Abuja — President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, assured that despite security challenges facing the country, the 2015 general elections will be held.
Speaking at the 2014 Democracy Day Interdenominational Church Service in Abuja, President Jonathan said the next Democracy Day celebration would be held when a new government would have been ushered in.
“After today, the next Democracy Day will witness a new government. I remember when I was in my village this morning to collect my permanent voter’s card, and a pressman asked me whether there will be elections in Nigeria, I told him there would be elections in this country.
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Sunday, 25 May 2014
Chibok abduction: PDP President denounces State Government approach
The National President of the PDP, Adamu Sailesh, believes that the Borno State Governor as the Chief Security Officer of his State needs to do more in the search for the more than 200 Chibok college girls.
In an exclusive interview with channels television and his first major interview since becoming the President of the PDP, feels Mr Sailesh Chibok situation that has been used as a political instrument.
The PDP Chairman talked to our correspondent, Betty Dibia in South Africa.
He has mentioned the warnings preceding the incident that should have prevented Chibok-the State Governor of the opening the school to host exams, but that he refused.
Sailesh cited warnings by the Ministry of education and the West African examination Council, WAEC, expressing their fear and the view that the school was not fit, but that the State Government met with guarantees of sufficient certainty, only for the attack can be successfully carried out by the insurgents.
He, therefore, condemned the idea of the Governor traveling abroad and foreign media organizations to speak and reveal what he saw as issues of Nigeria's governance.
In an exclusive interview with channels television and his first major interview since becoming the President of the PDP, feels Mr Sailesh Chibok situation that has been used as a political instrument.
The PDP Chairman talked to our correspondent, Betty Dibia in South Africa.
He has mentioned the warnings preceding the incident that should have prevented Chibok-the State Governor of the opening the school to host exams, but that he refused.
Sailesh cited warnings by the Ministry of education and the West African examination Council, WAEC, expressing their fear and the view that the school was not fit, but that the State Government met with guarantees of sufficient certainty, only for the attack can be successfully carried out by the insurgents.
He, therefore, condemned the idea of the Governor traveling abroad and foreign media organizations to speak and reveal what he saw as issues of Nigeria's governance.
Our cautious Northern Governors
LAST week Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, was engaged in an interesting exchange with the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, the self-styled Chief Servant of Niger State. Maku accused the Arewa governors of “not doing enough” in the effort to bring the Islamic insurgency being championed by Boko Haram to an end.
In a sharp repartee, Muazu said Maku was being “uncharitable”, adding that no governor would like his domain to be turned into a theatre of attacks, mass killings, abductions and destruction of schools, an experience that Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Kassim Shettima in particular, is going through on a daily basis.
Yes, you could say Maku was engaging in the blame-shifting tactics that the Federal Government and the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have resorted to as the Boko Haram atrocities expand both in intensity and scope of devilry.
In a sharp repartee, Muazu said Maku was being “uncharitable”, adding that no governor would like his domain to be turned into a theatre of attacks, mass killings, abductions and destruction of schools, an experience that Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Kassim Shettima in particular, is going through on a daily basis.
Yes, you could say Maku was engaging in the blame-shifting tactics that the Federal Government and the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have resorted to as the Boko Haram atrocities expand both in intensity and scope of devilry.
How insurance industry can actualize revenue potentials, by Accenture
A recent survey carried out by Accenture has revealed that the insurance industry could tap into huge revenue potential only through a deliberate transformation and positioning of the sector.
The survey tagged: Consumer Innovation Survey on Insurance, demonstrated convincingly that insurance customers want relevant, convenient and cost-efficient products that address their buyer values and needs.
The survey showed that the predominant insurance product uptake by 1.5 per cent of the population that is insured is motor value insurance.
Another survey across several geographies indicateed that 67 per cent of customers would consider buying insurance from organisations other than traditional insurance companies, while indicating that insurers must take the offensive, make some bets and take some calculated risks to attract and acquire new customers and to retain the customers they already have.
According to the survey, “The revenue potential that is at play for the insurance industry is significant but will only be realised through deliberate transformation and positioning that enhances all channels and experiences.
“Companies that transform their technologies as well as underlying business models will be equipped to deliver the experiences that customers will increasingly expect and demand. Only true digital transformation at a strategic level will let customers define their own experiences rather than simply provide products for them to buy.”
The survey tagged: Consumer Innovation Survey on Insurance, demonstrated convincingly that insurance customers want relevant, convenient and cost-efficient products that address their buyer values and needs.
The survey showed that the predominant insurance product uptake by 1.5 per cent of the population that is insured is motor value insurance.
Another survey across several geographies indicateed that 67 per cent of customers would consider buying insurance from organisations other than traditional insurance companies, while indicating that insurers must take the offensive, make some bets and take some calculated risks to attract and acquire new customers and to retain the customers they already have.
According to the survey, “The revenue potential that is at play for the insurance industry is significant but will only be realised through deliberate transformation and positioning that enhances all channels and experiences.
“Companies that transform their technologies as well as underlying business models will be equipped to deliver the experiences that customers will increasingly expect and demand. Only true digital transformation at a strategic level will let customers define their own experiences rather than simply provide products for them to buy.”
Result of the Brazilian Congress, Delta Suneesh accept young people urge Okotie-APC
BAnd— if the all Progressives Congress, APC, in Edo State holds her State Congress today, the leadership of the party has agreed to a former Commissioner for information in the State, Mr Ojezua, Anslem as the Chairman of the party.
The outgoing interim President, Chief Osaro Idah, was also approved as the State Secretary while Prince Austin Eweka and Mrs. Oviasu were endorsed as State Vice-President and State woman leader.
The position of President was zoned to Edo State Central, the Senatorial district of a national leader of the party, Chief Tom Ikimi. Vanguard learned that Ojezua the approval of Governor Adams Oshiomhole and Chief Ikimi after series of meetings of the leadership of the party.
Meanwhile, the Royal fathers Edo South Senatorial district Oshiomhole their support for Governor, say that those who recently to Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, APC's defected done for their alleged repeated selfish interests.
The Enigies, over 60, numbering, when they paid a courtesy visit to the Governor, said they were happy with the developmental progress of the Governor, particularly in Edo South and have confidence in his Government. President of the Enigie, Danny Egbaen, Sara Ogiegbaen of Siluko-HRH and five other Royal fathers spoke for the Royal fathers.
According to Idurase were the reasons given by Pastor Ize-Iyamu for his apostasy not in the interests of the people of the State.
Responding, the Governor thanked Oshiomhole Enigies for their display of solidarity.
Oshiomhole said: "I am short of words to express myself. I can only say that I am grateful. "
ECOWAS set to implement strategy on maritime security
ECOWAS is ingesteld op de bepalingen van haar maritieme beveiligingsstrategie samen met andere regionale economische gemeenschappen op het continent, zei een ambtenaar op donderdag.
Mr. Mohammed Tukur, de veiligheid op zee en de Security Officer in ECOWAS regionale Security Division, vermeld dit in een interview in Abuja. Tukur, die sprak op de zijlijn van een internationale conferentie over Afrikaanse benaderingen aan de maritieme veiligheid, zei de conferentie zou mogelijk belanghebbenden formuleren van juridische documenten op maritieme beveiliging.
"De Yaoundé-top over maritieme veiligheid kwam met de verklaring van Yaoundé. De AU heeft ook de 2050 Afrika geïntegreerde maritieme strategie. ECOWAS heeft ook de ECOWAS geïntegreerde maritieme strategie (EIMS) aangenomen. We hebben deze strategische kaders in overeenstemming met de resoluties van de VN-Veiligheidsraad (VN-Veiligheidsraad) 2018 en 2039 op van piraterij en gewapende overvallen op zee voor de kust van de Staten van de Golf van Guinee.
"Omvormingsproces deze strategieën zal stap voor stap gebeuren en de AU zal afhangen van de regionale economische gemeenschappen voor uitvoering."
Hij zei de EIMS in maart heeft aangenomen zou zorgen voor een holistisch maritiem beleidskader voor actie en samenwerking in West-Afrika. Tukur zei dat het zou ook samenwerking met andere Afrikaanse regionale organisaties versterken. Hij zei dat de ontwikkeling van een geïntegreerde maritieme strategie tussen ECOWAS en de Golf van Guinee Commissie was afgerond.
De officiële toegevoegd dat de resultaten van de top van Yaoundé stappen op weg naar interregionale samenwerking werden uitdagingen aan de maritieme veiligheid. Hij zei dat het beleid van de Gemeenschap lid-landen begonnen de uitvoering van ECOWAS Pilot Model Zone E in het kader van de EIMS. Tukur aan herinnerd dat Nigeria en Benin ondertekend een bilaterale overeenkomst voor gecombineerde patrouilles om piraterij te bestrijden in 2011. "Dit heeft gediend als een model voor de uitvoering van de Pilot Model Zone E-project," zei hij.
De ECOWAS ambtenaar zei landen binnen het project omvatten Nigeria, Niger, Benin en Togo, en dat andere projecten zou worden gelanceerd om alle lid-staten aan te passen.
"Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone omvat Zone F, en de laatste zone, Zone G, Gambia, Kaapverdië, Senegal en Guinee-Bissau omvat."
Hoewel de officiële niet zeggen hoeveel geld zou nodig zijn deed, zei hij maar dat het zou een collectieve inspanning van de Commissie en de lid-staten.
"Het is een dure, Herculische taak waarbij maritieme domein bewustmakings- en bewakingsapparatuur om ervoor te zorgen dat we beschikken over een doeltreffend mechanisme hebben. "En tegen de tijd dat de regionale maritieme strategie tussen ECOWAS en de Economische Gemeenschap van Centraal Afrikaanse Staten, (ECCAS) gevestigd is, hebben we een perfecte structuur, terwijl de landen zou hebben de nodige ervaring verworven."
Ook spreken, de heer Felix Henkel, zei Abuja regionale Office Co-ordinator, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Foundation, ontstond de behoefte voor een betere maatschappelijk middenveld bewustzijn over manieren om aan te pakken van bedreigingen voor de maritieme veiligheid.
Obasanjo, others insist African govts agric productivity
Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo has stressed the need to invest in technology for modernisation of agriculture in Africa and increase access to affordable finance for small farmers.
He said this is necessary to increase productivity.
Obasanjo, who spoke as a member of the Africa progress Panel in the ongoing annual meetings of the African development bank in Kigali, noted that although few farmers have access to finance, the cost of it is still excessively high with interest rates ranging from between 18 and 20 percent.
"There is no way farmers can make it against those interest unless they are the production of cocaine," he said, underlining the need for affordable financing to farmers.
Obasanjo added: "agriculture must not be seen as a development project – it should be seen as a company. Whether you like small scale or medium – this is very important. African farmers are in ancient times by the material they are using, including inadequacy of infrastructure and poor access to markets. This would not have been as. "
Speaking at the interactive session, Donald Kaberuka, President of the AfDB, stresses that increasing productivity in agriculture is crucial for sustainable development and poverty reduction.
"Improve the productivity of agriculture is not rocket science. People know what to do-the question we need to ask is why people don't do it? "He said, pointing out that several countries, including Cape Verde and Rwanda, all evidence of the potential for agricultural growth.
The AfDB, through its investment in rural infrastructure; increasing productivity of agriculture through support for research; and sector capacity building and knowledge exchange on appropriate development policy for the sector in Africa, has contributed to the improvement of agricultural productivity and competitiveness in the region. Viswanathan Shankar, the Group Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Bank for Europe, Middle East, Africa and South America, observed that because most Africans depend on agriculture, invest in the sector is essential for reducing inequality and job creation.
He noted that access to finance can be improved by investing in the entire agricultural value chain. Claire Akamanzi said In her comments, the Chief Operating Officer of Rwanda Development Board, that Rwanda has managed to growth in agriculture on average at 8 percent in the last decade due to the heavy investment of the Government in the sector, including access to finance for small farmers. In the last few decades is a growing concern about sub-Saharan Africa the agricultural sector are poor performance in terms of productivity and efficiency of main food staples, as well as access to the market and the product prices.
"Access to affordable housing can curb corruption '
Corrupt practices and inefficiencies in the treatment of government transactions can be greatly reduced by easy access to affordable housing by employees in the public service.
Executive Secretary, Federal Government staff housing loans Board, Dr. Hannatu Fika, made the comment during a courtesy visit to the Managing Director of Nigeria mortgage refinance company (NMRC), Mr. Harjit Singh be Ayere, in Abuja.
NMRC was launched in January of this year by President Goodluck Jonathan to stimulate mortgage financing in Nigeria for housing delivery and home ownership schemes, as well as the removal of all obstacles to a sustainable and dynamic of housing.
Fika also noted that without the proper motivation of civil servants to drive the policy and programs of the Government, private organizations will also be disabled. She said her Board of Directors strives to supply 1,000 homes from the Government targeted 10,000 units this year for civil servants, if given the opportunity.
She said the template of the Board of Directors is risk free and the repayment option for the takers and the mortgagers easy is made. "The new mortgage refinance will serve as a vehicle to materialize the dream of the transformation agenda because it affects the housing sector especially for civil servants," she insists.
In his reply, be Ayere described the visit of the Federal Government staff housing loans Board was timely, especially with the new impulse for the effective housing creation by the Government. He spoke however booking on the current three percent interest will be charged by the Board of Directors, say that it is not market-driven.
Be Ayere advised that with the high demand for housing loans by officials of the Board of Directors, the better to look at a market driven, viable and sustainable option will be. He called for the Board of Directors partner with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and the savings of public servants through the national housing resources (NHS) tap into and enjoy a weighted interest rate for one digit that will adequate resources for employees.
Son to the partner stakeholders in approach building collapse
Standard Organization of Nigeria (son) is ready to work with producers of building materials, professionals, regulatory authorities and other stakeholders in the housing sector to address the recurring incidence of building collapse in the country.
Director-General, son, Dr. Joseph Odumodu, which was represented by an official of the Organization, Mr Adeoye Onipede, at an event in Lagos, said the joint efforts of all relevant stakeholders are required to counter the threat. He also said there is a need for a massive education and enlightenment campaigns about the dangers of building collapse and the need to adhere strictly to good ethical and professional practices.
"It is a well known fact that the strength of reinforced concrete depends on the proportion of sand, stone, cement and iron rod in it. Here, the professional bodies also have critical roles to play. The standards organization of Nigeria will continue to work with experts and stakeholders to ensure that the benefits of standardization are updated and provide a structurally safe environment to all Nigerians, "he said.
The son boss said his organization has stepped up enforcement actions, noting that most of its State offices are equipped with mobile block testing machines to guarantee the quality of sancrete blocks across the country. "Modern pieces of equipment are installed in our laboratories as effective and efficient testing facilities," he said.
Odumodu said standardisation and quality assurance play a very important role in the setting up of a permanent building that will not collapse. According to him, building collapse usually occur due to factors or a combination of factors, including the use of low quality building materials; employment of incompetent contractors; non-enforcement of existing legislation; bad work ethic of Nigerians; and the lack of adequate enforcement of relevant regulations by regional planning authorities.
Others are cost-saving tactic by building owners; unethical practices perpetuated by the professionals involved in the construction process; and poor control at the stage of construction.
He said the alarming rate of the collapse of the building in recent times in different parts of the country is worrisome for the general public as well as the professionals in the building and construction industry-Government, and particularly a burden on son for checks and balances.
"Over the years, has set the pace to son through standardisation to facilitate industrial development by focusing on improving the quality of the product and promoting the enforcement of the rules of the quality and greater competitiveness against imports on the domestic market. SON is willing to keep this fight with the support of all professionals and other government agencies that have worked with us to the objective is achieved. This, of course, include the fight against substandard construction materials, "he said.
N346m debt: GTB job vacation of court order
Guaranty Trust Bank, GTB, has called the ruling by a Federal High Court, Lagos, the order of the preservation of the assets of a company indebted to it, for which it appointed a receiver manager, pending the final adoption of the suit Court vacate.
The bank debt recovery in the N346 million suit against a businessman Otunba Corina Abioye Lagos, and his company, BSS steel rolling mills Limited, the Court to restrain Abioye or privies are benefit from the judgment of the Court by taking steps that affect the right of the bank to the Court of appeal will do to hear and determine the appeal submitted to the Court for arbitration already approach is prayer.
The bank official, Soga Dean in an affidavit in support of the application, governed that offer letters dated May 11, 2009, June 30, 2009 and March 2, 2010, GTB at the request of loan facilities, the bank granted a total different Abioye N400 million for imports of iron bars in the country, while the tenor for the repayment of all facilities was two years including three months moratorium.
The loan facilities are secured by all assets Act of fixed income over the fixed and floating assets of BSS steal rolling mills limited and tripartite legal mortgage on property located at 25 Sehinde Crescent Oshodi, Lagos State property of Corina Abioye, which the Vice-President of the BSS company.
Other security for the loan included tripartite legal mortgage over a five-bedroom duplex located at 24 c, Victoria Garden City, Victoria Island, Lagos State, tripartite legal mortgage on a property that by one Samuel Ariyo located on 191 Igbosere Road Lagos and full personal guarantee of Otunba Abioye facilities and interest thereof.
Jos bombing: Jang orders local security policy outfit take-off
Pleads with residents courage to defeating terrorists
By Soni Daniel, regional Editor, North & Marie-Therese Nanlong
JOS — Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State, yesterday, asked the people of the State not to be intimidated by the wave of bomb attacks being launched by terrorists in the State but courageous and hopeful for an abrupt end of the insurgents.
Jang, who spoke at a special non-denominational service in the Church of Christ in Nations, COCIN, Jos, said that the State would overcome the atrocities of the rebels if the people put their trust in God.
The Governor was responding to leave Saturday night's bombing incident in which a suicide bomber blew himself along with two other people in a failed attempt at a public display Centre in the city, while the final of the UEFA bombing was going on.
By Soni Daniel, regional Editor, North & Marie-Therese Nanlong
JOS — Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State, yesterday, asked the people of the State not to be intimidated by the wave of bomb attacks being launched by terrorists in the State but courageous and hopeful for an abrupt end of the insurgents.
Jang, who spoke at a special non-denominational service in the Church of Christ in Nations, COCIN, Jos, said that the State would overcome the atrocities of the rebels if the people put their trust in God.
The Governor was responding to leave Saturday night's bombing incident in which a suicide bomber blew himself along with two other people in a failed attempt at a public display Centre in the city, while the final of the UEFA bombing was going on.
Three dead as Champions League fans targeted in another Jos blast
At least three people were killed on Saturday in the Central Nigerian city of Jos in an explosion aimed at football fans watch the European Champions League final, the authorities said.
Anti-bomb police officers working near the engine of the Jeep used by the suicide bomber that ThisDay newspapers in Abuja on 26 April 2012. AFP PHOTO
The blasts came just days after a twin car bomb through a crowded market in the city ripped, 118 dead and raising fears of a spread of Boko Haram Islamic violence from the restive Northeast.
"So far, we have three dead, three wounded," Chris Olakpe, told the Police Commissioner for Plateau state, of which Jos is the capital, AFP.
"The goal was the Center (football)."
Olakpe said it was too early to say that may have been responsible for the explosion, which came with people on edge and nerves frayed over a fresh strike.
Anti-bomb police officers working near the engine of the Jeep used by the suicide bomber that ThisDay newspapers in Abuja on 26 April 2012. AFP PHOTO
The blasts came just days after a twin car bomb through a crowded market in the city ripped, 118 dead and raising fears of a spread of Boko Haram Islamic violence from the restive Northeast.
"So far, we have three dead, three wounded," Chris Olakpe, told the Police Commissioner for Plateau state, of which Jos is the capital, AFP.
"The goal was the Center (football)."
Olakpe said it was too early to say that may have been responsible for the explosion, which came with people on edge and nerves frayed over a fresh strike.
We’re closing-in on Chibok girls’ abductors — FG
There were strong indications, yesterday, that the massive troop deployment, intelligence sharing between Nigeria and neighbouring countries along with the support from Britain, France and the United States were yielding positive results as information made available to Sunday Vanguard suggested that the military was closing-in on the abductors of school girls from Chibok, Borno State.
It was learnt that the over 200 girls abducted from Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, on April 14, may be rescued soon.
In an exclusive chat with Sunday Vanguard, last night, the Co-ordinator, National Information Centre, Mike Omeri, disclosed that the efforts of officers and men of Nigeria’s defence forces as well as the police and the Department of State Service, DSS, were paying off.
“We have made significant progress”, he said.
Pressed further, Omeri, who is also the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, NOA, said, “The very nature of the sensitivity of what we are doing demands that we provide information only on a need to know basis. That is why some of the posers you have raised, I would not be able to yield”.
It was learnt that the over 200 girls abducted from Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, on April 14, may be rescued soon.
In an exclusive chat with Sunday Vanguard, last night, the Co-ordinator, National Information Centre, Mike Omeri, disclosed that the efforts of officers and men of Nigeria’s defence forces as well as the police and the Department of State Service, DSS, were paying off.
“We have made significant progress”, he said.
Pressed further, Omeri, who is also the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, NOA, said, “The very nature of the sensitivity of what we are doing demands that we provide information only on a need to know basis. That is why some of the posers you have raised, I would not be able to yield”.
Why we agreed to retain 13% derivation — Obong Attah
A former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah, has given an insight into why the South- south delegates in the Committee on Devolution of Powers at the on- National Conference agreed to the retention of the status quo of 13% derivation for oil producing states, saying the delegates, in their wisdom, decided that Nigeria must be considered first.
Speaking with Sunday Vanguard, yesterday, Attah, who is the Co- Chairman, Committee on Devolution of Power, said the decision to retain the 13% derivation was taken to ensure that certain things were protected within the entity called Nigeria and to guard against what may lead to secession or further inflict wounds against the backdrop that the country was, at the moment, facing security challenges.
Attah, who noted that the Justice Idris Kutigi-led 2014 National Conference will not be the last of its kind in Nigeria, stressed that the issue of resource control will certainly come up again for discussion.
“You just said it was volatile, it was incendiary and it was capable of scattering the conference; there is no doubt in my mind about that. So we recognised the enormous responsibility that was put on our heads and on our shoulders and we took a decision that however long it would take and to the extent that would be possible, we would discuss until we exhaust ourselves and come to a mutual understanding of the position that we know would not cause further disruption in the polity, but rather would help and move the country forward. It was not an easy task. It was a way of negotiating a mine field. It was a mine field and anything could have exploded, but, by God’s grace, it didn’t”, he said..
Speaking with Sunday Vanguard, yesterday, Attah, who is the Co- Chairman, Committee on Devolution of Power, said the decision to retain the 13% derivation was taken to ensure that certain things were protected within the entity called Nigeria and to guard against what may lead to secession or further inflict wounds against the backdrop that the country was, at the moment, facing security challenges.
Attah, who noted that the Justice Idris Kutigi-led 2014 National Conference will not be the last of its kind in Nigeria, stressed that the issue of resource control will certainly come up again for discussion.
“You just said it was volatile, it was incendiary and it was capable of scattering the conference; there is no doubt in my mind about that. So we recognised the enormous responsibility that was put on our heads and on our shoulders and we took a decision that however long it would take and to the extent that would be possible, we would discuss until we exhaust ourselves and come to a mutual understanding of the position that we know would not cause further disruption in the polity, but rather would help and move the country forward. It was not an easy task. It was a way of negotiating a mine field. It was a mine field and anything could have exploded, but, by God’s grace, it didn’t”, he said..