A Nigerian newspaper and Online version of the Vanguard, a daily publication in Nigeria covering Niger delta, general national news, politics, business, energy, sports, entertainment, fashion,lifestyle human interest stories, etc
By Onozure Dania Proper training for judges in understanding the intricacies of arbitral matters to avoid errors in conflict resolution has been emphasised.
The call became necessary at a time people are complaining about court congestions and they are yearning to embrace arbitration as an alternative means of resolving conflicts. Already several of the cases in court could be easily resolved using arbitration method. At a program organised by the Lagos Court of Arbitration-Young Arbitrators Network (LCA-YAN) symposium, ex-Lagos Attorney General,Olasupo Shasore, Partners, Ajumogobia & Okeke said that in order to abide by the principles guiding arbitration, judges need a lot more training.
"I believe that arbitration is something that is commonsensical.
It is not technical, it is just an area that needs to be understood, trained in and learnt properly. "When arbitration matters come before judges who are trained lawyers and they are not trained in arbitration, we find that it is easy for judges to make errors that have far reaching effects.
Lot is happening already by way of judicial interaction in the area of training. This is to be carried on and go all the way on to the other courts," Shasore added.
He explained that arbitration has become a very important part of dispute settlement system, adding that the court system is challenging that is why people are embracing the arbitration system.
Mark Clarke, Partner, White & Case, insists that in order to make arbitration internationally accepted, Nigeria needs to have a court system, which upholds the principles of arbitration, respects the arbitration process and allows the process run its course. "We need to have a judiciary which respects the autonomy of the process. The judiciary needs to understand the purpose of arbitration and the autonomy of the parties to choose arbitration as a dispute resolution procedure," Clarke added.
Isaiah Bozimo, chairman, advisory Board, LCA Young Arbitrators Network said the idea behind the young arbitrators network is to sensitise young members below 40 years of the arbitrary process and the intricacies of the process.
"The idea is to try to make senior members more approachable, build a network of opportunities for younger members and allow them grow into the arbitration community," Bozimo added. On his part, Kolawole Mayomi, Partner, S.P.A Ajibade & Co., said that it was time for judges to become more interested in arbitration as a way of decongesting their dockets which is still a critical issue in the court system today.
Mayomi said arbitration helps decongest the courts and help the judges focus and organise their dockets; while deciding matters before them expeditiously.
"However, it is unfortunate that some judges still consider arbitration as a threat and a competition, hence the need to disabuse their minds and showing them how it actually helps the work progress better", he added.
The Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, has threatened to wield the big stick against corrupt judicial officers across the federation. "Let me seize this opportunity to remind us that as Ministers in the Temple of Justice, we must shun all corrupt practices in order to align ourselves with the anti-corruption strides of the current administration", Justice Onnoghen stated at his first official function.
The event was the opening ceremony of 2016 conference of all Nigerian Judges of the lower courts.
Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Walter Onnoghen taking the oath of office before the President at the State House, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi ADESHIDA 10/11/2016
The theme of the biennial conference which took place at the National Judicial Institute, NJI, was, 'The Lower Courts as Veritable Instruments for Justice and Peace in a Democratic Society'.The Acting CJN decried that corrupt practices by judicial officers have greatly exposed the the Nigerian Judiciary to lots of criticism. Judges at the conference were drawn from 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking to the participants, Justice Onnoghen said: "Your primary role as judges of the Lower Courts is to settle disputes that come before you in accordance with the provisions of the law.
"The performance of this onerous task depends on several factors such as strict adherence to the rule of law, the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers, access to justice, integrity and independence of the Judiciary. While acknowledging your competence in discharging your duties, we are not unmindful of the challenges you face, which hinders the smooth administration of justice and exposes the Judiciary to a lot of criticisms.
"These challenges are in the areas of inadequate funding/infrastructure/facilities, caseload volume,corrupt practices and most significantly delays in relation to criminal trials, which has contributed to the congestion of our prisons. "Distinguished participants, as guardians of the rule of law, let me remind you that administering justice is crucial to the effective running and stability of a democratic society as well as the peaceful coexistence of its citizens, without which the society will degenerate into anarchy."
In her welcome address, Administrator of the NJI, Justice R. P. I. Bozimo, said the conference provides an avenue for lower court Judges to not only update their skills and knowledge, but also refreshes them on contemporary legal issues.
"It is important to state that for the Lower Courts to serve as veritable instruments for justice and peace in a democratic society, they must continually demonstrate deep foresight for productivity, exceptional capacity and remarkable courage in the defence of constitutionally guaranteed individual and institutional rights, upheld for a better tomorrow", Justice Bozimo added.
Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger has absolved striker Alex Iwobi of blame after he scored an own goal in Wednesday's 2-2 draw with PSG in the Uefa Champions League .
Iwobi diverted Lucas Moura's header past David Ospina in the 77th minute to hand PSG a share of the spoils and top spot in Group A.
"It can happen. The frustrating thing was that Ospina was behind him.
ALEX IWOBI
"He is certainly most disappointed by what happened to him but that's part of the game.
"We have to take that on the chin, support him and go back into the next game," Wenger said at his post-match press conference.
Iwobi, was pulled off the game after the incident looked very sorrowful on the bench.
"You've got to feel for him, but he wasn't aware of what was behind him," Arsenal midfielder Ramsey told reporters.
"I feel for him but we're in it together. "It was important not to lose and that's what we managed not to do."
By Charles Kumolu THE game of brinkmanship that is part and parcel of South West polictics has largely seen Ondo State vascillating between three political parties in 15 years.
Indeed, the scenario of having more than one party steer its affairs within this period would have been substantially applauded if it had not resulted from personal ambition instead of the will of the people on each occasion.
President Buhari with R-L: Governor of Plateau State H.E. Simon Lalong, APC National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, Wife of Ondo APC Gubernatorial Candidate Mrs Abimbola Akeredolu, Senate President Dr Bukola Saraki, Ondo APC Gubernatorial Candidate Rotimi Akeredolu and APC National Organizing Secretary Senator Osita Izunaso during the APC Grand Finale Gubernatorial Campaign Rally in Akure on 19th Nov 2016
The ethnic underpinning of the leading political parties in Nigeria at the dawn of the Fourth Republic naturally placed Ondo in the hands of Alliance For Democracy,AD, a party, regarded then as the political platform of the Yoruba race.
It was, therefore, not surprising that the late Chief Adebayo Adefarati, a chieftain of National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, and Afenifere contested and won the governorship election in 1999. However, this later soured relationship between Adefarati and his core supporters like Chief Niyi Omodara, late Chief Rufus Giwa, incumbent governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, Dr. Akerele Adu, Dr. Olu Agunloye, Chief Yele Omogunwa, Senator Nimbe Farunkanmi and Dr. Awolowo Ajaka among others contributed to his defeat at the 2003 governorship poll by the late Chief Olusegun Agagu of the Peoples Democratic Party,PDP.
This disillusionment by aforementioned leaders in the state was said to have been hinged on allegations that Adeferati sidelined them in addition to discontent about the manner AD adopted the then sitting governor as its governorship candidate in 2003. As of then, the incumbent chief executive of the state was not also having a healthy relationship with prominent elders like Pa Reuben Fasoranti and Chief Olu Falae, a situation that negatively affected his party's chances of winning the poll.
Though Adeferati, from Ondo North had commenced reaching out to the duo during the electioneering period, the move did little or nothing to prevent his defeat at the election by the PDP. Pointedly, the reported outwitting of Afenifere leaders and AD governors by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, substantially contributed in making PDP the ruling party in Ondo from 2003-2007. With Agagu's victory, Ondo became a PDP state like four other South West states where the AD lost to the PDP.
That era was also not devoid of high-wire politics and acrimony with the biggest challenge coming from Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, who had earlier defected, firt from the AD, thence to the PDP and finally to Labour Party where he contested the 2007 governorship race against Agagu.
Nonetheless, Mimiko's suit challenging the declaration of Agagu as the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission,INEC, resulted in the former's sack by a five-man tribunal led by Justice Garba Nabaruma on Agust 25, 2008.
The subsequent ruling of the Court of Appeal on the matter paved the way for Mimiko's emergence as governor on February 23, 2009.
That, however, brought to an end the reign of the PDP and as well marked the beginning of LP's era, which was subsequently marooned as Mimiko returned to the PDP, in a move that left no one surprised. Mimiko, from Ondo South Senatorial District was believed to have only used the LP as a special purpose vehicle to wrest power from Agagu. With these evemts, it becomes easy to understand that personal ambition rather than the will of the people, as mainly instrumental to Ondo's swinging across three parties in 15 years.
Reliance Infosystems Limited in collaboration with Microsoft Nigeria has concluded arrangements to hold the 2016 edition of Christmas-in-the-Cloud event on tomorrow in in Lagos.
Christmas-in-the-Cloud is an annual year-end event that brings together C-Level executives across mid-size and enterprise organizations to share ideas on how to enhance technology input in businesses.
Using the theme: digital transformation, this year's event is anchored around a message that encourages stakeholders to embrace digital transformation being the route to positioning their businesses for profitable disruption and attainment of business excellence.
On how the conference will run this year, MD/CEO, Reliance Infosystems, Olayemi Popoola stated that this year's conference will come in different tailor-made sessions that target participants' roles in their organizations.
According to him, "For the deep dive sessions, we have identified customers whose businesses can be massively transformed on adoption of Microsoft Cloud technology. These sessions are most suitable for attendance by the C-Level executives and head of units from organization as implementations are typically that of top-down approach. There will also be tremendous networking opportunities'.
Facilitators for this year's conference will include Isaac Orolugbagbe, Vice Chairman of FedEx, Yinka David-West, Executive Director , Lagos Business School and John Edokpolo, Head Legal Services , Microsoft Nigeria).
Also facilitating will include Olawunmi Ofiya, Ijeoma Mbaneme, Olawale Olajide, Dayo Adekanmbi, Franklin Nsude, Ifeoma Enumah, Mark Esiovwa, Victor Bayedo and Bright Ubamadu, Jumoke Aliu all of Reliance Infosystems Limited.
Amnesty International, Thursday, released a video to back its report stating that the Nigerian security forces led by the military, embarked on a chilling campaign of extrajudicial executions and violence resulting in the deaths of at least 150 peaceful pro-Biafra protesters in the South Eastern part of the country.
Enugu—The Enugu state commissioner for Housing, Engr. Charles Ogbo Asogwa, has distanced himself from a purported opposition to the appointment of the state Acting Chief Judge, Justice Ngozi Emehelu.
Asogwa who was a former state lawmaker said he is not against the confirmation of Emehelu to a substantive position, stressing that he never held any meeting with his former colleagues or any other person where such a matter was discussed.
In a statement through the Ministry's Public Relations Officer, Cletus Eze, Asogwa disassociated himself from a media report which associated him with opposition to Emehelu. Eze said that the commissioner never held any meeting with former members of the state House of Assembly or any other person where he opposed the appointment of Justice Emehelu.
"The Honourable commissioner, Engr. Charles Asogwa, wants to use this medium to let the public know that he has never and will never oppose the appointment of the Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice Ngozi Emehelu, who was meritoriously appointed by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi," he said.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has inaugurated the Technical Committee on the Review of Nigeria’s Tourism Master Plan, with a call on members to articulate realistic policies that will drive tourism from the periphery to the mainstream of the economy.
From left: The Director, International Tourism, Mrs. Ronke Wole Fasanya; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Mrs. Ayo Adesugba, and the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, at the inauguration of the Technical Committee on the Review of Nigeria’s Tourism Master Plan in Abuja.
Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja, the Minister said even though the Tourism Master Plan was designed in 2006, a plan of action to implement it was abandoned half way, hence the need for members of the committee to review the Plan in consonance with contemporary challenges and realities and the peculiarities of Nigeria.
“This team is to review our own Tourism Master Plan and see which aspect of that Master Plan needs to be reviewed in consonance with what has happened both in terms of technology, politics and even in terms of climate change.
“We are talking about reasonable and sustainable tourism because what we are offering to the world in terms of cultural and natural resources are also dependent on Mother Nature, and you must make sure that we do not expend it or expose it in a manner that children unborn will not have anything to show for it,” he said.
Alhaji Mohammed said part of the drive of this administration to make tourism one of the pillars of the nation’s economy is the resuscitation of the Presidential Council on Tourism (PCT) and the review of the Master Plan.
He said the Steering Committee on the PCT had already commenced the drafting of the Council’s agenda, which will be handed over to the President.
The Minister also disclosed the readiness of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) to assist Nigeria in the review of the Master Plan, having contributed immensely to the drafting of the initial plan.
He underscored the need to develop a synergy among all sectors of government, the private sector and the local community in order to have a multi-sectoral approach towards the development of tourism in Nigeria.
“The thing about tourism is that it’s probably the most inclusive of all endeavours in life,” Alhaji Mohammed said, noting that in tourism, the Ministries of Agriculture Health, Power, Works and Housing and even Trade and Investment are all important, ”and until we take this on board we will not be able to transit from being a country of huge tourism potential to a country’s who’s economy will be driven by tourism and this is the beginning”.
Members of the Review Committee include representatives from the Federal Ministries of Information and Culture, Interior, Budget and National Planning, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, as well as the National Association of Nigeria’s Travel Agencies.
BudgIT, is a civic startup that liberates budgets and public data from an inactive state into a more engaging format mostly through infographics and interactive application with the aim of improving civic discussion and institutional reform, has said that the 2017-2019 Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF, presented to the National Assembly by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government is incomplete.
President Buhari
BudgIT said the MTEF does not include Federation targets (Federal, States and Local Governments), as well as clear classification of revenue lines.
In a statement on Thursday, by its Program Manager, Abiola Afolabi, BudgIT said: “The 2017-2019 Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF is incomplete, as it does not include Federation targets (Federal, States and Local Governments) as well as clear classification of revenue lines.
“It is important to note that Medium Term Expenditure Framework does not only apply to the Federal Government but also state governments also draw their projections from previous documents.
“The current MTEF document does not include a detailed 2016 budget performance report. It is important to know the Budget Office of the Federation has not released any budget implementation report for 2016.
“In terms of comprehensiveness of the MTEF documents as previously seen, the 2017-2019 projection is a setback.
“The projections show that the Federal Government continues to expand its debt and this will keep increasing the debt service costs in medium-term.
“These costs could be up to 40% of the actual revenues in 2017, an alarming index despite a low debt-to-GDP ratio.”
The statement added that “A recent downgrade of Nigeria’s credit ratings further down in the junk category was because of the risky expansion of debt without attendant massive revenue growth.
“The MTEF document shows that Nigeria might borrow in order to afford her recurrent expenditure. This is a worrisome trend, as it shows oil revenue and tax receipts are no longer enough to pay salaries, run overheads and service debts.
“Nigeria has a serious revenue challenge and the huge hope on the Treasury Single Accounts is currently being dimmed despite the bogus projections for Independent Revenues in the medium-term.
“The targets for revenues are overly optimistic and without serious overhaul of the tax system and waiver structure, we don’t foresee more than a 60% performance.
“The capital expenditure growth is encouraging but careful interest must be on the line items to ensure that they provide a balanced social and economic support for the economy currently in recession.
“We have seen cases where various items of questionable status in terms of benefit to the public are classified as capital projects.
“Aggressive recovery of loot, rise in oil prices coupled with stable oil production and astronomical spike in tax revenues are key factors to make these revenue projections realistic.
“We hope that the presentation of the 2017 Budget by President Muhammadu Buhari on December 1, 2016 will be detailed and puts into full consideration of the current downturn in the economy.”
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) received a total of 4,304 complaints concerning unsolicited telemarketing, both voice and text, within nine months, Mr Ayoola Oke, the Chief Executive Officer of ICT Derivatives Ltd, has said.
Oke made this known at the 4th Quarter Meeting/Open Forum of the Industry Consumer Advisory Forum (ICAF) on Thursday in Lagos.
The theme of the forum is: "Do-Not-Disturb (DND): Panacea To Unsolicited Messages".
He said that the complaints were received from telecommunications consumers through 'Walk-in, Outreach Events, Letters, Emails, Consumer Web Portal (CWP) and the Call Centre (622).
According to him, in the first quarter of 2016, the regulatory body received a total of 2,325 complaints on unwanted and disturbing telemarketing.
He said that of the 2,325 complaints, 13 were through walk-in to NCC's centre, outreach events and letters from telecommunications subscribers, 28 were through emails and CWP, while 2,284 were received through 622 toll free calls to NCC's call centre.
Oke said that in 2nd quarter, 629 unsolicited text and calls complaints were received, which included 12 walk-in, outreach events and letters to the regulatory body.
They also included 54 complaints through emails and CWP, as well as 563 complaints received through calls.
He said that in the third quarter, a total of 1,350 complaints on issues of unsolicited telemarketing were received.
"Sixteen were through walk-in to the commission's centre, outreach events and letters, 62 complaints were through emails and CWP, while 1,272 were through calling 622 to the call centre.
"In summary, 41 complaints were through walk-in, outreach events and letters, 144 were through emails and CWP, then 4,119 unsolicited telemarketing complaints were through calling 622, which is the code for the NCC call centre," Oke said.
He noted that the commission had been inundated with several complaints from consumers on the menace of unsolicited messages (voice/SMS).
"Based on this, a direction on "Do-Not-Disturb (DND)" was issued to telecommunications service providers to dedicate a common short code (2442) to consumers.
"Consumers are encouraged to send SMS to determine the type of Value Added Service (VAS) messages they want to receive, if any; aimed at reducing the number of occurrences," Oke said.
…As Nike Akande, Olu Jacobs, Others Eulogize Late Industrialist
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday described the late literary icon and foremost industrialist, Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi as one of the founding fathers of modern day Lagos who offered selfless service to the service of the State and the nation.
Governor Ambode, who spoke at Lagos House in Ikeja during a reception organized by the State Government in honour of Gbadamosi, said the late economist and industrialist was a true Lagosian who contributed immensely to the development of the State, adding that the government and good people of Lagos would forever cherish his contribution to the growth of the State.
Speaking at the event which was well attended by captains of industry, politicians, and stakeholders in the arts industry, among others, Governor Ambode said Gbadamosi served the State at a young age as Commissioner for Economic Planning and ended his service to the State at his old age as Co-Chairman of the Lagos at 50 Celebration Committee.
He said: "I stand here on behalf of all Lagosians to celebrate selflessness. Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi was an illustrious son of Ikorodu; a true son of Lagos; a patriotic Nigerian; an elder statesman; a thoroughbred economist; a lover of arts per excellence; a consummate businessman; and above all a selfless Nigerian.
"He was not just a father but one of the founding fathers of modern day Lagos. We, in Lagos State, will forever cherish his contribution to the growth and development of Lagos State. He was a fine gentle man; a father; an uncle; and a very lively person. We, in the State Government, will miss him so much."
Besides, the Governor described Gbadamosi's death as a personal loss to him, saying that the late industrialist was a brother, counselor and big uncle to him, and that he (Gbadamosi) has surely earned a place of exemplary leadership in the government of the State.
He recalled Gbadamosi's days as the Commissioner for Economic Planning in the State whereby he contributed to laying a solid foundation for the development of the State, saying that his appointment as Co-Chairman of Lagos at 50 Committee was reached after a careful study of those who have served the State selflessly.
Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos state
While also recalling the backlash that trailed Gbadamosi's appointment into the Committee on health grounds, the Governor said he (Gbadamosi) stood his ground and never allowed it to deter him from selflessly serving the State, and urged other members of the Committee to make the events to celebrate the State bigger and more successful in his memory.
Besides, Governor Ambode urged Gbadamosi's family to be strong and take solace in his dreams and vision of a modern Lagos as well as his legacies.
The Governor, however, assured that because of Gbadamosi's love for arts, the State Government would intensify initiatives to promote arts more than ever starting with arts exhibition in January, 2017 to bring the old and the young together and create the framework for youth engagement.
In her tribute, President of Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Chief Mrs Nike Akande said the late Gbadamosi personified the value of hard work, adding that he was an amiable and hardworking industrialist who was always bringing deep intellectual insight into national issues.
Akande also said Gbadamosi had an incredible passion for the progress of Lagos and he was a leading industrialist, lover and supporter of the arts.
On his part, veteran actor, Olu Jacobs said Gbadamosi was passionately committed to standing with the people and was always particular about the welfare of the arts and artists.
Responding on behalf of the family, Gbadamosi's eldest child, Mrs. Morounkunbi Osinoiki thanked the State Government for organizing the tribute in honour of her late father, saying it was well appreciated by the family.
Mariah Carey's new reality show sees the larger-than-life singer trying on wedding dresses and wrestling with a decision to postpone her marriage to Australian businessman James Packer.
Nine months on, as "Mariah's World" prepares to air in December, Carey is dodging questions about the sudden breakdown in October of her engagement to the billionaire.
Asked if the eight-part series would show what really went on to cause the split, Carey told Reuters. "Do we ever know what's really real?… I hope we learn a lesson of being good people."
Packer, 49, and twice-married Carey, 46, started a highly-publicised relationship in June 2015, and in January, the Australian proposed with a massive 35-carat diamond engagement ring.
Mariah Carey
In October, the engagement was suddenly off, sparking conflicting rumors about who backed out, and why.
Packer appears briefly in the first episode of "Mariah's World," when the couple enjoyed happier times in the spring vacationing on yachts.
Carey is seen lounging in lingerie, trying on a wedding dress, and debating whether to wear a tiara.
Filming started while the "We Belong Together" singer was preparing for her European tour that began in March and the first episode shows her reluctantly deciding to postpone her wedding to Packer because of her work commitments.
Carey, the world's best-selling female singer, says she wants the show to capture "behind the scenes and the moments… when you are getting ready to go on stage and putting on a tour."
"I don't think people really know who I am, or the different sides of my personality, so I am excited about it," Carey told Reuters.
Although the show was first promoted as showing Carey planning her wedding, it remains to be seen how much Packer will now appear.
On Wednesday, Carey told Ellen DeGeneres in an appearance on her talk show that her relationship with Packer was "kind of difficult to talk about" and described the split as "a whole friggin' thing."
"Mariah's World" shows Carey to be heavily involved in planning and rehearsing for her European tour, as well as flirting with her back-up dancers.
"There is a lot to get stressed out about and you do go through a lot of angst," she told Reuters. But "if I'm able to have my music… it's my saving grace."
"Mariah's World" premieres on cable network E! on Dec. 4
Following a meeting of the National Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Movement, PDM, which held in Abuja, Thursday, the party has announced the removal of its National Chairman, Bashir Yusuf.
Bashir Yusuf
Sacked alongside the chairman are all other national officers of the party.
PDM is made up of loyalists of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
Sacked Governorship candidate of the Sen. Alimodu Sheriff faction of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr Jimoh Ibrahim has said that he was humbled by the decision of the Courts, but not out of contention for the Ondo State governorship post.
Jimoh Ibrahim said this in a sequence of tweets on his unverified twitter account @JimohIbrahimOFR.
The Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, Dr Abali Chuku, has appealed to the Federal Government to release N500 million take-off grant to the hospital.
Chuku made the appeal on Thursday while briefing a team of officials from the Fiscal and Responsibility Commission (FRC), which was at the hospital to inspect ongoing federal government projects.
The medical director expressed concern that the hospital had not received take-off grant since its inception in 1999 when it was taken over from the missionaries by the Federal Government.
He said that the Centre had been grappling with inadequate funding, adding that the take-off grant would help it to perform optimally.
Chuku added that the hospital was grossly understaffed, saying that the present staff size of 1,531 was battling to meet the work load.
The medical director said that the Centre had only 236 nurses and needed more to be able to effectively discharge its duties.
He explained that he had applied to the Office of the Head of Service to employ 800 workers but received approval for 415, including medical personnel, engineering, administration and accounting officers, among others.
Chuku said it had become difficult for the hospital to sponsor the training of medical and other ancilliary staff because of paucity of funds.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the FRC team, led by a Deputy Director, Mr Samson Eletuo, inspected the two-storey Slessor/Ludlow wards and two-storey consulting complex, with 33 clinics already completed.
The team also inspected the ongoing construction of Crowder/Ibiam Ward, valued at over N173 million.
Chuku said that only N15 million had so far been released for the project and that the job could not progress due to the lack of funds.
Also inspected was the construction of the 250-bed wards, valued at about N214 million.
The medical director added that the project was initiated in 1970 but stopped at the foundation level also due to the lack of funds.
He said work on the project resumed after it was captured in the 2014 and 2016 budgets respectively and that 65 per cent work had been completed, adding that its completion would add up to the hospital's current 405-bed capacity.
He then appealed for more funding of the hospital, saying it was not getting any financial assistance from the Abia Government.
The team also inspected the rehabilitation of 5km portion of Aba Road, Umuahia, being supervised by the Federal Ministry of Works.
In an interview at the end of the inspection, the leader of the team expressed satisfaction with the level of work so far executed at the FMC.
He, however, expressed reservation with the execution of the rehabilitation of the Aba Road.
He said the state government's intervention on some portions of the project created some grey areas that required clarification from the contractor, Simidia S&I International Company Limited.
He said that the team covered four states in the South East, namely Anambra, Imo, Enugu and Abia.
A representative of the contractor, Mr Joshua Onwuchekwa, said that the contract was awarded as a constituency project in 2011 at about N560 million.
He said the company received an initial mobilisation fee of over N30 million and that work was suspended after the amount was exhausted.
He added that with last week's release of additional N60 million, work would soon resume on the remaining part of the project.
Anambra state literally stood still yesterday, as the Federation Cup Champions, FC Ifeanyi Ubah, management, supporters, as well as Governor Willie Obiano celebrated the Anambra Warriors.
Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano; former APGA Chairman, Chief Victor Umeh and President, FC Ifeanyi Ubah, Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah during the FA Cup victory tour, to the Government House, Awka.
President of FC Ifeanyi Ubah and Managing Director of Capital Oil & Gas, Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah led the victory parade from the FC Ifeanyi Ubah International Stadium, Nnewi to the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia where the trophy was presented to Governor Obiano before touring other parts of the state and back to the stadium.
Before the presentation of the Federation Cup trophy to Governor Obiano, Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah praised the gallant efforts of the team, assuring fans that the all-conquering team, popularly called Anambra Warriors would do Anambra state and Nigeria proud in the 2017 CAF Confederations Cup.
Dr. Ubah thanked the Governor and the entire people of Anambra state for the immense love and support shown to FC Ifeanyi Ubah, even as he solicited for their continued support and prayers to enable them do the nation proud by winning the Confederation Cup.
He noted that FC Ifeanyi Ubah’s victory at the Federation Cup competition and the emergence of Rangers International of Enugu as Nigeria league champions are feats the South East should celebrate and be proud of.
Dr. Ubah insisted that all glory must be given to God Almighty and thanked the players, Management and supporters club for their unwavering commitment to the club.
In his speech, the Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano commended the historic feat recorded by FC Ifeanyi Ubah, noting that the victory is very significant to the state.
Obiano said: ”I am delighted to receive the trophy on behalf of Ndi Anambra state”.
Chief Willie Obiano eulogized Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah for his massive exploits in rekindling club football nostalgia in the state.
The governor said that by winning the Federation Cup, FC Ifeanyi Ubah have done ‘Ndi Anambra’ and the entire Igbo race proud by qualifying for the CAF Organized Confederation Cup.
He also commended Rangers International FC of Enugu for winning the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) trophy, saying that the two South Eastern clubs have indeed done the Geopolitical zone proud by bringing back the two most prestigious trophies in Nigerian club football circus home.
Chief Willie Obiano went ahead to support Anambra Warriors with the sum of N10million and promised to triple the largesse, as well as give out plot of lands to the players and Management of FC Ifeanyi Ubah in choice areas of Awka if the Anambra Warriors eventually win the coveted CAF Confederations Cup trophy.
The former National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh also donated N1million to the Anambra Warriors, while Mr. Anthony Okoli, Chairman, Mace Group of Companies Limited donated the sum of N5million to the club for their exploits.
In her reaction, Commissioner for Youth Entrepreneurship and Sports Development, Barr. Dr. (Mrs) Uju Nwogu commended FC Ifeanyi Ubah’s class act of winning the Federation Cup trophy.
Nwogu said Anambra State is always the pacesetter in every field of endeavour, highlighting some of the achievements of the state in recent National competitions which has really put Anambra State on the map.
The Commissioner harped on the need for other well-meaning and good-spirited individuals in the state to emulate the exploits and vision of Dr. Ubah for youth development and sport promotion.
Thereafter, Governor Obiano, alongside the Commissioner for Information, Youth Entrepreneurship and Sports Development Commissioner, former National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh alongside Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah and Club Chairman Mr. Chukwuma Ubah embarked on an open truck road tour to show off the trophy.
The road show saw movement across Amawbia through the popular Eke Awka market traversing through Aroma and down to UNIZIK Temp Site junction.
The road show continued with a journey to the Commercial hub of the State, Onitsha and was completed with a trip to the residence of the Traditional ruler of Nnewi, HRH Igwe Dr. K. O. N. Orizu.
At the Royal Palace, Chairman of the club, Chukwuma Ubah presented the trophy to Igwe Orizu after which the Traditional Ruler blessed the trophy and prayed for immense blessings and success for the club in its future endeavours.
Dignitaries at the occasion were the First Lady and the Wife of the Governor, Chief Mrs Ebele Obiano, Commissioner for Youth Entrepreneurship and Sports development, Barr. Dr. (Mrs) Uju Nwogu, Commissioner for Information, Ogbuefi Tony Nnacheta, former APGA National Chairman, Chief Victor Umeh and Members of the Anambra FA Board led by Vice Chairman, Barr. Jude Obikwelu.
Enugu – The Police in Enugu on Thursday said one person died and 11 others lost unconsciousness in an accident that occurred along the Ezeagu community axis of Onitsha-Enugu Expressway.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Mr Ebere Amaraizu,said in Enugu that the accident happened at about 9 p.m. on Wednesday.
Amaraizu said that the police had yet to identify and contact the relations or friends of the victims.
He appealed to members of the public to report to the police any missing person or someone that undertook a journey through the Onitsha-Enugu road that had not returned home.
"The accident involved an empty luxurious bus and a mass transit company mini-bus loaded with passengers coming from Enugu.
"It was gathered that both vehicles collided while plying one way which left one person in the mini-bus dead while eleven others are in critical condition.
"Police intervention saw the conveyance of the injured persons to Ekochin Hospital 9th Mile Corner, Ngwo, near Enugu,'' he said.
Amaraizu said that the remains of the deceased had been deposited at Our Saviour Hospital Mortuary, 9th Mile Corner, Ngwo, near Enugu.
By Chris Ochayi ABUJA – The Initiative for Leadership and Economic Watch, ILEW, has passed a confidence vote on the Managing Director, Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Mr. Williams Makinde , saying he was on course piloting affairs of the commission.
The group, which condemned recent media attacks being targeted at Mr. Makinde in a statement issued in Abuja, urged to ignore the antic of the traducers and be focus on rendering the best of services to the people of the state.
Amb. Splendour Agbonkpolor, the Executive Director of ILEW, disparaged the attacks on the person of Makinde by detractors who are trying to portray him in bad light.
He said that Makinde's performances in terms of project implementations were there and visible for people to see adding, "The MD deserves commendation instead of attacks.
The group, which claimed to have being keenly following the activities Mr. Williams Makinde since assumption of office, described him as man of integrity and honest who abhors fraudulent and corrupt practices.
The Civil Society Group, warned that it will on its own efforts challenge any further false report make against DESOPADEC or against Makinde in the court of law, adding, "We can't fold our hands to see an upright man being harass or intimidated."
Warning the detractors to leave Makinde alone, the group said, "It is on the heels of these developments that we use this medium to caution detractors whose sole preoccupation is to fight the good man who was all out to ensure infrastructural transformation of Delta State.
Amb. Agbonkpolor urged them to desist from same as DESOPADEC leadership under Makinde will not succumb to the blackmailers, adding, "He has demonstrated patriotism and portrayed excellence in serving our Fatherland and as such should be applauded for same.
He said, "We are aware that Delta state is more than ever before is in need of infrastructural development. It is my believe that in order to achieve this gigantic dream for the state, we must support the present leadership at the DESOPADEC.
"The commission has the mandate to provide infrastructure and transform the state into a modern society in terms of development. On this note, we commend the leadership style of the Managing Director, Mr. Williams Makinde. He is on course. He has done well so far.
"But some timid individuals who I can say feel intimidate by his performances have now resort to blackmail and doing that just to distract him. We in The Initiative for Leadership and Economic Watch, to this ends, strongly condemned the media attacks targeted at him. "We hereby passed a vote of confidence on the administration of Makinde and his team at the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC."
By Osasu Obayiuwana As the year gradually inches to a close – we barely have six weeks left in 2016 – I am thinking of the friends I've lost this year, Ken Saro-Wiwa being one of them.
Ken's death, at 48 (I'm just a year younger than him) totally floored me.
But it is the passing away of the 'Big Boss', Stephen Keshi, that shook me to my core. To be frank, I am yet to get over it.
A wreath and a portrait of former Nigerian football coach Stephen Keshi are seen during a farewell ceremony at the Ogbe Stadium, in Benin City, on July 28, 2016. / AFP PHOTO
Waking up at the Hyatt hotel in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on 8th June, at 1am, to hear that this icon of African football had suddenly died, at 54, left me deeply distressed.
It was only weeks later, on 31 July – two days after he had been buried in his Illah compound – that Kanayo Mudabai, Keshi's close relative, told me, with painstaking detail, how the two-time African football champion spent his last moments on earth.
Mudabai was one of the last people to see him alive.
During that second visit to the graveside, after the multitude had gone, I also met Mary Ado, Stephen’s only sister.
We both listened to a 2012 recording of my last major interview with Stephen, a few months before his glorious triumph at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, where he became the second of two men on the continent to win the trophy as a captain (in 1994) and a coach.
"Stephen knew, very early, his calling in life," she recalled.
"My parents would find out that he skipped [primary] school to play football and he would be punished by not being given food…
"Often, when he was so hungry, he used to beg me to sneak him some. But all the punishment never made him stop playing," she laughed.
She also told me about how devastated Stephen was, after losing Kate, the love of his life for over 30 years, in December last year.
Stephen never hid the central role that his wife had played in the success that his life became.
"Whatever I achieved in my life, has been through the grace of my wife, and God," he said.
"When I heard from my brother that Kate had died, I wept… I wondered how my brother was going to cope without her," said Mary.
"I kept calling him, to see how he was doing. But he really didn't want to publicly express how he was feeling… he never liked burdening other people with his problems.
“Stephen was a man who had handled his own business from a very young age, so he was really never very good at revealing his innermost feelings. He always felt that he could handle his issues on his own, without help from anyone.
“He would tell me that he was okay, even when I knew he was not.”
"He didn't share [his problems]," Kanayo Mudabai confirmed. "Even when you tried to force things out of him, he'd look for a way to change the topic."
"When he thought no one was watching, I would hear him talk to Kate, like she was still alive.
"'Nkem ["My own" in Igbo], we did not plan things like this," I would hear him say," Mudabai said.
"At least he has gone to be with the woman that he loved."
Having served his nation with distinction for over 30 years, one would have expected Keshi to be buried with full honours and the eternal gratitude of the Nigerian government, keen to publicly acknowledge and reward patriotic service.
But in shocking contrast to what happened with Senzo Meyiwa, the murdered South Africa goalkeeper, who got a state burial, Keshi's family had no official presence from the Nigerian government.
Solomon Dalung, Nigeria's sports minister, was inexplicably absent from the funeral.
The federal government's behaviour towards the Keshi family was a total disgrace and a profound act of ingratitude.
"There are no words to express how Keshi laboured and sacrificed for this country," Taribo West, the former Inter and AC Milan defender, told me.
"Stephen was my idol, he was someone I looked up to… The very poor way his funeral process was handled is a very bad sign for young players. It gives the impression that one labours for one's nation for nothing. It's painful and sad."
Mary says he would not have been surprised at his shabby treatment in death.
"If Stephen could have spoken to us, he would have told us (his family) to forget them (the government) and just do our thing.
"Nigeria does not appreciate its heroes… If it had been a politician [that died] the whole of Abuja [referring to the government] would have emptied to attend the funeral."
"I still find it unbelievable that he's gone. I still have the feeling that he'll speak to me, that I'll see him again."
Two memories that I have of Stephen are engraved in my mind.
Then out of football and quite disillusioned by the sport that brought him fame, Big Boss laughed it off and casually dismissed the thought.
The second memory was 14 years later, on 10 February 2013, at Soccer City in Johannesburg, when I saw him lift the Africa Cup of Nations, which Nigeria had not won in nearly 20 years.
It was, without question, the highpoint of his brilliant managerial career and a great moment of vindication to witness.
Dennis Sharpe, an American writer, made this remark about heroes: "They have faults and flaws. They stumble from time to time.
"They are heroes, though, because they correct themselves… and set an example, intended or not, for the world observing them… even, and especially, to those who would love nothing more than to see them fail."
It's a befitting epitaph to lend to a man I am proud to call my friend.
