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  • Quadri gets German coach for ITTF World Cup

    Quadri gets German coach for ITTF World Cup

    Nigeria’s Aruna Quadri participation in the forthcoming International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Men’s World Cup received a boost as a German coach, Martin Adomeit, has been engaged to tutor the African champion during the competition.

    The engagement of the former German national coach was made possible by Quadri’s kits sponsor, Joola, who were thrilled by the performance of the player in recent time.

    This development was communicated to the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) recently and the federation believes this would help the player to do well at the global tournament in Dusseldorf, Germany this week.

    An elated Quadri told Nationsport yesterday that he was happy having a qualified coach behind him during the championship.

    “It will be great to have someone at my back advising me on the table during World Cup because it has not been easy for me playing alone in all the Pro Tours I have played so far this year. I also believe that having a coach behind me in Düsseldorf will enable me to correct some of my mistakes. I seriously believe that having made mistakes in the previous months during Pro Tours and I am happy right now that an adviser has come to help me,” the Portugal-based player said.

    Quadri, who recently led his Portuguese club, GD Toledos to clinch the Mediterranean Cup in Turkey however, dismissed insinuation that he would make an impact in Germany.

    “It is true that the players listed for the World Cup posses qualities but that does not mean I cannot withstand their level. I seriously believe that I can still do better than what I achieved during the 2009 edition in Moscow, Russia. In the line-up of the players listed for the championship are two players ranked among the top 30 in the world and I defeated them last month at the Czech Open. With this kind of success I think better days are ahead for me at the World Cup,” he said.

    The world number 73 ranked player added: “I am not going to be intimidated by their ranking as I believe that ranking means participating regularly in tournaments. I know it is not going to be a walk-over for me because I need to give 100 percent in all my matches in Germany.”

    On his target in Germany, Quadri said: “My primary objective is to surpass my previous World Cup record and also to qualify from the group stage. If I qualify from the group stage, I seriously believe I can cause an upset in the knockout stage and in the main draw nobody knows what might happen.”

  • Obudu Mountain Race gets Nov 8 date

    Obudu Mountain Race gets Nov 8 date

    The Local Organising Committee for the Obudu international mountain race and the African mountain running championships has announced Saturday November 8,2014 for this year’s two-in-one race.

    Speaking at the end of its meeting in Calabar at the weeknd, the State Commissioner for Youth & Sports, Patrick Ugbe who is also the vice Chairman of the LOC revealed that this year’s race will be unique.

    ‘The 10th edition of the annual Obudu international mountain race and the sixth African mountain running championships will hold on Saturday November 8 at the Obudu ranch resort in Obudu,’began Ugbe who has been a strong part of the race since its inaugural edition in 2005.

    ‘The race this year will be different from past editions because we are celebrating the 10th year of sponsoring Africa’s best ever mountain running event and the highest paying mountain race in the world.We have thus christened this year’s race Mountain Race of the Stars.We want to invite all area champions and the very best mountain runners in the world to come and celebrate with us,’further revealed Ugbe who has been hailed as one of the men behind the huge success the race has enjoyed since 2005.

    As part of decisions reached by the LOC, a total of 110 Athletes shall feature in the World-Class Mountain Race based on their performances around the globe.

    The LOC has proposed to host one of the best competitions which will feature oath taking, match past, short speeches and local dances during the opening and closing ceremonies.

    The Committee revealed that prizes and awards shall be presented immediately at the end of each event to make the event one of the most ICT compliant in the history of the competition.

    ‘The event shall feature children, youth, media and VIP races on the first day of the competition while the main race will come up on day two. His Excellency the Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke has promised to take part in the VIP race personally,’said Ugbe.

    Last year Ethiopia’s Yalew Ganet and Kenya’s Rono Philemon won the respective women and men’s individual titles while Oltaruesh Perine and Godfrey Kusoro led Kenya and Uganda to the men and women’s team titles.

    The Obudu mountain race is an associate member race of the World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) and is also endorsed by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

  • NOSDRA gets oil spill equipment

    The Federal Government yesterday handed over oil spill detection, response and laboratory equipment to the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to help detect oil spill in the country.

    The government also inaugurated the Geographic Information System (GIS) centre for the agency.

    Already, the GIS has been installed in Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Warri, Uyo and Kaduna to assist in detecting oil spill.

    Minister of Environment Mrs. Laurentia Mallam who spoke in  Abuja at the commissioning of the GIS centre at the headquarters of NOSDRA, said the project was the intervention of the National Committee on Ecological Problem, through the Ecological Fund Office (EFO).

    She said the GIS centres would assist the agency to locate and respond to cases of oil spill quickly when it happens in any part of the country.

    She said:“It is hoped that NOSDRA would deploy the procured equipment into effective usage by ensuring the early detection of any act of spillage in any part of the country. It is our hope therefore that this project would enhance the capabilities of NOSDRA to fulfill its core mandate.

    “Nigeria is blessed with enormous crude oil and gas resources. It is a national treasury that we should harness and exploit for the common good. I therefore call on well meaning Nigerians, oil and gas industry regulators and operators to join hands with government toward eradicating the ugly trend of oil spillage and its harmful effect on the environment.”

  • SURE-P gets N15b monthly, says SURE-P chair Agwai

    SURE-P gets N15b monthly, says SURE-P chair Agwai

    Chairman of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd) yesterday said the committee receives N15billion monthly.

    The money, he said, represents the N32 difference between the old pump price and the new price of N97 for premium motor spirit (PMS).

    He said SURE-P has been receiving the N15billon every month since inception on February 13, 2012 and has been intervening in the provision of transportation infrastructure, healthcare, youth empowerment, among others.

    Agwai, who at a news conference on the activities of the committee in Lagos, said SURE-P has been operating on a budget of N268.37 billion this year.

    He said SURE-P does not decide where to intervene and how much to put into a project. “That is the role of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) under the chairmanship of President Goodluck Jonathan,” he said.

    Asked how much SURE-P has received so far, he said: “You cannot sit down and quantify everyday how much petrol is sold. So, the experts have sat down. They have worked all the variables under the extreme and the low part, and on the average, we at federal SURE-P get N15billion every month as SURE-P money.

    “But we don’t generate money. We’re only administering N32 that has become the difference between the old pump price and the new pump price,” he said.

    Agwai said SURE-P does not offer direct employment but works through ministries, departments and agencies (MDA), that in turn pay the contractors and those on internship.

    He said: “We don’t pay salaries directly. We don’t have a tenders’ board for contracts awards. We only administer payments. In one of our programmes called Graduate Internship Scheme, we pay stipends of N30,000, but they don’t come to SURE-P to collect cheques. They go through the MDAs.

    “For public projects, we work with the project implementation units of the MDAs. We don’t issue cheques. Our money is domiciled in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). When an MDA who we’re paying through has done a job, and we have cross-checked that the job has been done, we authorise the CBN to remit money to that organisation.

    “We use SURE-P money to build public health centres, but it’s the money we administer that is used for the payments. Directly, we don’t employ anybody. We don’t give any contracts out.”

    Agwai warned job-seekers to beware of fraudsters who wear SURE-P vests, collecting registration fees and promising employment to job-seekers. Some of the impersonators were said to be operating in Lagos around the Toll Gate area on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

    Agwi said SURE-P would build special U-Turns at various points on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to ease the challenge of driving long distances to make u-turns. The project, he said, will be concluded by 2017.

    According to him, 11,000 graduates have been employed under the internship scheme, while 5,000 people are currently undergoing trainings across the country, with 200 engineers being trained at the National Power Training Institute.

    Agwai said one of SURE-P’s challenges is managing Nigerians’ expectations, who according to him want projects delivered quickly.

    The SURE-P committee was set up to ensure the proper management of the funds that would accrue to the Federal Government from the partial withdrawal of fuel subsidy, with Dr Christopher Kolade as pioneer chairman and Agwai as his deputy.

  • RT Briscoe gets shareholders’ nod to raise N10b

    RT Briscoe gets shareholders’ nod to raise N10b

    Shareholders of RT Briscoe (Nigeria) Plc yesterday authorised the board of the company to raise N10 billion to deleverage its operations as the automobile and real estate company struggled with losses induced by huge interest expenses.

    At the annual general meeting in Lagos, shareholders mandated the board to raise new funds through any option or a combination of debt instruments, preference shares and ordinary shares by way of rights issue, private placement or offer for subscription.

    To create room for the impending fresh capital, shareholders also increased the authorized share capital of the company from N2 billion divided into 4.0 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each to N3.25 billion divided 6.5 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each.

    Addressing the shareholders, chairman, RT Briscoe (Nigeria), Mr. Clement Olowokande said the directors on the company have been strategizing on how to optimize the use of available resources and opportunities for maximum returns.

    According to him, in order to raise the much needed capital for business expansion and working capital, the board is exploring the possibilities of recapitalizing through debt instruments, additional equity or a combination of both.

    He assured shareholders that the board will on behalf of the shareholders, carefully select auspice time and modality for implementing these options.

    He enjoined the shareholders to support the company in its efforts to recapitalize its business and stem the tide of losses in recent years.

    “The automobile industry in Nigeria, particularly for motor dealers and distributors like us, is currently in a development phase that requires significant capital outlay for stock, after sales infrastructure and implementation of development phase for the future,” Olowokande said.

    He said the competition in the market place has become more severe as all major brands in the world are now present in the country.

    On the future prospect of the company, the chairman the recent rebasing of Nigeria’s GDP confirmed enormous business opportunities in the country for a company like RT Briscoe.

    Olowokande observed that contrary to prior economic data before the rebasing, that the oil and gas sector represented 32 per cent of the economy, under the new set of data, that sector only contributed 14 per cent while much of the balance came from previously unreported, consumer-driven sectors.

    He also said that a report by the World Bank that the Nigerian had expanded by an average of six percent annually since 2006 and which according to IMF data is expected to achieve a rate of seven percent this year, gives much room for optimism and confidence in the business outlook, adding that this is further bolstered by reports that the population is growing by more than two percent per year, indicating a growing market for the company’s goods and services.

    The chairman also said the new automotive policy designed to favour local manufacturers and assembling of semi and completely knocked down parts is viewed by the board of the company as a challenge to improve the business horizon of the company.

    Owing to difficult operating environment in 2013, RT Briscoe recorded a group turnover of N21.8 billion during its financial year ended December 31, 2013 compared with a turnover of N21.9 billion during the corresponding period of 2012.

    “Irrespective of the progress made in property development projects, the International Financial Reporting Standards do not allow income to be realised until contractual arrangements are concluded and interest in the property is transferred to a third party,” Olowokande said.

    RT Briscoe recorded a loss before tax of about N152 million in 2013 as the company continued to wriggle in mounting interest expenses. Key extracts of the audited report and accounts of RT Briscoe for the year ended December 31, 2013 showed top-down decline in all key performance indices, underlining the decline in sales and continuing negative impact of the company’s financing expenses.

  • Dangote gets Group Chief Strategy Officer

    Dangote gets Group Chief Strategy Officer

    PAN African conglomerate, Dangote Group, has appointed a new Group Chief Strategist, Dr. Abdu Mukhtar.

    He is expected to deploy his rich experience to provide management oversight for all the functions within the the newly created Corporate Strategy Department.

    Mukhtar will assist the group’s President, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, to provide strategic direction for the conglomerate.

    He will also develop short,  medium- and long-term plans to achieve the group’s strategic objectives and vision.

    Dr. Mukhtar has acquired extensive experience in the private and public sectors in Africa, Asia, North America and the Middle East.

    His areas of competence cover privatisation, public-private partnerships, private equity, management consulting and entrepreneurship development.

    Until recently, he was the Group Managing Director/CEO of Abuja Investments Company and chaired the board’s subsidiary companies

  • Akwa Ibom gets N9b from MDGs cash transfer

    The Akwa Ibom State Government has received over N9billion from the Millennium Development Goals Conditional Cash Transfer (MDGs-CCT) scheme since 2007.

    The Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Dr. Precious Gbeneol, spoke during the launch of the (MDGs-CCT) Scheme for 2,275 benefitting households in Uyo, the state capital.

    Gbeneol said the MDGs-CCT Scheme was designed to reduce poverty and improve the lives of the poor through monthly stipends of N5,000 to  women, disabled or minor.

    The presidential aide said from the National Poverty Mapping Exercise conducted around the country, five local government areas in Akwa Ibom State- Udung Uko, Nsit Ibom, Etinan, Okobo and Uruan- were selected for the pilot scheme and five wards, which brought the number of benefiting families  to 2,275.

    Her words: “It will interest you to note that the Akwa Ibom State Government has actively participated in MDGs Conditional Cash Transfer Scheme since 2007 to date, receiving over N9billion.

    “Of this sum, over N5billion was allocated to the conditional cash scheme;

    “N3.2billion was appropriated to 16 local governments, with N775million going for conditional cash transfer to 2,600 households in five local governments, targeting health, education, water and sanitation, as well as improvement in agricultural value chain.”

    Governor Godswill Akpabio assured the Federal Government that the state would meet six of the eight goals of the MDGs by next year.

    Akpabio said the state’s investment in the power sector was to halt poverty-breeding elements by providing the needed energy for micro-economic activities.

    Represented by Deputy Governor Valerie Ebe, Akpabio said: “Today in our state, extreme poverty is no longer acceptable.

    “My administration has shown uncommon courage and commitment in implementing projects that improve the living standards of the people.

    “We have witnessed unparalleled political and socio-economic developments through the administration’s Uncommon Transformation Agenda and sectoral reforms that have engendered confidence and growth.”

  • Lagos gets 12 magistrates

    The Lagos State government swore in 12 magistrates yesterday to quicken the dispensation of justice.

    The magistrates are Feyikemi George; Abimbola Davies; Adenike Onilogbo; Funmilayo Dalley; Oluwatosin Ojuromi; Adenike Adepoju; Olanike Olagbende; Oluwabunmi Osinbajo; Kofoworola Ariyo; Adeola Erinle; Owolabi Lateef and Atanda Layeni.

    They were sworn in at the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, by the Chief Judge, Justice Ayotunde Phillips.

    This brings the number of Lagos magistrates to 119.

    Justice Phillips said their appointments were informed by the increase in the scope of the jurisdiction of Magistrate’s Courts, adding: “Additionally, your appointment would help to decongest the court and ensure speedy dispensation of justice, especially relating to pre-trial or awaiting trial in our prison system.”

    She said their new jurisdiction covers landlord and tenant cases, in addition to civil and criminal matters.

    Justice Phillips said adjudication in landlord and tenant matters would be limited to cases where the annual rent does not exceed N10 million, adding: “These cases in addition to your regular jurisdiction would keep you extremely busy to justify your appointment at this time.”

    She urged them to be mindful of their conduct and dedicated to their job.

    Speaking for the new magistrates, Mr. Owolabi Lateef thanked the Chief Judge for finding them worthy of the appointment.

    Lateef said they would do their best to ensure fair and speedy dispensation of justice.

  • ICAN gets new district

    ICAN gets new district

    The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has inaugurated a new district society at Mowe, a boundary town between Lagos and Ogun State last Wednesday.

    The Mowe district brings to 50 the number of the institute’s branches across the country.

    Alhaji Kabir Mohammed, the 49th president of the institute, said at the event that district societies serve as liaison offices to bridge the possible information gap between the institute’s secretariat and its members who are spread all over the nation.

    He further affirmed that the creation of the new branch is a timely and positive development and a testimony to the organisational abilities of the district’s executive committee.

    Mohammed advised the new executive members of the district to be disciplined and not to mortgage their conscience for pecuniary gains.

    The ICAN president also suggested projects that the new district can undertake, including establishing libraries and embarking on enlightenment campaigns.

    “I also urge you to further propagate the cause of the profession by organising seminars for secondary schools with a view to catching and bringing into the fold younger individuals who are desirous of pursuing a career in the profession,” he said.

    The new leaders of the new district society include: Alhaji Musibau Lawal (chairman), Mr. Oluwayemi Ezekiel (general secretary), Mr Nwaneri Emeka (vice chairman), Alhaji Taofeek Pennu (treasurer), Mr. Akanbi Wale (financial secretary), Mr John Dada (technical secretary), and Alhaji Ishaq Adeyemi (publicity secretary).

    In his acceptance speech, the chairman said he would ensure that all the tenets of the institute are fulfilled and do all that is needed to bring stability, tranquility and promotion to the institution, with the support of members.

    “I will like to appeal to my colleagues in this district to continue the good work we have started by your cooperation in all these areas so that our district would take its rightful place in the committee of districts of our great institute,” he said.

     

  • Book industry gets govt attention

    Book industry gets govt attention

    If there is anything the Nigerian Book Fair Trust (NBFT) is grateful happened at this year’s edition of the Nigeria International Book Fair (NIBF), it is attracting for the first time in a long while the presence of high level officials from the Federal Government.

    Chairman, House Committee on Education, Hon Lawal Suleiman graced the conference organised as part of the one-week event that held at the Multipurpose hall, University of Lagos, while the Registrar, Librarian Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN), Dr Victoria Okojie, was the keynote speaker.

    Their presence gave stakeholders in the book industry (made up of publishers, booksellers, authors, librarians and printers’ groups.) a platform to raise issues they wanted addressed by the Federal Government.

    They included the slashing of the 50 per cent duty on book imports, establishment of a commission to address the challenges of the book industry, high cost of production that makes local production unattractive, foreign incursion into the book industry, and piracy, among others.

    To address them, Hon Suleiman urged NBFT to reach out to the lawmakers for them to legislate on it.

    Regarding the theme of the conference, Emergence of the E-Book and the survival of Physical Book in Africa, the NBFT chairman, Mr Samuel Kolawole said the digital book has been slow in developing in Africa because of various challenges.

    He noted, however, that African publishers are rising up to the challenge by taking some measures, including printing on demand, inclusion of CD with paper back, presentation of e-version and sale of e-version on select websites.

    Describing the conference as a success, Executive Secretary, NIBF, Mr Biodun Omotubi, said the yearnings of the book industry stakeholders to get government attention is finally yielding results.

    “The conference was fantastic.  Over the years, we have been clamouring for government participation, especially at the federal level.  But this year, we were able to get Hon Suleiman to attend.  He added colour to the event and assured us that having heard of the challenges in the book industry, he would do his part to address them,” he said.

    Meanwhile, exhibitors and visitors at the fair, which is the 14th edition, expressed satisfaction about the programme.

    Mr Emeka Benjamin, one of the exhibitors was happy about the high turnout of people despite the economic hardship, as well as the presence of many foreigners, which he said was better than last year.

    Another exhibitor, Mrs Adesanmi Brown described the organisation as wonderful.

    “I have been attending every year and this year is so organised and perfect and my company has satisfied its purpose here,” she said.

    Bimpe Ogunmefun, a student of UNILAG, said books were cheaper at the fair than market price, while Suliat Musabaudeen, a guardian said she was also glad to get original copies.

    “I was able to buy different books today at cheaper rates and in good quality.  I am not afraid that it would not stand the test of time because I bought quality and not pirated copy” she said.

    Okeleye Peter, another exhibitor however gave a contrary opinion, “Though last year was better than this year in terms of the crowds and sales, I think the publicity was not enough” he remarked.