Friday, October 26, 2012 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

Eid-el-Kabir: Mark, Tambuwal, govs seek peace, harmony Soldiers deployed in Kano AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST,

GEORGE OJI, ROTIMI FADEYI, AND EMMANUEL ONANI

Mark

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igerian leaders, including President Goodluck Jonathan; Senate President David Mark; Speaker, House

of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, and state governors yesterday called on Nigerians to re-

Insecurity, Nigeria’s greatest challenge –Jonathan

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Friday, October 26, 2012

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Taraba governor in plane crash

Three dead, Suntai critically injured

Gov. Suntai being baptised after graduation from Aviation College, Kaduna in 2010.

OLUSEGUN KOIKI AND OWOLABI ADENUSI

overnor of Taraba State, Danbaba Suntai, narrowly escaped death yesterday when his plane crashed around 7p.m. at Ngulore village, 10 kilometres to Yola International Airport CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Fashola

No going back on okada ban –Lagos P.8

MDAs get N300bn capital budget for Q4 2012

Muslim pilgrims praying at Mount Arafat, Saudi Arabia, yesterday.

Stakeholders decry huge corruption in oil industry Fayemi, Oshiomhole laud Onaiyekan’s appointment as cardinal

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NDLEA arrests eight drug traffickers, seizes 10.6kg narcotics P.10

News

Friday, October 26, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stakeholders decry huge corruption in oil industry UDEME AKPAN

takeholders in the petroleum sector yesterday reacted to the alleged corruption in the oil industry as unearthed by the Mallam Nuhu Ribadu team. The revelation came to the open yesterday. The report alleged that the nation had in the past 10 years lost billions of dollars from price deals. It alleged that the petroleum ministers used their discretion to award licences to oil majors, including Shell, Total and Eni, making profits at the detriment of the country. It was also alleged that international oil traders sometimes bought crude without formal contracts while shareholders in the Nigeria LNG Limited such as Shell, Total and Eni paid low prices for the gas before moving the product to export market, thus leading to a loss of approximately $29bn. It noted that Addax owed the nation $1.5bn in unpaid royalties, while Shell owed N137.57bn ($874m) for gas sold from its Bonga deep offshore field. The report also alleged that NNPC secured crude oil for processing at cheaper rates for refining in its 445,000 barrels per day refineries, denying the nation from maximizing its foreign exchange earn-

ings. Stakeholders, including operators, labour and non-governmental organisations, NGOs, decried the alleged corruption and called on government to take immediate action. Reacting to the report, the Secretary-General, Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, Mr. Isaac Aberare called on government to bring to book all those indicted in the report. He said: “I have not yet read the report. But if anyone has been indicted, steps should be taken to bring him or her to book. “We in NUPENG are completely opposed to corruption and all forms of sharp practices in the industry and indeed the entire economy of the nation.” The President of Trade union Congress, TUC, Mr. Peter Esele described Ribadu as one of the blessings of the last fuel subsidy protest, during which the masses rose to express their feelings against the introduction of the policy. He said: “Indeed, it confirms the position of labour and other wellmeaning stakeholders that virtually all administrations have wielded overwhelming and unnecessary influence on the nation’s oil and gas industry. “It is not proper that the Minister of Petroleum Resources still wields enormous power in the indus-

try. This is not just right for the nation. We have always stressed the need for the industry to be run like any growing concern that has respect for due process as well as transparency and transparency.” Executive Director of Spaces for Change, Mrs. Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri said: “The Ribadu report reaffirms the findings of previous national and international independent investigations that detailed the horrendous malfeasance entrenched in oil industry operations, perpetrated by both private oil majors with the active connivance of government officials.” Ibezim-Ohaeri, whose organisation holds government accountable for its actions in the petroleum and other related

industries, said the trend may continue if steps are not taken to correct perceived anomalies. She said: “Although the report exposed the massive revenue losses resulting from the manner in which seven discretionary oil licences were handed out, yet the latest version of the PIB retains a clause that allows the president to make discretionary awards, instead of using open bids. That casts a big question mark on the commitment of the current administration to tackle oil-related corruption.” The oil executive said: “Disturbingly, Shell, Total and Eni and other oil majors indicted by the Ribadu report have been historically named and linked to similar investigative enquiries. The absence of

a strong legal foundation, coupled with strong accountability mechanisms for preventing and punishing corporate wrongdoings of such magnitude, have simply paved the way for impunity to thrive.” She added that: “Beyond the routine outrage in the media, it still remains unlikely that steps will be taken to hold these companies and conniving officials accountable for their inactions. Again, the latest revelations inform the need for lawmakers to take the PIB very seriously, and ensure that iron-clad transparency and accountability clauses are inserted into the Bill before it is passed.” The National President of Oil and Gas Service Providers Association of Nigeria, OGSPAN, Mr. Col-

man Obasi said the report showed that the past and present administration have a long way to go despite claims that much impact has been made in the areas of transparency and accountability. Obasi said the report should go further to expose those who have different roles to play in the transactions as well as initiate appropriate actions that would enable the government to recover such funds. He said: “It is insufficient for the Committee to emerge with these findings which is not really different from what others have done in the past. It is appropriate that the Committee be empowered to go beyond that stage, otherwise its report will end up like its predecessors.”

L-R: Chinese Counsellor for Economic and Commercial, Chinese Embassy, Abuja, Mr. Rong Yansong; Chinese Vice-Minister of Commerce, Mr. Li Jinzaqs and Vice-President Namadi Sambo during a visit to the Presidential Villa in Abuja, yesterday.

Taraba governor in plane crash CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

in Adamawa State The crash site is very close to the Nigeria National Petroleum Company, NNPC, Yola. Three people died in the plane crash while the governor got his hand broken. Two other occupants also survived the crash with varying degrees of injuries. Investigation revealed that a team of medical experts at German Hospital, Yola, battled to save the lives of the occupiers of the governor’s private jet until three of them died. Their remains had been deposited at the Yola mortuary. Governor Murtala Nyako was in the hospital till 10p.m.

A source said the governor was flown to Abuja last night for further treatment. The Chief Medical Director of the Yola Specialist Hospital confirmed to journalists last night that Suntai survived with an injury. National Mirror learnt that Suntai was in command of the Cessna 208 with the registration number 5N-BJM aircraft before it crashed with six persons on board. A source told National Mirror that the governor and others were evacuated from the crash site in an ambulance by some of his security aides and taken to the German Diagnostic Centre. The aides, we learnt, were already waiting for

him at the Yola Airport before the accident. The Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, last night confirmed the crash of a Cessna 208 aircraft, with registration number, 5N-BMJ in Yola, Adamawa. Oduah made the confirmation in a statement issued by her Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Joe Obi. She said the victims of the crash came out alive and were rushed to a hospital in Adamawa for medical attention. “An aircraft, Cessna 208 with six people on board, including crew, operated by the Taraba State Government departed Jalingo, Taraba State for Yola this evening and reported con-

tact with the Yola Control Tower at 17:20 p.m. and field in sight at 38 miles, estimating landing at 17:30 p.m. “The pilot lost contact with Yola Control Tower and subsequent effort to raise the aircraft failed. “A search and rescue team was immediately activated and site of the incident was located with all victims alive with various degrees of injuries. “The victims have been evacuated to hospital for treatment, pending further investigation of the incident.” Also, the Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, stated that it had deployed investigators to the site of the crash. The image maker of

the bureau, Mr. Tunji Oketunbi in a statement stated that “occupants have been evacuated to the hospitals. AIB officials will on getting to the site immediately commence investigations. Further information will be relayed as available.” The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, called for prayer for quick recovery of the governor. “We received the news of the plane crash with shock. We are officially awaiting news of the true position right now and we urge all our members in Taraba to pray and Nigeria to pray for him,” he said. Suntai had gotten a pri-

vate pilot license in the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, NCAT, Zaria in August 2010, after enrolling in private pilot license in the college. Also, an unconfirmed information alleged that Suntai had acquired the plane from the former House of Representatives member, Hon Ibn Na’ Allah in 2010, shortly after graduating from the college. A source close to the governor who does not want his name in print confided in our correspondent that Suntai was issued with VSR certificate (visual flight) by the college in 2010 and wondered why he embarked on night flight, which he was not license to do.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, October 26, 2012

PhotoNews

Friday, October 26, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Secretary to Lagos State Government, Mrs. Oluranti Adesola; chairman of the occasion, Dr. Christopher Kolade and Guest Lecturer, Prof. Pat Utomi, during the Vitafoam 5oth anniversary lecture held in Lagos, PHOTO: NAN yesterday. First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan (2nd right) being supported by her children with President Goodluck Jonathan and his mum, Mama Eunice Jonathan, during the cutting of the cake to mark the first lady’s 55th brthday at the State House, Abuja, yesterday.

L-R: Treasurer Odua Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Mr. Ajibade Olawale; Deputy President, Mr. Bayo Aina and President, Mrs. Alaba Lawson, at a news conference on the forthcoming Trade PHOTO: NAN Fair and Exhibition in Ibadan, yesterday.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Information, Media and Publicity, Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe (left) and DirectorGeneral, National Broadcasting Commission, Mr. Yomi Bolarinwa, at the Africast Competition Award Night in Abuja on Wednesday.

National News

MDAs get N300bn capital budget releases for Q4 2012 TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

he Federal Ministry of Finance yesterday stated that an additional N300bn had been released as 4th quarter capital budget allocation, thus raising cumulative releases for the year so far to N1.01trn. The ministry said the release of another tranche of the funds would ensure that the momentum on

capital budget implementation is maintained as the year gradually moves to an end. A statement by Paul Nwabuikwu, Senior Special Assistant to the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi OkonjoIweala, said the N1.01trn represent 75 per cent of the approved capital budget of 2012. The total capital budget for the year is N1.3trn. The minister noted

What happened to me was an act of God –First Lady ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

week after her return from a medical trip to Germany, First Lady, Dame Patience yesterday said whatever might have happened to her was God’s design for her life. The First Lady, at a thanksgiving ceremony marking her 55th birthday at the State House, Abuja thanked God for keeping her alive, while also thanking her immediate family and Nigerians for praying for her. Her husband, President Goodluck Jonathan, after

presenting a gift to his wife, described her as a shining star in his life and thanked God for granting her good health. The event was marked with prayers and presentation of gifts by family, well wishers and friends. The First Lady returned to the country last week Wednesday after over six weeks in Germany for an undisclosed medical condition. On her arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja, Dame Patience denied that she went for cosmetic surgery in Horst Schmidt Klinik Hospital in Wiesbaden, Germany.

that the impact of budget implementation could be felt in various sectors of the economy, particularly power supply which, she said, had improved to a consistent level of 15 hours per day in many parts of the country. According to her, the rehabilitation of existing power infrastructure has yielded up to 1,000

megawatts of additional electricity while the National Integrated Power Project, NIPP, are being fast tracked, which will lead to an additional 1,055 megawatts by end 2012. On the performance of agriculture sector, Okonjo-Iweala said government’s efforts to meet the 3.5 million jobs target by 2015, has led to the es-

tablishment of 13 new private sector rice mills with capacity of 240,000 metric tonnes. This is even as one million metric tonnes of dried cassava chips have so far been exported to China. Reflecting on the impact of funds committed to the transportation sector, the minister added that capital releases has

brought about “the railway modernisation programme with the AbujaKaduna line now at 46 per cent completion. The rehabilitation of the Lagos-Kano and Lagos-Ibadan lines has opened up new platforms for passenger traffic while the Abuja Light rail project is making progress, she added.

Nigeria’s mobile money market worth N1trn –Investigation KUNLE A ZEEZ

otential market size for mobile money services, also known as mobile payment in Nigeria, is worth $7.2bn (about N1.1trn) by 2015, National Mirror has gathered. Mobile money involves the process of two parties exchanging financial value, using mobile devices in return for goods or services. M-payment connotes financial transactions undertaken, using mobile device such as a mobile phone but still a subset epayment ecosystem. Industry analysts said that since August 2011 when the CBN licensed 20 mobile payments service providers, there

had been no significant transactions by Nigerians through mobile money services. Confirming the development to National Mirror, Mobility Lead, Accenture Nigeria, Mrs. Henrietta Bankole-Olusina, said since the CBN issued operational licences to the mobile money companies, there had been no significant adoption of the services. “In spite of the country’s potential market size of $7.2bn by 2015, there have not been significant transition through mobile money services as only four of the 20 CBNlicensed mobile payment operators have interoperability,” she said. Available data from the Nigerian Interbank Settle-

ment Systems, NIBSS, also showed that traction in mobile payments in Nigeria remained very low. The NIBSS explained that volume of mobile payment transactions amongst four inter-operable operators showed that as at September 2012, volume of transactions had hit 646, 000 valued at N3.55bn. But Bankole-Olusina has identified the need for the operators to adopt the right business model as a strategy to benefit from the potential huge N1.1trn mobile money market potential in the next three years. “The key to success in mobile payments in Nigeria will not be based on only the technology or connectivity; it will be the business model,” she said.

However, the Managing Partner of One Network, a firm established to drive financial inclusion in the country, Mr. Sola Bikersteth, said that the greatest challenge facing the inability of most of the mobile money operators to be “visible is poor agent networks.” He said: “One of the challenges that everybody has to face is that fact that the agent network is not yet everywhere. Nigeria needs about 160,000 mobile money agents all over the country. “But like I said, it is going to take about two years before we would get to that stage where there will be mobile money agents attending to financial services customers in the country.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Friday, October 26, 2012

Eid-el-Kabir: Mark, Tambuwal, govs seek peace, harmony CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

flect on the state of the nation and make personal sacrifices for the collective good, selfless service, respect for laws and constituted authorities. This is even as soldiers were yesterday deployed in the streets of Kano, an apparent move to checkmate the activities of terrorist groups during the Sallah celebration. The leaders, in their separate messages, called on Nigerians to eschew violence and embrace peace for the survival of the country. President Jonathan urged Nigerians to seize the opportunity of the Sallah to reflect on how to bring the ideals and virtues of religious beliefs to bear on the positive resolution of the many challenges facing the nation. He congratulated Nigerians who successfully undertook the Hajj this year, despite the unforeseen difficulties which developed over the issue of male companions for female pilgrims. President Jonathan said that he had directed a postmortem of the incident to ensure that Hajj airlift operations would not be disrupted by such problems in future. “Although the problem was eventually resolved with the positive intervention of the Federal Government, I have ordered a postmortem of the incident with a view to ensuring that Hajj airlift operations are never disrupted by such problems in future and that no Nigerian pilgrim is ever subjected to such traumatic experience in the Holy Land again,” the President said. He noted that Nigerians were people of great faith with “the majority of our people professing belief in God, either as Muslims or Christians.” Mark implored religious leaders to teach their followers on the right thing so that they do not deviate or depart from the truth. He noted that Nigeria “is passing through trying times, especially security challenges, a development that requires that all men and women of goodwill rise up to tackle the menace.” The Senate President stated that insecurity in the

country should not be perceived from religion but a crime against humanity. According to him, “No religion preaches violence or killings. All religions condemn violence or killing.” Mark called on citizens to reinforce the African spirit of brotherhood, love, solidarity and unity which were the hallmark of our communal life. Tambuwal urged Nigerians to restore the virtues of good neighbourliness and always strive to maintain law and order. Tambuwal, in a message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Mallam Imam Imam, said for the nation to make progress, the citizens must be their brothers’ keepers and be more sensitive to the well-being of one another. He said making sacrifice for the nation became imperative, considering the numerous challenges confronting the nation. The Speaker added that while every nation had its own challenges, “the determination to tackle those challenges with the best of intentions sets some nations apart.” “As such, we must face our problems with more commitment, determination, unity of purpose and the best of intentions. “Let me use this opportunity to urge Nigerians, especially adherents of the Islamic faith , to use the occasion to reflect on our spiritual life as individuals and how we can contribute more meaningfully towards making Nigeria the great nation envisioned by its founding fathers,” Tambuwal added. The Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, said only peaceful coexistence, selflessness and obedience to Allah and laws of the land as exhibited by Prophet Muhammed would take Nigeria to the Promised Land. Chairman, Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Rotimi Amaechi, has called for continued prayers for peace, security and development in the country. Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta charged Muslims in the country to reflect on the various challenges facing the nation with a view to collaborating with the gov-

ernment to solve them. The Northern States Governors Forum, NSGF, also called on Muslims in the nation to work towards Governor Jonah David Jang of Plateau State urged adherents of Islam to live a life of sacrifice and obedience. Meanwhile, in apparent response to alleged threat by Boko Haram militants to launch more attacks on Sallah Day, the 3 Mechanised Brigade of Nigeria Army, Kano, yesterday

warned troublemakers and extremists to keep-off the streets of the city. The military authorities said that personnel had been deployed to man sensitive locations within the city and that more men would be moved in today. It was also discovered that apart from the increased presence of soldiers on patrol, armoured vehicles had been deployed as part of the measures to strengthen security on Sallah Day.

National Mirror investigation also reveals that major roads especially those leading to the Kano State Government House, the Airforce Base, the 3 Mechanised Brigade Headquarters of Bukavu Barracks, the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport and areas accommodating high profile mosques, have been fortified with military presence. Our correspondent also reports that, men of

the Joint Task Force, JTF, comprising the military, the police and agents of State Security Services, SSS, are combing suspected black spots in search of militants and other troublemakers. The exercise we further learnt will last through out the period of the festivity. According to military source, this new wave of security is in response to reported threat by gunmen to disrupt the celebration with bomb attacks.

L-R: Former Minister of Information, Prof. Walter Ofonagoro (left) and Publisher, Champion Newspapers, Chief Iwuanyanwu, at the Champion Leadership Award in Enugu, yesterday.

Emmanuel

Insecurity, Nigeria’s greatest challenge –Jonathan GEORGE OJI AND EMMANUEL ONANI

resident Goodluck Jonathan has identified insecurity as the greatest challenge currently confronting the country. The President, in a message at the third national breakfast organised by the National Assembly yesterday, appealed to Nigerians to be “ceaseless in prayers” in order to touch the hearts of those he described as the nation’s detractors. President Jonathan, who was represented at the occasion by the Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Capt. Caleb Olubolade, also advised Nigerians to “remain steadfast in our prayers to transform Nigeria by working very hard and shunning corruption and other negative vices.” The Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, said the President had a sincere heart to work and to transform Nigeria. The minister urged Nige-

rians to shun greed and corruption, noting that “efforts should be geared towards building a prosperous future for our youths and not the acquisition of houses in Dubai, South Africa and the UK, which we do not need.” The speaker of this year’s event is Paul Kagame of Rwanda but he was unavoidably absent. Nigeria’s Vincent Anigbogu, a professor of analytical chemistry and Director-General of the Institute for National Transformation and a motivational speaker delivered the keynote message on the theme, “Sacrifice with righteousness: A Necessary Ingredient for National Transformation.” Chairman of the organising committee, Senator Uche Chukwumerije, in an opening remark advised Nigerians to be prayerful and hard working to set the country on the path of growth. He also advised the leadership to set the nation’s priorities right and to set good example of leader-

ship, noting that only a well-thought-out plan, wellthought-out priorities and deployment of the right human resources as well as corruption-free leadership that can lead to meaningful development in Nigeria. Meanwhile, Senator Ali Ndume from Borno State, who is standing trial at a Federal High Court, Abuja, over complicity in the activities of the Boko Haram sect yesterday denied ever giving any member of the group the telephone number of the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke, “for any purpose.” The lawmaker was reacting to a claim by an Assistant Director with the State Security Service, SSS, James Ineh, that Ndume released Adoke’s telephone number to a Boko Haram suspect to threaten the minister to influence the outcome of the governorship election petition in Borno in favour of the Peoples Democratic Party

(PDP). Ineh testified in court on Wednesday. But speaking with National Mirror yesterday Ndume flatly denied Ineh’s claims. He described Ineh’s testimony as mere concoction to rope him into a crime he knew nothing about. According to him, “It started with this presidential committee that I served. “Once we submitted our report this boy sent me a text message that was all, that was how it all started.” Asked to devolve the context of the message the lawmaker replied, “You know we are still in court and anything I say now will be subjudice.” Ndume said he was not surprised the way the Boko Haram suspect was desperate to rope as many people as possible in the trial because the trial has to do with life and death. He maintained that, “I can tell you that I did not give him any phone number.”

National News

Friday, October 26, 2012

EID-EL-KABIR CELEBRATION

ACF sues for peace, unity A ZA MSUE KADUNA

he apex northern socio-political organisation, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) yesterday urged Nigerians to embrace peace that would sustain national security. In a Sallah statement signed by the ACF National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Anthony Sani, the forum

also called on aggrieved groups in the country to accept dialogue as the only political solution. The statement read in part: “The Arewa Consultative Forum has the pleasure to felicitate with Muslims over the celebrations of the Eid-el-Kabir. Following the footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim, may this occasion reminds us of the need for reconciling ourselves to God and among ourselves through unwaver-

ing faith in Allah and personal sacrifices that go with genuine forgiveness.” “The current violation of sanctity of life through the activities of a religious sect, ethno-religious crises, kidnappings and communal clashes as well as piracy in some parts of the country are not part of God’s injunctions to humanity in favour of sacred inviolability of the individual. “We should therefore stop

killing ourselves in order to kill others in the name of God but should rather embrace dialogue which is the only Godly and viable approach for addressing any perceived grievances. “May Allah give us the wisdom against violent conflict and inspire common desire for peaceful coexistence and national security which are needed for any meaningful socio-economic and political development.”

People travelling in preparation for the Eid-El-Kabir festival at Ojota park in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: OLUFEMI AJASA

Amaechi calls for continued prayers CHINEDUM EMEANA PORT HARCOURT

he Rivers State governor and Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has called for continued prayers for peace, security and development of the country and its people even as Muslims mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir festival.

Amaechi made the call in his Sallah message to Muslims and all Nigerians yesterday. He congratulated Muslims for the successful conclusion of this year’s Hajj and urged them to continue to pray for the peace and progress of the nation and unity among its people. The statement, signed by the Governor’s Chief Press secretary, Mr. David

Iyofor, said; “As Nigerians, we should not relent in praying for our country, particularly for our leaders to lead right and for our people to grow in love and oneness to ultimately make our country a better place for us all. “Let the love and generosity exhibited during the feast of sacrifice become part of our national life, as we strive to eschew violence and all

forms of inhumanity. “On behalf of my family, the government and people of Rivers State, I wish you a happy Sallah. And as you celebrate, reflect on the ideals and virtues of Prophet Ibrahim,” Amaechi said. He assured Muslims in Rivers State of continued support and urged them to be good citizens and worthy ambassadors of the country.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Shettima felicitates with Muslims INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

orno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, yesterday sent a message of felicitation to all citizens of the state and the rest of Nigeria as Muslims mark the Eid-el-Kabir celebration. The governor enjoined Muslims to renew their faith in their submission to Allah in line with the wisdom behind the sacrifices of Rams as part of the sallah rites. Governor Shettima called on citizens of the state to renew their faith in Allah with hope and prayers for the restoration of peace in Borno State and the rest of Nigeria. In a press statement signed by his Special Adviser of Communications, Alhaji Isa Umar Gusau, the governor said he was resolutely focused and very determined in his continued effort towards the restoration of peace, social recovery and the transformation of Borno State through a marshal plan. The statement said the governor is working day and night with the right people, groups and establishments, to find a sustainable solution to the security challenges facing the state even as he continued to implement a marshal plan initiated by his administration, which aims at aggressively transforming Borno State for the benefit of all. Gusau added that Governor Shettima considered the protection of lives and property his

most fundamental duty which is why his administration continually takes reasonable measures that include actively working with the right persons to amicably resolve the current challenges in line with his long held position, that dialogue remains the best way out of the challenges in the state and other parts of the country. The governor, Gusau noted has very high hopes that peace will return to Borno State in no distant time. He pointed out that Shettima has since initiated numerous programmes that continually create thousands of jobs to fight unemployment and poverty. The statement further stated that 14 secondary schools are being overhauled, even as a task force has been set up for ensuring qualitative education, in addition to the feeding committee earlier inaugurated with N100 million allocated following an upward review from N20 million. Gusau also explained that numerous steps have been taken on agriculture with the procurement of different agricultural implements for various irrigation programmes and other agricultural activities, road works are on in rural and urban areas. Also, a N14 billion contract has been awarded for the construction of roads and drainages in Bulunkutu and for the dualisation of the Lagos Street and many other roads in the metropolis.

Ajimobi sues for peaceful co-existence Amosun harps on obedience

yo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, has admonished Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of togetherness and peaceful co-existence so as to enhance growth and development of the country. The governor, in his message to Islamic faithful on the occasion of this year’s Eid-El-Kabir festival, said it was only in an atmosphere of peace that Nigeria could achieve the desired greatness. Governor Ajimobi, who spoke through his

Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo, condemned the spate of violence in some parts of the country, saying it was an ill-wind that would not blow anybody any good. “We cannot say we are brothers and sisters and still be carrying guns and machetes against one another. What do we stand to benefit by killing and maiming ourselves with ignominy?’’ he queried. While congratulating Muslims, the governor

urged them to use the occasion of the Eid-ElKabir to pray for the peace, progress and economic emancipation of the country. He also admonished them to continue to exhibit love towards their fellow human beings and dedication to the service of humanity as exhibited by Prophet Ibrahim. The governor further reiterated his administration’s commitment to the betterment of the state and to ensure that it is put on a sound footing.

gun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, has called on the Muslim community in Nigeria to obey all the teachings of Prophet Muhammed (SAW), noting that obedience always attract immense reward from the Almighty Allah. He enjoined adherents of Islam to follow in the footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim, who received immeasurable blessings from Allah through total obedience to His command. In a goodwill message signed by his Senior Spe-

cial Assistant on Media, Mrs. Funmi Wakama, Governor Amosun said; “The import of the Eidel-Kabir should not be lost on us as Muslims even as we count our blessings and celebrate the goodness of Allah in our lives during this season.” He implored the faithful to imbibe the lessons of obedience, selflessness and sacrifice as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim, “especially at this time when our country is faced with many challenges.

“The challenges confronting our nation are not insurmountable. Through total obedience to the commands of the Almighty Allah, we can overcome them all,” the governor said. Governor Amosun charged all Muslims to demonstrate love to their neighbours, promote peaceful coexistence in their various communities and live in total obedience to the will of Allah. He wished all Muslim faithful a happy Eid-elKabir celebration.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Friday, October 26, 2012

EID-EL-KABIR CELEBRATION

OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

he Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, have called for a deeper reflection on the abiding lessons of Eid-el-Kabir, which centre on sacrifice and total submission to the will of God. ANPP urged all Muslims to seize the opportunity of the occasion to do a sober reflection on the manifest destiny of Nigeria. Its National Chairman, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, said in a statement that the challenges of today demanded that “we redouble our efforts in the pursuit of those cherished attributes that will enable us restore faith in the unity and progress of our dear country.” Also, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, said in a statement that the party would use the opportunity offered by the celebration to rededicate itself to the service of the country, while urging Nigerians to allow the lessons of the feast to manifest in their daily lives. He said: “The National Chairman of our great party, Dr. Bamanga Tukur, on behalf of the National Executive Committee, wishes to send our message of goodwill to all Muslims in

PDP, ANPP call for sober reflection Nigeria on the occasion of this great feast of Islam. “We pray that the eternal lessons of Eid-el-Kabir will live beyond our celebration and reflect closely in our daily lives, more especially in those elected and appointed into positions of authority so that sacrifice for our dear nation and love for one another shall always prevail. “This is a period that has seen the manifest commit-

uslim Welfare Boards must put their house in order to ensure that Nigerians wishing to perform the yearly pilgrimage to Mecca are not repatriated again. The National President of the NawairUd-Deen Society of Nigeria, Alhaji AbdulGaniyu Adegboyega, made the call yesterday by in a message to mark Eid-el-Kabir. Adegboyega, who lauded the Federal Government’s prompt intervention which led to the return of the repatriated pilgrims to the Holy Land, urged the boards to take steps to make Nigerian pilgrims perform their religious rites without

PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

overnor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu of Niger State has called on Muslims to work towards strengthening peaceful coexistence and good neighbourliness among the people. Aliyu, who gave the charge in an Eid-el-Kabir message, said Nigerians must reflect on the various challenges facing the country and work collectively to surmount them. The governor said a state-

ment issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Danladi Ndayebo, taht the challenges confronting Nigeria required the cooperation of all for the country to achieve meaningful progress and development. He said the celebration provided another opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the essence of sacrifice, selfless service and total submission to God which were requisite conditions for harmonious coexistence and development of Nigeria.

Nigerian pilgrims in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, yesterday.

Prevent future pilgrims’ repatriation, group warns welfare boards S EGUN A DIO

ment of the Federal Government gradually easing the teething challenge of insecurity and this is also a period that is witnessing a devastating fury of flood in our communities. “The lessons of Eidel-Kabir could not have therefore been more relevant. The PDP can only be spurred to taking greater measures in selfless service to alleviate the sufferings of the people.”

We must promote good neighbourliness –Aliyu

harassment from any quarters. He said: “As stakeholders, we call on the Muslim Welfare Boards to put their houses in order and ensure that the ugly incident which led to the repatriation of Nigerian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia at the beginning of the airlift exercise never recurs.” The Nawair-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria also urged the Muslims and well-meaning Nigerians to continue to pray for the safe return of a prominent television presenter, Alhaji Rasaq Aremu Gawat, who went missing on July 10. Adegboyega also called on the Federal Government to fix the lingering fuel crisis in the country.

AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST KANO

hristians in Kano State have sent a good-will message to Muslims celebrating the Eidel-Kabir and urged them to use the occasion to pray for the peace and unity of Kano State and the country in general. The Christians spoke through the Chairman of the Christian Association of Ni-

Emulate Prophet Ibrahim’s virtues, Jang tells Muslims JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

lateau State Governor Jonah David Jang has advised Muslims to live a daily life of sacrifice and obedience, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim, who offered his son, Ismail, in obedience to God’s instruction. Jang said this yesterday in his Sallah message to Muslims to mark Ed-elKabir. The governor said in a statement signed by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Mr. James Mannok, that every genuine service rendered to God attracts a reward from Him. He said Muslims should continue to exhibit faith and appreciation to God for His goodness which has always been with mankind. The governor also called on Nigerians to continue to pray for their leaders and the country to witness rapid transformation in every sector. Jang urged Nigerians to respect the country’s diversity for peace and harmony to prevail while wishing Muslims a peaceful and rewarding celebration.

Pray for peace, Kano Christians urge Muslims geria, CAN, Bishop Ransom Bello. The CAN chairman said in a statement that Christians in the state were rejoicing with their Muslim counterparts. Bello admonished Muslim leaders and clerics to use the Sallah to pray for the return of peace in Kano and other parts of the country. He said: “What we need

today in an occasion like this is sacrifice to achieve peace and unity which the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir represents. Without sacrifice, you cannot obtain or maintain peace.” Bello urged Muslims to also use the occasion to show hospitality and generosity to the downtrodden, friends and neighbours, adding that the festivity should be used as bridge builder between

Christians and Muslims. “We the Christians in Kano wish them happy celebration. We rejoice with you on this occasion as partners in progress and we urge you to continue to pray for our leaders for God’s guidance so that they may do the right things that will move this country forward and take its citizens to greater heights,” the CAN chairman added.

Tinubu harps on religious tolerance, responsible leadership

ormer Lagos State Governor and national leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, Bola Tinubu, in his Sallah message, harped on peace, religious tolerance and responsible leadership. Tinubu said though Eid-el-Kabir is a Muslim festival, Nigerians of all faith and creed should regard themselves as partakers in the best tra-

dition of religious tolerance and harmony. He said: “I salute Nigerian Muslims on yet another glorious celebration of Eid-el-Kabir, with its symbol of community love and feasting in the sharing of the Sallah ram. “But I believe every Nigerian that subscribes to faiths and creeds that stress brotherly love is a partaker.”

Tinubu said Nigerians, particularly Muslims and Christians, must emphasise the similarities, rather than differences of the two faiths; and understand that Muslims and Christians were kith and kin; and not enemies. He said: “This festival celebrates the complete faith in Almighty God by Ibrahim (Abraham in Christianity),

when God asked him to sacrifice his only son, Ismail (Isaac in Christianity). The reward of this unquestionable faith in God is what we celebrate today in Eidel-Kabir. “We should celebrate that the two great religions come from the same source; and use that commonness to unite and build our country.”

South West

Friday, October 26, 2012

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No going back on Okada ban –Lagos MURITALA AYINLA

agos State Government said yesterday that it would not suspend the enforcement of the traffic law banning the operations of commercial motorcyclists on some routes despite protests and calls for the repeal of the law. A statement signed by the Special Adviser to the governor on Media, Mr. Hakeem Bello, said that 619 people were either killed

•Says 619 people killed, maimed in two years •Riders responsible for most robberies -CP

or maimed by the commercial motorcycles popularly called Okada in the last two years. The statement added that 22 out of 30 robbery incidents recorded between July and September this year were carried out by criminals who rode on motorcycles. It said that investigation by the Planning and Research Department of the

Lagos State Transport Management Authority, LASTMA, showed that 107 people died while 512 sustained serious injuries in accidents involving motorcycles. According to the statement, 71 of those who died in the last two years were male while 36 were female. The statement reads in part: “Details of the accidents between January 2011 and October 2012 further

revealed that a total of 442 commercial motorcycles, popularly called ‘Okada’, were involved in accidents across the state during the period out of which 271 occurred in 2011 while 171 occurred this year across the state. “Also, according to the records, in 2011 alone, 47 were killed and 98 others sustained serious injuries while from January 2012

to date 63 people have been killed and 59 others sustained serious injuries. “Police records also revealed that a total of 513 fatal accidents recorded in the state in the last two years were caused by Okada operators. According to the record, out of this number, 305 happened between January and December 2011 while 208 of the fatal accidents happened between January and June this year.” However, for two days this week, commercial

Fayemi, Oshiomhole laud Onaiyekan’s appointment as Cardinal ABIODUN NEJO AND SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN

kiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, and his Edo State counterpart, Adams Oshiomhole, have congratulated the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, the Most Reverend John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan, on his elevation as Cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI. Fayemi said the elevation “has lifted Nigeria in the realm of international religious diplomacy and quest for understanding among the great religions of the world.” In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, the governor described Onaiyekan’s elevation as a boost to Nigeria’s image in the international community, and congratulated all Catholics, the Christian community and all Nigerians for the recognition of one of them for the great honour. He said: “Onaiyekan’s appointment as a Cardinal is well-deserved given his dedication to duty and his diligent service in the Roman Catholic Church spanning over 40 years.” On his part, Oshiomhole said: “On behalf of the government and good people of Edo State, I congratulate His Grace on his elevation to the exalted position of Cardinal by His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI. The elevation is a clear testament to your priestly life of selfless service which has been a channel of blessing to all men and women who have come in contact with you.”

Trucks trapped on the flooded East West Road in Delta State, yesterday.

Eid-el-Kabir: Lagos Airport records high volume of passengers OLUSEGUN KOIKI

he newly commissioned General Aviation Terminal, GAT, of the Murtala Mohammed Airport, MMA, Lagos, and the Murtala Mohammed Airport Two, MMA2, yesterday recorded an upsurge in passengers’ movement as many people tried frantically to catch flights out of the state for the Sallah celebration. At the two terminals, there were unusual long queues of passengers wait-

ing to board flights while others also queued up to purchase tickets from the airlines’ counters. One of the passengers of Arik Air going to Kano, Mr. Mohammed Kabir, told our correspondent that he was surprised at the many number of passengers at the airport. Kabir added that he had not witnessed such huge human traffic at the airport in recent times, especially since the Dana plane crash in June. He said: “Today seems to be very busy as it is a bit difficult because of

the traffic at the airport. I am travelling to Kano to spend the holidays with my family and I think that it is equally the same reason most of the other passengers are doing this. I think that this could be the reason for the traffic.” Another passenger, Alhaji Safinatu Sanusi, who was travelling to Kano with IRS Airline on the 1:50pm flight, said he was going to celebrate with members of his family. He said: “I thank Allah for His mercies and the celebration of this festival is vital because

it promotes peace and unity among the populace. Although I work in Lagos with my wife and children, we have made it a duty to travel on to our home town for Sallah celebration.” Also, a passenger with Aero Air, Mr. Kingsley Osunbor, expressed surprise at the huge traffic at the airport. It was, however, observed that most of the passengers on Aero Air had booked ahead of their flight and only queued to collect boarding pass at the airline’s counter.

Traffic diversion on Ijora – Apapa expressway on Saturday, Sunday

here will be a partial diversion of traffic on Ijora Apapa Expressway in Lagos on Saturday and Sunday from 8.00am to 11am. The Commissioner for Transportation, Comrade Kayode Opeifa, who made this known in his office at Alausa, Ikeja after a meeting with the stakehold-

ers, said the diversion would enable the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, LAMATA, commence the erection of pre-stressed beams across Ijora Apapa-Oshodi Expressway by Iganmu Bridge. Opeifa said the diversion/partial closure of the road would take place

on Ijora - Apapa Expressway inward Ijora just before Iganmu Bridge and on Iganmu Bridge inward Ijora. He added that vehicles from Funsho Williams Avenue, Apapa Road and Costain area as well as those from Orile Iganmu approaching Ijora should use Eko Bridge to link

Ijora and Apapa. The commissioner added that movement from Apapa and Ijora towards Costain would not be affected. Opeifa appealed to motorists to bear with the state government during the diversion, drive carefully, be more cautious and ensure the safety of others.

motorcyclists protested the ban on their operations. The protests led to the destruction of government properties, including LAGUS and BRT buses. The protesters have also threatened to converge on the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Square at Ojota on Saturday for the continuation of the anti-traffic law protests. But on Wednesday, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Umar Abubakar Manko, indicted the commercial motorcyclists, saying most of the robberies recorded over time were carried out by the operators. He also warned that the traffic law had come to stay and would be enforced strictly, even as he assured Lagosians that adequate preparations had been made to secure their lives and property during Eid-elKabir. Manko, who made the pronouncement after the weekly State Security Council meeting chaired by Governor Babatunde Fashola at the Lagos House Marina, expressed dismay that the commercial motorcyclists have caused much damage in the state, warning that the police would not succumb to any blackmail in enforcing the law. He said: “Motorcyclists have done so much damage in Lagos State. I am the commissioner of police and I am telling you from the point of knowledge that most of the armed robberies that we recorded were carried out by these motorcyclists. “People go to the banks to collect money, they will hang around banks, they will hang around peoples’ houses, take their belongings, collect their money, even in traffic holdups. “Now that we have a law that says they should not operate in certain places, restricted areas; that law is going to be enforced. The state has about 9,010 roads and only 400 of these roads are being restricted for now, which may be about 25 per cent of the roads in the state, so how can someone say it is wickedness? “The law is there and I will enforce that law no matter what happens.” Speaking at an interactive session with members of the Metropolitan Club on Victoria Island, Fashola accused those supporting unregulated operations of commercial motorcycles in the state of hypocrisy.

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News

Friday, October 26, 2012

‘National Health Council, not meeting Nigerians’ needs’ MARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA

he role of the National Council on Health as the highest decision making body in the Nigerian health sector has been questioned, with claims that it does not meet the expectations of the sector and that it is a mere jamboree. A health expert, Dr. Timothy Ajakpo, gave the hint during the week at this year’s Physicians’ Week in Abuja. According to him, the National Health Commission ratified at the national political conference remained the best option for the country. His words: “In the Na-

tional Political Conference, one of the cardinal things discussed and accepted by every member was that one of the greatest problems of health service in Nigeria is lack of coordination. “The local governments are on their own. When allocation comes, they just share it. Even the medical officer in the local government does what he likes. Though the state governors are doing quite some things, but a lot of them just do what they want, including the Federal Government. Then, we say; “How can we coordinate? We realised that Nigeria is a federation. We realised that the state governments are o their own.

“The Federal Government cannot dictate to them. But, the beauty of it is that health is on the concurrent list of the constitution, which means both federal and states can take part in health. So, in the wisdom of that conference, we recommended that there should be National Health Commission. “The purpose of the commission was to make sure that we do not do the jamboree that we are doing now. You know that the National Council on Health that we have now meets just about once or twice per year. “Before the committee meeting, there is what is called Technical Commit-

NANS lauds Ekiti varsity over reparation levy ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

he National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has lauded Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti (EKSU) management for reducing the reparation fee imposed on the students from N10, 500 per student to N6, 500 The students’ body also issued a seven-day ultimatum to the management of the College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti, to reverse its decision on the cancellation of the students’ union election or face mass protest. NANS Joint Campus Committee (JCC) while urging EKSU students to commence payment for prompt resumption of academic activities in the uni-

versity, appealed to them to refrain from barbaric ways of staging protests whereby they unleashed damage on the institution at the slightest provocation. A statement by NANS/ JCC Director of Action and Mobilisation (Ekiti axis) and the Public Relations Officer (Ekiti axis), Comrades Agbetuyi Omotayo and Temitope Aduloju respectively, said such destructive tendencies could portray the university in bad light and ridicule the students’ corporate identities. The fee was imposed on the students following a protest leading to the vandalisation of the school’s and individuals’ property after the killing of a 400-Level student of the university, Mr. Teslim Yusuf Abiola, by a vehicle on

the campus. The NANS/JCC in a protest letter, said the cancellation of students’ union election by the Provost of the College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti, Prof. Francisca Aladejana, was “illegal and erosion of the students’ rights” and threatened to unleash unprecedented tension on the campus in case the management treated their ultimatum with disdain. NANS/JCC Chairman (Ekiti axis) and NANS Director of Action and Mobilization, Comrades Nunayo Agboton and Sunday Asefon respectively, in the statement hinged the cancellation of the results on the failure of the college’s management to successfully install stooges as students’ union’s leaders.

Policemen not tax collectors, says Abia police boss GEORGE OPARA ABIA

bia State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ambrose Aisabor, has said that policemen are not tax collectors, but law enforcement agents, warning that anyone caught following tax and revenue collectors about in the state in order to collect tax or revenue would be shown the way out of the force. Aisabor stated this in his office in Umuahia, during an interaction with

journalists. This warning was given against the background that a number of consultants who claimed that they were appointed by the state government as revenue collectors, goes about with the police and military men harassing, embarrassing, beating up and in some cases arresting citizens in the name of revenue collection. He warned that time has gone when tax agents and revenue collectors would use the police to ha-

rass, embarrass and arrest citizens of the state in the name of the collection of one tax or the order, stating that tax or revenue collection is not the mandate of the police. The commissioner of police said that because of this development, the police has become the easiest agency that falls prey to blackmail and warned that they would never succumb to any blackmail. He said he has spoken to his men to desist from such act.

tee Meeting, which comes about two days before the meeting; and that is all. You don’t coordinate anything like that. “We said when there is a National Health Commission, looking at the various aspects of healthcare and deciding on what should be done and ensuring that all the states are represented and that whatever are doing will be taken to the President, and ensure that is supposed to be done is done, without that, we will not get anywhere,” he declared. Reacting, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) President, Dr. Dr. Osahon Enabulele, said the association had fixed January, 2013 for a National Health Summit. This he said would enable the group to find a way of “rescuing the system.”

Niger to employ 293 health workers PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

he Niger State government has approved the employment of 293 health workers to meet the short fall in health personnel in the various hospitals in the state. State Commissioner for Health and Hospital Services, Dr. Baba Sule, who made the disclosure while briefing journalists on the decisions arrived at the state executive council meeting in Minna, said out of the 293 employed, 251 would work with the state Hospital Management Board, while 42 to the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida Specialist Hospital. According to him, the decision was taken during the meeting to bridge the manpower gap as a result of exodus of staff, increasing demand and the situation was even

Politics When e-voting may come to the rescue With electronic voting....Thugs would have no job to do. It will allow people to go out and vote without any fear. The electronic voting is also less expensive. –Dan Nwanyanwu, national chairman of Labour party Electronic voting will bring a major change to the existing electoral system –Tunji Oriyomo, policy chairman, National Development Initiative E-voting is contingent on how much fund the government can provide for INEC –Jerry Manwe, member, House of Reps, Taraba State

Woman

We gn campaign for safee deliveryy es of babies –Lovinah Eyekit

made worse with the retirement of at least 50 nurses that attained retirement age every year. The commissioner for health and hospital services said between 2012 and 2015, approximately 255 nurses will retire from service, hence the plan to embark on the employment, adding that; “We have to employ more health workers.” He said the 251 that will be employed into the state Hospital Management Board, 100 will be nurses and midwives, 80 ward attendants, 25 laboratory technicians, 20 doctors, five pharmacists, 11 laboratory scientists, as well as 10 medical record officers. According to the commissioner, the Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida Specialist Hospital would have 42 and will comprise of 10 nurses, five doctors, three pharmacists, four laboratory scientists, five laboratory technicians, 10 ward attendants and five medical record officers.

Saturday Starter Rage of okada riders It is not a good initiative from the government. There is no way government can ban okada without providing alternatives for the people. With the ban on okada, what is next for the people? Do they want the people to go into crime? –Tony Keruru, Chairman, United Okada Stakeholders Forum I disagree with the issue of destruction of okada by the state government. I think a punitive fine should suffice. If you seize motorcycles and destroy them, you have taken away the means of livelihood of some people. –Mike Ozekhome, SAN Constitutional lawyer Those supporting unregulated okada operations should visit our emergency wards, hospitals –Babatunde Raji Fashola, Lagos State Governor

Celebrity I won’t ’ sing lewd songs Ayobami Ayolola

x SeTalk 22 sure ways to Áip her sex switch on This column is x-rated

South West

Friday, October 26, 2012

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NDLEA arrests eight drug traffickers, seizes 10.6kg narcotics OLUSEGUN KOIKI

he National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, said it had discovered substances suspected to be methamphetamine inside native cloth called Aso-Oke. It also disclosed that it apprehended eight suspected drug traffickers with

narcotics weigh 10.635kg. The Head, Public Affairs, NDLEA, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, made the disclosure in a statement yesterday. The arrests and seizures, Ofoyeju said, took place at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos. He identified one of the suspects as Tembo Gideon aka Benson Okechukwu,

a Nigerian travelling to Thailand with a Zambian passport, who concealed 2.522kg of methamphetamine inside Aso-Oke. The drugs recovered include methamphetamine weighing 4.460kg, heroin (4.030kg) and cocaine (2.145kg). Apart from one of the suspects caught attempting to smuggle 3.455kg of

heroin into the country from India, others were exporting different quantities of drugs. The NDLEA Commander at the MMIA, Mr. Hamza Umar, gave the names of the suspects as Onyekwere Wisdom Chinedu, 26 years, Obinna Christian Chigbo (37), Muogbo Uchechukwu Sixtius (25), Gideon (25) and Orabusinze

Chukwuka Joseph (28). Others are Ogbonnaya Kalu Robert (54), Obiorah Celestine Nonso (31) and Udeh Lazarus Makwe (44). Also, the NDLEA Chief Executive, Ahmadu Giade, in his Sallah message to Nigerians, urged the public to shun drug trafficking and criminal acts capable of truncating their God-ordained destinies.

He said: “It is sad that these suspected drug traffickers are behind bars when they ought to be with their families this festive season. Drug trafficking and other criminal acts will only lead to misery, shame and unfulfilled dreams.” Giade said the suspects would be charged to court as soon as the agency concluded its investigations.

...Destroys Indian hemp farms in Ibadan KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

Passengers of Osun State free train ride from Lagos to Osogbo, arriving at Osogbo railway station, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

I’ve no police protection, Baale replies Alaafin KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

he Baale of Ago Oja, Alhaji Ganiyu Ajiboye, has denied the allegation by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, that he was protected by the police at an Oyo praying ground. The Baale said he neither applied for police escort nor called himself what he was not. The Alaafin had accused the Oyo State Police Command of aiding and abetting criminality by allowing policemen to guard Ajiboye to the Oyo praying ground after a High Court had declared his claimed position as Alago Oja of Ago Oja as non-existent, and therefore restrained him from further parading himself as such. The monarch had added that the traditional chief paraded himself as an oba at the praying ground. But Ajiboye said the Alaafin intentionally raised the issue before the state Commissioner of Police to prevent him from exercising his rightful role today as a Muslim. The baale said the allegation was false.

Speaking with journalists on phone in Ibadan yesterday, he said: “The allegation by the Alaafin that I used police escort to the praying ground was false and untrue. “Since 1985 when my late father, the Ashipa of Oyo, Alhaji Amuda Olorunosebi, was going to pray at the Eid ground, police had always been sent there. It was being done annually. So, it was not because of anybody that the police were at the venue being referred to. “The presence of the police was for the purpose of

protecting worshippers. A similar thing was always being experienced at the Agunpopo praying ground in Oyo. I never wrote to the police applying for police to escort me. I never called myself what I’m not. So, Alaafin’s allegation against the police that they illegally provided security for me is untrue.” On the allegation that he was still parading himself as an oba, contrary to a court order, Ajiboye said the court judgement, which the monarch referred to had been appealed against, so he had not done

anything criminal. He said: “Immediately the court gave the judgement and we were not satisfied, we went straight to the Appeal Court to challenge it. But for the holiday, today (October 25) is another adjourned date that we ought to have gone to the Appeal Court. “I am not against anybody. I am not an accused. It is the right of my father that I am protecting. I am only representing the throne of my father. Ago Oja is a community, which nobody can cancel, just as nobody can cancel the throne of Alaafin. So, that is the position.”

Ogun vows to invoke law against visuallyimpaired people’s maltreatment FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

gun State Government yesterday said it would soon begin to invoke adequate section of the law to penalise motorists who failed to give the visually-impaired people the needed cognisance. The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Elizabeth Sonubi, said this

during the distribution of 20 white canes to the visually-impaired people in Abeokuta, the state capital. According to the commissioner, the state has a traffic law which provides that drivers should take cognisance of the visually-impaired people regarded as special people in society. She said the state would soon begin to enforce the

law which would guide the people with sight challenges and which would also severely penalise any motorist who failed to comply with the law. Sonubi added that the blind required white canes to move around and to facilitate their independence. According to her, it also serves as a device to detect obstacles on the path of the blind.

fficials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, yesterday stormed a government forest reserve in Oluyole Local Government Area in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, and set ablaze three Indian hemp farms. The officials numbering 25 parked their vehicles at the entrance to the reserve and trekked with some journalists for about an hour inside the forest. After sighting the hemp farms in the Gambari Forest Reserve, the NDLEA team uprooted the Indian hemp and burnt it. The Assistant State Commander, Operation and Intelligence, Mr. Godwin Inyamah, who led the team, said the 60 acres Indian hemp farms located on Ijebu Road, were discovered following tip-off

from an informant. Inyamah, who represented the state commander of the agency, said the destruction of the farms was necessary to discourage other people from engaging in the illicit business. The assistant commander said a similar destruction exercise on Indian hemp farm was carried out at Ido Local Government in 2011, adding that the agency would not stop until it wiped the illicit business out in the country. He said: “You could see that this is a very serious operation. You can see that the journey from where we packed our vehicles to the farms was very long. This is to tell our people that NDLEA means business in its effort at putting a stop to this illegal business and would not stop until it is sure it has got rid of this illicit business in our nation.”

Don, firm get outstanding research award

he International Institute for Training, Research and Economic Development, IITRED, Nigeria has named the Medicinal Plant Development Company, NMPDC, and Professor A. B. Oso of the Afe Babalola University, as recipients of the award for outstanding breakthroughs in research. The award, which has a cash prize, was established to recognise and encourage outstanding researchers. Oso will receive the award for outstanding innovation in oil and gasbioremediation while the NMPDC will receive the award for outstanding breakthrough in agricultural research – domestication and commercialisation of Artemisia annua into drugs against malaria at the Distinguish Research Seminar/Award Dinner at the Sheraton Ho-

tel in Abuja on October 30. The President of IITRED, Mr. Sani S. Dawop, said in a statement that the occasion would be chaired by the DirectorGeneral/Chief Executive Officer, DG/CEO, Energy Commission of Nigeria, Prof. A. S. Sambo, while Vice-President Namadi Sambo would be special guest of honour. Keynote address at the seminar which has the theme: “Achieving national transformation through commercialisation of research and development outputs,” would be delivered by the DG Raw Materials Research and Development Council, Prof. A. P. Onwualu. Also to speak at the occasions are the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof. Heyward Babale Mafuyai, the DG, NMPDC, Mr. Zainab Sheriff, and the Acting DG, Projects Development Agency, PRODA, Dr. Charles Agulanna.

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Oko Poly Director of Works kidnapped CHARLES OKEKE AWKA

he Director of Works, Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, has been kidnapped. Reports said the Works Director, whose name was given as Ephraim Enekwechi, was kidnapped at Oko by gunmen on Wednesday as he was going home from work. A source, which spoke with National Mirror on how the incident hap-

pened, said the gunmen had after forcefully pulling out the Works Director from his car, dumped him in their operational car and escaped. The source said the gunmen, upon accosting Enekwechi in his car, pulled him out and took the car key, while abandoning the car as they escaped. “They dumped him in their own get-away car, which was found abandoned with all the doors left open without any occupant,

Obi promises employment for women CHARLES OKEKE AWKA

nambra State Governor, Peter Obi, had assured that his administration would encourage women empowerment through the provision of jobs to qualified female applicants. Governor Obi’s pledge to continue to empower women was made at the Governor’s Lodge, Awka, when he received a delegation from the National Centre for Women Development that came to him on a courtesy call. The governor said adequate empowerment and motivation of women will have a multiplier effect on poverty reduction and promotion of quality life in families. He noted that massive infrastructure and the development of rural communities had given women access to the outside world and

boosted their economic fortunes. The governor said his administration’s collaboration with donor agencies and development partners had helped the state to fill budgetary gaps and maintained the drive to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Henrietta Agbata, said the team was in the state to tour its skills’ acquisition projects in Idemili North, Ogbaru and Orumba South Local Government Areas. She said the team had expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work done so far. Mrs. Agbata assured that Governor Obi’s administration had made commendable mark in giving women stronger voice and presence in the state.

including the kidnapped director,” the source stressed. Both the spokesman of the Anambra State Police Command, Ralphael Uzoigwe and the Public Relations Officer of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Sir Obini O. Obini, have confirmed the incident. According to Obini, “the summary is that he was abducted by gunmen on his way back from work.” Spokesman of the Anambra State police command, in an interview with National Mirror, said that for now, they have recovered the director’s car while intensive search to locate his whereabouts has commenced. Uzoigwe said they will get at the culprits in no distant time. This case comes barely a day the state government went to Ihiala and demolished some houses linked to a named kidnap suspect.

ENUGU

ublisher and Chairman of Champion Newspapers Limited, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, yesterday gave reasons why Governor T. A. Orji, was given the 2012 Champion Leadership Award. He said it was because of the governor’s determination to do well in Abia State. Iwuanyanwu, at the conferment of the award on the governor at Enugu, said that despite challenges in the state, including security, Orji has shown deter-

mination to make sacrifices to turn around the state for good. Iwuanyanwu equated the governor with other recipients of the award in the past, like the Lagos State governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola and his Edo State counterpart, Governor Adams Oshiomhole, saying that the award was to encourage Orji to do more. According to Iwuanyanwu, Governor Orji has restored peace in Abia State, he is also fast-tracking the development of infrastructure, providing health care, among other provisions.

Councillor blames govt over decay in public schools

he Enugu State government has been blamed for the deteriorating quality of education in the state public primary schools following the adoption of e-payment system for teachers’ salaries. The Supervisory Councillor for Education in Nsukka Local Government Council, Mr Byron Ezeugwu, made the comment in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, in Nsukka. Ezeugwu told NAN that public primary school teachers lacked the sense of seriousness in the discharge of their duties because they believed they would always receive their salaries at the end of month via the e-payment. “Primary school teachers are no longer serious in teaching since they know that at the end of the month their salary must

surely come via the state epayment system. “The quality of education in primary schools has worsened to the extent that primary six pupils do not even know the name of their class teachers and headmasters not to talk of knowing that of the local government chairman or the state governor. “My experience during last year and this year’s verification exercise for teachers in primary schools in Nsukka showed that teachers do not take time to teach pupils, while others do not attend classes at all. “Last year’s local government verification exercise report submitted to government in which sanctions were recorded for some uncommitted teachers have not been acted upon. “Primary school teach-

ers do not take local government monitoring officials serious, because they believe the local government lacked the power to punish them since it cannot stop their monthly salaries. He said that it was painful to note that the local governments had no authority over teachers in their areas even as their funds were deducted at source to pay primary school teachers. “The Nsukka Local Government has 118 public primary schools, and huge amount of money is deducted from the council’s allocation monthly by the state as teachers’ salaries. “Some teachers on Grade Level 11 and 12 have only about 10 pupils in their classes and earn fat monthly salaries. “Most of them go to class late, while others attend once or twice in a week,” he said.

L-R: Managing Director, NEXIM Bank, Mr. Robert Orya; Enugu State Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Godson Nnadi and Senator Gilbert Nnaji, at the Export Enlightenment Forum in Enugu, on Wednesday.

Why Orji received Champion Leadership Award –Iwuanyanwu DENNIS AGBO

South East

Friday, October 26, 2012

Recounting how Champion newspaper started 24 years ago, the publisher said despite the promises of former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, at the end of the civil war, the South-East remained dislocated and had no media grip, hence the people need a voice of their own in the media industry. His words: “It was a big challenge to the Igbo and I was impatient to make sacrifice. For me, it was service to the people without interest and the Igbo embraced it nationwide. With it the Igbo recovered confidence even in civil service.”

LG poll: Ebonyi uncovers plots to unleash mayhem

he Ebonyi State government said yesterday that it has uncovered plots by some politicians in the state to cause mayhem during the local government council election next year. The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Chike Onwe, made the disclosure in Abakaliki while briefing journalists on the outcome of the weekly executive council meeting. He said security reports revealed that some political gladiators were planning to hijack and unleash mayhem

during the council poll in the state. According to him, government will deal decisively with anyone who creates confusion, anarchy, violence or chaos of any type. “Security operatives in the state should wade in and nip the situation in the bud while political office holders should caution their supporters and followers against any act that would disrupt the peace in the state,” he said. He advised politicians in the state to eschew politics of violence and bitterness and to pursue their ambi-

tion peacefully. On the Federal Government’s Good Governance Tour, Onwe said a high-powered committee has been set up to oversee the tour. “The tour will be a vista for the world to appreciate government’s contributions to alleviating the sufferings of the people,” he said. Meanwhile, the executive council meeting decided that all policies and programmes formulated by the three tiers of government in the state should reflect sports development at the grassroots.

South South

Traders count losses after fire razes Dumex Market SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN

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Jonathan to inaugurate new A’Ibom Governor’s Office tomorrow

BENIN

TONY ANICHEBE

raders at the popular Dumex Market in Benin City are still counting their losses estimated at millions of naira since a fire incident brought the busy market to rubbles during the week. It was learnt that about 36 lock-up shops in the market were destroyed by the fire incident that occurred early in the day before many of traders got to the market. Little or no goods were salvaged in most of the affected shops where goods ranging from textile materials to consumables were being sold. It was also gathered that some of the shops, which were not gutted by fire, were burgled by street urchins who invaded the market under the guise of helping to put out the fire. Speaking with our correspondent yesterday, a trader, Mrs. Esther Enoghama, regretted that while the fire destroyed most of her goods, she did not know that thieves were the ones helping her to rescue the remaining goods until they disappeared with the goods. She said: “Before I left home in the morning, I got a call that there was fire incident in the market and I promptly rushed there. I tried to rescue some things initially when I saw that it was yet to spread to my shop. “But all the things that I rescued were stolen by some of the people that helped me who I mistaken for Good Samaritans. As you can see now, I am almost finished. This shop is the only source of my livelihood. I am appealing to the government to come to my rescue as I am a widow with children to feed.” Many of the traders blamed the huge losses on the poor response and inability of the Edo State Fire Service to put out the raging fire.

Friday, October 26, 2012

UYO

resident Goodluck Jonathan will tomorrow pay a oneday working visit to Akwa Ibom State where he will inspect and commission the new Governor’s Office. The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, said in a statement that the President would also perform the groundbreaking ceremony of the new International Stadium in Uyo. Umanah, who described the new Governor’s Office as an architectural master piece, said it was built within a year by Godswill Akpabio’s administration.

According to him, the Governor’s Office has conference room, lounge, multi-media studio, a press room and an Executive Council chamber with video conferencing facilities, among others. The commissioner also said the stadium had, among other features, classic multi-purpose layout with running tracks, two-tier seating arrangement, excellent viewing conditions, arena with football pitch and eight-lane 400m standard track, including athletic facilities in the segment of the field. Also, the access and exit system of the stadium comply with international safety requirements, as

it provides emergency routes and allows an evacuation time of less than eight minutes. Umanah said on completion, the stadium would be equipped with three video boards under the roof. He recalled that during his previous visits, President Jonathan had commissioned landmark projects such as the concentric flyovers, Akwa Ibom International Airport Phase I, and the ‘dualized’ International Airport Road, the Governor’s Lodge, underground pipe-jacking drainage facility, including 17 other projects initiated and completed by the present administration. The commissioner

BENIN

A Jonathan

also disclosed that during his last visit in June, Jonathan commissioned the ‘dualized’ Aka-Nung Udoe Road and the ultramodern E-Library, reputed to be the first of its kind in the West African sub-region. Umanah disclosed that preparations were on to give the President a rousing welcome.

466 benefit from Bayelsa scholarship scheme

were studying in various disciplines relevant to the immediate and future manpower needs of Bayelsa State. The commissioner, according to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, also explained that government earmarked N1 billion for the scheme in 2012. He said 100 out of the 141 beneficiaries for postgraduate scholarship programme had started lectures while others were being delayed by the conditional admission process in the United Kingdom. Salo said the Dickson’s

administration inherited two undergraduate and postgraduate scholarship schemes in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Malaysia, adding that all tuition fees had been paid. The commissioner said allowances for the months of September, October and November 2012 had been paid for those in Malaysia. According to him, out of the 84 students in the Asian country, 24 graduated on October 20 with five of them in first class division and 12 in the second class upper division. On his part, Ogulah said the board had initiated programme to ac-

Edo Govt House, major streets wear new look SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN

L-R: Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan; Chairman, South-South Head of Traditional Rulers Council, Dr. Edmond Dakoru and Olu of Warri, HRM Ogiame Atuwatse, during a courtesy call on the governor in Asaba, recently.

bout 466 students have benefitted from Bayelsa State Government’s university scholarship scheme spread across 100 institutions in 30 countries. The Commissioner for Education, Chief Adikumo Salo, and the Chairman of the state Scholarship Board, Mr. Foster Ogulah, disclosed this at a briefing in Yenagoa yesterday. At the briefing, Salo and Ogulah gave the scorecard of the board since the inception of Governor Seriake Dickson’s administration. Salo said the students

Swearing-in:

commodate students who graduated in third class and pass divisions at the state-owned Niger Delta University. According to him, this is expected to prepare such persons for higher academic pursuit within and outside the country. Ogulah explained that all beneficiaries were expected to work with the state government for a given number of years under a bond as practiced elsewhere in the world. The Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha’s administration started the postgraduate scholarship programme in the state.

bout 18 days to the swearing-in of Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State for another four-year term, the Government House and some major streets in the state capital, Benin City, are now wearing a new look. A visit to the Government House yesterday showed that the government is making a conscious effort to improve its look with a facelift that involves re-painting, especially with the symbolic green-white-green national colours as well as a mixture of other colours such ash and grey. The roads were not left out of the facelift as the concrete pavements of some major roads were being painted in black and white. The government also fixed street lights and trimmed the flowers. A government official, who craved anonymity, disclosed that it was in readiness for next month’s swearing-in ceremony expected to be attended by several political leaders across the country. The official added that the facelift would, in the next couple of days, be extended to other places in the state. Oshiomhole is expected to be sworn in on November 12 for another four years after his re-election on July 14. He began his first term after a legal tussle that spanned 18 months on November 12, 2008. However, a petition on the re-election victory is pending before the Edo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal. The first panel of the tribunal was dissolved during the week and replaced with a new one expected to begin sitting on October 31, to continue from where the first tribunal stopped. The tribunal had already thrown out the main claim of the petition, the non-qualification of the governor, before it was dissolved on the strength of a protest from the petitioner.

Friday, October 26, 2012

Ogun PDP: What manner of truce?

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Politics

2015: Nigeria deserves Buhari as president – Orkar

Governors’ gang up against me, a ruse, says Tukur OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

he National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, has dismissed reports of gang-up by governors of PDP states against his leadership, disclosing that he was all along on good terms with the governors, contrary to insinuations. Tukur said this while reacting to reports that the PDP governors were in solidarity with their counterpart in Adamawa State, Admiral Murtala Nyako over the dissolution of the state executive committee of the PDP in Adamawa State by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party. He said the PDP state governors were main stakeholders in the party and would never take any action capable of jeopardising the large interest

of PDP under any guise, stressing that the governors have rather been offering strong pillars of support to the PDP at all times. He said: “I have been a governor before and I know how these things work. The governors would not gang up against their party. In the first instance, many of them call me father, and I admit I am their father. I am a father to all. The pain of any governor is my pain. I cannot abandon them since I am their father. “It is the media that have been creating the sensation. The governors come to my house any time they like. I go to them too, if there are issues to discuss. Moreover, we meet regularly at the party’s national secretariat to discuss the progress of the party. So, where is the gang up that people talk about? There is no gang up anywhere because the PDP is on cause.

The PDP governors are sound democrats. Many of then have good record of performance in their respective state which we in PDP are taking note off. We depend on these governors to reach the grassroots in our efforts to consolidate in power. So, how would you imagine that such governors, who are purveyors of the party’s agenda would turn around and be

ganging up against their party?” Tukur said the NWC’s decision on Adamawa was in good order and never targeted at any individual or group in the state, as according to him, the NWC took into consideration constitutional requirements in addressing the problem in Adamawa PDP. “The NWC was fair and just in taking that decision

just to rescue the PDP in Adamawa from sinking,” Tukur said. He said the resolve to set up a Caretaker Committee to takeover the affairs of Adamawa PDP stemmed from the long expiration of tenure of the former state Executive Committee, and the need to safeguard the party in the state from slipping into deeper crisis. The PDP, he said, con-

sulted widely among stakeholders of Adamawa PDP in the spirit of dialogue and diplomacy, the major peg of PDP’s reform agenda before sacking the officers on the basis of their expired tenure, adding that since the caretaker committee took off in Adamawa, members of the party who defected into the opposition camps have been returning to the party in droves.

OBJ, others to attend S/West PDP caucus meeting KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

o further reposition the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-West, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, immediate past Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, former governors and other chieftains of the party in the region will tomorrow converge on Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, for the party’s caucus meeting. The meeting, the first since the party’s caucus was enlarged by the Segun Oni-led zonal executive, is expected to take farreaching decisions on the progress of the party in the zone. While confirming the meeting in a release made available to journalists in Ibadan yesterday, the zonal Publicity Secretary of the party, Kayode Babade, said preparations are in top gear

for the meeting, adding that “the Oni-led zonal executive is poised to reposition the party and return it to the election-winning path.” Apart from Obasanjo and Bankole, he said members of the extended Zonal Executive Committee expected at the meeting include all current National Executive Council (NEC) members, members of the Board of Trustees (BoT), all former National Working Committee (NWC) members, National Assembly members, all serving and former ministers and Special Advisers to the President and all former principal officers of the National Assembly. “Our mission in the zonal exco is for all our members to come together under a party that is allinclusive,” Babade said, warning that those not invited will not be allowed to enter the meeting venue, stating “It is not going to be an all-comers meeting.”

L-R: Senator representing Bauchi Central, Abdul Ningi, presenting cash donation to the the Vice Chairman, North Central, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Babayo Akuyam, in Bauchi, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

CRPP backs dissolution of Edo guber tribunal FELIX NWANERI

he Edo State leadership of the Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) has applauded the recent dissolution of the three-man Edo Election Petition Tribunal led by Justice Suleiman

Ambrusa over alleged compromise, describing it as a step in the right direction. The state chairman of the group, Rev. Anslem Onoigboria, who gave the commendation when he led a delegation of executive members of the group to the campaign office of the governorship candidate

of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Maj. General Charles Airhiavbere (rtd) in Benin City, said: “It was a right decision. We discovered that the judges were no longer after the mission they came in for. They were playing ball. They became compromised. We are really happy that the tribunal

Discipline, vital to Nigeria’s success – Adamu OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU

igerians have been called upon to imbibe discipline and patriotism if they desire that Nigeria should prosper, even as they were told that loyalty to their leaders is the panacea to peaceful co-existence. This was the contention of Senator Abdullahi Ad-

amu in his message to the Muslim Ummah and all Nigerians to mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration. Speaking in Abuja yesterday, Adamu said: “The importance of discipline in nation-building cannot be over emphasised as it is by adhering to that important virtue that the nation can pull together as one and build the nation of our dreams.

“Discipline should be seen in our actions and there should be a genuine desire for change from both the leaders and the led, if we are to surmount our present challenges.” Adamu, a former governor, who represents Nasarawa West Senatorial district in the Senate also called on Nigerians to ensure that the culture of discipline is reflected in their actions.

has been disbanded.” Onoigboria also commended Airhiavbere’s decision to continue with the suit on certificate forgery allegation against Governor Adams Oshiomhole, saing: “He should keep on the battle because God Almighty will crown him with victory.” “The right step has been taken, Airhiavbere is a man sent by God and endowed with wisdom to be able to challenge the governor in the court. It is an indication that there are still principled people in Nigeria,” he added. Responding, Mr. David Uwaifo, who spoke on behalf of Airhiavbere thanked the CRPP for the visit, assuring them that the PDP candidate will not rest on his oars until justice was done on his petition.

Politics

he news that recently emanated from the Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that it had resolved all the lingering crises bedevilling the party, perhaps may turn out to be a joke afterall. The three factions of the party in the Gateway State were said to have met at different locations to resolve the lingering crisis, according to National Mirror investigations. At the meeting held at the Lekki, Lagos residence of Chief Martins Kuye , which lasted several hours, it was unanimously resolved that former governor of the state Otunba Gbenga Daniel should be the overall leader of the party in the state. Daniel was given the responsibility on the basis of his capacity and experience to bring both leaders and followers together. However, the faction loyal to former President Olusegun Obasanjo was said to have distanced itself from the purported meeting. The lingering crisis in the party started when the party elders did not hesitate to demonstrate their strong opposition to the emergence of Senator Dipo Odujinrin as the state chairman of the party following the state congress conducted by a faction loyal to Obasanjo on August 4. Their action came just as the five-man committee set up by the PDP National Secretariat to monitor the congress in Ogun recommended the cancellation of its results, saying that three of the existing four factions in the state PDP did not take part in the process. Armed with the report of the congress committee, the elders, who deliberated extensively under the aegis of Ogun PDP Progressives, enjoined the party leadership at the national level to annul the results of the congress held by the Obasanjo faction and order for fresh congresses at all levels in order to accommodate all the members of the other factions, allegedly excluded from the congresses by the Obasanjo faction. The elders in a petition sent to the State Congress Appeal Committee pointed out that: “It is trite that you cannot be a judge in your own case. This group (Obasanjo faction) only went to the congress and affirmed their own listed candidates without following the rules and guidelines of the congresses.” Speaking to National Mirror on condition of anonymity why the elders have to take such a stand, a chieftain of the party said that the purported congress hold by few members of the party was a mere jamboree He lamented: “How can somebody, because of his influence, think he can decide the fate and fortune of the party? This was how they started before the 2011 elections when they made the state ungovernable; here we are again.” However, the state Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Bidemi Osunbiyi, said that the recent report circulating in the media that Daniel has been appointed as the leader of the party was misleading, adding that the former governor was just appointed as the leader of the aggrieved party members, who want to return to the party. He pointed out that the PDP in the state has not inaugurated any elders’ caucus as provided for in the constitution where the overall leaders would emerge. According to him, whatever arrange-

Friday, October 26, 2012

Ogun PDP: What manner of truce? Despite the clarion call by the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bamanga Tukur, that all aggrieved members of the party should be re-admitted into the party, SINA FADARE reports that Ogun State chapter of the party seems to plunge deeper into myriads of unending crisis.

Tukur

Obasanjo

ment made at various meetings both at Ijebu-Ode and Lekki in Lagos was an exclusive business of those who attended such meetings, adding: “It is not a decision of the executive under Dipo Odujinrin.” Osunbiyi said that the aggrieved members, including Daniel, are just trying to forge a common ground for their return to the party by making him leader. “We are peace-loving people. We will take over the place (Secretariat) using due process. They can’t be serious; their request is laughable. They should learn to accept defeat,” he said. He emphasised that there is a laid down rules and conditions for those who wanted to come back to the party, adding that they were all trying to meet up the deadline before the opportunity given them expired. But analysts wonder why the case of the Ogun State chapter of the PDP is an exception despite the spirit of reconciliation and magnanimity, which the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur. Explaining why the Ogun PDP crises have remained intractable, a chieftain of the party and a strong financier, Chief Buruji Kashamu, accused former President Obasanjo as the brain behind the crises in the state. Buruji recalled how Ogun PDP suffered a setback, when the former Board of Trustees (BoT) chairman suggested that Gen. Adetunji Olurin, former military administrator of Ekiti State and the party’s gubernatorial candidate in the 2011 election, should be the leader and arrowhead of the party. Kashamu said: “I disagreed with the idea, because Gen. Olurin was new in the party. He lacked structure and politi-

Daniel

cal experience, and he may not command acceptance and loyalty. People felt that it would be another imposition. But Baba Obasanjo insisted on his proposal.” He therefore proposed an all embracing approach to solve the lingering crises in the party, which is for all feuding factions of the party in the state to abide by the party decision on the crises. That by so doing, members would have a sense of participation and self-worth if they are given the opportunity to choose their ward, local government and state leaders at properly constituted congresses. The party financier in Ogun pointed out that anything short of everyone embracing the party decision, which will incorporate all the warring factions in the state, the party will continue to flounder in the throes of disintegration caused by

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the intractable conflicts among the three factions currently battling for the soul of PDP in the state. National Mirror learnt that peace is far away from the party, despite Tukur’s clarion call that all those who left the party should be encouraged to come back. With a common front, those who are aggrieved, are agreed that the only way peace can return to the party is for the earlier congress which produced the current Odujinrin- led executive to give way for an enlarged congress that will be broad-base and will take care of all the interests in the party. And as all the factions are still sticking to their guns, maintaining their earlier positions, it is obvious that the last is yet to be heard on the issue. This is more so as the Obasanjo faction, which produced the current executive, is not ready to shift ground and would go to any length to sustain the leadership of the party in the state, no matter whose ox is gored. A source at the National Secretariat of PDP in Abuja said that the party is at a crossroad on how to resolve the crisis in Ogun State, despite receiving a petition from three of the factions, which have teamed up with a common interest, insisting on a fresh congress. The source further said that a faction at Abuja did not want to offend Obasanjo, who had installed the state executive and this interest is tenaciously being guided by the National Secretary of the party, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola. Speaking to National Mirror on the issue, former Minister of Transport and a member of the party’s BoT, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, said that it was unfortunate that the crises have been allowed to degenerate to the level it is now. He was, however, optimistic that crisis would soon be resolved. Babatope said: “Conflict is part of politics and with this clarion call by our national chairman that all the warring factions should be reconciled and brought back to the party, the crisis in Ogun PDP will soon become a thing of the past.” The South-West Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Kayode Babade, said that the crisis in the state, though not healthy for the party, will soon be a foregone issue. Babade, who spoke with National Mirror, noted that the zone is solidly behind the executive led by Odujinrin, because there was a congress in the state which was monitored by the national secretariat. “Peace will come to Ogun PDP at the end of the day. There is no situation that has a beginning that will not have an end. Even those who put up arms against themselves still come to resolve their differences on a round table; therefore the situation in Ogun cannot be otherwise.” With the recently inaugurated sevenman disciplinary committee to bring unity and sanity to the party, one hopes that the party would be able to talk with one voice at the end of their surgical operation. However, political pundits are of the view that if the cold war among the warring members in the state is allowed to go out of hands, the party may stay long on the political turf as an observer. And what is of concern to all stakeholders is when will the gladiators put aside personal ego and self interest to bring to an end the lingering crises that have cost the party electoral victories in the state?

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Politics

Friday, October 26, 2012

Dr. J.T. Orkar is the elder brother of late Major Gideon Orkar. He was at various times Commissioner for Transport and Works during the tenure of the first civilian governor of Benue State, late Aper Aku. He tells HENRY IYORKASE that at 52, Nigeria is still crawling, insisting that until power is entrusted in the hands of the right leaders, development may be far from the country. Excerpts: Nigeria recently celebrated her 52nd independence anniversary. Going by indices on ground do you think the country is worth celebrating at all? I would like to say that, when a child is born, it calls for celebration but we have never celebrated still birth. So, I have not for many years seen any reason why I should celebrate. To majority of us, it didn’t matter, even when the colonial masters were here, when we could do what we wanted. Life was much better than we find now. So, independence is only a matter of somebody feeling we are no longer under a colonial master otherwise, there is nothing to celebrate about Nigeria. All is not well and those who are governing do not in any way wish that things should change for good. All sorts of things are happening and when you talk about them, nobody cares. Number one is the issue of corruption. Corruption, everybody says, has eaten deep in all fabrics and yet people who are in government are not interested in seeing to it that there is change. The other time, the Senate was probing the power sector and a lot of startling revelations were made which were published in our papers. After some time, the whole thing died down. I remember it was reported that one contractor who did not even know the site where he was supposed to execute a project was paid fully. You hear the same thing about the pension funds, the same thing about what they are calling subsidy. And even when the people cry out that instead of increasing the cost of fuel, check within, no one cares. The other time it was the issue of bribe to a member of the House of Representatives and the amount involved was mindboggling. There is also poverty in our country. If the amount which is meant for pensioners is also taken by few individuals, what do you expect will happen? Pensioners, when they are not paid can’t live normal lives, yet nobody cares. So, I have not seen anything to celebrate in Nigeria. 2015 is around the corner and different geo-political zones are laying claim to the presidency. In your opinion, which zone do you think should produce the next president? I was one of those who made input into the amendment of the constitution when our people went to Constitutional Conference. We said the presidency should rotate among the six zones of Nigeria. But the military Head of State at the time, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar removed that and said it should rotate between the North and South. Going by that arrangement, if the present president is from the South, definitely it should rotate back to the North. But if they had not removed that and left it to the six zones, maybe we would be talking about the presidency going to South-South, South East, coming to the North Central and so forth. If that is the situation it should come back to the North. But let me add; I think more of personalities than thinking about South and North. Up till now, I have not seen any other candidate better than Muhammadu Buhari. If Buhari was not rigged out, Nigeria would have been better by now. But because there are some people who were afraid of Buhari, knowing what they did, and believing that Buhari may come and probe them and they will be punished or they will lose all that they have looted from Nigeria, they all worked against him, rigged the election in favour of Goodluck Jonathan. But the former governor of Abia State, Orji Kalu has said it point blank that by 2015, the Igbo would vote for an Igbo candidate and that other Nigerians could vote for their own. What do you think this portend for the country? There is nothing wrong with the Igbo wanting to head this country. I remember I had a clash with somebody who didn’t believe that a Yoruba person should be made pres-

2015: Nigeria deserves Buhari as president – Orkar I do remember when Adams Oshiomhole was the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress, when they were about to increase the price of fuel, he asked us to go on strike; that people should sit at home just for one or two days to make the government know that they are not happy with what was planned, but many people refused. Market women and others went about their business. That means we are not yet conscious of what we should do to change this country for good. And that is why you hear people talking about presidency going to the South, North and so much of that instead of the progress of this country.

Orkar

ident. But it has come to past. Anyone of us can become president of this country, whether Igbo, whether Tiv, Jukun or whatever indigenous tribe. And it may be that one day, somebody who becomes the president has the qualities that Nigerians want and his tribe may not even be the issue. But, up till now, I believe that it is Buhari who will be president and we will get what we want in Nigeria. I should feel that he should be made one. After that, the presidency can go anywhere. Do you think the likes of Ibrahim Babangida and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar would ever support his candidacy, giving his hard posture on issues? All those names you have mentioned mean nothing to me and I am not expecting that they will be the ones to concede. I know that they have been part of the damage done to this country, but I cannot say that they are the ones to concede presidency to Buhari. Nigerians have to do it even, while they are there. We need a revolution in Nigeria to arrive at where we should be. Given the divergent interests of Nigerians, do you think revolution can ever take place in this country? There is nothing impossible with the Almighty God. Revolution comes in steps. There was one in Ghana, where Jerry Rawlings made a change. The early people were still there when he came in and made the change. Some of these people were killed. There is also another kind of revolution where people are enlightened and they can get up and do what they have to do. We see on television in other countries, people are adamant, going without food, insisting that certain things are done. You can see that it is revolution also. May be we will get to that stage in Nigeria.

WE ARE NOT YET CONSCIOUS OF WHAT WE SHOULD DO TO CHANGE THIS COUNTRY FOR

GOOD. AND THAT IS WHY YOU HEAR PEOPLE TALKING ABOUT PRESIDENCY GOING TO THE

SOUTH, NORTH

As a chieftain of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), what is your opinion about the proposed alliance with the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and other opposition parties ahead of 2015? Before the general elections of 2011, there were some efforts for a merger between the ACN and the CPC. I know as of fact that each time there was going to be a meeting between the two parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would sent its own agents to frustrate whatever was to go on. That was what happened. I am a trustee of the CPC. We agreed on merger. There was a time, a proposal was brought about the name, about the symbol but as at that time, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it was too late, because there is time within which merger can be made before elections. INEC had already started printing documents, so it was too late. So, I expected that soon after the litigations, these talks should be renewed and if the people who are involved understand the matter, there is no question of taking this kind of time. There is no need for us to have the number of political parties we have registered in Nigeria, if it were not because of confusion and because other people are benefiting from this kind of arrangement. In politics, you have political parties based on ideology. We talk of left, right and centre. Then you have on the left those who want to move further left and on the right those who want to go further right. And then there are times when there are issues which bring about political parties. It is not the case in Nigeria. So, it’s pure selfishness. People have some parochial interests. Let me reveal this to you: in 1979, the NPN was a major party with average of 34 per cent of total votes cast in the elections. The PRP, UPN, GNPP, NPP shared the 66 per cent. That 66 was major but none of them got enough to compete with NPN’s 34 per cent. When Babangida introduced two political parties, the Social Democratic Party (SDP), a little to the left, and the National Republican Convention (NRC), a little to the right, that gave the progressives opportunity of coming together in SDP and that is why SDP was doing the wonders it did. There was no way NRC could come close, because those of us who were even in NPN but who were progressives all moved into SDP. So, it is to Nigerians’ advantage if these parties merge and because they have been registered to create confusion, when people talk about de-registering them, they are not keen about that, which should have been done since. What is your assessment of the Jonathan administration so far? As I have said, a president that would have my acceptance is one who fights corruption and he hasn’t done it. Corruption is going on. No bit has been touched. You hear them talking about there will be no sacred cow and so forth but you are seeing nothing. Who have been prosecuted? Those who were governors some getting to six, seven years, they said they could not prosecute them because of immunity. They have left the offices over four years, have you seen anything? If it were just for Nigeria, Ibori would be free. What kind of country is this? And it’s under the man who is president, these things are happening. So, I can’t rate him. If I am to rate, it will be poor marks.

Editorial

Friday, October 26, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

All the Facts, All the Sides A PUBLICATION OF GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LTD BARRISTER JIMOH IBRAHIM, OFR PUBLISHER

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HEAD, GRAPHICS

As Muslims celebrate Eid-el-Kabir

id-el-Kabir, otherwise known as Eid-el Adha or the festival of slaughter, is of significance in several ways in relation to upholding the sunnah (the practices or ways) of prophet Ibrahim. It affords the faithful the opportunity to give thanks and adoration to Almighty Allah (swt); to demonstrate the act of submission and subservience to Him; and to radiate and espouse the taqwa (the fear or being conscious) of Allah. Prophet Ibrahim (may the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) was the first faithful to sacrifice a ram in the worship of Allah in replacement of his lone son, Ismail; the prophet having committed himself to Allah in a covenant when he was seeking the fruit of the womb from Him. He had promised that if Allah blesses him with a child, he will commit the child to the worship of Allah. It did come to pass, according to the holy scriptures, that Allah blessed Ibrahim with a son, Ismail; and in order to test the sincerity and commitment of Ibrahim to the covenant he made before the birth of the child, Allah instructed him to offer Ismail, his only son, to Him as sacrifice. Ibrahim did not hesitate, but took Ismail along for the sacrifice. Allah, however, in His magnanimity and merci-

fulness, and at the point Ibrahim was about slaughtering his son, replaced Ismail with a ram instead. Thus, it may be rightly stated that the sincerity of purpose and obedience to Allah (swt) in all man’s endavours is what Allah expects of the faithful, since it is only when the worship of Allah is sincere that it is acceptable to Him. Eid-el-Kabir also signifies gratitude to Allah for his munificence on mankind. It was Allah’s grace, blessing and love for humanity that made Him commute human (Ismail) to animal (a ram) to be used by Ibrahim for sacrifice. The simple import is the need for man to be truthful and committed to all his covenants with Allah, to Allah’s worship and in singing His praises. Allah does not expect anything from His creation, except faithfulness and gratefulness to Him. He expects man to utilize all that He has bestowed on him - knowledge, wealth, children, etc., to express gratitude to Him (Q4:147). It is, therefore, implied that the purpose of training one’s children, expending one’s wealth, applying one’s knowledge and slaughtering rams on the day of ‘eid’ should be to satisfy Allah and Him alone. Again, Eid-el-Kabir buttresses the acts of subservience

THE LEADERSHIP SHOULD SINCERELY ADDRESS THE CRITICAL NATIONAL QUESTIONS AND OTHER CONTRADICTIONS THREATENING TO TEAR THE NATION INTO

SHREDS, NOT JUST PREACHING PEACE

and total submission to the will of Allah. Submitting to Allah’s will it is, for instance, that makes it possible and easy for man to slaughter animals. Allah made the ram, goat or cow, etc., to be submissive to man; otherwise killing them would have been a herculean task. Allah equally expects man to be dutiful to him alone, associate no other partner with Him, and fully submit to His dictates (Q32:34). In addition, the festival serves as a feast for the faithful to rejoice and be happy, eat and also extend such conditions to the needy, the sick and others in a lawful manner. Perhaps, most significantly, the feast is meant to further engrain in the heart of the faithful the fear and consciousness of Allah. Allah says in Q32 verse 37 that: “it is neither their meat nor

their blood that reaches Him, but it is the piety from you that reaches Him. We made them subject to you that you may magnify Allah for His guidance to you…”. It is evident that the consciousness and fear of Allah enliven mankind’s existence and work, as well as guide him on the path of righteousness always. When stripped of Allah’s consciousness, the likelihood of man going astray becomes extremely high. The Muslim world, nonMuslims and the Nigerian leadership should utilize the opportunity presented by the Eid-el-Kabir to deeply reflect on the tense atmosphere, bloodshed, crises and general insecurity plaguing the nation as a result of avoidable ethnic, religious and political intolerance. We think it is time to renounce violence and insist on equity and fairness in the polity. The leadership should sincerely address the critical national questions and other contradictions threatening to tear the nation into shreds, not just preaching peace, unity, tolerance and sacrifice, etc., which they are not ready to practically demonstrate in times like this. We wish all faithful a rich, happy and fruitful Eid-elKabir celebration.

ON THIS DAY October 26, 2003 The Cedar Fire, the second-largest fire in California’s history, killed 15 people, consumed 250,000 acres (1,000 km2), and destroyed 2,200 homes around San Diego, United States. The Cedar Fire was a human-caused wildfire that burned out of control through a large area of San Diego County, in Southern California, in October 2003. The Cedar Fire was one of 15 wildfires throughout Southern California that month, which became known as the “2003 Firestorm” and the “Fire Siege of 2003.”

October 26, 2000 Laurent Gbagbo took over as the president of Cote d’Ivoire following a popular uprising against President Robert Guei. Gbagbo (born May 31, 1945) was president from 2000 until his arrest in April 2011. A historian by profession, he is also an amateur chemist and physicist. He was imprisoned in the early 1970s and again in the early 1990s, and he lived in exile in France during much of the 1980s as a result of his union activism.

October 26, 1984 “Baby Fae” received a heart transplant from a baboon. Stephanie Fae Beauclair (October 14, 1984 – November 15, 1984) was an American infant born in 1984 with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. She became the first infant subject of a xenotransplant procedure, receiving the heart of a baboon. The procedure, performed by Leonard L. Bailey at the Loma Linda University Medical Center, California, initially appeared to be successful, but Fae died 21 days later of a kidney infection.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Friday, October 26, 2012

Lagos and the Williams sisters DOTUN FOLAJIN

he attention of the world would shift to Lagos, Nigeria from Tuesday October 30 to Friday 2, November 2012, as international tennis champions, Serena and Venus Williams visit Nigeria’s economic capital as part of a planned twonation African tour for this year. The visit is the Nigerian leg of the tour by the Williams sisters. Uniquely, Lagos in Nigeria and Johannesburg in South Africa, are the two preferred choices of the world’s celebrated ‘Queens of tennis’ for their tour of the continent. Ahead of the visit, Nigerians are already waiting anxiously and eagerly to see these two world champions come in person to Lagos. The coming of Serena and Venus to the Centre of Excellence, is arguably another milestone due to the fact that the trip would afford them the opportunity to meet with women, young people and other cadres through the ‘Breaking The Mould’ (BTM) campaign, a women’s empowerment initiative that was recently launched as a platform to inspire, motivate and empower the women-folk, so they can achieve whatever their goals. The choice of Lagos is symbolic in many ways. Aside being Nigeria’s former political capital, it is the melting point for all classes of people in the country and home to more than 250 ethnic groups. The unity-in-diversity advantage and strength in homogeneity, that are characteristic of Nigeria’s geographic make-up, are eas-

ily expressed in Lagos as the self-imposed barriers peculiar in other climes do not exist in the state. Aside, Lagos occupies a prime position as the second fastest growing city in Africa and the seventh in the world. The state also boasts of the busiest air and sea ports in the West African sub region. For many people, Lagos is the land of endless possibilities or what has become an epithet, Eko for show! Thus, the planned visit of the Williams sisters is a good image boost for the country. One of the immediate benefits is the improvement in Nigeria’s image which has been tainted by the current challenges we are facing. If one goes by the daily incidents of suicide bombings, floods, armed robbery and corruption of the political leadership, one is bound to lose hope. But, with their visit there is encouragement and ray of hope that things will get better. One sees the visit as breaking mould of pessimism that has beclouded the minds of millions of Nigerians. In another light, the visit would impact the tourism potentials of Lagos as a destination for business and leisure. The Williams sisters’ visit is a demonstration to international tourists and foreign investors, who are still pessimistic of coming to Nigeria that, despite all the negative media reports, Nigeria is still a safe place to visit and do business. As role ‘Mould Breakers’ and ‘Champions of change,’ having weathered the unfavourable side of life to become global stars, their visit represents a significant effort that would help break the moulds, misconceptions

FOR LAGOS AND NIGERIA AS A WHOLE, THE COMING OF THE

WILLIAMS SISTERS IS MEANT TO BE A LIFEIMPARTING EXPERIENCE OF HOW CHAMPIONS ARE MADE, AND HOW SOMEONE CAN RISE FROM OBSCURITY TO LIMELIGHT and stereotypes that have dogged our national and international outlook. Going by the intent of ‘Breaking the Mould’ campaign as espoused by the brains behind the initiative, it is believed that the entire concept is a good one, given the fact that it seeks to recognise and acknowledge the role women play in shifting perceptions that have posed as setbacks for them in achieving their full potential. It is also gratifying to note that the initiative is aimed at encouraging development at all levels across the African continent. Therefore, it is a thing of joy that the international tennis champions are coming to help Nigerian women break the moulds and negative mindsets that make many think greatness is not possible. By narrating how they walked the tough path of life to stardom, their story would in no small

Quest for free education in Imo UGOCHUKWU FAVOUR-MAYOR

ducation has been an important aspect of human activity, and shall continue to function as long as people live on earth. Its importance may be summed up as an essential human virtue; important for integration of separate entities; sign of freedom; basis of good life and in all essential to human virtue. Man became civilised through education. It can be rightly said that without it, man becomes a splendid slave and reasoning savage. Education is necessary for society because it fashions and models man, as he cannot be conceived merely in terms of biological existence. It was prior to these that the Imo State Governor, Anayo Rochas Okorocha, made it a point of his electioneering campaign, by promising to provide free education at all levels. Today, it is no longer news that the state has become the first in Nigeria, where children of school age attend classes free from primary to university. As expected, this has elicited jubilation and enthusiasm among the people, especially parents who, like their counterparts in other parts of the country, have difficulty paying their children’s school fees. Recently, the Special Assistant to the governor on Lagos Liaison, Hon. Lisa Asugha, disclosed that since the launch of free education, it has been able to act as symbol of a renewed commitment by stakeholders to drive the vision of the administration towards repositioning some critical sectors for efficiency and optimal

WITH RARE VISION OF INVESTING IN THE

FUTURE, GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES WILL GO A LONG WAY IN TACKLING THE RISING WAVE OF VIOLENCE AND YOUTH RESTIVENESS IN THE COUNTRY productivity. To enable this function effectively, Asugha distinguished it as a jewel in Okorocha’s administration; whereby it is properly monitored, genuinely motivated and implemented with devotion by the government in other to position it at the threshold of history. Unveiling the government plan, she stated that government has approved payment of N60,000 for National Diploma (ND) and N80,000 for higher National Diploma (HND) students of Imo State origin studying at the lmo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo . Also, students of the state origin in Imo State University (IMSU), shall be entitled to scholarship of N100, 000. She said government has ordered the release of N450 million promised by the previous administration as grants to mission schools, even as it has increased the monthly subvention to IMSU, from N57 million to N250 million. Accordingly, the

administration has embarked on the upgrading of infrastructure in all government owned schools. “One of them is the ongoing construction of 305 model schools to replace the dilapidated structures in each electoral ward. The sum of N135 million has been released to Imo State Polytechnic, for projects development. The Imo College of Advanced Professional Studies (ICAPS) and Young Scientist College, have been established to give graduates and youths, opportunities to acquire skills to make them employable in various sectors of the economy”. Even when political opponents said the N18, 000 minimum wages for civil servants was impossible, the government decided to pay N20, 000, which is N2, 000 above that stipulated. “Gov. Okorocha believed and knew he can rescue his people from the stranglehold of usurpers, poverty and deprivation. So he chose the campaign slogan “The Rescue Mission Agenda”. “Since he was inaugurated on May 29, 2011, he has done that with speed and passion, as he is seen as the miracle worker, considering his achievements, in one year. With rare vision of investing in the future, government initiatives will go a long way in tackling the rising wave of violence and youth restiveness in the country, as free education would build more confidence between the people and the state. “If we must see a nation where our youths will be competing with others, we must properly address the issue of the future. For our investment to be effective and achievable, it should be on the basis of the development of our educational sector, and

way, inspire many women who are already downcast because of the challenges they face. Their engagement sessions which will include a tennis clinic, exhibition match and gala award night, will also serve to dismantle other moulds. For instance, they will try to help women overcome the negative mentality that they are secondrate citizens; that the girl-child does not deserve the best in life. It is also important to note that the inspiration from the Williams sisters would help enlighten Nigerians, that education is essential although it does not solely determine success. Many will also discover that greatness is possible in a place like Nigeria, while they will teach those virtues that make success attainable. They will teach young Nigerians the value of hard work, passion and determination. On the whole, their interactions are meant to leave a lasting impression on the minds of their audience that no mountain is unassailable; that the solutions to one’s problems are within, and that every man or woman can bring out the best in them. For Lagos and Nigeria as a whole, the coming of the Williams sisters is meant to be a lifeimparting experience of how champions are made, and how someone can rise from obscurity to limelight. But, on the lighter side, residents are waiting for the tennis thrill that is the trademark of these indomitable sisters and champions of the world, right on the soil of Lagos. Folajina, wrote from Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State.

that is exactly what we are doing in Imo.” Against the backdrop of constitutional provisions enjoining all governments in the country to operate free education at all levels, the Imo State Government policy appears laudable and worthy of emulation. Section 18 (1) of the 1999 Constitution stipulates that “Government shall direct its policy towards ensuring that there are equal and adequate educational opportunities at all levels”. Sub-section (3) (a, b, c, d) state that “Government shall strive to eradicate illiteracy through free, compulsory and universal primary education; free secondary education; free university education; and free adult literacy programme.” However, those who have expressed reservation on the ability of the government to implement free education at all levels should not be discountenanced easily. The policy requires logistics and planning much beyond mere allocation of money, which appears to be the thrust of Governor Okorocha’s campaign. Nonetheless, government should be congratulated for having started a worthy venture. It is a noteworthy measure, particularly in Africa where this is perhaps the first of its kind. Ugochukwu Favour-Mayor, wrote from Owerri, Imo State. Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs. Pseudonyms may be used but must be clearly marked as such.

Mail Mirror

Friday, October 26, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Challenges of post-PHCN unbundling I The released N17bn for flood victims

he N17 billion funds proposed to address the recent flood menace in the country should be properly channeled to the known victims and used to address other challenges that have arisen from the calamity. This time calls for vigilance so that the funds are not diverted into private pockets. I trust and respect the members of Alhaji Aliko Dangote Committee to do a thorough job.

f you take your time to go through the list of individuals that are buying up unbundled distribution companies from PHCN, one thing is common to them: They either have once called the shots in the nation’s corridors of power or they are close to or have benefitted from those that were prominent in the corridors of power. It is very disheartening that those who had the opportunities to turn

around the fortunes of PHCN in their heydays are now the ones profiting from the rot they had helped to create. The argument may be made that it is better for our local capitalists to be in charge of our economic fate than the international capitalists to swoop on the carcass of the nation like vultures. The lie to this logic is that capitalism has no friendly face. It exists to exploit and its bottom-line is to

make more and more money from every business opportunity through pervasive exploitation. President Goodluck Jonathan will be credited with selling our collective patrimony like many before him. The unwholesomeness in PHCN today, where ‘crazy bills’ are sent to consumers in a grand conspiracy hatched by top echelons of the power octopus to get as much money from the blood of Nigerians

before they surrender to the new owners, and with the authorities’ displayed nonchalance even in the face of protests here and there, shows what a country we have and what sort of leaders are now in charge. I appeal to the National Assembly and the state houses of assembly to take this PHCN’s excessive and vexatious exploitation seriously. There is a gathering storm over this matter because

plenty and scarcity in the midst of abundance in this country. We need men of vision and mission, men and women without reproach to lift Nigeria. Righteousness exalts a nation; sin is a reproach to any nation. It is only those who have good names to protect that can meaningfully project Nigeria’s image. It is our prayer that those who are running for political leadership will not ruin the nation. The key to economic growth and development lies in the hands of political actors. Let them face the fact of integrity to make them fat in minds and act fast aright, lead by example, which is the hallmark of leadership. When the righteous, rules the people rejoice. We seek peace because peace is the climate of freedom. God Bless Nigeria

aking into account the preparations that have been made so far for tomorrow’s governorship election in Ondo State, I think Nigerians should look forward to a free and fair election. The apex electoral body needs the cooperation of all, especially that of the security agencies. Ondo State Police Commissioner Danladi Mshelawala must complement the efforts of IGP Mohammed Abubakar. If he betrays any partisanship streak, I feel he should be redeployed before it is too late. It is gratifying to note the arrest of Olaolu Oladapo and Omolade Raphael for unlawful possession of voters’ cards. They should be grilled to expose those behind the state’s rigging rings. In the last July 14 governorship election in Edo State the fact that the security agents were fully on the ground made a very big difference. They never harassed voters, rather they rendered thugs and election riggers powerless. With necessary funds released to INEC and the massive support it enjoys from the Presidency, it is as sure as daylight that Akin Orebiyi will make history.

Ezekiel Kolawole, Ikotun, Lagos

Victor Adamolekun, Ikeja, Lagos

Devastating effects of flooding

Ademu Labaran, Keffi Nasarawa State

Comrade John Jones, Abule Egba, Lagos

INEC and Ondo governorship election

Gordon Chika Nnorom Umukabia, Abia State

he front page photograph of the Wednesday edition of your newspaper showing the submerged house of President Goodluck Jonathan is very instructive. It shows in the angst of nature nobody is spared. Just like death is no respecter of persons, flood humbles both the rich and the poor. I console Mr. President and other victims of the floods that have ravaged the country. What I expected Mr. President to do, as a long term measure, is to assemble local experts to develop the template for the strategic enforcement framework needed to holistically confront the challenges from earth warming and climate change, in addition to all other known causes of flood. It is certain we will live with this menace for many generations to come. Future flooding will be more devastating than what we are experiencing now, so we should be prepared for the worst. Okay Osuji in his last Wednesday column, humorously captured the poor emergency readiness of our nation. Since the first solution to a problem is the identification of the problem, now that we know we will perpetually live with the potential dangers of flooding the questions should be what must we do to mitigate such future dangers?

many have vowed not to pay the September ‘crazy bills’ sent by the corporation. How can a household that was consistently billed less than N1, 300 a month over a time be suddenly saddled with a bill of N13, 000 as was done for September billing. What is the justification for this rip off ? Let there be a public investigation into the activities of PHCN staff to prevent a nationwide riot that is in the offing.

Above the Lagos Traffic Road Laws: A LASTMA official and bus conductor hanging dangerously on a commercial bus in Lagos. PHOTO: OLUFEMI AJASA

Turning around Nigeria’s economy

y knowledge of economics may be sketchy, but I can still sketch out some points to give direction as to how to reconstruct our economy to move it from its current status of import dependence despite our rich array of natural and human resources. The minimum wage released might be a good idea from the perspective of populism, but it is economically not the best because there is no corresponding production of goods and services to back it. I see it as an invitation to inflation. There is need to establish import substitution industries to enables us to be self reliance. In the market of life if there is nothing to sell, one remains a beggar. No industry can survive without raw materials, hence there is need to boost our mech-

Letters to the Editor

anized farming system to make it more efficient. It is ridiculous that we still import many household goods from Asian countries. While we appreciate the proceeds from the crude oil, but unless we invest in iron and steel industries, Vision 20:2020 will be unrealisable. We are neglecting capacity building. This is reflected in our annual budget for education sector. As against UNESCO’s recommendation of 26 per cent of the total annual budget, we have never been anywhere near it. Yet our lawmakers have consistently consumed 25 per cent of our annual overhead expenses. That this is done to make themselves live a life of affluence shows how selfish, greedy and wicked they have been. Nothing gladdens the heart of common man as when he is able to provide

food for his family. Let a cup of rice being currently sold for N120 per cup be brought down to N30. Until our government can find final solution to the menace of hunger, crimes and criminalities, any drive for economic miracle is an exercise in futility because where poverty rules, corruption reigns. Corruption within the ruling class is a great obstruction to moral instruction; it negates the principles of justice, equity and fairness. Imagine the amount of money that can finance five students in a secondary school a year being recklessly spent in one night as hotel bills. It is disheartening. The EFCC is not doing much. On a serious note, the anti-corruption agency can bark but cannot bite. One wonders why there is this paradox of poverty in the midst of

Send your letters or mails to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mirrorlagos@yahoo.com and info@nationalmirroronline.net or, 07033375481, 08035640907 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject letters or photographs. Psuedonyms may be used, but must be clearly marked as such.

Your

FRIDAY

Flavour

Friday, October 26, 2012

Movies from Nollywood

liferation of requests to form a CMO to the Nigerian Copyright Commission. “We must learn from what is happening between MCSN (Music Copyright Society Nigeria) and COSON (Copyright Society of Nigeria). Let me state clearly that CMO is not politics, neither is it a discretionary matter. It’s certainly not Committee of Nollywood Guilds Association (CONGA). We advise for inclusiveness at this stage and all times. In CMO, it is the more the merrier. It is not about class or clique. We need to get it right at this stage or have every group in Nollywood jostling for CMO status”. In view of the imminent struggle that could characterise the formation of a CMO, Bertrand Moullier, who represented the Federation of International Film Producers (FIAFP) during a film forum which held earlier in the week at Protea Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos also cautioned Nollywood stakeholders on

GET IT RIGHT AT THIS STAGE OR REMAIN PERPETUALLY EXPLOITED BY THE REMAINDER OF THE WORLD the need to get it right at this stage or remain perpetually exploited by the remainder of the world, as pirates thrive under disorderliness. Mayo Ayilaran, the director general of MCSN also agreed that one of the greatest challenges at this stage of CMO formation in Nollywood is unity. “From the foregoing, we have four or five broad rights that can be exploited under the Copyright Act, but the chal-

WEEKEND STARTERS The Funeral Did Not End in Abuja this weekend

ylva Nze Ifedigbo storms Abuja this weekend to read from his collection of stories, The Funeral Did Not End. Today, Ifedigbo will be the guest of the Abuja Literary Society (ALS) BookJam taking place at Lifestyle Bookstore, SilverBird Galleria in the Federal Capital Territoty (FCT). The event will start at 7 p.m. Tomorrow, the author will read at the Abuja Writers Fo-

The Ghost of a Pharaohs Past appears in Quintessence

Ifedigbo

rum (AWF) Guest Writer Session, which will take place at The International Institute of Journalism, Hamdala Plaza, Jimmy Carter Street, Asokoro, Abuja by 4 p.m. Entry to both events is free and guests who buy the book will have the author autograph copies fro free.

huma Nwokolo’s new anthology set in the aftermath of military dictatorship with 26 stories has been described as a feast of fiction. The prolific writer will be reading from this work at Quintessence located in the Falamo Shopping Centre, Ikoyi tomorrow as part of his 2012 book tour across Africa. The

event, which is free to the public will begin at 3 p.m. and also have Nwokolo preview two of his forthcoming books: The Penitence of Fire and The Extinction of Menai.

Nwokolo

Relentless at the Film-Club screening tomorrow

omorrow at 7 p.m. the monthly FilmClub screening event organised by GoetheInstitut and iREP, will show the highly anticipated film, Relentless free to the film-loving public. The film by Andy Amadi Okoroafor, which stars internationally acclaimed musician Nneka Egbuna; Tinsel star, Gideon Okeke and

Hollywood actor, Jimmy Jean-Louis, was to show earlier in the year but this did not happen. The film about a Nigerian peace keeping soldier in war-torn Sierra Leone features sound track by the Kora award winner, Ade Bantu and will show at the GoetheInstitut office, City Hall, Opposite Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos.

Denrele’s Day P. 34-35

Inside FCT

s the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), moves to avert imminent copyright crisis in Nigeria’s motion picture industry over the rights of audio-visual content, which is literally non-existent, various stakeholders in the movie industry seem engrossed in a battle of wits about forming a Collective Management Organisation (CMO). After two workshops which held at the Ikoyi, Lagos office of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) in April and September, supported by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), NCC and NFC for Nollywood, the industry is yet to agree on the modalities of the proposed CMO. Friday Flavour learnt that the trend is becoming frustrating for some content owners, especially in the face of the digital explosion which is seeing the use of audio-visual works from Nigeria in most corners of the world without remitting royalties. Although Mahmud Ali-Balogun, a renowned Nigerian filmmaker was chosen to steer the ad hoc committee that would midwife a CMO for Nollywood, some stakeholders are worried that interests along professional guilds may lead to some groups being excluded from the arrangement, leading to the legal crises that are currently bedeviling the music industry in terms of rights administration. According to Comrade Alex Eyengho, the national president of the Association of Nollywood Core Producers (ANCOP), all guilds heads in Nollywood must be carried along in the current plan to forestall imminent pro-

lenge is how to aggregate or de-aggregate the rights for efficient and effective protection and administration. Whether the four or five identified rights can be administered or protected on individual basis or on collective basis should be an issue of major discourse by practitioners. For instance, can an individual filmmaker prevent or authorise the exhibition or rental of his film in so numerous public places or can he aggregate with other film makers or right owners to do this under a collective arrangement? If such a regime of protection is established, how do Nigerian film makers ensure that they are not punished by those who own or operate?” Chairman of COSON, Tony Okorji however said: “Collective management cannot solve all the problems of the movie industry but it can help the industry speak more and more with one voice and create a lot more wealth for the practitioners. For an effective collective management system to evolve in the Nigerian film industry, a system that will make the likes of Hubert Ogunde happy wherever, they may be, the different practitioners, guilds and associations must understand that it is far better to come together and jawjaw rather than war-war. Everyone concerned must allow give-and-take and show some patience in the evolution of a model that adequately addresses the unique Nigerian situation. Friday Flavour reliably gathered that the CMO being proposed for the motion picture industry may be realised under the aegis of Audio-visual Rights of Nigeria (AVRN), if the various stakeholders unite and avoid the ongoing nocturnal gatherings over ‘who should get what’.

P. 24

NGOZI EMEDOLIBE

Mirror Mongers

Intrigues as Nollywood plans CMO

P. 22-23

P. 36

16 PAGES OF ARTS, REVIEWS, LIFESTYLE AND BUZZ TO START YOUR WEEKEND

Critics

VOL. 2 No. 478

Artman In The House

Professor Oni

During the period when you were the special adviser to the minister of culture and social welfare, what are the significant contributions you made toward the development of the cultural sector in Nigeria? I was then the special adviser of the minister from December 1990 to 1991 and that was the period of a very vibrant development in the cultural sector. Such was the time that we worked on the modus operandi for the management structure of both the National Theatre and the National Troupe of Nigeria. Before then it was run by the then Social Ministry of Culture and they had cultural officers running the National Theatre and also the National Troupe. Though the National Troupe had not started then but they had some civil servants then, cultural officers that were in charge of the National Theatre. We felt that it was not right, so we set up a committee to work on the modalities for the kind of framework that will be established for the running of the National Theatre, to know if they will have a general manager, what kind of staff they should have. We worked on the modalities for the setting up of the management structure and that was between 1990 and 1991, eventually the process itself took effect in late 1991 when they appointed the first national team for the National Theatre and also for the National Troupe of Nigeria. With so much that you do, being a dean, lecturing, playwrighting and all that, do you still have time for stage and lighting designs? Yes, given the limited time at one’s disposals one still finds time to do some few things. The way I put it is that when you have multiplicity of things to do in my view that is when one excels most because you have so many things to do even though you can’t divide yourself but you can at least allocate time and resources to different things. A few years back I directed a play at the MUSON Centre, a play by Wale Ogunyemi titled: The Divorce. It was for the MUSON festival, and I not only directed it, I also did the designs, the set and the technical thing Was that the last of the designs that you have done? Yes, perhaps so, but I have done some other things that were perhaps not more of the major things but most of the time now I do more of academic and administrative work rather than the actual designs. Do you still lecture? Yes, I do, I lecture 100 level courses basic technical theatre practice, because I believe that it is important that someone who is a theatre major can introduce fresh students to an area that may be of interest to them in the

Friday, October 26, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Prof. Oni refreshing at a bar in an aircraft.

Nollywood is pure theatre that has found a new medium – Duro Oni Professor Duro Oni is Dean of the Faculty of Arts, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka. He founded the Department of Creative Arts at the university in December 1997 to prepare and produce graduates who are self-reliant and self-employed in the research, practice and teaching of their own artistic heritage. In this interview with Friday Flavour’s OYINKAN SOMORIN, he talks about being dean and lecturer at UNILAG, among other issues.

future. Because what you find is that some of these students come with certain biases, that the area of technical theatre or technical designs and technology is a very difficult area, so the students run away from it. They think that it is better to be an actor or a dancer or a singer or visual artist, so I still teach the 100 level course, also, other levels too, of course I also teach the masters and a few of the Ph.D courses. How do you have time to do all that? Like I said, allocation of time and resources, in between the meetings in departmental levels, faculty levels in between everything there must be time for at least one student, which is the primary purpose of why one is here. And you still have time to write a book? Yes of course, it’s not just writing books, it’s also writing papers and attending conferences. I was in a conference in July at Australia, a little while ago I was also in South Korea where I presented a paper and also the University of Lagos discharge annual research, the one used for the 50th anniversary of the university. So one must keep on being alive and alert and one must continue to write. For your 60th birthday, there is going to be a book proposed to capture texture and aura of your cultural and

artistic work, what’s your reaction to this? Well, it’s nice for people to think that they have made sufficient contribution that they have invited scholars to put together essays and in some cases tribute, fresh scripts towards marking my 60th birthday. Are you also one of those contributing to the book? No, the book is about me not by me. It’s being put together largely through the effort of Prof. Sunday Ojojo. He is at the University of Maiduguri, and he used to be at the University of Ilorin. He is a friend and colleague of mine and over the years we have done some work together both in editing some publications and also writing some papers. So, one must have lived his own calling and his effort to putting together this publication in my honour if you then tell that Professor Ojojo is going to be 50 this year and there are some other younger colleagues who are also going to put up a publication for him in his own honour at 50. And for me, it feels very gratifying. How many books have you written? I write and edit books and if I’m to rate them, they are nine in all, some of them single author, some of them joint, some of them edited publications and it was written over the period of 2000 and 2011? Are you working on any book right now? Yes, I’m writing a book that I‘ve been working on for

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Artman In The House

Friday, October 26, 2012

THEATRE IS A MORE DIFFICULT THING TO DO, YOU CAN ACT IN A FILM AND NOT NECESSARILY BE A GOOD ACTOR BECAUSE THEY KEEP HAVING SEVERAL CUTS

LR: Dele Jegede, Josy Ajiboye, Duro Oni and Yemisi Shyllon during a show in Lagos

FACT FILE

Prof. Oni delivery an inuagural lecture in UNILAG

years, and it is called ‘Introduction to Technical Theatre Practice’. And this is a combination of my lecture notes in the past 15 years. Of course, the lecture note keep changing because of new technology, new time, new information and all that, so anytime I keep revising the notes, there are new methodologies, new approaches, new systems coming up. When talking about technical theatres in Nigeria in the 1960s then you have to start looking up to the 1970s, then 1980, 1990s and so on and now the growth is exponential because when looking at the year 2000 to 2010, lots of things have happened, even from 2010 to 2012, a lot of things have happened. I can only equate it to someone who is writing about telecommunications in Nigeria. But I believe that one of these days the book will be completed. It’s like a text book that will be of value to students and anyone interested in that. Where did you get your inspiration from? The student is my inspiration, when the students challenge you, when you make a statement in class and you say, let’s discuss concept in class today what does concept stand for? What is the concept behind concept and the students come with their own ideas and you start to extrapolate from their ideas. What they are talking about, your own views, you know it’s very inspiring, when you think that you know a lot, you find out that you also learn from our own students. Are you saying that with all the challenges of life, lecturing is the most challenging? Yes; that is because it is what I have done for a very long time. I have been working in the university for 36 years. I joined the university in 1976 when I was a very young man and I have enjoyed what I have done and what I do and I also give thanks to God that one has risen in the system. One started when very young doing

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Born in Minna, Niger State on December 15, 1952 to parents from Iwoye -Ijesha, Osun State

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Foremost theatre design consultant in Africa.

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He was the Chief Executive; Centre for Black and Africa Arts and Civilization (CBAAC) from 2000 – 2006.

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Married to Francesca Duro Oni with four children

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He is a Fellow of the Society of Nigerian Theatre Artistes (SONTA), Advisory Board Member of National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), Senior Overseas Fellow of the Ferguson Centre, Open University in the United Kingdom, Member, Academy of Letters and a Member of the University of Lagos Governing Council.

different things then some certain situations change and one had continued to grow along and also have the opportunity to make some contributions meaningful to development. What is your take on the Nollywood industry when it comes to art compared to the stage? They are all developing at different levels and in different areas what you must know is that theatre has been on in Nigeria since the late 19 century because there are some productions that were done in the old Glover Hall, in the Catholic Mission by the Anglican churches dating back to 1860. Now you are talking about 150 years after. Of course, the history of filmmaking in Nigeria is from maybe Wole Soyinka’s Kongi’s Harvest, Ola Balogun came in and all of that but the theatre in Nigeria has had a longer history in terms of development. But you will see that the theatre is more sustaining in the industry but as at now a lot of people in the theatre have migrated to Nollywood. For me, what is Nollywood when filmmaking is all part of theatre? Some say it’s all part of mass communication, no, it’s not, though it is the medium of communication when one uses the camera and all that but the content of the film is actually drama, because you can’t say you have a camera and you want to shoot the Third Mainland Bridge then you will be doing documentary. Nollywood is pure theatre that has found a new medium. That is why the most famous of these actors are people that may have started doing film like Stella Damasus, who is our former student in Creative Art, and some who have worked with us when it comes to theatre practices, it’s a changing phenomenon. What about Nollywood stars who believe they are more superior to the theatre actors? Theatre is a more difficult thing to do, you can act

in a film and not necessarily be a good actor because they keep having several cuts and they teach you how to smile this way, how to be angry this way. In theatre now, we are talking of live theatre then you are left face to face with the audience and there is no second take, you can’t tell the audience that you want to go back to the first scene; I didn’t quite do it the way it should be. So that is the more difficult medium and we expect that people from the industry should understand. There are some people that cross between them example like Baba Sala, who got directed by Ola Balogun and Ola Balogun who attempted some works from Hubert Ogunde. Duro Ladipo did not live long enough but if you look at the Awada Kerekere you will see that many of the actors like Jide Kosoko, Adebayo Salami they all started from the theatre. And they have gone into the Nollywood industry and they are doing very well but once in a while they still come together and say let us do a stage play; there is nowhere to hide in a stage. In some of my inaugural lectures I have addressed some of that. Sir, can you share some challenges you faced before coming to your current position? Well, there are always challenges in life, everywhere you go to, every place you want to get too, there are always challenges, we don’t look at the challenges but what are the solutions that one has found, because one has to get survival strategies. I initiated the Department of Creative Art at the University of Lagos. When I was doing that we had potential out there. It is those students that we can bring together not just to be trained and to look for jobs necessarily but to be able to apply their creative ideas to solutions. And whether you like it or not, some of our art students are in the theatre, some are in the music industry, some are in the telecommunications and some are in the media some are even in the bank. Usually, when I get letters from their employers to say we are writing in respect to one of your former students that they have very creative ideas to problems that occur. So what is important is that we must use our creative abilities. When you come to a university, it gives you a training to develop your mind, your person and have the ability to apply it to the things that you will end up doing in life. Even when they get married they must work out a modus operandi for the survival of their marriage and these are the things that are important and that is why we have students some of them employed, some self-employed, some working with other people, some working with co-operatives. We have some people like Princess, who graduated from Creative Arts, she does her MC, she does her comedy and she is doing very well so we have quite a number of people like that. The difference is clear when you see those who are actually trained and those who just pick it up and believe that they are talented. So how do you relax? One critical part of my life is one I have lived in the campus of the university for a little more than 30 years. I have been working in this university for 36 years; I have lived in the campus for more than 33 years, so the University of Lagos Staff Club is a critical part of my life. I eat my lunch there during lunch time and when I have closed from work, after going home, I go to the club and spend a little time and then I’m back at home doing some work and that is it. I read a lot and I also try to write a bit. I play squash and jug a bit. Though these days, I hardly have time to do that anymore. I don’t know, maybe too many late nights.

Critics

Friday, October 26, 2012

Documentary

Nigeria: Yesterday and Today, a youthful take on Nigeria

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Exhibition

Close to 100 years after, opinions still differ over whether or not the amalgamation of the north and south of Nigeria by the then colonial administration of Frederick Lugard was a step in the right direction. Filmmaker Tarila Thompson’s new documentary doesn’t just add to the debate, it goes further. TERH AGBEDEH

here is no country on earth like Nigeria with its diverse peoples and many cultures. It is a common saying that Nigeria belongs to all it citizens perhaps even more so for the youth who make up over 70 percent of the population. It is this group that has come together under the umbrella of The Youth Entrepreneur and Leadership Integrity Forum (YELIF) to put together this documentary titled: Nigeria: Yesterday and Today. YELIF, to commemorate the country’s 52nd independent anniversary marked on October 1 shot the documentary, which has since aired on Africa Independent Television (AIT). It tells a brief story of Nigeria’s past but zeroes in on the President Goodluck Jonathan administration to showcase its transformation agenda from the standpoint of an independent observer. This speaks to the core aim of the young people who make up the organisation, which is to provide a single voice that is unbiased, ethical and unpartisan. An initiative of Thompson, veteran actor and filmmaker, the far-reaching effects of YELIF, he said is hinged on a collective membership of like minds, whose membership at the moment is made of students, artisans and people from all walks of life. This must explain why in shooting this documentary the filmmaker gets the views of a cross section of the society through direct interviews or archival footage to tell this story. Among those represented are the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Research, Documentation and Strategy, Oronto Douglas; Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, Kingsley Kuku; an unnamed fisherman, Niger Delta ex-agitator, Ateke Tom; filmmakers, Kingley Ogoro and Teco Benson. The documentary begins with the well known Nigerian story of the birth birt of the nation, its challenges and how it got present-day where ot to the prese President Jonathan and his co-hosts are doing their bit to transform m it. Told by a narrator the 45-minute documentary umentary also unfolds through the e voices of those who get the opportunity to speak. Those se who speak are as diverse verse as the nation, there here are even some who either speak in Hausa or Pidgin gin English for which ich a subtitle is provided in English. lish. That is perhaps rhaps the only fault with the film m that has good sound and picture ure quality. To think nk that the filmmaker er had to rely on his own resources unlike is the case with many of such projects on the country that do nott leave the

TO THINK THAT THE FILMMAKER HAD TO RELY ON HIS OWN RESOURCES UNLIKE IS THE CASE WITH MANY OF SUCH PROJECTS ON THE COUNTRY THAT DO NOT LEAVE THE GROUND EXCEPT THEY ARE FUNDED BY THE GOVERNMENT.

ground except they are funded by the government. After showcasing what the present administration has done the film ends where the youths call on the leaders to look at the “bigger picture so that the labours of our heroes past will not be in vain”. Explaining what gave birth to YELIF, Thompson had said: “The problems we have in the nation from my own perception are extreme cases of partisan criticism. When you criticise subjectively, you don’t get the best out of the system and the far-reaching consequences on us become so enormous.”. “We needed to start from where people will really identify with us. We don’t just want to hold forums and then tomorrow everything dies down. We decided to go into this project to make a point that we are very independent and that we want to be so that nobody can hijack us,” Thompson said. The filmmaker said that the project is expensive, “we had to tour the whole nation on our own to get the facts; we did not go through the quarters of governance to facilitate us with sentimentality and so we came out with this very straight and unbiased documentary. The truth is that it is not everybody that is complaining that bitterly and the adage goes that if i you pat a man in the back, he would be encourdo more. We also made government aged to d to understand the things it should do t but which it is not doing.” Thompson explained that YEe LIF believes in self-empower“We all have the cament. “W pacity to t drive our course without depending on witho anybody and that inanyb cludes the government. clu We want to be the propeller of our own despe ttiny and so we thought the documentary on Nith geria should be the best g way to start. There are so w many things going wrong m in the system that we feel could be addressed without co the formal pestiferous nature that most people are used to. That was wa why we decided to seek for a common front to launch our voice.”

‘Absolute delight’

‘Motherhood’

BEYOND SILVER GELATIN:

Creative exploits in the Alfred Fayemi, a trained pathologist uses his exhibition to introduce new elements of mystery and visual poetry O YINKAN S OMORIN

he beauty of art done on mixed media photography is seen when the gelatin silver process is used in black and white films and printing paper, as well as other creative display of talent done in fabric collage, well these are the kind of art works put on display at the Quintessence Gallery, located at Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos. A place where lovers of art and people of creativity come to appreciate art works. The exhibition which is an extension of the Lagos Photo Festival and display for the month of October in Quintessence gallery is tagged “Beyond Silver Gelatin: Mixed Media Photography” by artist Alfred Olusegun Fayemi. Alfred Fayemi is a pathologist from the Hoboken University Medical Center, New Jersey. This exhibition is his 18th solo exhibition. “Beyond Silver Gelatin” is an explosion of countless creative exploits offering assorted visual prowess that characterises his experience in art photography. For 35 years Olusegun’s asserts that his collection of works on display reveals general explorative articulations ranging from monochrome pigment print to Alfa pigment print to fabric collage to acrylic to paper collage to pigment print to even the normal collage. Going by the declaration made from the gallery, the two weeks long exhibition will showcase works like Absolute Delight, Motherhood, Sisterhood Old and New, Sweet, Sweet Music, Celebration, Threshing, Calabash, Morning has Broken, Bonding 1, Sophisticated Ladies, Friends, Street Smart, Fire Dance, Rice and Beans, Wash and Dry, Gele 3, Balance, Bonding 3, Gele 2, The Bargain and Happy Married Life. All the works presented are works that draw attention to their own creative tendencies as they expressed ingenuity in language that could be understood across enlightening successions. This assures that Beyond Silver Gelatin will lead to breaking new grounds of artistry for both scholars and young artists. Visitors who will go to the gallery will particularly find works like “Absolute Delight, ‘Bonding 1’ and ‘Happy Married Life” spectacular for a lot of reasons. According to the curator of the gallery, Mr. Moses Ohiomokhare , he describes Olusegun’s works as a study that goes beyond art, his words are the best ways to describe the artist’s works that has a very naturalistic touch of art in them, has they look like actual photographs of people instead of monochrome pigment print. “When you talk

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Critics

Friday, October 26, 2012

Book

In love with postage stamps

Electronic mails may have made postage stamps seem obsolete; Abdul Wahhab Matepo, throws more light on the art of keeping stamps in ‘A Guide to Philately in Nigeria’ NGOZI EMEDOLIBE

P ‘Sisterhood’

art of photography VISITORS WHO WILL GO TO THE GALLERY WILL PARTICULARLY FIND

WORKS LIKE “ABSOLUTE

DELIGHT, ‘BONDING 1’ AND ‘HAPPY MARRIED LIFE” SPECTACULAR FOR A LOT OF REASONS. about Beyond Silver Gelatin, Olusegun is combining quality of analogue and the versatile potential of Digital Imaging to produce refreshing images. He is exposing us to a new art, science and practice of photography and pushing the boundaries”. These can be seen in the works “Absolute Delight” which captures the scene of a boy pouring water on his head, this work was done in 1983, while the other two (Bonding 1 and Happy Married life) whose date of production were not written will definitely be the first to catch the attention on any passersby before they proceed to any other works done. Much like ‘Friends’ that describes four beautiful African girls posing for a photograph, this work is done in pure art pointillism using the medium of Alfa pigment print, fabric collage and acrylic, this art work will certainly live up to its billings as it displays the fascination of the artist to attract attention. This mystique can also be seen in “Fire Dance” (seven boys engrossed with the scene in front of them) which was done in 2010. Abstract art wasn’t left out in Olusegun’s works “Street Smart”(a group of musicians) and “Gele3”(a head of a woman and her head gear) as he did this particular works in painting using pigment and fabric collage to form creativity. The other works were mostly works done in scenery such as ‘Old and New’, ‘Sweet Music’, ‘Sophisticated Ladies’ and ‘Celebration’ which are scenes from a party. (Drummers and people dancing, mostly women), while ‘Sisterhood, Motherhood’, ‘Threshing’, ‘Calabash’, ‘Balance’, ‘Morning has Broken’, are scenes from the village and the others are scenes from the market, such as ‘Rice and Beans’ and ‘Bargain’. Many of Olusegun’s works are mostly concentrating on the lifestyle of women; this can be seen in almost all his art works displayed in this exhibition. Also in almost all his works, the use of Alfa Pigment Print and Fabric Collage were mostly used, only a few had the use of acrylic. However, Olusegun did a wonderful work and the digital process of his art permits the creative use of colours, special techniques and a personal interpretation that introduces elements of mystery, visual poetry and dynamism to his work.

hilately is not a word one hears every day. The fact that it is a digital age, where activities are seamless and controlled with clicks from a mouse has even dampened the chances of the word re-occurring; but for diehard philatelists like Abdul Wahhab Matepo, it is the best time to polish this attitude. This he has done in his book: A guide to Philately in Nigeria, a 69 page account of the basic things one needs to know, if collecting stamps happens to be one’s hobby. Of course, Matepo opens his account from the inside of the home of stamps, the Nigerian Postal Services, where he has put in many years of work, at the Philately Bureau, an arm of NIPOST. One thing would strike anyone reading this book. It is the fact that Matepo is telling the story of this hobby from a professional standpoint. The first chapter of the book dwells on the history of postage stamps. Like most inventions, Matepo’s account lets us know that the business of stamps actually began in the United Kingdom in 1837 by a man called Rowland Hill. It also tells us that stamps did not always mean money. It was not until May 1840 that stamps with face value (monetary worth) emerged with a money value of one penny. The new culture would however spread to countries like Brazil and United States subsequently. It did not get to Nigeria until June 1874. This would leave one wondering how letters were posted before stamps came on board. Matepo explains that they were ‘postmarked with cancellations in inks’, a system that was introduced by a Henry Bishop, which made the people of that era refer to such markings as the ‘Bishop Mark’. Quite interesting, but Matepo did not explain how the security of this process was protected at that age. Curious readers would want to know how why people never bothered to make counterfeit ink markings. The book also takes the reader into the classes of stamps, which Matepo broadly categorised as either commemorative or definitive. Commemorative refers to stamps issued to honour certain

ANYONE WHO TAKES TIME TO READ MATEPO’S BOOK WOULD NOTICE THAT HE IS PASSIONATE ABOUT STAMPS AND HAS WRITTEN HIS

WELL-PRINTED BOOK (THE PRINTING WAS EVEN DONE LOCALLY) OVER A PERIOD OF TIME IN VERY SIMPLE

ENGLISH.

individuals in the history of a nation, like has been done by NIPOST for our nationalists in Nigeria who led the clamour for independence. According to his statistics, of the 214 different stamp issues NIPOST has made, the communications sector got the highest number of issues at 20. Other themes or sectors like nature, sports, arts and culture, and education all follow behind lamely. The definitive stamp according to Matepo’s book reflects on the socio-economic development of the nation. In Nigeria, this aspect has been dutifully captured by the various economic milestones that have taken place in the country. Incidentally, the crux of the matter which is to stimulate the interest of philately amongst people did not begin in this book until the fourth chapter, where the author goes about guiding philately enthusiasts on how to become one. One point enthusiasts would find very relevant is the idea that one can open an account with NIPOST in order to be able to receive stamps as they are being issued. The author clearly pointed out that accounts can be opened with at least N1000, $40 or 20 pounds, and NIPOST would always make available new issues until one’s deposit is exhausted which usually prompts notifications from NIPOST. Interestingly, he also goes on to tell the readers how to preserve the stamps to offer them longer life. Of course, there are many reasons for collecting stamps. Some do so for leisure, but reading this book will also enlighten one on the moneymaking aspect of philately. Matepo however summarises this in three paragraphs after letting his reader in on the fact that stamps really appreciate in monetary value over the years if ‘they are kept healthy’. According to the book, a 2kobo stamp issued in 1973 now sells for N1000! The book also mentioned some instances where stamps were auctioned for as much as $935,000! But the book did not talk about auctions in Nigeria or whether it has ever held. Anyone who takes time to read Matepo’s book would notice that he is passionate about stamps and has written his well-printed book (the printing was even done locally) over a period of time in very simple English. Although, he did not mention it in the book, one would also notice that the face value of stamps actually reflects the high inflationary trend in the country over the decades. It is commendable that Matepo unveiled this knowledge simmering in him.

Mirror Mongers

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, October 26, 2012

Bad day for the Woman Leader

Prophet Ochendo…..

G Jega

Electioneering on social media

he social media is not only in vogue for the governed, but also those governing. With every Minister, Governor and even Local Government chairman maintaining (or paying someone to maintain?) a Facebook page, it is not surprising what has been happening on the different social media platforms as regards campaigns, governance and elections. After what happened in Edo, Ondo indigenes also showed their love for the social media, when some of them went on Facebook to publish results even before it was announced. Interestingly, some of the results captured nothing but mischief. But that is just a part of the story as some indigenes also went on the Twitter handle of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to further entrench the mischief. While many of the indigenes were expecting results on the INEC twitter handle, people were busy feeding followers with results of football matches going on in Europe at about the same time. But like one man reasoned, results from elections and football matches always show losers and winners.

radually the title ‘Woman Leader’ has found a permanent place in the lexicon of Nigerians, which makes the position being occupied by Mrs. Kema Chikwe, the former Minister of Aviation somewhat important. The ‘beautiful thing’, however, is that the woman understands how important her position is, and ably demonstrated so last week when Dame Patience Jonathan was being welcomed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja after several weeks abroad. Mirror Mongers scooped that Auntie Kema was furious with the organisers of the event over the ‘privileges’ accorded her office for the women she was supposed to grace the event with. In spite of the promises, her office got just a fraction of the supposed requisition made for logistics. Did she re-

‘K-legged’ publicity again?

he word ‘K’ can mean something less exciting when references are made to legs. Those who know what transpired between the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and the current Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi when he (Obasanjo) referred to his mandate as ‘a mandate with K-leg’ will understand this fact. But now, something is happening in the music industry that smacks of the letter K and happens to have links with a musician cum producer K-Solo (Solomon Oyeniyi). Some months ago, K Solo and his wife, (or his ex?), Oyeniyi

Chikwe

ject the ‘privileges’? No way! After the ‘steam’, she ‘collected’ it, without thanks though and continued as if nothing happened. Yes, everyone was laughing at the end of the day. Kikelomo decided to inundate their fans with stories of domestic violence, which went viral online with revelations like: “Whenever I asked for money for feeding or upkeep, he would shout at me and say ‘What’s the meaning of that? Don’t you have more money than me? What did I marry you for? K-Solo started beating me up after the wedding and I lost the baby I was carrying when we got married on the 26th of November. The marriage finally crashed in February 2012 when he called me and told me that Timaya just bought a Nigerian-used Range Rover Sport, that he wants me to buy him a brand new Range Rover worth N7.5 million and also put N10million in his account. I told him that even if I had the money, I won’t do it because I expect him to talk about how to invest money in productive business and not buying Range Rover”.

few days ago, the governor of Abia State, Theodore Orji also called Ochendo, was honoured in far away Accra, Ghana with an award, which came as a result of his ‘humble achievements in the area of security’. But this award, which is one of Ochendo’s many, has also set many tongues wagging, especially in Abia State, considering what happened a few months ago during the burial of Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu, where the governor was booed severally for ‘non-performance’; forcing him to sack all his close aides for not preventing that from happening. The Ghana award, according to some Abia indigenes, is a confirmation of the proverb that prophets are honoured only in distant lands.

After the dust settled, the twosome came out to announce that everything that happened was just a publicity stunt! Earlier in the week, K-Solo came up with another move that is leaving his fans confused. He announced that he is now in love with another woman, Bimbo! Is that another K-legged publicity?

K SOLO

ONE-SECOND Q&A

KAYODE FAYEMI

Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi was once at loggerheads with school teachers in the state over the proposed competence test. He reacts to the issue: Why are you having disagreement with public servants in the state?

Fayemi

Disagreement is a good tonic for governance, provided it is borne out of sincerity of purpose, not the one being promoted by a third force. If it is genuine disagreement by those people who felt so, there is no problem. I engaged the teachers in this state and I explained my agenda to them. When I came in, I had an education stakeholders’ summit. The summit came out with recommendations on the gaps that are in our educational system, and how our students are failing woefully in public examinations. Teachers, professors, academicians, parents and all the stakeholders were part of that summit. At the end of the exercise, chaired by late Prof. Sam Aluko, we came up with an agenda on education transformation; that agenda included improving the quality of teachers, learning environment and infrastructure. The part of it which we are having challenges is getting the teachers to sit down for assessment text. This action is not punitive, but to discover where the gaps are.

Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Dhul Hijjah 10, 1433AH Friday, October 26, 2012

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Call to Worship

On the authority of Anas bin Malik, the servant of the Messenger of All, the prophet said: “None of you [truly] believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.” RELATED BY BUKHARI AND MUSLIM

Welcome to the North Manchester Mosque

orth Manchester Jamia Mosque is in the Cheetham Hill area of Manchester, run under the headship of Eminence Muffakir-e-Islam Hazrat Allama Maulana Qamaruzzaman Azmi by the Ibadur-Rahman Trust. It is one of the largest Muslim centres in Europe. The Mosque is open to all, men and women, and its main prayer halls currently hold between 2,500 and 3,000 people during Friday service, with over 15,000 worshippers walking through the Mosque’s doors during the multiple services held on the religious festivals. It is frequented by visitors from educational institutions and community/faith groups from across the UK. The seeds of the North Manchester Jamia Mosque were laid in 1975 by His Eminence Muffakir-e-Islam Hazrat Allama Maulana Qamaruzzaman Azmi, one of the world’s best-known and most widely influential Islamic thinkers, orators and writers. His work has inspired millions of people across India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Middle East, South Africa, the UK, France, Germany, Belgium, Norway, Holland, America and Canada. In 2011, Georgetown University listed him as one of the “500 Most Influential Muslims in the World”. Maulana Shahid Raza OBE, Chairman of UK’s Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board (MINAB) explained that it is his willingness to “confront without fear or favour, the major issues and challenges facing Muslims in the 21st century. That draws people to him as well as his intellectuality, selflessness, simplicity, purity of heart, integrity and deep convictions”. At that time, there were few Sunni Mosques in Manchester. Within a short period of time, the Victoria Park Mosque appointed a Sunni Imam. After the establishment of the Islamic Missionary College in Bradford, people in Manchester persuaded him to move to Manchester as the population was increasing and their needs and challenges were becoming more complex. In 1979 the North Manchester Jamia Mosque started off under the headship of His Eminence Muffakir-eIslam Hazrat Allama Qamaruzzaman

Abraham’s obedience replaces our sons with rams 32

Manchester Mosque

Azmi at 25, Bellot Street, Cheetham Hill, Manchester which was a house converted into a Mosque. As the facilities at this building were very limited and the growing population of Muslims needed

facilities for Islamic activities on a larger scale, a plot of land was purchased in 1982 and the first phase of the Mosque, consisting of the main prayer hall providing prayer facilities for 1, 200 men

Every Friday with

Khalifatul

Ahmadiyya

Friday Sermon: Companions of Promised Messiah (2)

adhrat Khalifatul Masih continued with the theme of faitharousing incidents from the lives of the companions of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace). Hadhrat Walayat Shah sahib (may Al-

Do not forsake Salat for Sallah

lah be pleased with him): He writes that he had very few opportunities to see the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) because he could not get much time off from his employment. He took his Bai’at based on a dream he had. In the

and women, was completed in 1984. The second phase consisting of a College of Islamic Studies and additional prayer facilities for 1, 200 people was built in the 1990s. dream he saw a rally of people led by an extremely well-dressed holy person who had a crown on his head. The rally climbs on his rooftop and the Adhan is said with the help of a bugle. It appears the group of people offers their Salat and then turn to go back. As they cross Walayat sahib’s bed, the holy person tells Walayat sahib to rid get of all the filth from the house to which he replies, ‘yes sir’. Walayat sahib asks someone in the crowd who the holy person is and is told that he is Hadhrat Mirza sahib. The same day a friend knocked on Walayat sahib’s door and said that Walayat sahib had become an Ahmadi. When Walayat sahib asked him how was that, the [Ahmadi] friend replied that he had seen a dream in which he had seen Walayat sahib dressed in a long cloak. Thus they had both seen dreams CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

‘No peace without God’s consciousness’ 29

Call to Worship

Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Dhul Hijjah 10, 1433AH Friday, October 26, 2012

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Do not forsake Salat for Sallah ALLAH (SWT)

INFORMS US ABOUT THE PLIGHT OF THE

ear Muslims, Eid Mubarak, may we celebrate more decades of this on earth with increased Iman, Taqwa and Arisq, Amin. For me especially, I have all reasons to thank Allah after a close shave with death as a result of a motor accident last month. We thank Allah for His mercy and favours. How many of Allah’s favours will I deny? As we celebrate the big Sallah today, a quick reminder to all, especially my fellow sisters as we are always very busy with cooking and entertaining on a day like this that some people forego their Salat or delay them till late night. We should be mindful of Allah’s statement in the Holy Qur’an that; “Then after them came those degenerates who wasted prayer and followed their lust, then soon they will encounter a valley of the hell. But those who repented and believed and did good deeds…” According to Hazrat Ibn Abbas (RA), ‘wasted’ does not mean that they completely left Salah, it means that they prayed it late (after the time for it had lapsed). The aforementioned verse shows the reasons for the success of our predecessors

DWELLERS OF HELL

AND STATES:

“WHAT

BROUGHT YOU INTO THE

HELL?

and our own failures. Undoubtedly, missing Salah is a great crime and it is necessary for us to understand the severity of missing Salah in the light of Qur’an and Ahadith simply because the things that will condemn us to the fire of hell will also make our life on earth somehow miserable. Another Quranic verse stated that woe to those prayer performers who are heedless of their Prayers. This refers to those people who are unmindful and lazy, regarding performing Salah. It is reported that there is a valley in hell whose fire is so severe that if the mountains of the world were to be placed in it they would be reduced to ashes. This valley will be the abode of those who are lazy and unmindful about performing their Salah and perform it after the time has passed, unless they repent sincerely to Allah Ta’ala and express genuine remorse and sorrow for their shortcomings.

Allah (SWT) informs us about the plight of the dwellers of hell and states: “What brought you into the Hell? They said; we used not to offer prayer. And we used not to feed the needy ones. And we used to indulge in objectionable talk with those who indulge therein; and we used to belie the Day of Judgement. Until death over took us. So the intercession of the intercessors will be of no use to them.” We must be punctual and patient in performing Salah and save ourselves from the punishment of our Creator. Our noble Prophet said that the first thing a person will be asked about on the Day of Judgment is Salah. If that is correct then he will have obtained success and prosperity and if it is lacking then he will be disgraced and in great loss.” It will be better for us to make necessary preparations so that we do not fail at the first hurdle. Just like many do while conducting business or at work, people are so busy accumulating wealth that they become guilty of neglecting Salat. We should not also be in hurry as Allah says; “Watch over all your prayers and the middle prayer and stand before Allah with devotion.” Let us make a firm intention that we will safeguard and perform Salah punctually and seek protection in Allah always. It was reported that Hazrat ‘Umar Farooq (RA) states that a person came to the court

of Prophet (PBUH) and asked, “What is the most beloved deed in Islam in the Sight of Allah?” He replied, “Performing Salah at its allocated time. Those who forsake Salah have no religion and Salah is a pillar of the religion.” As a pillar of the religion, if we forsake Salah, we have destroyed a pillar of the religion and demolished our faith. In a narration, it was reported that the person who meets Allah in such a manner that he missed Salah, then Allah (SWT) will not care about his other good deeds. So, how can we be busy in voluntary deeds and miss an obligatory one very easily and think that Allah will be pleased with us. Always remember that the person who performs the five Salah punctually will be granted five honours by Allah: Shortness in livelihood will be removed from him, safeguarded from punishment of the grave, be given his book of deeds in his right hand, cross the bridge (Siraat) like a bolt of lightning and granted Paradise without any accounting. On the other hand, the person who is lazy in performing Salah is given fourteen punishments by Allah; five in this world, three at the time of death, three in the grave and three after coming out of the grave. May Allah make it easy for us, grant us the correct wisdom to obey His commands and save us from the punishment of the grave and hellfire, Amin.

Essential duties for today LUQMAN ABDRAHEEM On the Eid day The following acts are Sunnah on the day of Eidul- Adha: 1. To wake up early in the morning. 2. To clean one’s teeth with a miswak or brush 3. To take a bath. 4. To put on one’s best available clothes. 5. To use perfume. 6. Not to eat before the Eid prayer. 7. To recite the Takbir of Tashriq in a loud voice while going to the Eid prayer.

Khutbah: The Address of Eidul-Adha In the salah of Eid, Khutbah is a Sunnah and is delivered after the salah, unlike the salah of Jumu’ah where it is fard and is delivered before the salah. However listening to the Khutbah of Eid salah is wajib or necessary and must be listened to in perfect peace and silence.

Sacrifice or Qurbani: Philosophy and Rules Qurbani (Sacrificial slaughter) is derived from the Arabic word Qurban. Lexically, it means an act performed to seek Allah’s pleasure. In precise religious terminology, the word was later confined to the sacrifice of an animal slaughtered for the sake of Allah. The sacrifice of an animal has always been treated as a recognized form of worship in all religious orders originating from a divine book. In the Shari’ah of our beloved Prophet (pbuh), the sacrifice of an animal has been recognized as a form of worship only during three days of Dhulhijjah, namely, the 10th, 11th and 12th of the month. This is to commemorate the unparalleled sacrifice offered by the Prophet Ibrahim (AS), when

he, in pursuance to a command of Allah conveyed to him in a dream, prepared himself to slaughter his beloved son, Isma’il (AS), and actually did so but, Allah Almighty, after testing his submission, sent down a sheep and saved his son from the logical fate of slaughter. It is from that time onwards that the sacrifice of an animal became an obligatory duty to be performed by every well to do Muslim. Qurbani is a demonstration of total submission to Allah and a proof of complete obedience to Allah’s will or command. When a Muslim offers a Qurbani, this is exactly what he intends to prove. Thus, the Qurbani offered by a Muslim signifies that he is a slave of Allah at his best and that he would not hesitate even for a moment, once he receives an absolute command from his Creator, to surrender before it, to obey it willingly, even if it be at the price of his life and possessions.

L-R: Sales and Marketing Director, Vitafoam, Mr. Peter Babafunmi; the representative of the Director of SOS Village and others at the the Eid-el-Kabir party organized for children of SOS Village, Isolo-Lagos by Vitafoam in conjunction with AIMS Communications recently.

The Time of Qurbani Qurbani can only be performed during the three days of Eid, namely the 10th, 11th and 12th of Dhulhijjah. It is only in these days that slaughtering of an animal is recognized as an act of worship. No Qurbani can be performed in any other days of the year. Although Qurbani is permissible on each of the three aforesaid days, yet it is preferable to perform it on the first day i.e. the 10th of Zhulhijjah. No Qurbani is allowed before the Eid prayer is over. However, in small villages where the Eid prayer is not to be performed, Qurbani can be offered’ any time after the break of dawn on the 10th of Dhulhijjah.

Who is Required to Perform Qurbani? Every adult Muslim, male or female, CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

The Ekemodes, late Imam Ekemode’s wife, Ekemode’s daughters; Hajia Hamdalat Sulaimon, Hajia Zufurat Odumosu, Risikat Pam-Pam and Surat Morayo during the remembrance celebration recently.

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SEKINAH L AWAL

hildren and staff of the SOS Village, Isolo-Lagos were full of appreciation to the management of Vitafoam Nigeria Plc for celebrating the Eid-el-Kabir with them in the home at Isolo-Lagos last Saturday. The event, coordinated by

Friday, October 26, 2012

Vitafoam celebrates Eid with orphans AIMS Communications, was full of variety shows and games while the children were showered with variety of gifts. Speaking to newsmen, the Sales and Marketing Director of Vitafoam, Mr. Peter Bababunmi said that the company be-

lieves in offering help and succor in terms of its corporate-social responsibilities to the needy, the less-priviledged and the entire community. “Vitafoam is not new in this novel idea, we have been doing this in the past 50 years and always looking for opportunities

year in year out on ways to touch people’s lives. During other festivities like Easter and Christmas too, we always visit hospitals to celebrate with them.” Babafunmi stated that it is their belief that the more you give, the more you get in return and urged other cor-

‘Give your children sex education’ L ATEEFAH IBRAHIM ANIMASHAUN

uslim parents have been called upon to look into sex education as the current challenges of the world as children should be more disciplined and conscious of their sexuality so as to make informed decisions. This call was made by a renowned counselor and educationist, Hajia Fatimah Taiwo, while speaking with female secondary school students in Lagos on Sex Education during a Sisters’ seminar held at Araromi Central Mosque, Maryland-Lagos. She lamented the negative influence of peers in decision making and urged parents to move closer to their wards so as to give them the right knowledge. “Youths have to be trained on the basic components of their bodies and how to use them wisely, live well, grow well and lead a meaningful life. For all the social anomalies in the society, we need to go back to the homes because parents are the first to give the children the right training.” She told the girls to expect menstruation at a stage in life, be neat and be aware that they are now a matured ladies that can be pregnant at any time and urged them to avoid premarital sex as it ruins their careers and bring untold hardship. “Sexuality education will be an avenue for our youths to be guided aright and boost their confidence. She enjoined Muslims to use the social media to get beneficial information.

Call to Worship

Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Dhul Hijjah 10, 1433AH

Children having fun at the Eid-el-Kabir party organized for children of SOS Village, Isolo-Lagos by Vitafoam in conjunction with AIMS Communications recently.

‘Families should be united in the cause of Allah’

uslim families have been urged to be united in the cause of Allah as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his family as they were resolute in obeying the command of Allah and shunning evil. This advice came from the National Amir of the Companion, Mr. Ahmed ‘Tunde Popoola on the occasion of the 1433AH Eidel-Adha celebration. He also used the opportunity to call on Muslims to celebrate the Eid in moderation, shun extravagance and continue to pray to Allah for unity,

peace and progress in Nigeria. “We are not forgetting our brothers and sisters who are currently on Hajj. We pray Allah to accept their hajj and return them home safely.” The Amir commiserated with the victims of flood disaster in various parts of the country and prayed Allah to give them succour and the fortitude to bear the loss while describing the N17.6 billion life line fund provided by the federal government to address the immediate needs of the victims including their rehabilitation as a welcome development in the short term.

“However, beyond the short term solution, we call on the government for proper use of the ecological fund to mitigate such natural disasters in future. Equally worrisome is the food shortage crisis that may follow the massive flooding that has adversely affected the farming communities and the large scale farmers across the country.” While urging Muslims to live peacefully with their neighbours, he called on them to ensure that waste generated in the course of the sallah celebration is properly disposed without harming the environment.

Make sacrifices for Nigerians –MSSN to government

he Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit, has advised governments at all levels in the country to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice in discharging the affairs of the country. The Amir of the society, Alhaji Qasim Badrudeen, in his Eid-el-Kabir message, advised the politicians to always put the overall interest of Nigerians first, since it is their votes that made it possible for them to occupy their

positions. “Every necessary step must be taken by them to make life more meaningful and worth living for Nigerians. In a press release signed by the PRO, Sulaimon Alamutu, Badrudeen also urged Nigerians to continue to exercise patience in the face of the numerous challenges facing the country and not resort to do-ordie approach to survive, noting that the Almighty Allah has promised in the Holy Qur’an that He is always with the patient.

While congratulating Nigerians on the occasion of this year’s Eid-l-Adha celebration, the MSSN leader urged them inculcate the spirit of sacrifice, patience, obedience and steadfastness as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim (AS). He also called for more prayers for the country, saying that ‘this period is one of the periods that almighty Allah has given assurance for the acceptance of prayers from His obedient servants.

porate organizations to render assistance to the needy in the society. Also speaking, the Youth/Community Coordinator, representing the SOS Village Director, Mr. Alex Ndupuechi, expressed their appreciation to the management of Vitafoam, stating categorically that the company had met them at the point of their needs. “Their action is quite commendable as we are so excited about their gesture being the first of its kind. At SOS Village, any child in need is our interest; abandoned children, social orphans and vulnerable children, taking care of them from cradle till full adulthood. According to Hajia Amina Muhammed, AIMS Communication started the idea last year because many tend to forget the less-priviledged during celebrations like this. “We brought children from other orphanage homes and schools to celebrate with them as Sallah is about showing love, caring and giving. And Vitafoam

has indeed been a pillar of support towards the success of this novel initiative.” Items donated include sets of solid foam chair without any wood component that can cause injury, pillows, mattresses, leisure mats, school bags, mathematical sets, TShirts, writing materials among others. Last year’s edition of the Sallah party took place at the BabSallam Orphanage Home, Ikeja-Lagos and they were also at the SOS Village for this year’s own to felicitate with other children. In their reaction, a lot of the children expressed their happiness and appreciation to Vitafoam for taking the time out to cater for their needs. According to them, based on their experience last year, they were anxiously looking forward to being part of this year’s Vitafoam Eid-el-Kabir party and more in future. Over 200 children were in attendance this year.

‘Be the next Adegbite’ L ATEEFAH IBRAHIMANIMASHAUN

uslim youths have been advised to discover their talents and live a worthy life of sacrifice, hard work and defence of the religion, just like the late Secretary-General, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Abdul Lateef Adegbite who was a good personality of Islam throughout his life. The advice was made by Ustaz Abdur Razaq Agbelekale while delivering a topic on “Blue print for Islamic reconstruction” at Shangisha central mosque during the conference of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria, Kosofe Area Council. He urged youths to be more focused, serious and be dedicated to the course of Islam by paying special attention to reading as he said is the number one instruction of Allah on mankind. He said all the modern innovations in the world are from Muslims and he lamented why today’s Muslims are lagging behind due to negligence and deviance from the guidance of Allah and the Prophet.

“So many Muslims out there are half-baked, cling to only some parts of the religion at the expense of others which is a major threat to the spread of Islam in the country.” He encouraged Muslim youths to always have good interpersonal relationship with Muslims and non-Muslims alike in order to make people see the beauty of Islam and to exemplify the uniqueness of the teachings the Prophet. “Stop complaining, sit up, think and find a lasting solution to societal problems. Always have good rapport with your neighbours. No matter how bad some people are, if you are patient with them, you will discover their virtues; no one can be entirely perfect. Take patience, perseverance, sacrifice, reliance on Allah as your watch word. Stop spending your money and time on frivolities. Before you buy a new phone, ask yourself why you need the phone and make sure you have bought 5 new books before buying it, then, you will be rest assured that you are living a meaningful life”, he concluded.

Call to Worship

llahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Laa ilaha illalah. Your witnessing this day is a special blessing from Allah. Many people like you witnessed this same day of eidul-Adha last year but have now returned to the world of no return. It is a day when Allah tests sincerity of men. Millions of Muslims will slaughter rams but how many of them will solely do it with all the attendant conditions for Allah alone? It is a day when every Muslim must appreciate Allah for all His boundless favours. It is a day of unity when Muslims locally and internationally converge at one point to pray together. This gathering does not leave anybody behind. It is indeed a day of reflection. It was the sacrifice of one man that culminates in this festival. So, we must remember this great man and his son. We must appraise our devotion to Allah. We must ask what kind of sacrifice we make to please our Lord. We must ask where our faith lies. We must ask if as fathers or children we are devoted to Allah. We must ask what kind of legacy we are bequeathing posterity. A society is an amalgam of communities and a community is a conglomerate of families. Every member of the society belongs to a family. Each family unit begins with the husband and wife or father and mother or a parent. Children belong to where they are born. Nobody can claim that he is born without a father and a mother. In other words, all that are born belong to a unit of the family. Drawing from all these backgrounds is the fact that, if living in the world is peaceful and secure,

Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Dhul Hijjah 10, 1433AH Friday, October 26, 2012

This Day of Sacrifce IT IS A FESTIVAL WHICH REMINDS US HOW WE

SHOULD LIVE AS MUSLIM FAMILIES the credits go back to all or some of the families and thus, they are commendable. But, if otherwise, the rebuke goes back to all or some of the families, and thus they are condemnable. The thieves, armed-robbers, touts, urchins, tyrants, embezzlers, murderers, assassins, drunkards, fornicators, adulterers, bastards, liars, lesbians, homosexuals, idolaters, corrupt leaders, etc., have their different families. It logically follows, then, that the families from which these people of negative tendencies emerged have woefully failed to properly bring them up. Consequently, such families should be held liable for all the evils in the society. It is indeed ironical that parents and or children who do not observe the daily salaat correctly with its due tend to be the buyers of the biggest rams for eidul-Adha! Alas, the only attachment some so-called Muslims have with Islam is the celebration of the Eidul Fitr or Adh . That is all, because they will wear new cloth, eat ram and go to recreational places! One could say without mincing words that on occasions like this, we know who the true Muslims are. They compuct themselves within

Sunnah of Eidl-Adha

idl-Adha is the celebration of Islamic festival that is usually celebrated on the 10th day of DhulHiija. This is the second day after Arafat day. In keeping with the tradition of the Prophet Mohammed (SAW), Muslims are encouraged to prepare themselves for the occasion of Eid. Muslims are expected to make wudu (ablution) and offer salat alFajr i.e the pre-sunrise prayer, prepare for personal cleanliness and putting on new or best clothes available. Eid prayer must be offered in congregation. It consists of two rakats with seven takbir in the first rakat and five takbir in the second rakat. Salat al-Eid differs from the five daily prayers because there is no adhan i.e call to prayer or iqama pronounced for the Eid prayers. The salaat (prayer) is then followed by the khutbah or sermon by the Imam. For Eidl Adha prayer to be observed, there must be a minimum of forty people. The parayer is always observed between 9.00am and 10.00am. During the life time of the holy Prophet Mohammed (SAW), the prayer is always observed in the outskirt of a community. However, things have changed now because virtually all the places have developed and hardly can a bushy area be seen again except in rural areas. Where possible, trees can be planted within the praying arena in urban centres as this is part of the glorious prophetic teachings. In view of what led to the celebration of this festival, there is no need of eating before going for the prayer. Moreso, this prayer is always quicker when compared with that of Eidl-fitr. There is no need for nafilat before and after prayer

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the confine of Islam even while celebrating. It is the ignoramuses who go outside the bounds. Eidul-Adha is a mirror of our homes. It is a festival which reminds us how we should live as Muslim families. This, we draw the cue from Prophet Ibrahim and his family. It reminds us of the essence of tawheed. But today some if not most families believe in the potency of talisman and fortune telling and not in Allah, the Creator of all. No Salat, because they have to acquire enough modern education! No fasting, because it will weaken them to do their reading and other assignments. Then, where is the Islamic family? Failure to save your soul and that of your family will unfailingly mean failure to enter Aljannah for you. It is very possible that you are good and do other things Islam requires of you. But are you only an individual. Islam takes into full consideration the havoc that can be caused to the entire society if there should be a problem of transgression and disobedience from your family. You have to know what Islamic demands are. Spring into action and let your families (especially your wife and children) do the good deeds you are also doing. Spread the knowledge of Islam amongst them. Teach them the various etiquettes of the Prophet (SAW). Teach them how to read the Qur’an. Establish Islamic culture in your house. Whatever good things have been as-

Friday Sermon: Companions of Promised Messiah (2) CONTINUED FROM PAGE25

because this prayer is equally nafilat. Islamic faithfuls are expected to be praising Almighty Allah before the commencement of nafilat which is two rakats. The chief Imam is expected to recite quranic verses aloud while praying. At the conclusion of the prayers and sermon that is expected to be based on the importance of Eidil – Adah, Imam will then slaughter a ram and raise the knife up. This singular act enables the Islamic faithful to proceed to their various homes in order to slaughter their rams. Meanwhile, after the slaughtering of ram by the Imam, Muslims will embrace and exchange greetings with one other saying Eid mubarak , give gifts to children and visit one another. Many Muslims also take this opportunity to invite their nonMuslims friends, neighbours, co-workers and classmates to their Eid festivities to better acquaint them about Islam and Muslim culture. In conclusion, we are enjoined to emulate Prophet Ibrahim, follow the dictates of the holy Quran and Sunnah of the holy Prophet Mohammed (SAW). Sheikh Abdul Gannyy Umar Arikunkewu is the Founder/National Chief Missioner of Jubulatu Rohfatu Llahi Islamic Society of Nigeria (JUBAT)

sociated with Islam or the Muslims should reign supreme in your house. Let them know the significance of the Salat time and observe it accordingly. Let them see reason why they must fast in Ramadan. Do not just force them to do or observe Islamic practices, you should explain to them with wisdom, why such practices are the best for them. When you are gong to the mosque let your male children follow you. Let the female observe their Salat with their mothers at home, unless you are going to the mosque together. Provide for them, according to your ability, their needs in terms of feeding, clothing and shelter. By that you can gain their confidence and retain them genuinely in Islam. Do not hesitate to frown at and condemn anything anti-Islam they do and explain its implication to them. Create or fix a time for regular discussion with your family. Let there be information flow within the family. Present, intelligently, the incontestable points to them why only Islam is the true way to salvation. If you do all these, you would have been treading the path of Ibraheem and making required sacrifices. Dr. Zafaran is the Director, Vanguards Academy

on the same night indicating something. Sometime later Walayat sahib had the chance to go to Qadian with someone and attended Friday Prayers at Masjid Aqsa. When the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) arrived he requested him regarding Bai’at. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) affectionately took his hand and Bai’at took place. Hadhrat Inayat Ullah sahib (may Allah be pleased with him): He writes that he took his Bai’at in 1901 when he was about 15 years old. He had come to Qadian for the first time and had brought a bottle of perfume with him. However, during the travel all the perfume spilled and only a drop remained in the bottle. When the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) came on the rooftop of Masjib Mubarak in the evening, Inayat sahib started to massage his feet and told him about the bottle of perfume which had only one drop left in it and gave the bottle to the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) who said that Inayat sahib had been rewarded for a full bottle of perfume. Inayat sahib took his Bai’at after Salat that evening and stayed in Qadian for ten days. Once on his return from Qadian he stayed overnight at Batala. A person who was travelling with him asked if he had sought the Promised Messiah’s (on whom be peace) permission before leaving Qadian. Inayat sahib said he had not and regretted it. At

night he had a dream in which he saw that the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) is eating bread. He gives Inayat sahib half of the bread and tells him he is allowed to leave. Hadhrat Sheikh Atta Ullah sahib (may Allah be pleased with him): He writes that once the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) came out of his house and called him by his name and asked him to post a letter for him in the letter box. Atta Ullah sahib was delighted that the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) remembered his name. He also writes that once the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) was drinking raw goats milk when someone said he should not drink raw milk. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) replied that Prophets of God often drank raw milk. He writes that he once fell ill and caught tuberculosis. He went to Qadian and stayed with Hadhrat Maulana Nur ud din (may Allah be pleased with him) who treated him. He was put on a special diet. One evening he asked Hadhrat Maulana Nur ud din’s mother that his mouth had a bad taste and could he have something flavour some to eat. He was told that Hadhrat Maulana sahib would not be pleased but he was given some filtered broth. Next morning when Hadhrat Maulana Nur ud din (may Allah be pleased with him) took his pulse he asked Atta Ullah sahib what had he eaten the previous night. He replied ‘nothing’.

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Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Dhul Hijjah 10, 1433AH Friday, October 26, 2012

Call to Worship

‘No peace without God’s consciousness’ There is so much debate on how the social, religious economic and security factors have impacted on the lives of Nigerian youths. In this interview with LATEEFAH IBRAHIM-ANIMASHAUN, the President of a prominent youth-based organisation in the country, the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit, Alhaji Qazeem Badrudeen speaks on the role of youths in transforming the nation and sundry issues. What is the role expected of Muslim youths in promotion of peace and stability? The name Islam itself connotes peace so, by all standard Islam has been a major force in entrenching peace in Nigeria especially in recent times when insecurity has become the order of the day. You will bear us witness that Muslims have always being in the forefront of condemning various attacks on Christians and their places of worship by some misguided elements. On many occasions, the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), the Jamat Nasrullahi Islam (JNI), Conference of Islamic Organisations (CIO), Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) Lagos State Area Unit especially and many other Islamic organisations had risen in one voice condemning such attacks and urging other Nigerians irrespective of their religious leanings to do same. Another is the active role of Muslim leaders in the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC). Let me inform you that a lot of issues that would have snowballed into major crisis were addressed at the level of NIREC. Even though, investigations had shown that most of the perpetrators of the attacks were non-Muslims, we must continue to call for patience and peaceful approach to addressing the problems. The MSSN Lagos State Area Unit, is a youth-based Islamic organisation that is committed to upholding societal values of honesty, diligence, patience, hard work, commitment and fear of God, in addition to entrenching, spiritual uprightness and academic excellence. Our membership cuts across all secondary and tertiary institutions in the state. We have been making a lot of impacts through many life-changing programmes that we organise from time to time. Take for instance, the aspect of education; we normally conduct PreGCE mock examination for students to access their level of preparations for the main examination. Similarly, we have extra-mural coaching centres at the area councils where we impact knowledge in our secondary school members so that they will be better prepared for various examinations.

given maximum punishment when they commit offense and the high and mighty are either allowed to go unpunished or given a slap on their wrist as punishment. Remember, the youths are taking cognisance of all these. So, that’s why we have insecurity and not religion as it is being erroneously peddled.

Badrudeen

In the higher institutions, tutorial centres are also in place to help our members excel. Like I mention earlier, an academically-sound but spiritually bankrupt individual poses more danger to the general society. That’s why we design our camping programmes such as the Holiday Training Course (HTC) and Dawah Camps in various higher institutions to cater for the sociospiritual well-being of the Muslim youths. We will continue to impact positively on the society. What role can religion play in stability of the country? Until we all acknowledge the fact that without religion, we cannot live a life of peace and comfort. From that premise, we must give religion a major role in our lives and it is when we do that, that we can talk of the role it will play in stabilising our country. Now, religious leaders in the country must take it as a cardinal objective to ensure that their followers adhere strictly to the dictates of their religions. No religion preaches violence. In fact, Islam abhors it and enjoins humanity to do away with violence and every form of oppression. In addition and very importantly, government at all levels should always consult religious leaders of both Islam and Christianity when taking decisions. And by way of suggestion, Ministry of religious affairs can be established across all levels of government. Can the current state of insecurity be attributed to religion? Like I said earlier, no religion preaches violence. Islam advocates peaceful coexistence among people in the society irrespective of their

AN ACADEMICALLYSOUND, BUT

SPIRITUALLY BANKRUPT INDIVIDUAL POSES MORE DANGER TO THE GENERAL SOCIETY religious backgrounds. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has taught us to safeguard the rights of our neighbours. In one of his sayings he asked ‘Do you know what the rights of the neighbours are?’ Help him if he asks for your help, give him relief if he seeks your relief, lend him if he needs, show him concern if he is distressed, visit him when he is ill, attend his funeral when he dies, congratulate him when he meets any good, sympathise with him if any calamity befalls him, do not block his air by raising your building high without his permission…’ and so on. From this it is evident that Islam wants peace to reign on earth. I believe Christianity also encourages its adherents to maintain peace with every human being. So, religion cannot be blamed for the insecurity in the country. However, the mistake some people make in saying that is when some few misguided elements in the community hide under religion to perpetrate violence against innocent Nigerians, they tend to blame their religion for the evils they commit, whereas the two religions do not preach violence. I will rather attribute the cause of the insecurity partly to corruption in government and also the total collapse of our value system. It is only in Nigeria that the weak are being

Do you think the nation deserves to roll out the drums in celebration of its 52nd Independence Anniversary? I will address this question from two perspectives. One, we have to give thanks to Almighty Allah for seeing us this far despite all our challenges as a nation. Why I said we must thank Allah is that, there are several other countries that are not even up to 52 but are now in serious crisis. There had been disasters upon disasters across the globe which our dear country was spared. Look at the Tsunami in Indonesia and Japan, the earthquakes in Haiti and Iran, mudslides in Uganda and the floods in Pakistan, Nigeria never experienced disasters. Even the current flooding we are experiencing is not comparable to some of these disasters. So, in that aspect, there is course for celebration. But on the other aspect, we must bury our heads in shame. Why? For the past 52 years, we are still battling with the problem of electricity supply when South Africa that gained independence in the 90s generates over 45,000mw to power its economy. The Asian Tigers, some of who gained independence about the same time we did, have gone far ahead of us in various aspects of development! While Malaysia that came to pick palm kernels from Nigeria is now a major producer of palm oil in the world today, we are yet to get our rhythm in that regard. Education-wise, we are nowhere to be found. Nigerians, the rich ones though, now send their children to even Ghana and some other neighbouring African countries to study. This is a very sad situation. If our educational system is good there will be no reason why we will take our wards abroad for studies. United Kingdom today is a major beneficiary of Nigeria’s foreign currency via the number of students going there to study. Just talk of any area, we are still not there. The only art we have mastered perfectly in our 52 years of nationhood is corruption! Over $400b of oil revenue has been embezzled by our leaders. It is unfortunate that at age 52, we have not got it right in virtually every aspect of our national life. In spite of the huge potentials Allah endowed us with; we are still being rated among the most backward countries in the world. Hope is not lost. Nigeria can still attain its destined greatness if we all are determined to contribute selflessly towards that greatness. So, while we call for more prayers and sacrifice for the country, we also call on Nigerians, leaders and followers, to return to the path of righteousness and servitude to God as it is only through this that the CONTINUED ON PAGE 31

Call to Worship

Islam Worldwide

Bosnian man walks 3600 miles to perform Hajj

47-year-old Bosnian Muslim reached Saudi Arabia this week to perform the annual pilgrimage after travelling nearly 3,600 miles (5,900 km) on foot from his Bosnian village, Saudi newspapers said on Monday. “I wanted to perform Hajj, but I had no money,” Emirates 24/7 quoted Senad Hadzic as saying. “I decided to walk to Saudi Arabia, having only 200 euros.” Aspiring to perform Hajj, Hadzic first hit the road for his lengthy trip from Banovici, his hometown in northern Bosnia, on December 2011. During the journey, he walked for nearly 3,600 miles (5,900 km) on foot from his Bosnian village to the Muslims’ holy city of Makkah. Covering between 12 to 20 miles a day, Hadzic managed to cross six countries, including Turkey, Jordan and Syria before entering Saudi Arabia this week. In his back bag, he carried his copy of the holy Qur’an wrapped in plastic to protect it from weather elements. “I slept in mosques, schools and other places, including houses offered to me by good people,” Hadzic was quoted as saying in a You-Tube video. “Some people asked me whether I was scared when passing through wild places and I told them ‘why should I?…God is with me.”

Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Dhul Hijjah 10, 1433AH Friday, October 26, 2012

14th Britain’s HCD in Saudi Arabia

he 14th Hajj Consular Delegation (HCD), accompanied British pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. Launched by Foreign Office Minister, Mark Simmonds, it is providing consular support to thousands of British Hajjis. Simmonds said: “We understand how

who owns 613.35 grams of silver or its equivalent in money, personal ornaments, stock-in-trade or any other form of wealth which is surplus to his basic needs, is under an obligation to offer a Qurbani. Each adult member of a family who owns the above mentioned amount must perform his own Qurbani separately. If the husband owns the required quantity, but the wife does not, the Qurbani is obligatory on the husband only and vice-versa. If both of them have the prescribed amount of wealth, both should perform Qurbani separately. If the adult children live with their parents, Qurbani is obligatory on each one of them possessing the prescribed amount. The Qurbani offered by a husband for himself does not fulfill the obligation of his wife, nor can the Qurbani offered by a father discharge his son or daughter from their obligation. Each one of them should care for his own. However, if a husband or a father, apart from offering his own Qurbani, gives another Qurbani on behalf of his wife or his son, he can do so with their permission.

No Alternate for Qurbani Some people think that instead of offering a Qurbani they should give its amount to some poor people as charity. This attitude is totally wrong. Actually, there are different forms of worship obligatory on Muslims. Each one of them has its own importance and none of them can stand for the other. It is not permissible for a Muslim to perform salah instead of fasting in Ramadan, nor is it permissible for him to

deeply important the Hajj is to the Muslim community and I have been taking a keen interest in preparations for the Hajj Consular Delegation. We are absolutely committed to providing appropriate Consular services to British Pilgrims during Hajj through hav-

ing consular officers on the ground in Makkah and Jeddah. Last year, we provided a wide range of consular support, including replacing emergency travel documentation and supporting British pilgrims who required urgent medical assistance.

NAASS commends Adegbite, appoints Interim Chairman

he Emergency Executive Committee of the Nigerian-Arab Association (NAASS) has commended the giant strides and land mark achievements its late Chairman, Dr. Abdul-Lateef Adegbite made for NAASS during his tenure since 1996; particularly, his sagacity, dexterity and doggedness as a bridge builder between Nigerians and Arabs for mutual understanding of each

other’s development and learning processes. According to a press release signed by the Executive Secretary of the association, Alhaji Shuaib Abdullahi, in the spirit of sustaining these achievements and many more, the house unanimously appointed one of its Executive Committee and Governing Council members in person of Alhaji Idris Sulaimon as the Interim Chairman of Nigeria-Arab

Brothers championing the Qur’an Project observing their Salat

Essential duties for today CONTINUED FROM 26

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give some charity instead of observing the obligatory Salah. Similarly, Qurbani is an independent form of worship and this obligation cannot be discharged by spending money in charity. However, if somebody, out of his ignorance or negligence, could not offer Qurbani on the three prescribed days (10th, 11th and 12th Dhulhijjah) then, in that case only, he can give the price of a Qurbani as Sadaqah to those entitled to receive Zakah. But during the days of Qurbani no Sadaqah can discharge the obligation.

The Animals of Qurbani The following animals can be slaughtered to offer a Qurbani: 1. Goat, either male or female, of at least one year of age. 2. Sheep, either male or female, of at least six months of age. 3. Cow, ox buffalo of at least two years of age. 4. Camel, male or female, of at least five years of age. One head of goat or sheep is enough only for one person’s Qurbani. But as for all other animals like cow, buffalo or camel, one head of each is equal to seven offerings thus allowing seven persons to offer Qurbani jointly in one such animal.

Association. He is expected to run the Association for about six (6) months during which time, a new election should be held to usher in a new Chairman, review the Constitution of the Association and kick start a multi-million building project among other things. Alhaji Idris Sulaimon is a Chartered Accountant, a Banker, Financial and Management Consultant. He was a former Internal Auditor with BP Nigeria limited, Lagos and a former Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the defunct Universal Trust Bank Plc (UTB). Alhaji Sulaimon is a Director of many companies some of which are, Chairman, United Gases Limited; Chairman, OSL Nigeria Limited; Chairman, United Power Tools & Trading Company; Chairman, Mission Securities Limited and others. The need to have a platform where Arab immigrants and those born and bred in Nigeria could formally and informally interact at both commercial and friendship level with their Nigerian counterparts informed the establishment of the Nigerian-Arab Association in 1983 as a voluntary, non-political, multi-religion and non-profitable body.

New British Muslim reverts on Hajj

p to 25,000 British Muslims travelled to Mecca to complete their Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam. Many of the pilgrims are new British reverts to Islam with more Britons becoming Muslims. Mikael is a new Muslim revert, initially, he looked into other religions for a spiritual and fulfillment lifestyle, but Islam caught his eye and spent more than four years studying the religion before he became a Muslim. “I am Lutheran Christian by my background, I was thinking about Buddhism, meditation and all sorts of things, but finally I arrived in Islam and it made sense to me bringing peace to me.” Most Britons who convert to Islam tend to perform Hajj pilgrimage as soon

as they are well versed in Islam despite its high cost. Mikael declared his intention to do Hajj with his wife,Amina. They attended a seminar explaining how to perform Hajj rites and rituals with a few days before his going on this spiritual journey, according to him, the trip inflamed his feelings, longing for the moment he casts his eyes on Arafat, Muzdalifa and Mina. A study of a multi-faith group revealed more than 5,500 men and women adopt Islam every year. The 2001 census put the figure of the British Muslims population at 1.59 million out of a total UK population of 57.1 million. However, a recent report on religion has put the figure of British Muslims at more than 2.8 million.

Rules about Defective Animals The following defective animals are not acceptable in Qurbani: 1. Blind, one eyed or lame animal. 2. An animal so emaciated that it cannot walk to its slaughtering place.

Brothers championing the Qur’an Project observing their Salat

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Friday, October 26, 2012

No peace without God’s consciousness CONTINUED FROM 29 country can prosper once again. What is the problem and way out? One, corruption! And until we get rid of it, we will remain where we are. Secondly, there is bad leadership. We need to allow those who have the fear of Allah and are ready to serve with sincerity to hold leadership positions in the country. When some persons of questionable character are at the helms of affairs, we cannot talk of development. The solution is simple. Let all and sundry return to Allah in absolute obedience and repentance. Allah said in Qur’an 13:11 that He will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in their heart. Let religious leaders preach and exemplify what their respective religions say. In addition, let government provide jobs for the teaming unemployed Nigerians. An idle hand, they say, is the devil’s workshop. On the recent deportation of Nigerian Pilgrims? This has to do with discipline. We should learn to always play the game according to the rules. If we take our laws for granted here, the Saudi government, by that action, had taught us how to do things right. I think it is a great lesson for those at the helm of

Call to Worship

Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Dhul Hijjah 10, 1433AH

affairs and we hope such will not recur in coming years. It is the Shariah law that asked women not to travel without their Mahram.

My Friday

Abdurrazaq A. Abdussalam

Depending on my strength and health, I wake up at about 4.30am when the alarm from my telephone handset beeps. I immediately prepare and observe Tahajjud- early morning prayers.

What will MSSN propose as an amendment to the 1999 constitution? As the Amir, I will propose the entrenchment of a provision that will allow the right to freedom of religion to the fullest. Like the use of Hijab in secondary schools without any interference, establishment of Islamic marriage registries to cater for Muslims and the entrenchment of Shariah Court and Shariah law in the constitution.

By 5.00am, I start my Qiraatul (Reading) Qur’an and tries to finish the

How will you react to the recent killing of four UNIPORT students? It is highly condemnable. It is inhuman, barbaric and wicked. And this is a testimony to the fact that there is high level of insecurity in the land. People now take laws into their hands. It is very unfortunate and that is why the perpetrators must be brought to justice. Failure to do that, similar thing may happen in future. Our value system has collapsed. We no longer value lives and this is one of the most hateful things in the sight of almighty Allah. Such ungodly and wicked happening block the acceptance of prayers. We can now understand why most of our supplications appear not accepted!

I then go to the office at Broadcasting House, Ikoyi where I attend to

L-R: Assistant Director, Finance and Accountant, Kogi State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Sunday Elebilu; Director-General, Mrs. Alice Ogedengbe; Amir Ahmadiyya Muslim Jma’at Nigeria, Dr. Mashhud Fashola Adenrele and Chairman, Humanity First, Nigeria in collaboration with Humanity First, Canada, Dr. Yekini Abibu, during the presentation of relief materials to flood victims at Adankolo camp, Lokoja, in Kogi State last Saturday.

Secretary for Scholarship, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jma’at Nigeria, Alhaji Muyili Olagunju; Naib Amir, Special Duties, Alhaji Ahmed Al-hassan; Missionary- in charge, Maulana AbdulHalique Nayyar; Sadr. Majlis Ansarulla, Alhaji Mikail Odukoya and Kogi State Missionary, Malik Ahmad, during the donation.

Juz’ (1/30) before Salats-Subh, depending on the time for Fajr. As at now, I observe Salatus-Subhi between 5.30am and 5.45am, whenever I am around with my family. After the solat, I do Morning Talk with my family – an early morning spiritual is delivered by any member of the family. We then recite the Adhkar of Al-Mathurat together. If my schedule is not tight, I rest for a while in my room. Thereafter, I take my bath and breakfast. I enjoy light meal and in small quantity. I enjoy Irish potatoes, wheat bread, Quaker and oats and the likes. normal office routines, treating files, replying mails and attending to local and international guests until time for Salatul Jumah. I observe the Jumah at Dodan Barrack’s mosque. The Salat ends around 2.30pm and I return to the office for more work till Salatul Asr. In the office, I do not eat any main meal, as I avoid lunch as a rule. However, I drink tea to remove fatigue and keep me going. After Asr, most staff would depart office and that is when I can start writing if I have speech or paper to write. It is also a good time for me to read books or write books. This continues into late in the night. I mostly observe Salatul Maghrib and Ishai in the office. I normally depart the office late and when traffic would be light. Getting home, I take my meal, interact with my family and go to bed. (Abu Umar Al-Faruq) First Amir of The Muslim Congress and Special Assistant to Director General, Voice of Nigeria.

Thank God It’s Friday

L-R: Dr. Yekini Abibu; Members of the Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja, Dr. Ogunsuji Seyi; Dr. Lukman Olayemi and Abdulmalik Idris, inspecting the drugs donated for the victims.

Dr. Yekini Abibu (4th left) and others presenting the relief materials to Camp Manager, Mrs. Nnekwu James and Director-General SEMA, Mrs. Ogedegbe.

Call to Worship

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Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Dhul Hijjah 10, 1433AH Friday, October 26, 2012

Abraham’s obedience replaces our sons with rams As Muslims celebrate Eid-el-Adha today, the lessons of the celebration are enormous as they share their views on this biggest Muslim Eid with LATEEFAH IBRAHIM-ANIMASHAUN

Alhaji AbdurRazaq Agbelekale, MD /CEO, Engineering Systems Nigeria Limited, Lagos.

idl Adha’s lessons can be most understood if we consider the celebration based on the verse of the holy Quran on the fact that Allah said He ho doesn’t need the flesh nor does He need the do blood, what He needs from us is the fear of bl Allah. This is the essence of Eid. We must Al engage in constant remembrance of Allah en at all times. Abstain from eating before Eid prayer; engage in sober reflection just like pr Prophet Ibrahim did in the morning while Pr he was on his way to sacrifice his son. You go through a route and return from another route.

t is one of the festivals of Muslims. Allah is making us to realise that the world is not all about working alone. Allah has set out a day for us to relax and A enjoy too. We must fulfil our promises. en We also use the period to relate with the W poor that is why Prophet Muhammad po recommended that when you slaughter re your ram, you share it with the lessyo privileged and let them share in the joy pr of the day.

Fatimah Taiwo, a teacher at Bolade Senior Grammar School.

idl Adha stands for sacrifice, obedience, love, faith and fulfilling promises. The origin of the festival was as a result of prophet Ibrahim known has Abraham who was instructed to sacrifice his son. He fulfilled the promise he has made to sacrifice his only son. The child also accepted his father’s decision. The mother was also understanding, obedient and patient with her Lord. From the life of prophet Ibrahim, it was as a result of his sincerity that we now use rams not our sons. We must be able to sacrifice. Nothing comes on a platter of gold. And that after hardship, one will come to enjoy.

t stands for the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim. It is the peak of sacrifice by Prophet Abraham, the father of faith. The life of prophet Ibrahim is full of sacrifice. He started his life as a child who was not going along with society norms. It symbolizes obedience to Allah and cooperation between the child and the father. Because of his obedience to Allah, Allah changed it with a ram from paradise.

Dhikrullah Gazali, Radio Frequency Engineer at Omicoms Solutions Limited.

Ustaz Qazeem Balogun

t is a day to remember the impact of the father of faith, Prophet Ibrahim. It took him years before he could have a child while he was already old h and it was also a period when he could be a beneficial to his parents. In Eid-el-Adha, b iit is not the ram that we slaughter that matters, but how far we are obeying Alm llah. We also have to learn the lesson of patience from him. Do you obey Allah in p your deeds and in every aspect of your y llives?

Mrs. Rahmat Abdullah, a teacher at Fudiyyah Nursery and Primary School.

Onolaja Rodyat, 400 level student, Lagos State University, Banking and Finance.

t has history from Prophet Ibrahim, Ismail and Hajarah. The period is also important because this is a period when people go on Hajj; do Tawaf, run Safar and Marwa and climb mount Arafah. The killing of the ram is done every where across the globe. We should spend the Eid day on lawful eating and drinking. Go to Eid in the morning while fasting, come home to kill the ram, share the ram entertaining visitors and distributing part of it to the less-privileged. It is a period of making people happy. Not listening to music.

t is a day of celebration, good deeds and moving closer to Allah. Doing what is right, showing love to the less-privileged, sharing with them out of le the bounties of Allah on you. We must let th them fill loved and accepted. This should th not stop on this day alone; it should be n extended to other days too. I will wine, ex dine and go for Jumat. d

Sulaimon Jubril, an Accountant with Foresight Investments.

am a convert and the reason why I converted was that I love everything about Islam and Muslims. I was usually attracted to the way the Muslims dress. The Eid-el-Adha is a period of sacrifice as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim. The period is usually a nice one. It is a period that is meant for the remembrance of Allah. A lot of people travel at this period which makes the period a special one and a day of re-union of old friends and relatives. We all put on nice clothes and go to Eid. Even menstruating women are not exempted from the Eid because of the bounties of Allah that are expected to descend on that particular day.

Badejo Rukayat, a student of Industrial Relations and Personnel Management, Lagos State University.

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People In The Mirror

Friday, October 26, 2012

Celebrities shine on Headies, Yellow Carpet

Top Nigerian celebrities swarmed the prominent Eko Hotel and Suites for The Headies on Saturday, October 20, 2012, in honour of the leading music awards festival that is formerly known as the Hip-Hop Awards. National Mirror was there to capture the stars in frames as they filed in on the yellow carpet.

L-R: Darey Art Alade, Zaina and Mo-Eazy.

Queen Ure.

Eldee

Frank Edoho

Dayo Adeneye

Comedian, Shedi Baba.

Funke Akindele

L-R: Pharrel, Fricker and JJC.

PHOTOS: YINKA ADEPARUSI

Lions Club, Ibadan marks World Sight Day The Lions Club, District 404B, Ibadan recently marked the World Sight Day where the Lions organised free eye screening, free cataract surgery and distributed eye glasses at the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan.

Rapper, Cartair (left) and Stella John.

Essence

District Governor Agbogun delivering her address.

District Governor Agbogun assisting one of the beneficiaries of eye glasses at the ceremony.

L-R Gb and

Inside FCT

Friday, October 26, 2012

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Ram market in Abuja.

Sallah: FCT Muslims plan big against all odds TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

s palpable air of festivity takes hold of the spiritual space of the Federal Capital Territory with millions of Muslims making last minute arrangements to mark the Sallah with a sense of thanksgiving and provision of choice delicacies for families and friends today, it is glaringly clear to the discerning minds that despite all the troubles in the land, the Almighty Allah has been faithful in His promises. Over the past few days, the Muslims have not only been preparing in the big form to observe the spiritual injunction as thousands have travelled to perform the Hajj with their loved ones while millions others at home are not only left out in their efforts to perform the spiritual ablution that go with the killing of rams and other rites that go with the Sallah celebrations worldwide. Trips round some of the ram markets by Inside FCT showed that despite the harsh economic situation many Nigerians are going through now, the Muslims are still determined to do the needful in their efforts to prove to the unfaithful that Allah is good at all times to them. The markets are not only bustling with haggling or negotiations as buyers and sellers try to make the best of the opportunity availed by the Sallah celebrations, but also serving as places of re-union for old customers who are visiting again, after over a year, to locate their customers. And as it is usual with such re-unions, warm embraces and lively handshakes are commonplace scenes in most of the markets. Although most of the ram dealers spoken with believed that sale is poor, but none missed the fact that the Sallah festivities have come with its glamour and fun as everybody feels great to witness another sea-

THE MARKETS ARE NOT ONLY BUSTLING WITH HAGGLING OR NEGOTIATIONS AS BUYERS AND SELLERS TRY TO MAKE THE BEST OF THE OPPORTUNITY son of spiritualism and opportunity to ask for mercies from the Almighty Allah and prayers for grace to fulfil His injunctions. One of the ram dealers in Kubwa ram market , Alhaji Yusuf Muhammad, who had over 60 rams at his stall for sale, noted that in real terms, the market has been characterised by customers’ traffic over the past week, but that sales had remained not too good when compared with what used to be the trend a few years back. “We thank Almighty Allah for His mercies. We are very happy to see that we are still alive despite all the problems we go through. Like you know, the last rains destroyed some of our rams and we are yet to recover from the losses. Yes, customers have been coming, but our sales have been low due to what some of the customers say high cost of rams. “But we are not selling at high prices. Some of the rams go for N15,000 and N20,000. But the big ones cost more. All of this depends on how we buy and feed them. The cost of livestock feed is very high, so that is why we cannot sell lower. We are not complaining because we are still managing to sell to a few customers”, Muhammad said. A housewife in Kuje and a mother of six, Hadjia Meimunat Alkali, who was located at the ram market

Artisans transfering Sallah goodies

on Wednesday while negotiating for a ram, told Inside FCT that “despite the high cost of rams, we are still grateful to Allah for His faithfulness and love. Sallah is a big celebration for all Muslims. So, whatever it takes, we are going to celebrate it. “My family has been celebrating it with killing of rams each year, so this year will not be different. If we cannot kill two or three as we used to do in the past because we have a large family, we will still kill one. Yes, the prices are high, but we need to thank Almighty Allah for keeping us alive” she assured. A resident in Lugbe and one of the faithfuls who simply identified himself as Lekan, said he was already making efforts “to host my friends during the celebrations with food and drinks and after then, I intend to take my family to one of the parks so that we can enjoy the day. “I can say with all sense of gratitude that God has been good to my family in the past year. I did not perform the Hajj this year because of the schedule on my projects, but I pray by next year, I will be part of those that will worship Him in the Holy land, Insha Allah” Many other Muslims who spoke with Inside FCT on the importance of Sallah to their spiritual being, noted that it is one of the most spiritual injunctions they are expected to observe as prescribed in the Holy Quran and that failing to do so would imply implicit disobedience which the Almighty Allah abhors.

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Inside FCT

Friday, October 26, 2012

Almajiris: Threat to Abuja’s serenity IJEOMA EZEIKE ABUJA

he ambience of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory remains so alluring that both foreigners and Nigerians, despite the high cost of living, would always want to enjoy. But the old attractions and beauty of the city with the high expectations of residents of making the city a home are gradually giving way to frustrations, occasioned by the growing socio-economic nuisances created by the physically-challenged and the displaced persons who are not being taken care of by successive administrations in the FCT. One of the groups in this army of social miscreants is the battalion of street beggars popularly called the ‘Almajiris’ in this part of the country. Today, it is a common feature to see this team of young children of school age roaming the roadsides, business places as well as homes, seeking to eke out a living through alms solicitation. This is despite the Nomadic Education Policy for Almajiris which the Federal Government, a few months ago, launched with fanfare and political gusto. Usually going in twos or threes, this group of peripatetic youth beggars is always donned in tattered clothes, unfed and lacking in all areas of social welfare. They are, indeed, an eyesore to behold as they try on daily basis to find a space

ABUJA WAS CONCEIVED TO BE ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL MODERN CITIES IN THE WORLD for survival in a country that is rich and well-endowed, but whose citizens are lacking even staple food on their tables. Inside FCT investigations showed that while there is high in-flux of these urchins into the satellite towns, a few others trek down to the city to beg for alms. At the end of each laborious day, they board vehicles back to their remote slums, after scrambling for food on daily basis. Mr. Chukwuka Anyele, a resident of Kuje Area Council, in an interview with Inside FCT, urged the government to make efforts in placing a law that bars young children from wandering the streets or motor parks, as well as getting them enrolled in vocational training as a means finding lasting solution to the menace which they constitute in the FCT. “There must be a way to solve this great problem that is causing a great menace to the socio economic development of the country, as well as denting the image of the country at large. Although, we have suffered a lot of crises, they have resulted from poverty and unemployment which have ren-

dered youths restive and they are ready to do anything to survive the economic hardship they are facing. “Though we have found ourselves in difficult times, I am concerned about the society and dangers of street begging in the country, especially in the north, which produces bulk of the beggars. Whenever I am driving and I see people begging on the streets of Abuja, I am not happy, because it troubles my heart.” Abuja was conceived to be one of the most beautiful modern cities in the world, but successive administrations paid little or no attention to the ‘Almajiri’ problem. Though some have seen it as a complicated problem that arose from the socio-economic neglect of the people by successive FCTAs, others are worried about the risk the beggars pose to the image of the country. As has been demonstrated in other cities where the issue of urbanisation has thrown up this socio-economic challenge, what experts have pointed out is that the FCTA must find a way of tackling the ticking time bomb which the menace constitutes now, in order to guarantee security of lives and property in the FCT in the years ahead. To do otherwise would be like charting a terrible course for the future of the city with the attendant likely implications for social unrest. As the saying goes, a stitch in time may help in saving nine for residents and the authorities!

Mounting filth in Nigeria’s capital MARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA

ne begins to wonder if some set of people deserve to live in certain environments given their attitudes towards sanitation. It is believed in African villages that once a villager leaves for a city, the orientation and habits of such villager becomes refined. The approach of many residents of Abuja to hygiene is too appalling. But like the proverbial saying that “No matter how well a pig is cleaned, dressed and kept in a clean environment, it will eventually return to the mud,” bad attitudes of many Abuja residents toward sanitation remain ingrained; though inappropriate. While many of them appear neat outside their homes, the situation of many homes and slums in the city calls for urgent action both by government and everyone in the city to forestall any outbreak of poor-environment-induced diseases. Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised an alarm that there was possibility of yellow fever outbreak in Nigeria. The country lost over 5000 of its citizens to the illness when it broke out about three decades ago. Yellow Fever does not unleash death if the mosquitoes that transmit it are not allowed to breed. Today, flood is ravaging different parts of the country. Experience shows that the number of deaths recorded in Lagos flooding last year could not have been so high if human wastes had not blocked the drainages. Outbreak of cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery, cough, and other water-borne diseases such as typhoid is likely in an unhygienic environment. Many residents appear not bothered by the likely outbreak of these epidemics. As it appears today, residents of Nyanya community seem to have perpetually become incorrigible in their poor management of wastes. Many roadsides in the community stink with filth emerging from human and domestic wastes carelessly dumped by the residents. Head, Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) recently led some of his officials to the community to clear some of its mounting rubbish. He had said it was the duty of the Area Councils to deal with wastes within their territory. Inside FCT believes that activities of the Area Councils do not go beyond the

NESREA officials sealing off a borehole dug on a dumping ground in Abuja

RECENTLY, THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO) RAISED AN ALARM THAT THERE WAS POSSIBILITY OF YELLOW FEVER OUTBREAK IN

NIGERIA

council headquarters and the estates where they can generate funds. Findings by our reporter revealed that the situation is usually manageable during wet season as most of the wastes emerging from different yards are dumped into flowing rivers and flood. Then comes the dry season when layers of garbage release stench into the atmosphere. Adebimbe Adedeji, a resident of Nyanya blamed the situation on government. “We agree that most of us in the satellite communities don’t do well in managing our wastes. But go to the town, don’t you see rubbish littering the roads? Does government actually believe people live in any of the villages by making available any infrastruc-

ture? When there is no approval for houses here, government don’t make provision for us to effectively manage our wastes. It is only those of us who know the effects of good sanitation that take it very seriously. Others think they are only there for sometimes and that they can be driven away at any time; so, they are not bothered about the management of their wastes. In many of the villages such as Karimo, Nuwalege, Bassa, Giri, Pyakassa, Jikwoyi, Bwari, Galadimawa, Gwagwalada, Deidei among others, people defecate in the open even in broad daylight. Many of the homes do not have any form of toilet facility. Inside FCT can authoritatively say that some homes where “big people” come out from in Abuja do not even have bathrooms. Some share with neighbours. Our reporter recently had an experience in one of the villages in the city. It was at Puwei along the airport road. He had gone there to see a friend. Suddenly, the scorching sun gave way to a briskly dark cloud; then began a light rain that rapidly turned to a heavy downpour. As the rain continued, a young girl tottered through the flood. She wanted to empty domestic waste into the flooded drainage. As she got there, she slipped and fell into the drainage. But for our reporter’s effort with his friend’s, who knows what could have happened to the child?

Denrele’s Day Adenrele Niyi Denrele’s Day is a collection of witty & sincere articles inspired by a zany imagination

denrele@nationalmirroronline.net

08059100422 (SMS only)

t 5.30 a.m. in Durban, South Africa, the rising sun lights up the city, obliterates darkness and an amazing view of the beach and golden sea opens up from my 19th floor suite in Garden Court Marine Parade Hotel! What an enchanting sight of nature discovered in a country which is helping me live my travel adventure dreams! Okay, so this might sound advertorial, but truth is if you’re having a fantastic time, then do yourself and everyone else some good and admit it. Self-deceit or pleasure-denial is not modesty; rather it comes off as false modesty. However, it doesn’t mean South Africa is all peaches and cream and no dark side. Which nation of the world doesn’t have a dark side? I saw a white homeless woman soliciting for alms by the entrance of my North Beach hotel in a country predominantly inhabited by Black people. The next day on a drive out, I saw another white person, a shabby-looking adult male, walk up to a car window at a red stop apparently itching for a handout. Now, I’m not racist or bigoted, but I feel a certain sense of gratitude that poverty isn’t prejudiced or selective! Oh, by the way, did I mention I’m currently on vacation (in Nigeria that means I’m on official leave) and holidaying in Durban? Being in Durban is fortuitous since I also witnessed the final group draw for the 2013 Nations Cup. We all know the result of that draw and Nigeria’s group placement; short of speaking like the overly-optimistic Super Eagles fan, I sincerely hope our team brings on their A-game to the 2013 tournament. On a personal note, I must reveal though, that the high point of this adventure is the fulfillment of a long-nursed thrill chasing wish -to go bungee jumping! For those who are clueless what bungee jumping means, I’ll make this quick. ‘Bungee Jumping’ is an activity that involves jumping from a tall structure while connected to a large elastic cord. The tall structure is usually a fixed object, such as a building, bridge or crane; but it is also possible to jump from a movable object, such as a hot-air-balloon or helicopter that has the ability to hover above the ground. The thrill comes from the free-falling and the rebound. When the person jumps, the cord stretches and the jumper flies upwards again as the cord recoils and continues to oscillate up and down until all the energy is dis-

Friday, October 26, 2012

Death jump for love of Nigeria

CLAPPERBOARD with

Eddie Ugbomah

I ATTRIBUTED THE DIVE TO ‘DOING IT FOR MY COUNTRY’ WHOSE NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM WOULD BE PLUNGING ITS PRIDE INTO THE

2013 AFCON

sipated (courtesy Wikipedia). On Monday afternoon, I stood on the platform of the Guinness World Record certified ‘World’s Tallest Swing’ constructed above the 56,000-capacity Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban strapped in safety harness and flanked by jump control personnel. In a fleeting moment of sanity, I yelled out to the audience watching from the upper level, “Why would South Africans build a Stadium and a Bungee Jump on it? Back where I’m from, we only play sporting games in our Stadium!”. I then said a prayer, pleaded for forgiveness (just in case) and plunged into 106 metres of free -exhilarating- fall over the centre pitch!! Was I frightened? You bet I was beyond myself in fear, but I did it all the same for the adrenaline rush. A camera crew from SuperSports in South Africa captured my jump live and subsequently interviewed me where I attributed the dive to ‘doing it for my country’ whose national football team would be plunging its pride into the 2013 AFCON come January. I’m a sort of local celebrity in S’Africa now after the jump and interview went on SuperSports Blitz all evening into Tuesday morning! Yesterday morning, a white middle-aged male traveller, I’m guessing of African extraction, who was on a queue with me at the boarding counter for a South African Airlines flight out of Durban to Jo’burg struck a conversation with me and said “I saw you on SuperSports on Tuesday, you spoke so well about Nigeria; it was good”. It was fulfilling to hear because, I’d never had a prouder moment of carrying our green passport. So much for the merits of prophets not being honoured in their own home. Stay with Friday Flavour to read more of my adventure including the Shark Cage diving experience! Love and peace for the weekend.

The Moses Mahbida Stadium from a jumper’s (clearly not me) view

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

www.edifosafilm.com

The unfortunate profession

r. Odey, Madam Akuyinli, Femi Fani Kayode, Frank Nweke Jnr, Ogbu Ewu and now Laraban Maku are the people dumped on Nigerian artistes and nobody in government cares. As for Chief Edem Duke, he is on the verge of either succeeding or failing woefully like others. After Prince Tony Momoh and Prof. Jerry Gana, the Ministry of Culture and Information was split into Ministry of Torture and Torture (Tourism and Culture) and the other, Information that gave film makers six miserable none productive years with Afolabi Adesayan at Nigeria Film Corporation (NFC) who has refused to go when his two term finished in April 2012. Emeka Mba was so confused that he did not know the difference between ‘Classified Film’ and ‘Film Censorship’. This is a young and brilliant IT man dumped into the world of cinema. Emeka started very well until he made the Censors Board an extension of Enugu state. Emeka Mba was badly advised; he got rid of his main friends and professional advisers. This made him to fail like Afolabi Adesanya which is sad that they both came in with nothing and left with lots of damage. As for Afolabi, he will be remembered for signing several worthless MOUs and collecting film scripts that were never used. Like I said, the artistes of this country have always been abused, neglected and unappreciated. I told Chief Duke that he must wake up and not fail. The National Theatre has been seriously damaged and ignored and I told him that the National Theatre management must get up and make money. He misunderstood me thinking that I was telling him to make money to embezzle. I want my friend Chief Duke to know that I’m one of the rare Nigerians that built the colour laboratory that was to cost N88m and I used N35m to complete the laboratory. Thanks to my Board $embers who did not say that we should chop the money. So my dear Hon. Minister, I am only interested in the survival of the National Theatre because that is the artistes’ home and property. As for now, I am planning to hold three major shows at the Theatre because that is the real artistes’ centre. The shows are “Old School Film Festival”, the 10th year celebration of Movie Makers Hall of Fame and the Launching of two Galleries for Movie Makers and Music Makers. I demand respect for being active at my age -72 years this December. One thing that I want to tell these ministers is that very soon, all of them will be ex this and ex that and they will join me on the streets with nothing to be remembered for unlike me with so much achievement in the en-

NIGERIANS HAVE THIS NASTY ATTITUDE OF HATING PEOPLE LIKE ME WHO LOOKS THEM IN THE FACE AND SPEAKS THE TRUTH

SENT FROM MY BLACKBERRY

WIRELESS DEVICE FROM

MTN

tertainment Industry. The two portrait galleries for Movie Makers and Music Makers have cost me money, that is why I want to sell them to a good bidder. Nigerians have this nasty attitude of hating people like me who looks them in the face and speaks the truth; we are very few. At the moment, the marketers, guilds, Ministry of Culture, Information and all their Director Generals hate me. The unfortunate thing is that I don’t care as long as my consciences is clear, I believe in God and love this lousy country; I dey kampe. If people don’t appreciate my honesty and patriotism, I am sorry and I pity them. Some kids wish me dead, they are attacking me because I am honest to a fault. I am sorry if they don’t mind their words, regret will be the result. I remember when my senior lecturer in London told me that I was born in the wrong race and country. I was the most brilliant student and the only black in my class in 1967. Nigerians hate people who tell them the truth and these bad advisers have given us two bad Heads of States and Presidents. Most Nigerians like to be told what they want to hear, this is the reason this country is in a mess and we find it hard to survive. All the ministries always team up to mislead this country and you will be sorry if they find you as a stumbling block. You will never get any assistant or support. This essay was written with a lot of pain that this God-given great country has so many thieves, corrupt and heartless leaders, tribalists. One thing I trust God for is that these people will not escape God’s revenge and judgment. It is a thing of pride that I made and got everything I have by God’s grace, my believes and detribalised attitude. One thing today that I thank God for is the 13 years of political freedom from the soliders, unfortunately these animals have used the money they stole to remain in power with Agbada so they can’t be arrested or tired. May god save Nigeria .

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net Friday, October 26, 2012

Mirror Drive

STORIES: OLUSEGUN KOIKI

oyota Motor Company is still in recovery mode after a series of problems that plagued its global operations over the last three years. The company announced during the week that it is recalling 7.43 million vehicles sold worldwide including 2.5 million from the United States of America alone due to a potential risk of fire. The recalled vehicles were sold under the Toyota and Scion brands. Toyota brands in Nigeria too may also be affected by this recall. This is the largest safety-related service action the maker has announced since it began a series of recalls related to the risk of unintended acceleration in late 2009. That and other safety issues led Toyota to recall 14 million vehicles in 2009 and 2010. It’s the biggest single recall since Ford Motor Company pulled back 7.9 million vehicles in 1996. Many of the vehicles involved in the new Toyota recall also were called back one or more times due to unintended acceleration issues. The latest recall is the result of a problem with a potentially defective power window switch on the

Toyota to recall 7.43m cars due to electrical fault

Toyota office

driver’s side of the affected vehicles which, the maker says, “may experience a ‘notchy’ or sticky feel during operation. Toyota already announced recalls for several models involving similar window switches and in February, the National

Highway Traffic Safety Administration of U.S announced it would open an investigation into the issue, but at the time it focused on just 830,000 Camry and RAV-4 models sold during the 2007 model year. The massive size of the new

MAINTENANCE TIPS

How to check battery fluid level

he first step to take in checking battery fluid is to locate the battery. Open the hood of your car to access the battery on most cars. Some batteries are located lower in the engine compartment, look especially behind the front bumper and ahead of the front wheels. These are sometimes accessed from the bottom and need to be removed for service. Then, clean the area around the battery terminals and the top of the battery of dirt debris and others. You do not want any foreign material to enter the battery ports, which you will soon be opening. For general cleaning of road grime and minor corrosion use an ammoniabased window cleaner. Then, open the ports; on top of the battery are typically two semi-rectangular plastic covers, used to seal each battery cell port. These can be removed by gently prying with plastic putty knife or a screwdriver. Try prying from various different places around the periphery of the cover if the cover does not immediately come lose. Continue cleaning if necessary by wiping away from the ports with a rag dampened with window cleaner. Do not use baking soda for this cleaning. Use a minimum of window cleaner. Keeping the top of the battery clean will reduce future corrosion. This is an effective aspect of battery maintenance for preserving the integrity of the con-

nections. Assess the electrolyte level in each cell. By looking down into each port, you can see the electrolyte level of each individual cell if they require additional fluid or not. If any of the cells require additional fluid, just fill with distilled water and fill to the maximum safe level-just touching the bottoms of the filler tubes. 8Wipe up spills and close the ports. Ensure all areas are clean and free of dirt and debris and place cleaned port covers back onto the battery. If you accidentally overfill the battery, but there is no overflow onto the top surface of the battery, the best thing to do is just to stop filling and let it be. If there was an overflow onto the top of the battery, the overflow is acidic. Do not let it touch your skin or clothing. Clean it with a rag or rags by wiping away from the ports. Do not let the rag get wet enough to drip on other parts of the car or anything.

recall underscores the risks manufacturers like Toyota face when they share basic components on a wide range of vehicles hoping to improve manufacturing economies of scale. In the U.S. alone, the vehicles involved in the latest recall

include 2007 – 2009 Camry sedans, approx. 938,100 vehicles; 2007 – 2009 Camry Hybrids, approx. 116,800 vehicles; 2007 – 2009 RAV4 crossovers, approx. 336,400 vehicles; 2007 – 2009 Tundra pickups, approx. 337,100 vehicles;2007 – 2008 Yaris subcompacts, approx. 110,300 vehicles; 2008 Highlander SUVs, approx. 135,400 vehicles. 2008 Highlander Hybrids, approx. 23,200 vehicles; 2008 – 2009 Scion xD models, approx. 34,400 vehicles;2008 – 2009 Scion xA models, approx. 77,500 vehicles; 2008- 2009 Sequoia SUVs, approx. 38,500 vehicles;2009 Corolla compacts, approx. 270,900 vehicles and 2009 Matrix crossovers; approx. 53,800 vehicles. The maker estimates the inspection and repair process will take little more than an hour and involves the disassembly of the master switch and, if necessary, the application of a special fluorine grease. Toyoda has repeatedly promised, since that scandal began, to ramp up the maker’s quality control process, and it is important to note that all the vehicles impacted by the latest recall were produced during or before the 2009 model year. Nonetheless, the new service action will again put an unwanted spotlight on the maker.

Coscharis opens Lekki office worth N3bn

oscharis Motors last week opened for business its new office, housing various Showrooms and Workshops located at the highbrow Lekki in Lagos State. The facility, which is valued at N3bn, the auto company said is of high quality with total customer satisfaction. The auto company in a statement said that the opening of the office would be the first time the country would witness a completely finished breath-taking edifice with showrooms and workshops at a spot. The statement also started that the auto company was beginning to enthuse the brand’s marketleadership in their respective segments into its showrooms, which it said was driven by the premium luxury orientation of the various auto brands’ philosophy. The facility’s workshop boasts of 38 car lifts of various types, two wash bays, one state-of-theart spray booth and 26 tool boxes amongst many other facilities. The showrooms’ ambience is intended to engage one on a personal level with or without any guide from the company’s sales consultants. To ensure this personal engagement, Coscharis Motors has designed the showrooms to be

highly interactive via a series of lounges and meeting rooms; a colour-trim and table is available too. The aim is to give customers the brand’s premium-feel right from the showrooms. The workshop is structured to ensure faster and efficient service delivery, which objective is to decongest the workshops as fast as possible and this is with the aim to be proactive, work with time, and give value-for-money; since effective and high-quality aftersales service is the key to maximizing sales. The statement read in part, “Coscharis Motors’ commitment is that every customer is guaranteed quality service that will go much deeper than just owning a luxury or premium brand while assuring all stakeholders that they would feel the positive impact of the company and its products’ presence in the facility. “Coscharis Motors is also providing a new mobile service assistance to manage breakdowns and other emergencies with the conviction that now is the time to position the brands in its rightful leadership place, while emphasising its ambition to be one of the auto market leaders in Nigeria.”

Cocktail

Friday, October 26, 2012

FOR YOUR SUCCESS

WITH DR. DEJI FOLUTILE

Today's Tonic (30)

Change is going to happen whether we like it or not. The real question is how we are going to deal with it when it comes. –Joel Osteen Change Is The Spice Of Living! There is nothing as constant as change. But many of us don’t like change! Many times we want to keep staying within our comfort zones. History has proven that this should not be so. Unless we are willing to adapt to whatever changes that comes our way and use them to move forward, we are not walking in wisdom and growth will be far from us. If we can but look back into our lives we will see that the promotions that came to our lives were usually during our difficult moments. But we forget too easily! Let’s embrace today’s struggles and use them to fashion out new levels of living and positive achievements. IT IS POSSIBLE! TEL 08104942999 E-MAIL deji.folutile@gmail.com Follow me @TwitterOWOTIDE

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oddities

Kissing students steal the show at Obama’s photo op

little romance in the top row definitely stole the show of this presidential photo op. President Barack Obama surprised the students at Daughter of Zion Jr. Academy in Delray Beach, Fla., with an unscheduled stop after a campaign event at Delray Beach Tennis Center on Tuesday. The kids were standing outside their school to wave to the motorcade but

got an even more personal response: The commander in chief stopped and took a photo with them. But perhaps the biggest surprise of all was the kissing pair photobombing the president. Obama, sitting in with the students, balances one child on his knee with no idea of the romantic drama going on above him.

The cute photo of President Obama with the adorable sight of the kissing students caught the attention of the Web, and Twitter named it “photo of the day.” As for the president’s rival, former Gov. Mitt Romney has also gotten the Web buzzing with his own surprise photo op. This picture was taken when Romney

made an unscheduled stop at a Chipotle restaurant in Denver on October 2. The only employee who seems to have a normal reaction is the guy to the right of Romney. The disbelieving employee, Marty Arps, who is pointing at the GOP nominee, said his facial expression is just something he does when he’s excited.

September S t b 11 mastermind t i dd dyes bears b with berries

ccused September 11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed has been tinting his beard red by rubbing it with fruit juice and crushed berries from his breakfast, a Pentagon spokesman said on Tuesday. Mohammed first showed up for his April arraignment hearing with his long, scraggly beard tinted a rusty red, and it remained dyed the same hue when he returned last week to the courtroom

at the Guantanamo Bay U.S. Naval Base in Cuba. That sparked a flurry of questions, since the rule book for the detention operation known as Joint Task Force Guantanamo, or JTF-GTMO, specifically prohibits prisoners from receiving hair dye because it can contain chemicals such as ammonia that could be used as a weapon. Journalists asked whether someone had been smuggling contraband henna to Mohammed, who is held at a top-security camp whose

very location on the Guantanamo base is kept secret. Henna is a plant often used to make hair dye. A Pentagon spokesman, Army Lieutenant Colonel Todd Breasseale, revealed the answer on Tuesday. “I can confirm that Mr. Mohammed did not avail himself of any outside-theJTF means to dye his beard but did craft his own natural means by which to do it,” Breasseale said, explaining the inmate used fruit juice and berries from breakfast.

President Obama posing with students in Florida.

PHOTO: BARACKOBAMA/TWITTER

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, October 26, 2012

Business & Finance “The Federal Government of Nigeria has continuously placed the safety and security of the maritime domain in the front burner. In this respect, concerted efforts have been made to ensure adequate safety and security mechanisms in Nigeria’s maritime domain”. Minister of Transport, Idris Umar

There is nothing like substandard products anywhere in the world, what is substandard in Saudi Arabia may be the best in other parts of the world because of the standards of living DG, NACCIMA, DR. JOHN ISEMEDE

Africa’s earnings from trade to rise by $20bn yearly - World Bank TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

Agriculture and Trade. According to the report sourced by National Mirror yesterday, Africa’s farmers can potentially grow enough food to feed the continent and avert future food crises if countries remove cross-border restrictions on the food trade within the region. The bank also projected

that African economies would also generate an extra US $20 billion in yearly earnings if African leaders can agree to dismantle trade barriers that blunt more regional dynamism. The report stated further that with as many as 19 million people living with the threat of hunger and malnutrition in West

Africa’s Sahel region, African leaders should improve trade so that food can move more freely between countries and from fertile areas to those where communities are suffering food shortages. The World Bank, which expects demand for food in Africa to double by the year 2020 as people in-

creasingly leave the countryside and move to the continent’s cities, identified rapid urbanisation as one of the major hurdles that may hamper the ability of farmers to ship their cereals and other foods to consumers when the nearest trade market is just across a national border. Despite the sundry fis-

he World Bank has projected that African countries can boost their trade and agricultural produce earnings by about $20 billion yearly if the leaders would take proactive measures to address the problems hampering inter-border trade across sub-regions in the continent. This is even as the bank hinges the solution to food insecurity in the continent on farmers, who it noted though have the capacity to meet food demand but would require policy frameworks and institutional supports by governments to be able to feed millions of people in the continent. These facts were among the highlights of the bank’s new report, ‘Africa Can Help Feed Africa: Removing Barriers to Regional Trade in Food Staples’ released on the eve of an Afri- L-R: Creative Director, Style House Files, Mrs. Omoyemi Akerele; General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN Nigeria, Mr. can Union (AU) ministerial Kola Oyeyemi and Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Ms. Nonny Ugboma, during the opening ceremony of the MTN Lagos summit in Addis Ababa on Fashion and Design Week 2012 in Lagos, yesterday.

FG advised to partner private sector on irrigation to boost agric

Former Director, Mr Marcus Gundiri, has advised the Federal Government to partner with the private sector to utilise the irrigation infrastructure to boost food production in the country.

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Mr Gundiri, the immediate past director in the Department of Dams and Reservoirs, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja. The ex-director urged Federal Government to approve the request of

bothindigenous and foreign investors interested in developing some of the irrigation infrastructure across the country. He, however, said that government should be cautious in choosing private investors, especially the indigenous ones, noting that some of them were not genuine in project execution.

FG urges Nigerians to shun panic buying

“They are very few in this country that you can call people that are really ready to invest in agriculture to make profit out of it; they are very few. “Most of the people that are interested are actually foreigners; the ones I know that are very good because we have been able to see what they

have done in the various countries of the world. “Therefore, we should be able to open the gate for them to come in and do agriculture in Nigeria; that is the only way we can utilise a lot of land.’’ “For instance, if we take the land we have in upper Ogun or lower Ogun, these are fantastic irrigation schemes.

Checkmating import-related fraud through heavy sanctions

FLIGHT SCHEDULE Arik Air

Los-Abj: 07:15, 09:15, 10:20, 15:20, 16:20, 16:50, 18:45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) Abj-Los: 07:15, 09:40, 10:20, 12:15, 15:15, 16:15, 17:10, (Mon-Fri/Sat); 12:15, 15:15, 16:15 (Sun) Los-PH: 07:15, 11:40, 14:00, 16:10, 17:15, (Mon-Fri) 07:30, 11:40, 15:50 (Sat) 11:50, 3:50, 17:05 (Sun) Abj-PH: 07:15, 11:20, 15:30 (Mon-Fri) 07:15, 16:00 (Sat) 13:10, 16:00, (Sun) PH-Abj: 08:45, 12:50, 17:00 (Mon-Fri) 08:45, 17:30 (Sat) 14:40, 17:30 (Sun) Abj-Ben: 08:00, 12:10 (Mon-Fri/Sat) 08:55, 12:10 (Sun) Ben-Abj: 09:55, 13:30 (Mon-Fri/Sat) 10:50, 13:30 (Sun)

Aero Contractors Los-Abj: 06:50, 13:30, 16:30, 19:45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) 12:30 (Sun) 16:45 (Sat). Abj-Los: 07:30, 13:00, 19:00 (Mon-Fri/ Sat) 10:30, 14:30, 19:30 (Sun) 18.30 (Sat) Los-Ben: 07:45, 11:00, 15:30, (Mon-Fri/Sat/ Sun) 12:30 (Sun) 15:30 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) Ben-Los: 09:15, 12:30, 17:00 (Mon-Fri/ Sat/Sun) 17:00 (Sat), 14:00 (Sun)

EXCHANGE RATES WAUA

234.6271

USD

155.84

CHF

159.2642

SDR

235.0535

CFA

0.2924

GBP

244.1701

EURO

191.3715

OIL / GAS FUTURES ICE BRENT

$123.39

-0.78

NYMEX

$108.45

-0.11

OPEC BASKET

$122.86

+1.16

NATURAL GAS

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Business News

Friday, October 26, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FG urges Nigerians to shun panic buying CHIDI UGWU

onscious of the high demand for petroleum products that characterises the end of year season along with its festivities, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has stepped up supply and distribution of petroleum products across the country to ensure that motorists do not have to queue at filling stations before buying fuel. The Acting Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of NNPC, Mr. Fidel Pepple, who disclosed this in a statement said the corporation through its subsidiary, the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), has intensified efforts at ensuring that fuel is available in every nook and cranny of the country so that people can travel with ease to join their families and friends for the Eid-el-Kabir and other festivals coming up towards the end of the year. “We have stepped up fuel supply and distribution across the

L-R: Mr. Ighodalo Aimienwanu of Corporate Development Group, Sterling Bank Plc, winners, “#1000 Things I Can Do for my Country “, Timothy Chima; Abimbola Olamiposi; Akaninyene Uko; and Mrs. Kate Edoho of Sterling Bank, during the presentation of Blackberry Phones to the winners in Lagos, yesterday.

country to ensure that motorists can drive into any filling station and buy fuel without queuing up, especially during this period of the year that comes with a lot of holidays and festivities. We have increased the number of truck loadings to all the geo-political zones of the country and we hope

to sustain this from now through the Sallah holidays to the Christmas and New Year,” he stated. Giving a breakdown of truck supply figures to Abuja and environs for the month of October, Pepple said the last few days have witnessed a sharp rise in the number of fuel trucks from an

CNBC Africa nominates Nigerians for 2012 awards

rominent Nigerians, including Chief ExecutiveOfficer, Main One Cable Company, Mrs Funke Opeke, and the Former MD, GTBank, late Tayo Aderinokun have been nominated by CNBC AFRICA, for this year’s AllAfrica Business Leaders Awards (AABLA). The final ceremony of the awards which took place at the Vodadome in Midrand, South Africa onThursday, October 25 and will be broadcast on DStv on Tuesday, October,30 at 8.00pm Nigerian time. Head, Public Relations, MultiChoice Nigeria, Mr Segun Fayose said theawards, which are being celebrated this year in the

different regions of the continent, will honour winners from West Africa, East Africa and Southern Africa. Mr Fayose said while Mrs. Opeke was nominated for Business Woman of the Year, the late Aderinokun was nominated posthumously for Lifetime Achievement Award. Other Nigerians are also in the running to pick awards from different categories. Rakesh Wahi, the founder of the ABN Group, said: “All Africa Business Leader Awards is a recognition and tribute to African Business Leaders who have made a qualitative and quantitative difference to the companies, industries and communities

that they serve. Supported by the CNBC brand and through an exhaustive process of diligence by KPMG, these awards will be the most coveted in the African Continent.” The finale promises to be a memorable one, with a line-up of activities set to captivate its audience. This includes entertainment from ‘The Three Afro Tenors’ and ‘Magdalene Minaar’. Other finalists nominated in other categories are Business Leader of The Year sponsored by Telkom: Phakamani Hadebe , CEO, Landbank, James Mwangi, CEO, Equity Bank and Mitchelle Elegbe, CEO/ MD, Interswitch.

LAWMA offers 1m free trash bags for Sallah DAYO AYEYEMI

n line with its objective to ensure that the state is free of dirt all year round, Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has concluded arrangements to release about one million free trash bags for adequate waste collection during this year’s Sallah. This was contained in a statement released by the authority concerning the celebration. While wishing residents happy celebration, the Managing Director of LAWMA, Mr. Ola Oresanya appealed to everyone living and doing business in the state to show patriotism by bagging and dispos-

ing their refuse with covered bins and at the same time enjoined motorists to drive in caution to safeguard the lives of street sweepers working on the major and inner roads. According to managing director, 350 Private Sector Participants (PSP) operating in the state have been mandated by LAWMA with the task of ensuring that every part of the megacity is rid of waste during and after the celebration. He said, “Distribution of the bags, which commenced five years ago during festive periods, will be done through the PSP operators and the authority’s Advocacy Group to ensure that refuse

are properly bagged and disposed in covered bins.” Bearing in mind that the festive season is usually characterised with a lot of commercial activities which tend to increase the volume of waste expected to be generated, the authority restated its unflinching commitment to making adequate provision of vehicles and personnel to complement the efforts of PSP operators. In the same vein, street sweepers in the state, fresh from a sensitisation and empowerment seminar, have been mandated to discharge their duties effectively during and after the Salah celebration.

average of 92 to 118, adding that this trend will not only be sustained but improved upon across the country. The number of fuel trucks supplied to Abuja and environs from the Kaduna Refinery from 15 to 18 October, 2012, according to him, are: 100, 120, 112 and 131

respectively. “This has greatly improved the situation and the queues have disappeared in Abuja. We are also doing same in Lagos where we have increased trucking from the depots to Lagos and across the Southwest,” Pepple explained. For Lagos, a total of 472 trucks have been distributed to filling stations across the state between 17 and 23 October. On the diversion of products that was noticed early last week, he said a monitoring committee set up by the PPMC has swung into action tracking the movement of the trucks to stem the trend. He called on motorists to avoid panic buying, adding: “There is no threat of fuel scarcity, we are working round the clock to surmount the distribution challenge and I can assure that the measures we have put in place are proving effective. So we call on motorists not to engage in panic buying which can result in unnecessary queues and create hardship for Nigerians, which is what we are trying to avoid.”

FAAN deploys sniffer dogs, anti-terrorism squads in four airports OLUSGEUN KOIKI

n a bid to increase safety and security within the airport environments, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced the deployment of sniffer dogs and anti-terrorism squads in at least four international airports in the country. The airports according to FAAN are the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, Aminu Kano International Airport (AKIA), Kano and the Port Harcourt International Airport (PHIA). A statement signed by the General Manager, Corporate Communications, FAAN, Mr. Yakubu Dati and made available to journalists yesterday in Lagos stated that the latest deployments were necessary to complement the security networks in the four airports. Dati explained that the move was contained in the aviation road map of the ministry of aviation designed to provide world-class facilities and service at all Nigerian

airports, adding that the measure would be extended to other airports in the country later. The statement reads in part, “A comprehensive audit of security and surveillance has been conducted on aircraft, terminals and security personnel to align them to standards in the industry. The airport security personnel have been trained in crowd control, body search and other specialised areas, while undercover surveillance is conducted by plain coloured crack team. “At present, all Nigerian airports have a full complement of modern security equipment, hand-held metal detectors, Closed Circuit Cameras, x-ray screening machines to the 3D scanning machines. This is in addition to 24hours security patrol on the airside by the aviation security personnel and the presence of Police Bomb Disposal Units in the terminals.” Dati reassure all airport users, especially passengers, that Nigerian airports were safe and secure to travel through, saying that with the completion of the first phase of the airports remodelling project, service delivery at our airports would improve tremendously.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Med-View commends FG over zero tariff, GAT commissioning OLUSEGUN KOIKI

he Managing Director of Med-View Airline, Alhaji Muneer Bankole has commended the Federal Government and Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah on the recent removal of Customs duties on commercial aircraft and imported spare parts for indigenous airline operators. The airline also lauded Oduah for the commissioning of General Aviation Terminal (GAT) of the Murtala Mohammed Airport (MMA), Lagos. Speaking with journalists in his office in Lagos yesterday,

Business News

Friday, October 26, 2012

Bankole said that the zero tariff regimes would help airline investors invest their resources to other important areas in the sector. Bankole explained that the action of the government would give airline investors in the sector extra capital that could be spent in other areas of the highly capital intensive sector. He noted that although the gesture was long overdue as other airline operators in the continent, Europe and America have been enjoying the benefits for some time now, but stressed that this would make the indigenous airlines compete favourably with their counterparts anywhere in the world.

Nigeria, S’Africa raise MTN Group’s subscribers to 182.7m KUNLE A ZEEZ

WITH AGENCY REPORT

igeria and South Africa have raised MTN Group’s forecast for subscriber growth this year as it added customers in South Africa and Nigeria, two of its biggest markets. The company increased subscriber numbers by 3.8 percent to 182.7 million in the three months through September and expects to add 23.7 million this year, compared with a fore-

cast of 21.3 million previously, the Johannesburg-based company said in a statement today. MTN, which operates in 22 African and Middle Eastern markets, said South African growth of 4.1 percent was boosted by the addition of pre-paid customers. Nigerian customers increased 5.7 percent, although growth in data customers was affected by network congestion, it said. The company is upgrading networks to handle more data traffic as consumers seek Internet

connections on their mobile devices. “It seems like they maintained or slightly increased market share in their major markets,” Mia Kruger, a Johannesburg-based portfolio manager at Kruger International, said by phone. “Generally, the third quarter isn’t their best quarter so I think it’s satisfactory, given what they have been facing.” MTN shares declined 0.2 percent to 150.80 rand at the close of trading in Johannesburg.

Sterling Bank Facebook campaign produces winners JOHNSON OKANLAWON

s part of efforts to promote patriotism in the country, Sterling Bank has rewarded five winners in its ongoing Facebook Campaign. A statement from the bank yesterday quoted the bank’s Group Head, Corporate Development, Mr. Shina Atilola, as saying that the bank had through Facebook, requested from members of the public to write under the topic, ‘1,000 things I can do for my country’, and posted their answers in the social network. He said that participants in the exercise sent comments on what they can do as individuals to improve the image and perception of the country both locally and internationally. According to him, some of the answers posted on Facebook

by participants include, ‘I will stay out of crime, I will not be involved in bribery and corruption, I will abide by rule of law, I will not be involved in examination malpractices among others. He explained that comments with highest number of ‘likes’ got blackberry phones and Samsung phones, while the first 100 entries got free movie ticket at Silverbird Galleria. The campaign which produced Breezy Jumbo, Akinyere Uko, Timothy China, Ajayi Olabambo and Abanbola Olaniposi started last week of September and ran for a week and 10 days. Atilola pointed out that the campaign is ongoing and will be conducted in series. He added that the bank decided to expand its campaigns from products and services to include issues that are germane and dear to lives of the citizenry.

Nigeria, U.S. to promote tourism coexistence

he Chief Executive of Partner Concept, tourism Marketing and Consultant Firm in the U.S Mr Paul Cohen says America will collaborate with Nigeria on tourism development. Cohen made this known in Lagos on Wednesday at the just concluded 8th edition of ``Akwaaba African Travel Market’’. He stressed the need for the two countries to work together to promote tourist centres in Nigeria and spur tourism relations between Nigeria and U.S. ``Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress; working together is success,’’ Cohen said. Cohen said that Nigeria had tremendous tourism products offering natural beauty, wildlife, culture and history. ``Its limited awareness and distribution in the U.S. had

impeded the growth of Nigerian tourism market in the U.S. `` Nigeria travel and tourism industry suppliers need to understand the U,S. trade and consumers and create the product that will meet the demand of U.S. consumers,’’ he said. He said that Africa was one of the fastest growing destination regions for U.S. overseas travellers. ``Most of the popular destinations in Africa are; South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya and Botswana. ``Before American international travellers choose Nigeria, they have to choose Africa from among the world destination. ``U.S. travellers tend to visit three countries in Africa per visit; Nigeria does not currently rank among the top five countries,’’ he said.

L-R: Analyst, Social Media, Etisalat Nigeria, Ms. Onyinye Egwudo; Musician and TV presenter, ILL Rhymes; Winner of Nigerian Idol season 2, Miss Mercy Chinwo and Specialist, Events Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Dayo Adeleyure at the Port-Harcourt auditions of the Etisalat-sponsored Nigerian Idol music reality show, Season 3, recently.

FG seeks reversal of foreign dominance of hospitality sector KUNLE A ZEEZ

he Federal Government has called for the need to reverse the current trend of foreign dominance in the nation’s hospitality and tourism sector. The call was made by the Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Okon Ewa, during a two-day national workshop organized by the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion in collaboration with the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism which began in Lagos Tuesday. With the theme: ‘Improving Technology Transfer Capabilities and Capacity Building in the Hotels and Allied Services Sector in Nigeria’, the forum was aimed at encouraging capacity development within the sector by building a critical mass of skilled manpower and development of indigenous hotel brands that can compete favourably with the international hotel chains.

According to the minister, as an agency under the ministry, NOTAP had in the course of interactions with the companies observed that many big hotels operating in Nigeria were being managed by foreign services providers from countries from Europe, America and South Africa. He cautioned that the currently situation in the industry is robbing the nation of huge capital flight both in terms of technology used and the human resources. According to him, “The implication of this scenario is that the nation pays huge sums of money in foreign exchange annually as technology fees to foreign managers of these hotels. This trend does not augur well for the development of the Nigerian economy.” He therefore called on deliberate efforts by all stakeholders to reverse the trend in order to achieve the transformation agenda of the Federal Government of Nigeria. He added that “workshops such as this will create the necessary

platform for robust interaction and exchange of ideas, among participants, with a view to formulating new policies and strategies aimed at encouraging the development of indigenous capacity and capabilities for managing hotels in Nigeria.” This, he said, entails human capital development, emergence of more indigenous hotels, brand names that can compete favourably with some of the globally-rated hotel chains in Europe, America, among others. In his remarks, the Director General of NOTAP, Engr. Umar Bindir, particularly stressed the need to fully embrace modern technology to further improve the performance of the hospitality sector. He promised NOTAP’s readiness to continue partnering with stakeholders in all sectors of the economy in carrying out the registration of all contracts/agreement. For the transfer of technology into the Nigerian economy.

Maritime

Friday, October 26, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Checkmating import-related fraud through heavy sanctions The failure of the Nigeria Customs Service to checkmate worsening import fraud such as concealment and underdeclaration over time has continued to raise the big question as to whether the management of the service is above board in terms of level of integrity, reports FRANCIS EZEM.

he increasing cases of import-related fraud have over time now constituted a serious source of concern to many operators in the import supply chain in Nigeria. Import –related fraud such as over-invoicing, wrong classification, underdeclaration, import document forgery also called Machine Outside in shipping parlance, concealment and sometimes outright smuggling, among several others designed to evade duty payment have become a major characteristic of shipping business in Nigeria. It has been estimate that Nigeria loses over N15bn annually through these unwholesome practices by some unscrupulous importers and some clearing agents, who are desperate to maximise profit even at the expense of the country.

Statistics also show that over 90 percent of consignments imported into the country, especially by small and medium scale importers comprising both containerized and Roll-On –Roll-Off (RORO) are fraudulently declared. It was probably due to the worrisome dimension of this economic sabotage that a one-time Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service Alhaji Hamman Ahmed sometime in 2004 invoked sections 146 and 164 of the Customs and Excise Management Act CEMA, which is the enabling legislation for the service. These two sections, among several other provisions empower the service to confiscate any cargo associated with wrong, false declaration or any other import –related fraud designed to evade duty payment. These importers and their fraudulent agents knowing very well that none of their import declarations is honest and devoid of fraud, abandoned their consignments for fear of having them confiscated by the service. This development had led to massive congestion at the ports, which took nearly one year to be cleared by the relevant authority. What was painful to most industry watchers is that these importers at last cleared these consignments based on terms and conditions dictated by them. Deputy Comptroller General of the service in charge of Trade and Tariff, Mr. Julius Nwagwu, recently threatened that the service will henceforth invoke relevant sections of the CEMA, especially section 146, which empowers it to impound and confiscate any consignment associated with any fraudulent declaration, impose penalty or both. He had noted that the service was worried by the increasing cases of fraudulent declarations on imported consignments and warned that the service has one last option, which is to invoke the relevant sections of the enabling act. Nwagwu, who took a swipe at the importers and their freight forwarders; cited relevant provisions of the Customs en-

abling Act, the CEMA, particularly section 164 and other Customs Regulations and warned that improper imports declarations would henceforth be severely punished by the service. According to him, such penalty will include the imposition of 25 percent penalty on the additional duty payable on the consignment. While warning customs agents and brokers to take urgent steps to enlighten the importers, their clients to always make correct declarations, he noted that in addition to the penalty, the service might be compelled to impound the entire consignment in extreme cases. He however listed some consignments which over the years have been notorious in terms of import related fraud such as under-declaration, concealment, under-invoicing, among others to include air-conditioners, television sets, refrigerators, tyres, aluminum coils and profiles, generating sets and motorcycles, among others. But the question most stakeholders seem to be asking is whether Customs is incapacitated to invoke the relevant sections of the enabling act to enforce compliance with the nation’s fiscal policy. “Over the years, the failure of Customs Service to enforce compliance with the nation’s fiscal policies has constituted a more serious source of concern than the real import fraud perpetrated by these importers”, says a stakeholder, who pleaded anonymity. “For all intent and purposes, the importrelated crimes are as bad as any other economic crime like money laundering, etc and should be treated on their face value in line with extant laws of the land”, he insisted. Earlier in the year, in an obvious frustration, the service introduced a benchmark duty scheme on a total of 26 electronic and electrical items. Initially, most stakeholders believed the duty benchmark, described as illegal and arbitrary was to enable the service meet its N1tr revenue target, but it later became clear that it was part of the ploy to reduce loss of collectible duty arising from these import-related fraud. The Comptroller General of the service, Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko had during a recent meeting with the leadership of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents in Abuja as part of measures to convince the agents to accept the duty benchmark, accused them of being unfair to Nigerians. “You are not sincere to Nigerians, this is time to remove the clogs in the wheel of progress, for the benefit of all Nigerians and Nigeria, our dear country”, the comptroller general noted. He however appealed to customs agents to henceforth insist that the importers pay correct duty and also ensure that they

Dikko

OVER THE YEARS, THE FAILURE OF

CUSTOMS SERVICE TO ENFORCE COMPLIANCE WITH THE NATION’S

FISCAL POLICIES HAS CONSTITUTED A MORE SERIOUS SOURCE OF CONCERN THAN THE REAL IMPORT FRAUD PERPETRATED BY THESE IMPORTERS comply with the Computerised Risk Management System to facilitate efficient and timely release of goods. The service had following its unsuccessful bid to impose the duty benchmark directed all the area controllers to intensify 100 percent examination of most of the imported goods. Investigations showed that over 80 percent of the imported goods go through 100 percent physical examination with the attendant delay. For instance, under the CRMS, while it takes only about five minutes to scan a 40ft container, its takes over three hours for the same consignment to be examined physically. Immediate past Customs Area Controller in charge of Apapa Area 1 Command, Mallam Adamu Garko, while insisting on 100 percent physical examination, argued that the compliance level of most importers is very low and so the system routes most of the consignments to physical examination. According to him, the selectivity mod-

el under the Computerised Risk Management System determines the consignment that go through the green, which implies express release, yellow and the red channel, which means physical examination, arguing that it is neither the service nor the importer that determines which consignment goes where depending on the compliance level. But he however admitted that there are certain import frauds that cannot be detected by the scanners, arguing that the scanners only scan for homogenous goods. He cited the example of chemicals, which he argued the scanner would only tell you that the substance is chemical but would not tell you the type or volume of the chemical in question, which are vital information needed for the assessment of duty payable on the consignments. He also cited the examples of tiles and spare parts under which he said the scanner will tell you that it is spare parts but will not specify whether is brand new or used ones, whether it Mercedes or Toyota since some brand of vehicles are of higher value or even whether it is motorcycle spare parts, which should attract a lower duty payment. “Because of some of these inadequacies of the scanning machines, which the importers might likely want to cash in on to defraud the government that makes the service insist that some consignment be examined physically whereby the goods would be brought down and physically examined for the avoidance of doubt”, Garko argued. While accusing importers in the country of being dishonest in their declarations, he argued that scanning of goods works perfectly where the integrity level of the importers is high unlike in Nigeria.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Maritime

Friday, October 26, 2012

Nigeria doesn't need a Coast Guard, says NIMASA STORIES: FRANCIS EZEM

Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Joseph Ezeoba and Director General of Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Patrick Akpobolokemi, during the former’s visit to NIMASA on Tuesday.

would also enhance the ability of the agency to generate the needed revenue by ensuring that ships that call at the nation’s seaports pay their statutory fees and charges to the Federal Government through NIMSA. Akpobolokemi, who had sworn to step on powerful toes in its quest to rid the nation’s maritime domain of illegal activities like crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and piracy, said that the strategic partnership with the Navy has paid off, as piracy had been reduced to the barest minimum within Nigeria’s maritime domain. The CNS, who was appointed recently had said that he is on specific instructions from President Goodluck Jonathan to eradicate all forms of illegalities on Nigeria’s waters, primarily crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and piracy. According to him, apart from the strategic partnership existing between the Nigerian Navy and NIMASA, which gave birth to the extant Memorandum of Understanding, the agency is critical in the achievement if his mandate as the head of the Navy,

which primary function also includes provision of safety and security on the nation’s waters. “It is my intent, that that partnership with NIMASA will be strengthened so that collectively, we will deliver on Mr. President’s mandate. Mr. President’s mandate to me on assumption of office is very clear and I would unequivocally say what it is, while mindful of the configuration of the Nigerian Navy, Mr. President did assert: the Chief of the Naval Staff, you have responsibility to eradicate all forms of illegalities in Nigerian waters, primarily crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and piracy”, he stated. He noted that before now, the Navy and NIMASA have been on the vanguard to address these anomalies, which over the years have posed a serious threat to the nation’s economy and national development. “It is on this note that I am visiting that we will redefine our concept of operation, focus on the strategic partnership that would provide our operational dictum that we need to fight the menace”, he assured.

The CNS, who also noted that currently Navy and NIMASA have an extant MoU, that has provided the platform for the agency to enforce most of its roles that pertain to arrest of those who violate the laws of the land within the maritime space, a development he said also informed his visit with a view to further strengthening the partnership and provide a sustainable and credible platform to fight these menace. Akpobolokemi had while assuring the CNS of the assistance and cooperation of the agency both in terms of funding, said the agency will always make budgetary provisions for the Navy in its statutory allocations to ensure that their common goals of checkmating illegalities on the waters were addressed. He however told the CNS that the agency’s maritime guard command, which is an offshoot of the MoU is dire need of platforms, ammunitions and more personnel, arguing that as efforts are intensified, more personnel are needed to drive the process.

‘We lost WISTA conference hosting right due to insecurity’

he Nigerian chapter of Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) has said that a major reason for the loss of the hosting right of the world conference scheduled to hold in Canada next year was due to exaggerated foreign media reports of the security challenge in the country. President of WISTA Nigeria, Mrs. Jean Chiazor -Anishere, had led representative of the Nigerian delegation and representatives of some other relevant government agencies, had threatened to pull out of the bidding process due the obvious unfair treatment meted to the Nigerians. According to a competent

UN questions oceanseeding test project off coast of Haida Gwaii

he Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency has dismissed calls for the establishment of a Coast Guard like the United States of America as part of measures to checkmate increasing criminal activities on the nation’s waters, saying that Nigeria does not need such duplication of functions and waste of meagre public funds. Following the decision of the Federal Government to jettison the idea of the creation of another Maritime Security Agency, which bill was already passed by the House of Representatives, some stakeholders had called for the creation of a Coast Guard to protect Nigeria’s offshore installations in the face of increasing piracy. Director General of the apex maritime regulatory agency, Mr. Patrick Akpobolokemi, who spoke in Lagos during the visit of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Joseph Ezeoba, said that instead of duplication of functions and waste of public funds that the creation of such organization portends for the country, efforts should be intensified to strengthen the existing relationship between the agency and the Nigerian Navy. According to him, both the agency and Navy have an existing Memorandum of Understanding, which gave rise to the formation of the Maritime Guard Command, arguing that what was required was to strengthen and reinforce such strategic partnership instead of creating another body for the same purpose, which would amount to waste of scarce public funds. He also noted that in addition to checking illegalities on the nation’s waters, the partnership

source close to the Nigerian chapter, apart from the unfair bidding process, which was described, as not transparent, the reportage of the foreign media on the activities of the Islamist insurgents in Nigeria, pockets of renewed militancy in the Niger Delta and the increasing reports of ransom taking in the country tilted against Nigeria, which lost out to Canada. It was gathered that the drama began shortly after the 2012 WISTA conference, hosted by France, started with the meeting of presidents of the various WISTA chapters, called National Working Associations, which then dovetailed into the association’s general assembly meeting where both Nigeria and Canada were called upon

to make presentations on their bids to host the 2013 conference. It was gathered that the Nigerian team first suspected foul play when clips of the country were conspicuously missing from the WISTA theme video that was played before the beginning of the general assembly, even though all other WISTA chapters had their clips well-inserted in the video. The source also disclosed that the Nigerian contingent also realised that the theme and subthemes for the 2013 Conference, which were supposed to be under wraps, had allegedly been secretly leaked to Canada, as WISTA Canada President, Vanessa Arviset, reportedly incorporated the theme and other vital information in her

presentation, to the disadvantage of her Nigerian contender. Investigations also showed that after voting, the number of votes scored by each country was not announced, as the president of WISTA International, Karin Orsel, merely stated that Montreal, Canada had been chosen as the venue of the 2013 edition of the world conference. President of WISTA Nigeria, who was stunned at the obvious bias exhibited by the WISTA Executive Committee in favour of WISTA Canada, registered her displeasure at the treatment meted out to the Nigerian team and threatened to review Nigeria’s continued membership of the international body.

large-scale, ocean-fertilization experiment that took place off the west coast of Haida Gwaii this summer raises long-term environmental and legal questions, says a representative of a United Nations science agency. “Our major concern is that the science is uncertain and that this seems to have been done without authority,” Wendy Watson-Wright, assistant director general of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, said Tuesday. Ms. Watson-Wright, a former assistant deputy minister with Fisheries and Oceans Canada who is now based in Paris, says the unsanctioned experiment appears to be in violation of international protocols designed to protect the marine environment. But she said it is up to Canada to take action, not the UN or the International Maritime Organisation, which oversees the London Convention and Protocol, an international agreement concerning ocean dumping and iron fertilization. Environment Canada last week released a statement saying the experiment by the Haida Salmon Restoration Corporation, which dumped 100 tonnes of ironsulphate mix into the sea in what has widely been condemned as a “rogue experiment,” is under investigation. John Disney, a spokesman for the group, has said that legal opinions were sought before the experiment was undertaken, and no international laws were broken. But Ms. Watson-Wright disagrees. “I think there’s a belief that they have [broken international protocols]. But I think that that’s all being worked out right now,” she said. “I believe this was in international waters ... [so] the parties to the London Convention and Protocol and the secretariat of the International Maritime Organization would be heavily involved.” The experiment, designed by controversial California businessman Russ George, was intended to stimulate plankton growth over a huge area of ocean as a way to revive salmon runs, and to illustrate the potential for sucking carbon out of the atmosphere. Ocean fertilization has long been seen as a potential way to combat global warming – and to generate the sale of carbon credits. But it is also regarded as an area of research that comes with high risks to the environment, because there are concerns it could create oxygen dead zones in the ocean. Ms. Watson-Wright said there have been about a dozen ocean fertilization experiments around the world, but all have been discussed internationally in advance and were relatively small in scale.

Global Business

he end of Ben S. Bernanke’s term as Federal Reserve chairman in January 2014 hasn’t stopped investors from betting the central bank will hold the benchmark interest rate close to zero into the following year. Bond-market measures from overnight index swaps indicate no increase in the federal funds rate until mid-2015, compared with the central bank’s current view that the rate will probably stay low at least through late 2014. The gap between two- and five- year Treasury yields, which shrinks when traders expect benchmark rates to remain subdued, is more than 50 percent narrower than its average since 2008. Bernanke has come under attack from Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, who said he won’t reappoint the Fed chairman and criticized his policies as ineffective and a threat to price stability. That isn’t impairing Bernanke’s use of a forecast for the fed funds rate as a policy tool, said Joseph Gagnon, a former associate director at the Fed Board’s Division of International Finance. “The markets tend to believe them,” Gagnon, senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington, said of Fed officials. Investors “can have a high degree of confidence over the

Friday, October 26, 2012

Bernanke policy credibility seen outlasting his fed term

Bernanke

next two to three years” in any Fed pledge because most policy makers will probably remain at the central bank after Bernanke’s term ends.

South Korea unemployment falls to 7-month low on service jobs

outh Korea’s unemployment rate unexpectedly fell to a seven-month low on increasing numbers of self-employed workers and service-sector jobs even as Europe’s debt crisis dragged down exports. The jobless rate was at 3.1 percent in July, compared with 3.2 percent in June, Statistics Korea said today in Gwacheon, south of Seoul. The median estimate in a Bloomberg News survey of 14 economists was for a rate of 3.3 percent. The outlook for the labor market is clouded by signs that Asia’s fourth-largest economy is losing steam. A decline in exports in July was the steepest since 2009 and the central bank said August 9 that domestic demand is also weakening. “Jobs are increasing in the service sector

and the self- employed are lifting the total number of workers, but Europe’s fiscal crisis is taking a toll on company hiring,” said Sun Yoo, an economist Woori Investment & Securities Co. in Seoul. “The quality of the job market is deteriorating with more people taking non-salaried work.” The won weakened 0.3 percent to 1,133.00 per dollar at yesterday open in Seoul and the benchmark Kospi stock index was little changed. The number of employed people increased by 470,000 to 25.1 million in July, with the self-employed and public services providing 318,000 of those new jobs. The seasonally unadjusted jobless rate was also at 3.1 percent in July, compared with 3.2 percent in June, yesterday’s report showed.

Budget standoff causing economic gloom

ravelers Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Jay Fishman said that businesses are curbing spending and hiring because United State lawmakers haven’t addressed fiscal imbalances the country faces in the next decade. “The best thing that could happen right now is a bipartisan solution” to the nation’s mounting debt and widening deficit, Fishman, 59, said in an interview for Bloomberg Radio’s “A Closer Look With Arthur Levitt” to be aired next month. “The sense of gloom and despair would lift and, in fact, businesspeople would be more optimistic.” Executives including BlackRock Incorporated Laurence D. Fink and Pacific Investment Management Co.’s Mohamed El-Erian have warned that Congress’s inaction on fiscal policy will hurt economic growth in the world’s largest economy. Businesses see challenges beyond the end

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Mexican President, Enrique Peña Nieto

of this year, when the U.S. faces a so-called fiscal cliff of automatic spending cuts and tax increases, said Fishman, whose New York-based firm provides insurance coverage to almost a million companies in the country. “Most businesspeople are worried about the intermediate term,” he said.

The Federal Open Market Committee plans to release a statement yesterday at about 12:30 p.m. after a two-day meeting in Washington. At 2 p.m. the Fed will release

policy makers’ forecasts for unemployment, inflation and the expected path of the federal funds rate over the next several years. The central bank will probably announce a third round of bond purchases, according to almost two-thirds of economists in a Bloomberg survey, while also extending the duration of its zero-interestrate policy into 2015. Bernanke, a 58-year-old former Princeton University professor, has stretched the bounds of monetary policy as he battled the financial crisis and the 18-month recession that ended in June 2009 and then tried to keep the expansion going. The Fed bought $2.3 trillion of securities in two rounds after cutting its benchmark interest rate almost to zero in December 2008. In August 2011, the Fed started to tie the outlook for low rates to a specific date. President Barack Obama, who reappointed Bernanke in 2010, hasn’t said whether he’ll ask the Fed chairman to stay for a third term. Bernanke hasn’t said whether he wants another term.

Bank of Korea unexpectedly holds rates after stimulus

he Bank of Korea unexpectedly held borrowing costs in its second surprise decision this year as it opted to preserve policy room in the event of a deeper slowdown. Governor Kim Choong Soo and his board kept the benchmark seven-day repurchase rate at 3 percent after a cut in July, the central bank said in a statement yesterday in Seoul. The unanimous stance was predicted by one of 16 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News, while the rest forecast a 25 basis point reduction. South Korean policy makers face pressure to add stimulus as Europe’s debt crisis curbs exports, while weighing signs of resilience such as unemployment at an eight-month low. The finance ministry announced 5.9 trillion won ($5.2 billion) of spending and tax relief this week and the BOK yesterday said it will boost its special loan programme for small businesses. “The Bank of Korea needs to preserve its policy power because Europe’s fiscal crisis is a long-term fight,” said Kwon Young Sun, a Hong Kong-based economist at Nomura International Ltd. “It also has to manage expectations for the rest of the year and an interval of three months is more appropriate than two months after a cut in July.” The won fell 0.2 percent to 1,128.35 per dollar yesterday in Seoul, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The Kospi index of stocks fell 0.6 percent, while South Korea’s government bonds declined, pushing the three-year yield up by the most in four weeks. The central bank meeting follows the government’s September 10 efforts to spur growth ahead of a December election to replace President Lee Myung Bak. The measures, which include spending and tax incentives to encourage the purchase

Kim Choong Soo

of new cars and homes, add to 8.5 trillion won of support announced in June. “Growth momentum, as reflected in domestic economic activity, appears to be slackening,” the BOK said today in a statement. The government’s expanded spending is “thought likely to contribute in some part to preventing any deepening of the economic downturn.” The central bank yesterday also said it would provide 1.5 trillion won to help small business owners refinance debt at a lower interest rate. The decision to refrain from altering borrowing costs follows a surprise 25 basis point reduction on July 12, a move predicted by two of 16 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News at the time. “This mismatch is undesirable not only for the market but also for policy makers,” said Kong Dong Rak, a fixed-income analyst at Taurus Investment & Securities Co. in Seoul. “It could bring unwanted consequences.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Friday, October 26, 2012

Fidelity Bank’s income hits N80bn in Q3 JOHNSON OKANLAWON

idelity Bank Plc has declared a total gross income of N80.4bn for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, an increase of 74.5 per cent when compared to N46.1bn recorded in the same period of 2011. The bank’s profit after tax rose by 117.2 per cent to N13.1bn in the review period, from N6.01bn recorded in the corresponding period of 2011. According to the result presented to the Nigerian Stock Exchange on Wednesday, taxation expense from continuing operations stood at N3.48bn in 2012, from N1.46bn in 2011 nine months, while net interest income increased to N24.7bn, from N19.2bn recorded in 2011

nine months. Further analysis of the bank’s balance sheet showed N90.9bn cash and balances with the Central Bank of Nigeria, from N82.3bn it recorded in 2011 nine motnhs. The bank’s investment securities for sale stood at N21.9bn in the review period, from N208.7bn in 2011 nine months, while its financial assets for trade stood at N98.8bn, from N21.7bn in the same period of 2011. Total assets appreciated to N767.4bn in 2012, from N740.8bn in 2011 nine months, while customers’ deposits stood at N583.1bn, from N560.4bn in the corresponding period of 2011. Net assets rose by 8.8 per cent to N148.9bn, from N136.8bn recorded in the same period of 2011, while total liabilities increased

to N618.5bn, from N603.9bn in 2011 nine months. The bank had declared a profit after tax of N7.59bn for the half year ended June 30, 2012, an increase by 168 per cent when compared to N2.83bn recorded in the same period of 2012. The bank’s total gross earnings rose by 79.4 per cent to N51.9bn, from N28.9bn recorded in the corresponding period of 2011. Net interest income stood at N20.2bn in the half year, from N12.1bn recorded in the 2011, while net assets stood at N141.7bn in the 2012 half year, from N136.8bn recorded in the same period of 2011, an increase by 3.5 per cent. Further analysis showed that customers deposits dropped marginally by 1.1 per cent, from N560.4bn in 2011 half year to N554.1bn in the period,

while loans and advances to banks stood at N85.6bn in 2012 half year, from N98.9bn in the same period of 2011. The bank has commenced a series of activities to mark her 25th Anniversary which will hold early next year. First on the list is a gift splash to reward members of the public who open savings accounts with them within the period or add money to their existing accounts with the bank. Among the items to be won are a total of 25 Hyundai Accent cars, N25m cash, 250 generator sets, 250 Blackberry smart phones and other instant prizes for people who open accounts or top up their existing accounts, which include DSTV driftas, genesis cinema tickets, notebooks and biro pens.

Source: NSE NIBOR QUOTES 23 OCTOBER & 24 OCTOBER 2012 20.00 19.00 18.00 17.00 16.00 15.00 14.00 13.00 12.00 11.00 10.00 9.00 8.00 7.00 6.00 5.00

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Source: FMDA

Market indicators All-Share Index 7,342,308 points Market capitalisation 23,066.74 trillion

Unilever sales beat estimates as Brazil leads gains

nilever, the world’s secondbiggest consumergoods company, reported third-quarter revenue growth that beat estimates and industry peers as consumers in emerging markets such as Brazil bought more personalcare products. So-called underlying sales increased 5.9 per cent from a year earlier, the London- and Rotterdam-based maker of Axe body sprays said yesterday. The median estimate of 13 analysts surveyed by Bloomberg was for a 5.3 per cent gain. Units sold rose 3.4 per cent, more than the 2.5 per cent gain estimated by analysts. The maker of Magnum ice cream has accelerated

the rollout of shampoos and deodorants to emerging markets such as Indonesia and China to offset slowing growth in developed markets, where higher price tags have deterred consumers. Revenue in emerging markets rose 12 per cent and now represents 55 per cent of total sales. The beat contrasts with competitors Danone and Nestle SA, which last week reported growth that trailed expectations. “This was Unilever’s opportunity to show its strength and reliability, and we believe that this is what it has done,” Andrew Wood, an analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein, said in a research note. “The most important and impressive performance was volume growth,

US stocks rise on earnings

nited States stocks advanced yesterday, sending the Standard and Poor’s 500 Index up from the lowest level in seven weeks, amid better-than-estimated corporate earnings. Procter and Gamble Company, the world’s largest consumer-products maker, and Aetna Incorporation, the thirdbiggest US health insurer, added at least 0.9 per cent as results beat forecasts. Symantec Corpora-

tion, the biggest securitysoftware maker, climbed seven per cent after forecasting sales that topped projections, while Wynn Resorts Limited, owner of casinos in Nevada and Macau, jumped 6.2 per cent as profit beat forecasts and the company doubled its dividend. The S&P 500 rose 0.3 per cent to 1,412.54 points, paring an earlier rally of as much as 0.9 per cent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 34.73

which was ahead of our estimate and also ahead of Nestle and Danone. (BN)” Unilever rose as much as four per cent to 28.83 euros in Amsterdam trading, the highest since August 2. The stock was up 3.4 per cent at 28.65 euros, lifting its 2012 gain to 7.7 per cent, compared with 12 per cent for Nestle. Chief Executive Officer Paul Polman hailed the company’s consistent performance, which he said was achieved in spite of a continued high level of competitive intensity, depressed economies and increasing global imbalances and uncertainty. The CEO cautioned that the environment will remain challenging. Still, Unilever repeated its goal of a modest improvement

in core operating margin this year. Underlying sales rose eight per cent in the personal-care segment, Unilever’s most profitable unit, fueled by growth of Tresemme hair products in Brazil and the introduction of Dove Men+Care in that country. Revenue increased 11 per cent in the homecare unit, boosted by the entry of Omo fast-stain removal in more than 20 markets. Sales of food like Hellmann’s mayonnaise fell 0.4 per cent, a decline over previous quarters, as competitors cut prices of spreads in Europe. Unilever said it has taken action to bring margarine prices in line with other brands.

points, or 0.3 per cent, to 13,112.07 points as trading in S&P 500 companies was three per cent higher than the 30-day average. “The market is zigzagging each day on earnings,” said Paul Zemsky, the New York-based head of asset allocation for ING Investment Management, which oversees $170bn. “Earnings did come out better-thanestimated yet revenue surprises are negative.” The S&P 500 fell 1.8 per cent over the previous two days amid concern about

a worsening earnings picture. The index is still up 12 per cent this year on speculation central bankers will keep economies expanding. Orders for US business equipment stalled in September, capping a quarterly slump that signals investment will cool in the second half of the year. Fewer Americans filed first-time applications for unemployment benefits last week as the seasonal volatility at the start of the quarter wound down.

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Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

UNILEVER

38.20

40.11

1.91

5.00

LIVESTOCK

1.47

1.54

0.07

4.76

NEIMETH

1.05

1.10

0.05

4.76

TRANSCORP

1.05

1.10

0.05

4.76

CUTIX

2.18

2.28

0.10

4.59

RTBRISCOE

1.73

1.80

0.07

4.05

GOLDINSURE

0.50

0.52

0.02

4.00

UTC

0.76

0.79

0.03

3.95

HONYFLOUR

2.31

2.40

0.09

3.90

PRESTIGE

0.52

0.54

0.02

3.85

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

FIDSON

1.34

1.21

0.13

-9.70

REDSTAREX

3.20

2.92

0.28

-8.75

OANDO

12.85

12.21

0.64

-4.98

UBN

8.31

7.90

0.41

-4.93

CCNN

5.15

4.90

0.25

-4.85

CUSTODYINS

1.46

1.39

0.07

-4.79

AIICO

0.63

0.60

0.03

-4.76

LEARNAFRCA

2.11

2.01

0.10

-4.74

FLOURMILL

67.70

64.50

3.20

-4.73

WAPIC

0.64

0.61

0.03

-4.69

Primary Market Auction TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

91-Day

21,838.51

14.09

23-Oct-12

182-Day

59,081.14

15.05

23-Oct-12

364 -Day

Open Market Operations TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

297Days

7,878.70

16.40

23-Oct-12

289-Day

12,963.25

16.39

23-Oct-12

Wholesale Dutch Auction System AMOUNT OFFERED

MARKET DEMAND

AMOUNT SOLD

DATE

$180m

N/A

$179m

24-Oct-12

$180m

N/A

$130m

23-Oct12

Capital Market

Friday, October 26, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at October 24, 2012 1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

1st Tier Securities No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Friday, October 26, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror “One of the greatest problems facing Nigerian agriculture is that some of the seeds we plant don’t grow fast and the yield is poor.” PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN

Auchi Poly students arrested for murder FRANCIS SUBERU

wo students of the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State, Henry Edewo and Emmanuel Isikhuime, have been arrested by the Police for the al-

leged kidnap and murder of a female student, one Mercy Peter, 21, also a student of the institution. Mercy who was reportedly kidnapped on July 29, 2012 was murdered four days after she had been serially molested by the suspects. It was said that Henry and

Emmanuel continued to demand for ransom from Mercy’s parents even after killing her. The suspects allegedly buried Mercy in a shallow grave at a bush in Ugbor village, Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, where her body was discovered by the

police. Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Anthony Airhuoyo, who confirmed the incident, said the suspects were arrested on October 17, 2012; adding that another suspect, simply identified as Charles, was still on the run.

Man loses N.2million to robbers in Abuja MARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA

t was a sad day for a middleaged man (name withheld) in Abuja on Wednesday, as he was robbed of N200, 000.00 in his car. The incident happened opposite the NICON Insurance Corporation headquarters at the Central Business District. The man had withdrawn the cash from one of the new generation banks in the city with the hope of getting more cash at the other bank. Unknown to him, he was being trailed by a two-man robbery gang in a car. The victim told Community Mirror that he left the money on the seat of his car with the hope that the presence of people in the surroundings, including tickets vendors would make the money safe. “I wound up my glass and went to get more cash with my ATM card. It was not more than three minutes that the whole thing happened,” he said. The moment he left to join the queue to withdraw money the robbers skillfully broke his door glass and within seconds, carted away the money. Meanwhile, as the robbers were bringing out the money from the car, one of the people around said she was suspicious of the movements and gesticulations of the men, but before she knew what was happening, the robbers had fled the scene. Sympathizers said the black polythene bag given to customers who withdraw cash from banks might have drawn the attention of the thieves who they said could have been lurking around the bank premises. Others said the robbers might have been aware that he was going to withdraw the money from the bank.

Scene of an accident where a car rammed into a LAGBUS at Tafawa Balewa Square, in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: YINKA ADEPARUSI

Businessman sues IGP for damages CAROLINE CHUKWUKA

businessman, Luke Daniel, has instituted a N10 million suit against the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar before a Federal High Court, sitting at Ikeja. The applicant is also asking the court for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the IG from arresting him. Joined in the suit alongside the Inspector General of Police as respondents are the Commissioner of Police, Kebbi State Police Command, ACP Bala Ciroma, Ammasco International Limited and one Alhaji Ado Mustafa Mohammed. The applicant through his lawyer, Richard Nwankwo is praying the court to declare that the alleged incessant harassment, intimidation, hounding and continued threat to his personal liberty by the agents of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd respondents is unconstitutional, unlawful and

illegal. He added that police action offends his right to liberty and right to dignity of the human person as guaranteed by the constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Right Specifically, the applicant in a motion on notice brought pursuant to order II Rules 1, 2 and 3 of the Fundamental Rights of enforcement Procedure Rules 2009, sections 35, 34, 46 (1) and (2) of the constitution, Article 5, 6 and 12 of African Charter on Human and Peoples Right and under the jurisdiction of the court as preserved by section 6 (6) of the constitution, asked the court to award damages in the sum of N10 million being losses incurred on account of the seizures and arrest of his marketers and sales boys in Kebbi state. In a 14 paragraph affidavit, the applicant averred that sometimes in July 2012, he applied for the registration of Authentic Super XHP Oil plastic can as a design at

the Patent Office Design Branch of the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, Abuja. While the registration was pending, the applicant also initiated discussion with the Standard Organization of Nigeria, (SON) and general inspection of raw materials and production process were carried out and the product found to be of high quality. While the process of registration with the designs officer in Abuja was going on, the 5th respondent who is the Managing Director of the 4th respondent, producers of Engen Super Multigrade Premium Engine Oil, in the same class of one litre plastic container filed an objection through a counsel opposing the registration of the Authentic Super XHP Oil on the sole ground that the latter design application infringes the Engine Super product of the 4th and 5th respondents. Meanwhile the respondents are yet to file any defense and the matter has not been assigned to any Judge for mention.

Alaafin commissions projects to mark 74th birthday KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

or the people of the ancient town of Oyo, the 74th birthday of the Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III celebrated between October 15 and 19, 2012 will be one to be remembered for a long time. The one week-long birthday celebration saw the monarch visiting the four local government areas in Oyo town to commission people - oriented projects on behalf of the councils. The local government areas he visited include Atiba, Oyo West, Oyo East and Afijio Local Government Areas. Oba Adeyemi, who at the commissioning of the projects noted that there is so much suffering among the people, urged leaders at various levels to sit up to make life more meaningful to the people even as he said doing otherwise may spell doom for the country. He bemoaned the marginalisation of the Yoruba in the present political dispensation, stating that given the contribution of the race to the development of the country, the present situation is uncalled for and not in the interest of the country. While lauding Oba Adeyemi for his contributions to the development of Oyo town, the chairman, Oyo West Local Government Area, Ojoawo Soji said the projects commissioned by the monarch were executed in his honour. The council boss said it is important for political office holders to listen to words of advice and wisdom coming from a revered father like the Alaafin, adding that the monarch would never be associated with what will not bring development to his community. He said; “This year’s birthday celebration of our revered royal father, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, was an opportunity for us to tell our people that we, like the Alaafin himself are there to serve their interest. His commissioning of projects in the four local government areas of Oyo was meant for everybody to know that he will always be there for us.”

Friday, October 26, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, October 26, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

World News

Syria’s army to observe ceasefire for Muslim holiday

“Stepped up European sanctions against Iran are proving effective.”

PAUL ARHEWE

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

udan has said it intends to complain to the UN over an explosion at an arms factory that it claims was caused by an Israeli air strike. Sudan’s UN envoy Daffa-Alla Elhag Ali Osman said Israel had violated Sudanese air space three times in recent years. The Sudanese have not revealed any evidence to support their claim, and Israel has not commented. Sudanese sources told the BBC that the arms factory was believed to have been operated by the Iranians. BBC says the factory is thought to have manufactured rockets and other munitions for Iran to transfer weapons to Hamas by an overland route. There is much that we don’t know about the alleged Israeli air strike on the Khartoum factory. Indeed there may be much that we may never know. Short of an Israeli admission, which is unlikely, or some hard physical evidence like fragments of munitions that can be identified, it may be impossible to say with any certainty that Israel was involved. But the balance of probability suggests that Sudan’s claims should be taken seriously. The Sudan raid appears to be yet another episode in the shadowy war being waged by Israel and Iran over arms supplies to Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The Israelis believe there is a

– Italian Prime Minister, Mario Monti

Sudan to report Israel to UN over arms factory blast well-used smuggling route running northwards to Egypt, into Sinai and then on to the Gaza Strip. Leaked US state department documents three years ago also suggested that Sudan was secretly supplying Iranian arms to Hamas in the Gaza Strip. So Israel might have felt that stopping the arms flow at its source in Sudan was better than taking action that could upset Egypt, BBC adds. Although Israel has not commented on the incident, one de-

fence official told army radio on Wednesday that Sudan was a “dangerous terrorist state”. “The regime is supported by Iran and it serves as a route for the transfer, via Egyptian territory, of Iranian weapons to Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists,” said Amos Gilad, a senior official at the defence ministry, in comments reported by a news agency. In April 2011, Khartoum held Israel responsible for an air strike that killed two people in a car near the city of Port Sudan.

Israel was also blamed for a strike on a convoy in north-eastern Sudan in 2009. Israel did not comment on either incident. In the latest incident fire engulfed the Yarmouk arms factory in the capital Khartoum late on Tuesday. Residents reported seeing aircraft or missiles overhead before a number of explosions. Sudanese politicians have reacted angrily, with the speaker of parliament suggesting that Israel had declared war.

France has provided Burkina Faso with three light aircraft to help it monitor its northern border with Islamist-occupied northern Mali, the head of the West African nation’s army said. Islamist fighters, some with links to al Qaeda, seized the northern two-thirds of Mali earlier this year, raising fears that militant groups could spread their influence beyond the country’s porous desert borders. “These three planes will allow us to carry out aerial reconnaissance in the north,” Brigadier General Nabere Honore Traore, the head of the army, told the state-owned Sidwaya newspaper. “The security of the sub-region requires exactly these kinds of missions,” he said.

South African strikes ease as mine pay deal is reached

Sudanese demonstrators holding banners and chanting anti-Israeli slogans during a protest in Khartoum on Wednesday. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Libya captures former Gaddafi stronghold ibya’s government has declared that it had taken control of one of the last strongholds of deposed leader, Muammar Gaddafi’s loyalists. The declaration was followed by celebratory gunfire, with fight-

WORLD BULLETIN France gives Burkina Faso planes to tackle Mali Islamist threat

ers in the heart of the city firing their guns into the air after fierce battles that left dozens dead and thousands displaced. The capture of Bani Walid on Wednesday, some 140km southeast of the capital Tripoli, has

A Libyan fighter celebrating the capture of Bani Walid.

PHOTO: GLOBAL POST

been claimed as a triumph for the government that replaced Gaddafi’s regime. But the length of time it took the government to secure the town - a full year - underlined the difficulties faced by the new regime in imposing its authority over squabbling tribes and heavily armed militias. Youssef al-Mankoush, the Libyan army chief of staff, said military operations in the city were terminated but that some forces were still chasing a few pockets of Gaddafi loyalists. Al-Mankoush said the clashes resulted in a number of casualties, injuries and some were even kidnapped and held for a long time against their will. Al Jazeera’s Omar al-Saleh, reporting from Bani Walid, said:

“Fighters tell me the situation inside the town remains tense.” “They are trying to clear pockets of resistance and there are few snipers positioned at different buildings,” he said. Nasser al-Manei, a government spokesman, said 50 people on the government side were killed and hundreds others wounded in the Bani Walid operation. Speaking in Tripoli, al-Manei said about 100 of those wanted by the government were arrested, while 13 civilians held by the fighters in Bani Walid were freed. The victory could spark new violence, analysts say. The government-backed militia that led the charge came from the city of Misrata, a longtime rival of Bani Walid, and it is feared reprisals could result.

South Africa’s gold mines agreed a wage deal with unions yesterday as the bulk of the gold sector’s striking miners returned to work under threat of dismissal. The returns marked success of a sort for a new tough approach by mining firms, but at least 12,000 gold and 20,000 platinum miners were still pursuing a wave of illegal strikes that have cost Africa’s largest economy over 10 billion rand this year, according to the National Treasury. About 100,000 workers in all have downed tools across South Africa since August in the often violent strikes that have triggered downgrades of South Africa’s credit ratings, and awkward questions about government performance for President Jacob Zuma and the ruling African National Congress (ANC).

AU reinstates Mali ahead of military action The African Union (AU) lifted Mali’s suspension from the bloc on Wednesday, saying an African plan to intervene militarily to help the country claw back territory from Islamist militants would be ready within weeks. The pan-African body also laid out a political road map which foresees elections in the beleaguered West African country by April even as it is still grappling with the fallout from a coup in March this year. Armed Islamist groups control the northern two-thirds of Mali and have stirred global outrage by meting out executions and desecrating ancient religious sites under their own strict interpretation of sharia law. The United Nations says they have systematically violated human rights, particularly of women.

News

WORLD BULLETIN Jordan pardons 18 activists in anti-king protest After a pardon from the king, Jordan has released 18 activists arrested during a protest last month when they allegedly chanted against the country’s monarch. A Jordanian prosecutor said yesterday that two other men detained with the group remain in custody because they are not part of the youth activist movement. The prosecutor spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to talk to the media. There have been several incidents recently with activists and media commentators charged with defaming King Abdullah II. Human Rights Watch has repeatedly urged Jordan to abolish laws criminalizing peaceful free speech and assembly. Under Jordan’s current law, the state security court has jurisdiction over speech-related crimes, including insulting the king — a taboo punishable by up to three years in jail.

Friday, October 26, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Syria’s army to observe ceasefire for Muslim holiday • Iran’s leader blames US, Israel for war

yria’s military says it will adhere to a four-day ceasefire to begin on Friday for the Muslim holiday of Eid alAdha. A statement on Syrian state TV also said the army reserved the right to retaliate against rebel attacks. The ceasefire was proposed by UN and Arab League envoy Lakhdar Brahimi. The news came as activists said rebels had advanced into several areas in the centre of Aleppo, Syria’s largest city and a key battleground in recent

months. Mr Brahimi has travelled across the Middle East over the past two weeks to promote his plan, and on Wednesday won the support of the UN Security Council. He also said most opposition groups would back the truce. Yesterday, a statement from the Syrian armed forces carried by state media said: “Military operations will cease across the entire Syrian territory as of 06:00 (03:00GMT) on 26 October until 29 October. “Syrian armed forces will,

however, reserve the right to reply to terrorists attacks, attempts of armed groups to reinforce or resupply, or attempts to infiltrate from neighbouring countries,” the statement said. Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader is blaming the U.S. and Israel for the bloody, 19-month civil war in Syria. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also warns Western powers not to intervene in the conflict. In his message to Muslims performing the annual hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, he charges that the civil war, which he characterized

Afghan policeman kills two US servicemen A man wearing an Afghan police uniform has shot dead two U.S. servicemen in Afghanistan, NATO said yesterday. The assailant turned his weapon against the forces in Uruzgan province, it said in a statement. “Insider” attacks on Western forces have undermined trust between coalition and Afghan forces as NATO prepares to withdraw most combat troops at the end of 2014. At least 54 members of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force have been killed this year by Afghans wearing police or army uniforms.

Tymoshenko urges Ukrainians to reject Yanukovich at election

Tokyo governor quitting to form new party Tokyo’s outspoken and nationalistic governor has said he will resign to form a new political party ahead of expected national elections. Shintaro Ishihara, who has spent nearly 14 years in office, told a packed news conference yesterday that he wanted to fix the nation’s fiscal and political problems. Ishihara recently played a key role in reviving a bitter dispute with China over islands in the East China Sea. He blamed the central government and bureaucrats for obstructing policies he believes would benefit the country. “We must change the inflexible rule of the central government bureaucrats,” he said, comparing their influence to the dictatorial rule of the shogun. Ishihara, 80, angered China earlier this year when he proposed that Tokyo buy and develop a cluster of uninhabited islands controlled by Japan but also claimed by China. The islands are called Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China.

as “young Muslims killing each other,” is a “crime initiated by the United States and the Zionist regime, Israel,” punishing Syria for resisting Israeli occupation and supporting anti-Israel Palestinian and Lebanese groups. Khamenei noted “serious dangers” of Western intervention in Syria and other Mideast nations. His statement was read yesterday on Iranian state TV. Iran has been a close ally of Syria for decades. It has staunchly supported the regime of President Bashar Assad during the civil war.

L-R: Syrian President Bashar Assad greeting U.N. and Arab League envoy, Lakhdar Brahimi prior to their closeddoor meeting in Damascus, recently. PHOTO: AP

Fresh ethnic violence claims 56 lives in Myanmar

t least 56 people were killed and nearly 2,000 homes destroyed in the latest outbreak of ethnic violence in western Myanmar, a government official said yesterday. The 25 men and 31 women were reported dead in four Rakhine state townships in violence between the Buddhist Rakhine and Muslim Rohingya communities that re-erupted Sunday, local government spokesman Win Myaing said. He said some 1,900 homes had been burned down in fresh conflict, while 60 men and four women were injured. It was unclear how many of the victims were Rohingya people and how many were Rakhine. In June, ethnic violence in the state left at least 90 people dead and destroyed more than 3,000 homes. Tens of thousands of people remain in refugee camps. An Associated Press photographer who travelled to Kyauktaw, one of the affected townships 45 kilometres (75 miles) north of the Rakhine capital of Sittwe, said he saw 11 wounded people brought by ambulance to the local 25-bed hospital, most with gunshot wounds.

One was declared dead after arrival. All the victims being treated were Rakhine, but that could reflect an inability or unwillingness of Rohingya victims to be treated there. A male volunteer at the hospital, Min Oo, said by telephone that five bodies, including one of a woman, had also been brought there. He said the injured persons were brought by boat from Kyauktaw town 16 kilometers (10 miles) away, and taken from the jetty by the ambulances. An account by a Rakhine villager in the area suggested great confusion and tension. The villager said that when groups of

Rakhine and the Rohingya had a confrontation, government soldiers shot into a crowd of Rakhine, even though, according to his claim, it had been dispersing. The villager would not give his name for fear of violent reprisals. There have been concerns in the past that soldiers were failing to protect the Rohingya community, but the Rakhine villager’s account hints that the military may have been defending the Rohingya in this case. Curfews have been in place in some areas since June, and been extended to others due to the recent violence.

Myanmar Buddhist monks holding banners and placards during a rally against recent violence in Rakhine state, outside the city hall in Yangon, Myanmar PHOTO: AP

ailed opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko made an impassioned call to Ukrainians yesterday to throw out President Viktor Yanukovich’s ruling party on Sunday and stop a “dictatorship” which she warned would isolate Ukraine. Tymoshenko’s plea added to tension ahead of a parliamentary election in which Yanukovich’s Party of the Regions is seeking to hold on to its majority against a divided opposition, weakened by her imprisonment. No opinion polls have been published in the former Soviet republic since October 18 in line with an official information black-out. But ratings before then showed the Regions with a firm lead over opposition parties which include Tymoshenko’s Batkivshchyna (Fatherland) and a new liberal party headed by heavyweight boxing champion Vitaly Klitschko. The government is unpopular because of its tax and pension policies. But most commentators expect the Regions, which is bankrolled by Ukraine’s wealthiest industrialists, to hold on to its majority in the 450-seat assembly, cementing the leadership of Yanukovich who comes up for re-election as president in 2015. Tymoshenko, a former prime minister and the country’s most vibrant opposition leader, is serving a seven-year jail sentence for abuse of office which the United States and the European Union have denounced as “selective justice” and see as political vengeance by Yanukovich. In a statement read out by her daughter Yevgenia, the 51-yearold Tymoshenko, a political firebrand in her heyday, described Sunday’s election as a “war which can end with your victory and a chance for change or with our total historical failure.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Friday, October 26, 2012

Legal Aid Council secures release of five awaiting trial persons AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST KANO

he Legal Aid Council of Nigeria said it has secured the release of five persons from prisons in Kano State, who have spent more than 10 years each in detention awaiting trial. In addition, Justice Patricia Mahmoud, ordered that one of them, Adamu Musa, should be paid N5miilion as compensation. This was contained in a press statement signed by

the Chairman of the Media and Awareness Committee and member of the Governing Board of the Legal Aid Council, Alhaji Abdulkadir Ahmed Ibrahim, a copy of which made available to journalists yesterday. The Legal Aid Council of Nigeria has, as part of its mandate, to render legal aid and access to justice to indigent persons and provide legal representation at state expense as contained in section 46 (4) (b) of the

Constitution of the Federal Republic Nigeria, 1999 . Those released are; Stephen Samuel, a carpenter accused of armed robbery and incarcerated in prison while awaiting trial since 2002 without any charge preferred against him; Ibrahim Garba, also accused of armed robbery and had been in prison since 2000 awaiting trial without being formally charged to court and Tijjani Lawan, a motor mechanic accused of culpa-

ble homicide and has been in prison custody since 2000. The statement said that lawyers at the Kano Office of the Council led by the state Coordinator, Mr. Abubakar Ahmad Umar, filed an application at a Kano High Court for the enforcement of the fundamental rights of the trio which was granted by the Presiding Judge, Justice Ibrahim Umar. Consequently, the applicants were ordered to be released from the Kano

Central Prison but when the court order was about to be carried out, officials of the Legal Aid Council were told by the prison officials that one of the awaiting trial inmates to be released, Ibrahim Garba, had died while in detention. Another inmate awaiting trial at the Kano Central Prison, Adamu Musa, who was accused of armed robbery and had been kept in detention since 2002, without being formally charged to court was

Adamawa govt commends Jonathan over flood victims

Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu (left) receiving the gubernatorial committees’ report on the Development of the Bida Basin from the Chairman, Gen. Muhammadu Wushishi, in Minna, yesterday.

Wada to sack liaison officers over financial recklessness ADEMU IDAKWO LOKOJA

ogi State Governor, Captain Idris Wada, yesterday threatened to sack the Liaison Officers of the 21 local government areas of the state over reckless spending and diversion of the councils’ fund into personal uses. The governor, who was angry with the corrupt heads of the local government councils, challenged them in the presence of journalists who were personally invited

to be part of the meeting to tell the gathering if he has been tampering with their allocation. The liaison officers who could not respond to the governor’s challenge have been peddling rumours around that the state has been deducting councils’ funds to prosecute some of the litigations standing against the state governor over his election in 2011. His words: Since your appointment some months ago, the state government has been

releasing the statutory allocations to the various councils without any form of interference. I see no reason why you should find it convenient to tinker with the finances of the council to advance your personal ambitions.” The governor further said that as public officers of their rating, it was disappointing and objectionable to take advantage of their offices to steal in order to become wealthy and deny the people the benefits of enjoying the basic neces-

sities of life. To this end, the governor has directed a financial inquiry into the administrative activities of the 21 local government areas of the state in order to ascertain the level of financial malpractices of the liaison officers. Workers of local governments in Kogi State have been facing untold hardship since the assumption of office of the liaison officers as some local government could not pay salaries to their workers.

journalists at the assembly complex yesterday in Makurdi disclosed that five settlements namely; Yogbo village, Tse-Kper, Tse-Ityo, Gidan-Rei, TseIkper, all in Guma were razed and about 30 persons killed by the suspected Fulani mercenaries. The Speaker, who represents Guma/Makurdi at the state assembly un-

der the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) further attributed the human carnage visited on the Tiv people by Alago and Agatu, who are said to have sponsored Fulani mercenaries from Niger to come and annihilate their Tiv neighbours with a view to bring down their numerical strength. He said the guise un-

der which these Fulani herdsmen often attack the Tiv farmers in the name of grazing cattle, especially encroaching on farmlands where crops were waiting for harvesting thereby leading their cattle to cause immense destruction on food crops as a ploy to foment trouble which most often than not lead to attacks and loss of lives and property.

Benue Speaker raises the alarm over attack HENRY IYORKASE MAKURDI

he Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. David Iorhemba, has accused the Alago and Agatu people of conniving with Fulani mercenaries to exterminate his people of Guma constituency by sponsoring genocide. Iorhemba, briefing

granted his application for release and the enforcement of his fundamental rights by another Judge of Kano High Court, Justice Patricia Mahmoud, as argued by lawyers of the Legal Aid Council. In the same vein, five convicts, including a woman regained their freedom after the fines imposed on them by various courts in Kano as options for imprisonment were paid by a good Samaritan who chose to remain anonymous.

he Deputy Governor of Adamawa State, Mr. Bala Ngilari, has commended President Goodluck Jonathan for approving N17 billion for flood-ravaged states. Ngilari told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yola yesterday that the fund would go a long way in assisting the affected states to address some of the challenges facing the internally-displaced persons. The deputy governor, who is also the Chairman, Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA) said: “We are happy with the inclusion of Adamawa in category “A” states which are to receive N500 million each. “The money would not solve all the problems but it would go a long way in

tackling the them.” While also commending the president for embarking on visits to the affected states, Ngilari said: “This step taken by the president is a pointer to his show of concern and appreciation of the magnitude of the problem.” The deputy governor said the state government and ADSEMA in particular, would continue to ensure that anything meant for the flood victims, reached them. “I want to assure you that whatever comes to us, including money, gets to the people intended.” He used the occasion to reiterate the state government’s call for the dredging of River Benue as a permanent solution to the flooding.

PDP berates Al-Makura over N16m chattered helicopter IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA

asarawa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has berated Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura for recently chattering a helicopter to tour the state which gulped N16 million of the state funds. The governor, had during the week, chattered a helicopter at the rate of N8 million for a day and went round the state for two days. In a press release signed by the state PDP Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mark Yunana, accused the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) administration for its failure to provide basic amenities for the

people of the state. The statement said: “Apart from the traffic light and the uncompleted 13.5 kilometre road projects in Lafia, the state capital, which the government claimed to have spent N1.2 billion, it has nothing else to show the people of the state.” It continued that the people of the state are subjected to untold hardship, especially in the sphere of feeder roads which are inaccessible in the rural areas. It, however, applauded the Federal Government for providing N400 million to cushion the effect of the flood that has devastated some communities of Nasarawa State.

TRANSITION

Mallam Ali Bello

Friday, October 26, 2012

prominent community leader and head, Irefun quarters in Oba-Akoko, Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State, Mallam Adetoro Bello Sasere is dead. He died at the early hours of Saturday, October 20, 2012, at the ripe age of 106 years and was buried the following day according to Islamic rites. During his life time, he was a prominent farmer, as well as a staunch pillar and leader of the Muslim Umah in Oba Akoko and its environs. Mallam Adetoro was also well known for his philanthropic and humanitarian gestures towards the young and the old, indigenes and non-indigenes, irrespective of their religious or ethnic inclination across the length and breadth of Oba Akoko community. The eight-day Fidua prayers would be held at his residence at No 3, Irefun Street, Oba-Akoko, Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State on Sunday, October 28, 2012 by 10 am. Baba Adetoro is survived by 10 children, numerous grand-children and great grand-children, including: Adetoro Yakubu Adeola , Chief (Mrs.) Afolabi Folasade, and Mrs. Modupe Akinseli, among others.

Abiodun Ogunyomade

seasoned human resources manager, Mrs Oluwatoyin Abiodun Ogunyomade died on Friday 5, 2012 in Lagos after a brief illness. She was aged 56. Ogunyomade, who worked with Odu’a Group of Companies for 20 years, was noted for her commitment, dedication to duty and hard work. She had her secretarial diploma certificate from Pitmans College, London in 1989 and she became a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, (CIPMN) after obtaining her graduate diploma certificate from the institute in 1998. She worked briefly with Great Nigeria Insurance Company Limited, a subsidiary of Odu’a Investment Company Limited in 1998 before joining the Odu’a Group in 1999. Prior to her joining Odu’a Investment, she had worked with L.A.O Banjoko & Co., in Ibadan as a typist between 1977 and 1978. Her other professional sojourn include a stint at Ondo State Radiovision Corporation (OSRC) as confidential secretary between 1978 and 1985, Confidence Insurance Company Limited as personal secretary between October 1985 and 1989, Smithkline & French Nigeria Limited as personal secretary in 1989 and Great Nigeria Insurance Company Limited as Personal Assistant to the Managing Director. At Odu’a Group, she held several positions, including personnel manager, training manager, senior manager

(corporate services) and senior manager, human resources & training after which she was transferred to Odu’a Telecoms on November 16, 2005 as head of the human resources department of the company. She retired from Odu’a Telecoms July 31, 2009 after 20 years of working with group. She is survived by siblings.

Julius Adelaja

Olori Ruth Anjola

r. Julius Adekanla Adelaja 63, died on Sunday, April 22, 2012 after a brief illness and has since been buried. Until his death, he was a community leader and a former staff of National Eletric Power Authority NEPA and was instrumental to the electrification of Idomowo-Esude community. The final funeral rites for Adelaja, popularly known as ‘Oko-Ilu’ was held on Saturday, October 20, 2012 at Community Primary School, Idomila-Idomowo via Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. He is survived by two children, Segun and Abiola.

lori Ruth Anjola Olufuwa of Olufuwa Ruling House, Agbowa-Ikosi has passed on at the age of 85. Being a prominent kola nut trader during her life time, she was fondly called ‘Mama Olobi’ by family and friends. She will be buried at her home town on November 23, 2012. She is survived by many children and relations including Prince Olusegun Olufuwa and Engr Dayo Olufuwa.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sheila Solarin

heila Mary Solarin, wife of late foremost academician and social crusader, Dr. Tai Solarin, died on Sunday October 21, 2012. She was 88 years old. The late widow of Dr Solarin died at the Babcock University Teaching Hospital ,Ilishan Remo, Ogun State while her remains have been deposited at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital. She was an English-born woman who was awarded membership of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) by Queen Elizabeth II on 17 October 2007 for services to education in Nigeria. Madam Sheila Solarin was the author of English Grammar and Comprehension, first published in 1982 by Macmillan Book Publishers and she was until her death, a prolific writer who still comments on burning national issues and was actively involved in adult literacy. She has been described by many as a foremost educationist, a great teacher and disciplinarian who rendered an immeasurable service to the people of Ogun State and Nigeria through the Mayflower School. The school founded in 1956, became one of the best schools in the country and has produced many of the leading lights in our nation. She is a true reflection of that much-needed global spirit that sees beyond colour, race and religion in inter-relationships among peoples, nations and continents of the world; as she decided to marry revered Dr Tai Solarin and even choose to live in Nigeria, making it her true home. Sheila met her husband while both were in the British forces following the World War II. In 1952, they moved to his native Nigeria, and both worked at Molusi College Ijebu Igbo as teachers. But they disagreed with the politics of the day and religious discrimination in schools, and decided to build their own school at a town called Ikenne. On 27 January 1956, Tai Solarin and his wife founded the first and only secular school in Nigeria, Mayflower School, Ikenne, Ogun State. The students’ second home was established by Sheila and her husband in 1977, a boarding house which serves more than two thousand students of the three public high schools in Ikenne town. Also complementing the now state-owned Mayflower School, was the establishment of the privately owned Mayflower Junior School, the primary school arm of the Mayflower institution, a citadel of secular education for self-reliance and all round excellence. Using breeze blocks made from clay they constructed two classrooms, each able to accommodate 36 pupils. The student also helped in construction of more class rooms. The school became more popular, and Sheila and her husband were forced to extend, making it one of the biggest in the country. They even made the furniture on site, much of it using woods from trees Sheila planted herself. Sheila and her husband had two children Corin and Tunde Solarin.

Friday, October 26, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Ghana FA president, Kwesi Nyantakyi, told me the one team he did not want to face was Democratic Republic of Congo

Injury may deny Yobo Nations Cup

-- CLAUDE LEROY

We have a good draw –Keshi ADENRELE NIYI

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA

uper Eagles’ coach, Stephen Keshi, has described Wednesday’s South Africa 2013 Nations Cup draw that pits defending champions, Zambia, Burkina Faso and Ethiopia against Nigeria as “good.” Moments after the draw conducted inside the International Conference Centre in Durban, the Eagles’ boss restated his earlier stance that Nigeria’s senior national team fears no foe. A short standing interview Keshi granted National Mirror runs thus:

Chipolopolo of Zambia players jubilating after lifting the Unity Cup in the last AFCON co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea

SA 2013: Chipolopolo seeks India power against Eagles EVEREST ONYEWUCHI WITH AGENCY REPORT

frican champions, the Chipolopolo of Zambia will hold a pre-Africa Cup of Nations training camp in India next month to prepare for the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the other teams in Group C of the South Africa 2013 AFCON. The training camp is being facilitated by Zambian local mining giant, Konkola Copper Mines (KCM). KCM chief executive officer, Jeyakumar Janakaraj, said on Wednesday in Chingola that dates and duration of the training camp had yet to be finalised with the Football Association of Zambia. “There are arrangements right now which are going to take the Zambian national team to India in November. We have a very structured programme in helping young talent to improve. We genuinely want football standards to improve in Zambia and we want to produce some more good players,” Janakaraj said. His company also bankrolls MTN/

FAZ Super Division sides Nchanga Rangers, Konkola Mine Police FC and Konkola Blades. Last November, KCM also sponsored the Chipolopolo’s training camp in India where they also played a series of friendly games against local select-sides and the India national team in Goa ahead of the 2012 Africa Cup finals in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, which Zambia won. Meanwhile, Zambia’s coach, Herve Renard, says his team has an opportunity of revenge against the Eagles in Nelspruit during the competition.. “We crashed out of the quarterfinals in 2010 (when) we lost to Nigeria. So we have a good chance of revenge against a very good Nigerian team,” Renard said. In that match at the Angola 2010 tournament played on January 25 in Lubango, Zambia lost 5-4 on postmatch penalties following a scoreless draw at the end of extra time. Two years and two days after that defeat, Zambia will face the Super Eagles on January 25 at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.

Nigeria will play the first Group C match on January 21against Burkina Faso before playing Zambia and later taking on Ethiopia on January 29 in Rustenburg.

What do you think about Nigeria’s group? I think the draw was good; a good result. Whoever we get, we have to play anyway. We are here for the tournament and it doesn’t matter if it’s Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco or Cote d’Ivoire; we just have to go back and prepare. It has been reported that you said, “I fear no foe”; Is this correct? I may have not said it in those exact words but I do believe that any team that comes, we take the team; that’s all. Why do I have to

fear somebody anyway? I only fear God, not any human being. You met Zambia as a player, are you excited to meet the defending champions as a manager now? Excited? What is there to be excited about? I’m just here to play. Every team is difficult, we just have to plan well ahead and our strategy remains the same for this competition game-by-game. On paper and giving honest appraisal of the teams’ form, who do you think stands the best chance of winning the tournament? Everybody does; it’s a tournament after all. When are you releasing the list of players invited to struggle for Eagles’ final 23-man team? I can’t reveal that yet When is Nigeria’s camp opening? In December.

Keshi

Glo Academy: Chukwu, others screen players in Enugu

x-inter nationals, Christian Chukwu, Segun Odegbami, Zion Ogunfeyinmi, Tijani Babangida and the Team Manager of the Dream Team and former African Footballer of the Year, Victor Ikpeba, will screen promising talent for the Glo Soccer Academy from a crowd of boys expected at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, this weekend. Globacom in a statement yesterday confirmed that similar screening exercise ended in Benin on Wednesday where five talented youths, two goal keepers, two defensive midfielders and a central defender were selected. Successful players from Enugu and Benin exercises will join others that will be

selected from other screening zones of Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja. From Enugu, the screening train will move to the Garden City of Port Harcourt between October 31 and November 1. The venue of Port Harcourt screening is Liberation

Stadium while Abuja, will host the exercise from Monday 5th to 6th November at the Old Parade Ground. Final screening exercise will hold in Lagos at the Legacy Pitch of the National Stadium, Surulere from Friday 9th to Sunday, 11th November 2012.

FIFA names 10 women for Ballon d’Or

IFA and France Football yesterday announced the names of the players and coaches on the shortlists for FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year and the FIFA World Coach of the Year for Women’s Football 2012. The 10 footballers are: Camille Abily (France), Miho Fukumoto (Japan), Carli Lloyd (USA), Marta (Brazil), Aya Mi-

yama (Japan), Alex Morgan (USA), Megan Rapinoe (USA), Homare Sawa (Japan), Christine Sinclair (Canada) and Abby Wambach (USA). The final decisions will be made, as usual, by the captains and head coaches of the women’s national teams as well as by international media representatives selected by France Football.

Sport

Friday, October 26, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wi Window on Nigerian players abroad

with IKENWA NNABUOGOR ikenwa.nnabuogor@gmail.com

Injury may deny Yobo Nations Cup

igeria skipper Joseph Yobo risks missing out on next year’s Africa Cup of Nations as a result of a major knee injury, officials said. It was reportedly gathered that Yobo, who is set for his 90th international cap, has suffered a cruciate ligament knee injury, which could rule him out of action for at least six months. The injury already meant the experienced central defender missed the decisive Nations Cup qualifier against Liberia in Calabar earlier this month. He was also replaced by Efe Ambrose due to injury in the first leg qualifier in Liberia in September. He was also ruled out of his Turkish club’s UEFA Europa League clash yesterday against AEL Limassol of Greece. “Yobo is nursing a very serious knee injury which may stop him from featuring at the Nations Cup. He has a cruciate ligament problem in the knee and such an injury could keep out a player for as long as six months,” a top source informed MTNFootball.com “The team officials are very much aware of this and have started working on several options in the team without Yobo.” However, Yobo said on Wednesday night that he would soon be back on his feet and playing again. “I am still recuperating and my club don’t want to rush me back, but should be back in a couple of days,” said the player who has featured in five Nations Cup tournaments. Should Yobo miss out on the AFCON, Nigeria Premier League (NPL) stars Godfrey Oboabona and Azubuike Egwuekwe will stand a good chance of making the final

Aneke eager to kick off pro career

l-Masry of Egypt new signing Jude Aneke is poised to take the Egyptian Premier League by the storm once the league starts. Aneke finally arrived in Egypt after attempt to take his game to Belgium, Germany and Russia failed to see the light of the day. Aneke signed for the Port Said side in the wake of the crisis that rocked Egyptian Premier League following the death of hundreds of fans early this year during the league game between El-Masry and Egyptian champions, Ahly. Players in Egyopt have yet to kick a ball since February since the league was indefinitely put on hold as they held talks for the resolution of the crisis. Aneke, record top scorer in the Nigerian Premier League with 20 goals, arrived at the wake of the resolution of the imbroglio which has yet to get resolved. The resumption of the new

season has suffered several postponements as fans of rival clubs threatened to disrupt the league, forcing clubs to intensify the pre-season preparations. The league was earlier scheduled to begin this season but was postponed again. Aneke told National Mirror the league may finally start on November 1. The former Warri Wolves hitman says he can’t wait for the league to kick off to show what he’s made of. “This is a total new challenge for me and I’m only eager to get into action but the postponements keep frustrating me,” Aneke began. “There’s nothing I can do about it but things must have to be put in place so that there will be a hitch-free season. “It’s a serious matter and we don’t have to joke about it. Most of the fans that died in the stampede were our fans and the shock still lives with everyone.

Joseph Yobo

cut to South Africa 2013. That was the central defence combination that Keshi played for the last match against Liberia. It will be recalled that injury also

accounted for the former Everton star’s shortened run at the 2010 Nations Cup in Angola as he had to leave the tournament to attend to the complaint. David Abwo

Musa favourite to win Player of the Month in Russia

Ahmed Musa

uper Eagles’ flying winger Ahmed Musa appears to be the most likely player to emerge the Best Player for the Month of October in the Russian Premier League. Musa is the frontrunner with 14 votes, followed by Alexander Kokorin with 11 points. If Musa wins the award as expected, he would replace Cameroun super star Samuel Eto’o as the best player in the championship. According to championat.com, CSKA Moscow winger Ahmed Musa, whose goal and assist gave the Army Men victory over Rubin Kazan, has been voted as the second best player in the Russian Premier League for the 12th round

of matches. Journalists, coaches and readers of the influential Russian football portal were asked to pick the best three players of last weekend. On the basis of the votes, Dynamo Moscow’s Alexander Kokorin was chosen as the best player of the last round. In second position is Nigeria international Ahmed Musa while Ivorian striker of Anzhi finished in third place. Ahmed Musa, 20, has scored three goals in his last three appearances for club and country. He’s currently among the top ten scorers in the Russian Premier League. He has thus far scored five league goals.

Abwo eyes Eagle’s chance

aglebin Lubin of Poland star David Abwo says he’s asking the national team selectors to hand him just a chance to show what he can do. The former youth international says he loves to follow on the footsteps of his school boy mates who have gone ahead to feature for the senior team. Abwo, who is spending his third season with the Polish top flight side, says he’s looking forward to handed an invite in one of the friendly games lined up for the Super Eagles ahead of the South Africa 2013 Nations Cup finals scheduled to begin on January 19.

“I think with my performance in the Polish League, I think I deserve to be given a look-in by the national team selectors,” Abwo said. “I have had fantastic spell with the junior team and I think I deserve to be in the senior team. My mates John Obi Mikel and Efe Ambrose have been regulars with the team now. “I’m really happy for them and I wish to join up with them in near future.” Abwo became fans’ favourite with the Polish side since he switched from Hungarian side, Lombard Papa three seasons ago.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, October 26, 2012

WORLD RECORD

Most expensive man-made object Vol. 02 No. 478

The most expensive man-made object is the International Space Station its final cost will be over $100 billion (£66.7 billion).

Friday, October 26, 2012

Diezani Allison-Madueke and media intolerance S ince she took the job in April 2010, one has been nursing this personal impression that the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Allison Madueke, was the best material for the job. I neither felt that way when she was appointed as transport minister in July 2007, nor when she emerged as the Minister of Mines and Steel Development in December 2008. What I gleaned from her curriculum vitae informed my feeling - she graduated from the Howard University, United States, in 1992; returned home and joined Shell Petroleum Development Corporation the same year; and by April 2006, she was appointed Shell’s first female Executive Director in Nigeria. My guess was that she would help right the wrongs in both the nation’s up-

WILL

FRIDAYS WITH Dozie Okebalama

dozieokeama@yahoo.co.uk 08164966858 (SMS only) stream and downstream oil sectors that are held hostage by secrecy, amid legendary corrupt practices and impunity. From the downstream, for instance, the country loses trillions of naira annually in frauds to some dubious Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) officials, like the recent fuel subsidy management probe by the House of Representatives; as well as official audit reports, have proven. How much liters of fuel Nigeria consumes daily is yet unknown. Some say between 31.5 million liters and 33 million liters per day; others put it at roughly 35 million liters, while the petroleum ministry and the NNPC say they import between 50 and 60 million liters per day. In other words, the nation has no official fuel consumption record, but relishes daily fuel importation. The story in the upstream is not different. Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, said recently that the NNPC has no proper record of daily crude oil production, whereas arbitrary benchmarks are routinely set in the country’s annual budgets based on crude production and price per barrel. Thus, some NNPC officials, with complicit joint venture partners, are also having a field day in the upstream oil sector, short-changing the Federal Government most of the time,

NO STRANGERS TO SUCH UNPROVOKED IMPERTINENCE AND INTOLERANCE BY PUBLIC OFFICERS if not all of the time. Indeed, NNPC’s corrupt exploits and ineptitude aside, it is public knowledge that the joint venture partners have remained the FG’s historical undoing in income generation from the upstream sector of the oil industry. One’s thinking, therefore, had been that with Allison-Madueke in the saddle, and being a woman who rose sufficiently enough in the Shell hierarchy to understand the rip-off tricks of joint venture partners - Shell being one of them and a very big fish at that, the FG will move quickly and decisively to demystify both the downstream and upstream sectors of the oil industry and inject transparency and accountability in all oil transactions. I had believed that Allison-Madueke braced up fully for the aforementioned challenges when she fronted the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), until reports said the FG deleted a provision contained

Sport Extra

w en’s Singles No.1 player, Kamil Capkovic of Slovakia has been bundled out in the quarter-finals of Futures 2 of the 2012 Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis Championship, but his Women’s Singles counterpart, Nina Bratchikova of

THE MEDIA ARE

in the older version of the bill which could force it to publish how much oil it pumps (crude produced) and all the accruals therefrom, from the new PIB now before the National Assembly. The same government had consistently promised to ensure transparency and accountability in the nation’s oil business. In response to the contradiction, a visibly excited and jubilant Group Managing Director (GMD) of the NNPC, Andrew Yakubu, was quoted as pledging to abide by the spirit and letter of the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act in all the Corporation’s operations purportedly to entrench a culture of probity and accountability. But the man that drew attention to the deleted portion of the bill, Pedro Van Meurs, who also consulted for the FG on the PIB, said: “I expect the petroleum industry to be happy. (But) I expect many Nigerians to be upset”. It was, therefore, not so surprising when the report came that Allison Madueke, at a recent outing in the Senate, tried spiritedly to stop newsmen from recording the verbal proceedings of her meeting with the Petroleum Resources (Downstream) Committee, and, in fact, seized and threw away a recording midget belonging to a Daily Trust reporter. That seemed the vintage Mrs. Diezani Allison-Madueke in action, despite all the lip service to oil sector transparency and accountability. What a misfortune? I feel terribly disappointed and sad that my impression about the minister was quite off the mark. But the media are no strangers to such unprovoked impertinence and intolerance by public officers. However, no matter how much they mouth democracy, FoI Act, zero tolerance for corruption, transparency, accountability, due process, etc., the terms will remain hollow without their tolerance of the media; and the media will remain undaunted in holding the government accountable for its actions - good, bad or ugly.

Gov’s Cup: Top seed, Capkovic, crashes Russia has qualified for the semi-finals of the ITF pro circuit. Capkovic was upset by number five seed, Spanish Enrique Lopez-Perez in straight sets of 6-3, 6-3. Per-

ez will face Kento Takeuchi of Japan while Italian Alessandro Bega will play against South Africa’s Ruan Roelofse. In the Women’s Singles, Bratchikova will face Con-

ny Perrin of Switzerland who beat Margarita Lazareva 6-2, 6-3 while Cristina Dinu will battle against Tadeja Majeric of Slovakia. Meanwhile, the final of

the Women’s Singles will start by 1pm tomorrow after which Governor Babatunde Fashola will play a 15 minute exhibition match by 2:30pm before the final of the Men’s Singles.

Fashola

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