pending before the court, all parties in the matter should maintain status quo, awaiting the full determination of the suit. He therefore pleaded with the court to timeously determine the matter because it was in the national interest.
The court thereafter adjourned till Thursday, 3 June to hear that application.

Nigeria doctors issue strike warning

Nigeria health sector is set for fresh crisis as the National Association of Resident Doctors(NARD) on Tuesday indicated its intention to begin a three-day warning strike.

The warning strike is expected to commence on 2 June but can be averted if the Federal Government takes concrete steps to resolve issues affecting the association.

Dr. Jibril Abdullahi, NARD National President, who revealed this in Abuja after a meeting by the association listed some of the issues in contention to include the issue of residency training and re-integration of its members into IPPIS.

He said other issues were payment of three-month salary arrears owed doctors in Federal Medical Centre Owerri.

Abdullahi said failure to implement the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and eroding of the recent relativity restored by the latter after a distortion of over 20 years.

Children’s Day: Chibok Girls Protests Rock Lagos

Massive protests rock Lagos State on Children’s Day in solidarity with the abduction of 234 secondary school girls in Chibok, Borno State, Northeastern Nigeria.

Hundreds of people from different groups stormed Lagos State Governor’s Office to protest the refusal of Boko Haram to release the girls. As against the usual march past and parade by children to mark May 27 Children’s Day celebration, it was protests in Lagos.

Group after group besieged the governor’s office to register their grievances over the abduction of the girls, making the Children’s Day celebration a drab one.

Some of the groups, which took part in the protests are: Nigerians United Against Terrorism, (NUAT) led by Mrs. Lailai Daniels; Association for Formidable Educational Development (AFED), led by Mrs. Ifedola Dada; Al-Mu’minaat Social Advocacy Project (SAP) led by Mrs. Sherifah Yususf-Ajibade, The Young Muslims Association (TYMA), led by Abdulazeez Ajala, Pure Heart Foundation (PHF) led by Mr Abdulraheem Lukman.

There were also the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area and the League of Muslim Schools Proprietors (LEAMSP).

The protesters marched to the State House with placards, some of which read: “Nigeria Belongs to all of us, let us Unite Against Terrorism,” “Bring back our girls alive,” “AFED says Bring back our girls,” “Schooling is not a Crime, bring back our girls,” “Watch and pray, bring back our girls,” “Read: Islam supports education,” “Muslims are not terrorists,” “GEJ: bring back our girls,” “Stop the killing,” “Stop Terrorism,” among others.

Spokesperson for AFED, Mrs Ifedola Dada stated that the protest was to demand for the immediate release of over 200 school girls abducted in Chibok. She said children were now afraid of going to schools for fears of being abducted.

“What is happening in Nigeria is heart breaking. We are tired of empty promises. We are here to ask Governor Babatunde Fashola to tell our President, Goodluck Jonathan to ensure the immediate release of the abducted girls.

“They are our children and each day they spend with the terrorists brings us agony. We don’t want them to be exchanged for anyone or other terrorists and we want them to be brought back hale and hearty.

As school owners, we are disturbed because our children are now afraid of coming to school. When they are in school, they are afraid and they are learning in fear. The president must act now,” she lamented.

Abdulraheem Lukman, PHF spokesman said: “We condemn the kidnapping of our innocent girls by this diabolical group. This is a solidarity walk and also to make some recommendations to our government to equip our police force to meet modern challenges.

“The kind of police we have in Nigeria are police who use archaic methods, the world today is using preventive policing but in our own case its curative, we are also telling the federal government to ensure that monies meant for Defence, they shouldn’t just vote, but ensure the money is used for the purpose meant.”

Leader of SAP, Sherifah Yususf-Ajibade described the kidnap as sad, saying that the “abduction of girls seeking to be educated and the inability of our government to secure their release send shivering fear down the spine of both mothers and girl-children, particularly in Northern Nigeria where education has not been given the necessary attention. Thus, the sustenance of whatever success in girl-child education we may have been building over the years is hinged on the rescue of the Chibok girls. Mr. President and his team should act urgently.”

Governor Fashola was not around to attend to the numerous protesters. Security officers manning the governor’s gate attended to the protesters and dispersed them.

Commission kicks against payment of arrears-ASUP/COEASU strike

The Federal Government on Tuesday alleged that the Salaries, Wages and Income Commission was opposed to the payment of arrears owed striking lecturers of Federal Polytechnics and Colleges of Education.

The Supervising Minister of Education, Nyisome Wike made the allegation at a meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Education in Abuja.

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) and the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) have been on strike for about 10 months.

Wike said “as the ministry made proposal to settle the lecturers’ arrears owed since 2009 in instalments, the commission wrote to kick against the plan.

“Government has been meeting on what to do, but the commission opposes the proposal I made to pay the arrears in installment.”

Wike said the commission was opposed to the proposal claiming that it was not consulted before the 2009 CONTISSS agreement was reached.

According to him, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim has invited those involved to a meeting with a view to resolving the matter.

He listed those invited to include the ministers of Education and Labour, the Head of Service and the Wages Commission.

The minister assured that the Federal Government would soon resolve the ongoing strike, saying it was deploying all means to reach an agreement with the unions.

He said: “We owe this country a great duty. Nobody will be sitting down happily to see our children staying at home.”

On the issue of the white paper on visitation panels to polytechnics, Wike assured that it would soon be released.

The Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Aminu Suleiman (APC-Kano) appealed to the two unions and the government for amicable solution to the issues.

Mr Chibuzo Asumagha, ASUP President expressed satisfaction with the minister’s assurance, saying that his union never rejected the instalment payment.

President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Abdulwahid Omar cautioned the commission on its interference.

“The wages and salaries commission should not come in at this time to stall the arrangement between government and the two unions,” he said.