Monday, April 8, 2013

Handing over of GENCOs, DISCOs may be postponed

Govs, others lament Ekiti Deputy gov’s death

Privatisation of power sector may suffer setback EXCLUSIVE

UDEME AKPAN AND MESHACK IDEHEN Nebo

Vol. 3 N0. 594

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he handing over of the 15 successor companies of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, being

privatised to new investors scheduled for May, this year may be postponed if the government fails to meet CONTINUED ON PAGE 6>>

Fayemi declares 7-day mourning period P.9,49

Olayinka

Monday, April 8, 2013

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L-R: Pastor, Grace and Glory Church, Bishop Jim Okewu; Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, National Mirror, Mr. Steve Ayorinde; Managing Director, NICON Luxury, Mr. Gabriel Olagbemi; Managing Director Energy Bank Ghana, Mr. Sam Ayininuola; Managing Director, Global Fleet Oil and Gas, Mrs. Bridget Henry-Iyasere; Mrs. Funmi Falana; Group Managing Director, Energy Group, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim; Special Guest, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN; Resident Director, Academics, Premier University of Sao Tome and Principe, Dr. Ossie Esiemokai; Managing Director, NICON Insurance, Mr. Emmanuel Jegede; Chief Executive Officer, Global Fleet Industry, Mrs. Bose Jinadu; Guest Lecturers, Dr. Amos Idowu and Prof. Taiwo Ajayi, during the opening ceremony of the 4th GMD annual PHOTO: OLUFEMI AJASA conference tagged: ‘The Corporate Manager and The Burden of Crises in Turbulent Times’ held at the Grandmaster Midwest Hotel in Dubai, yesterday.

ACN accuses Presidency of plot to rig 2015 polls

AYODELE OJO AND ROTIMI FADEYI

...PDP says it’s not true

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igeria’s leading opposition party, the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, yesterCONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

THE

Sambo remains leader of the North –ACF

BUSINESS SECTION

CBN may sell N410bn bonds in Q2 ‘Efficient broadband services will check insecurity’ P.A7,A8

Free ree inside

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Dubai 2013: Business success requires courage, say Ibrahim, Falana

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Killing of 12 policemen:

MEND claims responsibility

Authorities raise panel to investigate attackP.5

NLC proposes N960bn housing estates for workers

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Monday, April 8, 2013

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Photo News

Monday, April 8, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

4TH ANNUAL GMD MANAGERS’ CONFERENCE, DUBAI 2013

Group Managing Director, Energy Group, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim(OFR) leading the delegates on their arrival at the Dubai International Airport.

Dr. Ibrahim at the opening session yesterday.

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, NICON Properties, Mr. Ayodeji Alonge; Managing Director/ Editorin-Chief, National Mirror newspapers, Mr. Steve Ayorinde and Managing Director, Air Nigeria, Mr. Akeem Babatunde.

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Sloane Communication, Mr. Sesan Ayeni; Guest lecturers, Prof.

Taiwo Ajayi and Dr. Amos Idowu.

L-R: Guest Lecturer, Prof. Ajayi; Dr. Ibrahim; Special Guest, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) and his wife Funmi.

L-R: Managing Director, NICON Insurance, Mr. Emmanuel Jegede; Managing Director, Global Fleet Oil and Gas, Mrs. Bridget Henry-Iyasere and Managing Director, Energy Bank, Sao Tome, Mr. Funsho Olaiya.

L-R: Managing Director, Energy Bank, Ghana, Mr. Sam Ayininuola; Bishop Jim Okewu of Grace and Glory Church and his wife, Dorcas.

Mr. Falana SAN (right) and his wife, Funmi.

L-R: Manager Accounts, Nicon Insurance, Abuja, Mr. Farouk Haliru; People and Facilities Manager, Global Fleet Oil and Gas, Mr. Akinkunmi John and Mr. Okeni Akintayo of Premier University of Sao Tome and Principe, at the conference.

Delegates at the conference.

PHOTOS: OLUFEMI AJASA

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Monday, April 8, 2013

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Killing of 12 policemen: MEND claims responsibility SAM OLUWALANA, EMMA GBEMUDU AND OLUFEMI OLARINDE

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he Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, yesterday claimed responsibility for the killing of 12 policemen in the Southern Ijaw area of Bayelsa State on Saturday.

MEND, in a statement sent to National Mirror, said it engaged some security forces in heavy gun duel in Azuzama Town, because its warning of planned attacks on oil facilities was dismissed by security forces.

The group warned that the attack was to show its seriousness to carry out its threat with more attacks.

The statement reads: “For dismissing Hurricane Exodus as an “empty threat” by the Nigerian security forces, heavily armed fighters from the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, at about 17:00 Hrs., Saturday 06, April 2013, intercepted and engaged government security forces in a fierce gunfight lasting over 40 minutes at Azuzama, Southern Ijaw, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

“The clash, which hap-

pened in the river left over 15 security forces dead as we also lost two of our fighters in the battle.

“We hope this encounter will serve as a lesson to the Joint Task Force, JTF, from making careless utterances that cannot be backed as we remain resolute in our resumption of hostilities.

“All oil companies and the public are advised to ignore the false sense of security been peddled by the JTF as well as the false comments from a ‘Comrade Azizi’, who claims to be the spokesman for the group. This person is not known to MEND, does not speak for MEND and his utterances and style do not reflect our plans and actions.”

Reacting to the group’s claims, the Media Coordinator of the JTF, Lt. Col. Clement Nwachukwu, confirmed that a group of militants ambushed some policemen on Saturday, adding however that no member of the JTF was killed in the attack.

“Some policemen heading to Oporoma in Ijaw South Local Government for the burial of the mother of someone nicknamed ‘Young Shall Grow’ were attacked by assailants when their boat developed a problem in the waterway.

“JTF troops, however,

came to the rescue of the survivors. The five sectors of the JTF covering the nine states in the region are on red alert.

“Our maritime and air assets have also been mobilised and we have intensified our patrols to dominate both land and waterways to checkmate any assailant.

“We will not permit any lawlessness that will jeopardise the peace in the region. We again call on all peace-loving and progressive Niger Deltans to dissociate themselves, their communities and leadership from this gang of ret-

rogrades parading themselves as MEND,” he said.

Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Kingsley Omire, said his command had begun investigation into the killing of the 12 policemen.

Omire said the investigation team was headed by an Assistant Commissioner of Police, Tuesday Asayamor.

The commissioner, who spoke with journalists in Yenagoa, the state capital, said the policemen were still missing and could not be declared dead until the final outcome of the search and rescue operations.

According to him, out of

the 50 policemen deployed in Azuzuama community, the 12 declared missing included two inspectors, four non-commissioned officers and six constables.

Omire said the policemen were ambushed by some aggrieved former militants when they were stranded on the river because of a fault in the engine of their speed boat.

He said: “Fifty policemen set out on the assignment to Azuzuama. On their way, one of the boats developed engine fault. A Joint Military Task Force gunboat was moving ahead

of them. They were isolated and became soft target.

“Intelligence report has shown that those involved in the armed attack were hoodlums within a former militants’ group supposed to be enjoying amnesty.”

The Police Commissioner denied claims that the dead officers were on illegal trip, noting that their deployment was authorized by him and done to provide security to high profile visitors expected at the burial ceremony of the late mother of an ex-militant leader, Kile Selky Torughedi a.k.a CONTINUED ON PAGE 50>>

L-R: Chairman of the occasion, Mr Bamdele Oki; President, Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Okey Wali (SAN) and Guest Lecturer, Chief Mike Ozekome (SAN), at the Regional Human Rights Summit in Ibadan at the weekend.

ACN accuses Presidency of plot to rig 2015 polls CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

day raised the alarm about plots to destabilise the electoral system ahead of the 2015 elections.

The ACN accused the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, of embarking on a clandestine move because it has “now realised that if indeed the 2015 elections are free and fair there will be no chance for the party.”

But, the Presidency described as false the allegation by the ACN. On its part, the PDP said it has uncovered plans by undemocratic elements to use the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the judiciary to discredit its leadership and destabilise the party.

And in Osun State, the ACN raised the alarm about the PDP’s plot to rig the 2014 governorship election.

Specifically, the ACN accused the Goodluck Jonathan-led administra-

tion of planning to throw the South-West into crisis through a pipeline surveillance contract awarded to a leader of a militant group in the zone.

“What is the way out for the PDP? The party has decided to go for broke: Either there will be no elections in 2015 or the polls will be conducted in an atmosphere of chaos, thereby paving the way for the PDP to do what it does best – rig the elections!” ACN said.

Addressing a press conference in Lagos yesterday, the National Publicity Secretary of the ACN, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, alleged that the PDP has perfected plots to destabilise the electoral process and the country ahead of the 2015 elections.

Mohammed said: “It is no longer a secret that the PDP-led Federal Government has failed the nation in all ramifications. In the provision of social ameni-

ties and standard infrastructure, ensuring the security of lives and property, provision of jobs for our teeming unemployed youths and generally ensuring better life for our people, the party that has presided over the affairs of our nation since 1999 has fallen short. To make matters worse, the party itself is imploding as a result of its own failings, and its tattered umbrella can no longer provide shelter from the elements for its increasingly disenchanted members.

“We make bold to say that the stand of the PDP is that having seen the handwriting on the wall, the party realises that it cannot win any free and fair elections in Nigeria in 2015. PDP and its stalwarts are therefore perfecting a sinister plan that will make free and fair elections impossible in 2015, or if at all the elections will be held, they will hold under curfew

to give the party the cover it needs to rig the polls. “ Also being considered is a plan under which emergency rule will be imposed on most parts of the country, following which elections will be put in abeyance, paving the way for tenure elongation. Instigation of violence in hitherto peaceful parts of the country is one of the means to achieve this plan.

“We are therefore alerting the good people of Nigeria as well as friends of the country around the world to closely monitor events as they unfold in the days ahead, along the lines that we have enunciated above.”

The party said that three recent events, all at the instance of the Federal Government, raised the red flag about the PDP plot in the 2015 elections.

The party cited the instances: A multi-billion naira contract has suddenly been awarded for the

protection of oil pipelines in the region; the main beneficiary of the contract has suddenly realised that the Unity Party of Nigeria, formed by the respected statesman Chief Obafemi Awolowo, is no longer in existence, and has thus decided to revive it; just about the same time, suspected Boko Haram members have been arrested in Lagos, specifically at a house belonging to the government of Bayelsa State.

ACN thus asked a number a number of questions: “What is the real intention of the Federal Government in awarding this oil pipeline protection contract? Is it a mere coincidence that the main beneficiary of the multi-billion naira oil pipeline protection contract is also the same fellow who is promoting the revival of the UPN? Could the huge contract have been meant to provide the seed money for the promoters of this

party?

“Is it true, as it is being alleged in certain quarters, that the essence of the contract is to recruit 30,000 youths who will ostensibly protect the pipelines, but in the real sense are ready hands to foment violence on demand in the SouthWest?

“Is it true that the socalled revival of the UPN is to provide a platform for anarchists and end-gamers in the South-West to infiltrate the ranks of the progressives and throw the region into chaos?

“Why is it that suddenly, Boko Haram suspects are popping up in Lagos, and some of those who have been arrested were residing in a building owned by the Bayelsa State government?

Is the Bayelsa State government aware of this and, if so, what has it done to evict them from the building?

Who are the ragamuffins CONTINUED ON PAGE 6>>

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News

Monday, April 8, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Handing over of GENCOs, DISCOs may be postponed CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

the expectations of labour unions, who have insisted on a bumper exit package.

The handing over of the firms was previously fixed for May this year when the bids were announced last November and the government has already set up transitional committees to oversee the completion of the privatisation of the electricity generation companies, GENCOs, and the distribution companies, DISCOs following the payment of 25 per cent of their bid value by the preferred bidders.

But investigations

showed that the May target may not be feasible as the Technical Committee established to work out the details for the payment of workers’ severance benefits has discovered some irregularities in data supplied by the PHCN. These included staff numbers, age, years of employment among others which has prompted the Committee to submit the documents to offices of the PHCN in different parts of the nation for re-validation.

The verification of the required data, it was learnt, may take a long time to accomplish, even though a

source in the Committee said members had resolved to complete work without delay.

Besides, government appeared to have underestimated the actual amount needed to settle the workers, a major bone of contention that is yet to be resolved.

The source, who estimated workers benefits to be about N600bn, however stated that it may take some time for the government, which had budgeted only N384bn, to raise additional funds through a supplementary budget, which has to be approved by the Na-

tional Assembly.

The Chairman of the Technical Committee of the National Council on Privatisation, NCP, Mr. Atedo Peterside, who expressed the willingness of government to settle genuine claims, told National Mirror that some of the claims were based on politics because some people were bent on stalling the privatisation process.

The Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, had last week reassured labour unions that all entitlements will be paid.

“Nobody takes over without settlement, workers are

Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio (right) presenting a plaque to the Ghananian President, Dr. John Dramani Mahama during a courtesy visit to Government House, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, yesterday.

ACN accuses Presidency of plot to rig 2015 polls CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

paraded by security agencies as Boko Haram suspects working for?

“Why have some people in the South-West been engaging in Boko Haram baiting in recent times, vociferously warning that if Boko Haram comes to the region, they will be crushed? Is it a coincidence that this Boko Haram baiting has become stronger since the oil pipeline contract was awarded?

“Who are the brains behind the continuous efforts to sabotage the merger of the progressives? Who bankrolled the tatterdemalions, the disreputable people who are parading themselves as African Peoples Congress? Only this morning (Sunday), it

was reported that a new group is trying to register APCN, in continuation of the sabotage attempts. And who are the real faces of the so-called ANPP stakeholders who have been making spurious claims concerning the All Progressives’ Congress (APC)?”

ACN said it will be keenly watching events as they unfold, either in the SouthWest or elsewhere. “After all, it is said that eternal vigilance is the price of liberty. In this regard, we call on all our supporters, all progressives and indeed all Nigerians to be vigilant.

We will also like to warn that no nation can survive a combination of ethnic and religious conflagration, and that those who will in-

stigate crisis to push a personal and selfish agenda risk being consumed by it,” Mohammed said.

However, the Presidency in a statement issued last night by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said the ACN Publicity Secretary tried to exploit real challenges confronting the nation by instilling fear in the populace through the use of unrelated events while hoping to use such patterns and trends to build a conspiratorial case.

Abati said the allegation fell quickly like a pack of cards when confronted with the facts, adding that there is an emerging pattern of disinformation and politics by trickery, orchestrated by

Lai Mohammed and his ilk which is unsuitable to democratic experience.

He said: “It is a fact that President Goodluck Jonathan has presided over major elections since his assumption of office – the 2011 general elections, the 2012 state gubernatorial elections in Edo, Kogi, Adamawa, Sokoto, Cross River and Bayelsa as well as other elections in different parts of the country; which were all adjudged by local and international observers as free, fair and peaceful.

“Indeed, President Jonathan’s commitment to electoral reforms, which is founded on the ‘one manone vote’ ethos underscores the administration’s beCONTINUED ON PAGE 50>>

Nigerians like us, TCN is 100 per cent owned by the government. There is no going to be lay-off, management is done through agreement, let no one fear, Manitoba Hydro International is under the Board of TCN which is under the Power Ministry,” he said.

On the status of GENCOs and DISCOs, the minister said: “The privatisation programme is on course as the preferred bidders have only paid 25 per cent. Because of the huge budgetary requirement to settle all workers, government will require them to pay up 75 per cent before final takeover,” he said at the meeting with union leaders.

Electricity workers have however insisted that the success of the sector’s reforms is hinged on the full payment of severance pay to the workers.

Speaking with National Mirror on the latest development, the President of the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies, SSAEAC, Mr. Bede Opara, said the association is not in agreement with the announcement by the Federal Government that N384bn will be used to settle the terminal benefits of workers of the PHCN. He said while the association has not officially changed its position of rejecting the government’s offer based on the amount of money earmarked for the payment of terminal and severance payment, the recent petition sent by the association to the Minister of Power, which sought to remind the government that labour only gave conditional support to the planned privatisation of the sector has remained unanswered.

According to him, the association sees the setting up of committees to oversee the activities of companies in the sector as a move by government to place the cart before the horse, particularly when pending and critical issues affecting the reforms, including those of workers have not been permanently and satisfactorily addressed.

Declaring however that both SSAEAC and its counterpart, the National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, are not opposed to the reforms, Opara pointed out that it is still PHCN workers that

will play strategic roles even after the reforms have been concluded, hence it would be definitely counterproductive if the workers are not fully disengaged, before being reabsorbed by the new companies that are willing to take them.

According to the SSAEAC president, the main grouse of the workers is that the salary scale used in computing gratuity is not PHCN’s salary scale as at June 2012, as agreed with the negotiation team under the leadership of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF. Also speaking in the same vein, the President of NUEE, Mr. Mansur Musa, said more consultations needed to have been done by the NCP, especially with the unions, before the announcement of the various committees that will oversee the DISCOs and GENCOs. Musa explained such consultation would have afforded the Federal Government opportunity to accept and process inputs from the unions, in order to avoid taking actions that may scuttle progress already made.

Also speaking, Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and General Secretary of NUEE, Mr. Joseph Ajaero, said negotiations between electricity workers and government have yet to produce an acceptable outcome for the parties involved, before this latest development.

He said it was important that the newly established committees ensure that it adheres to the new pension plan, which is the payment of 25 per cent that the workers have been contributing.

However, feelers from amongst members of SSAEC and NUEE indicate that majority of the workers are pleased with the latest development, as it would speed up the process of getting their “long awaited entitlements.”

Many of the electricity workers, who spoke to our correspondent, said they are happy that government have taken the bold step of setting up committee to oversee the DISCOs and GENCOs, activities, and that the development would also put to rest many of the speculations surrounding the fate of workers.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Monday, April 8, 2013

Business success requires courage, Ibrahim, Falana tell Energy Group managers SEGUN FATUASE AND OBIORA IFOH DUBAI

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roup Managing Director of Energy Group, Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim, OFR, and foremost human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, yesterday advised managers to overcome timidity if they want to succeed in the business terrain.

Ibrahim, while delivering a paper at the 4th Energy Group GMD Conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, told over 200 managers of the group that the secret to success lies in the ability to rise courageously to the many challenges that exist

in the business environment.

Citing global and local examples of businesses that floundered, Ibrahim noted that many chief executive officers failed simply because they lack the required courage to overcome challenges.

“It is not just about making the effort to run a company. Anybody who is timid (in taking business decisions) at this stage is just being foolish. Every effort, taken courageously, should lead to success. Corporate practitioners and leaders should strive to be successful but their efforts should always lead to success. That is our challenge,” he said.

In the same vein, Falana challenged the managers to

overcome timidity in taking business decisions. He said timidity is a dangerous phenomenon.

“When you are courageous, you are going to succeed. If you don’t engage in risks, you can’t succeed.

When we left school, some of us decided to pursue human rights but Ibrahim preferred money rights and today, he is a success story.

“I think with the success we are celebrating today, Ibrahim has shown that it does not take the Wisdom of Solomon to build a corporate empire. His business is a major success in our country today. Failure is not in his dictionary. The man has done it in the last 10 years and he

could not have succeeded without his managers,” Falana said.

Commenting on the leadership problem in Nigeria, Falana advised that Nigerians should always pray for their leaders to live up to their democratic responsibilities noting that it is just a few leaders wishing that things would not work well for personal benefits.

He said: “Please don’t curse our leaders, wish them well. Go back home and be committed to the transformation of the country. It is only a few that will work against the transformation but with people like you, in five years time, we would have a new country called

Nigeria.

“The development of Dubai coincided with that of Abuja. Both were built a little more than 30 years ago, but with little oil and dedicated leadership, they were able to transform this nation. But it is only in Nigeria that elected people are commissioning boreholes and cut tapes for two kilometres of road and inviting the Inspector-General of Police to the commissioning of cars.

The irony of it is that, here in the Emirates, there is no democracy. They are only Emirs but they are transforming the country.”

Speaking further on the

theme of the conference, ‘The Corporate Manager and The Burden of Crises in Turbulent Times’, Ibrahim identified companies that could not rise to the challenges because of timidity to include A & P, Bank of America, Bank of the North, Circuit City, Merck, Motorola and others.

According to him, some of the factors that led to their collapse include inability to manage success; lack of capable human and capital resources; denial of risk and inability to heed early signs of decline.

He added that most companies that have survived achieved such due to management discipline and ability to avoid pitfalls as well as investments in research and development.

I have no hand in immigration boss’ appointment –First Lady ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

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L-R: Secretary to Kogi State Government, Prof. Oluwagbemiro Jegede, Senate President David Mark; Senator Robert Ajayi Borroffice and his wife, and Hon. Ezekiel Adaji, during church’s thanksgiving service to mark the Senate president’s 65th birthday in Abuja, at the weekend.

irst Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, yesterday denied a report that she planned to use her influence to ensure the appointment and imposition of Aches Stephen Finibama as the Comptroller General of Immigration.

An online news portal had reported that some aggrieved staff of the Nigeria Immigration Service are protesting a plan to appoint a candidate with “questionable records” as the substantive Comptroller General of Immigration, alleging that the candidate enjoyed the backing of Mrs. Jonathan.

A statement issued in Abuja by her Special Assistant on Media, Ayo Osinlu, said that the First Lady had never and does not ever in-

tend to dabble into the appointment or removal of public officials, saying that it was clearly a matter of bureaucracy requiring the detailed skills of appropriate technocrats.

Osinlu said: “The First Lady has no knowledge of the appointment process at the Immigration Service, and therefore could not have planned to influence any such, she does not even know Finibama.”

Meanwhile, the First Lady has expressed sadness over the death of the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Fumilayo Olayinka.

She said that it was painful that Mrs. Olayinka died at the prime of her life.

She prayed God to grant her family and the Ekiti State Government the grace to pull through the mournful period.

SANs differ over CJN’s power to head National Judicial Council, FJSC KENNY ODUNUKAN

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ive Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) have disagreed over the competence of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Aloma Mukhtar, to preside over both the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC).

The SANs, who spoke with the National Mirror, canvassed divergent arguments on why the CJN should continue or cease to be the chairman of the two major highest

organs of the judiciary in the country.

Chief Felix Fagbohungbe (SAN) said a situation whereby the CJN heads both the NJC and FJSC could bring about abuse of powers.

He said: “What I find irreconcilable is for the CJN to be the Chairman of NJC and at the same time be the Chairman of Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC).

“The reason for that is that the FJSC will recommend to NJC, that means that as the head of FJSC, you will recommend to yourself also as the head of NJC. As far as I am concerned, there is no fairness in that. You can

abuse the structure as a result of those twin responsibilities. I think the government should appoint Justices of the Supreme Court or other eminent jurists to head the Federal Judicial Service Commission while the CJN can be the Chairman of NJC .With that, there will be separation of power and check and balances will be put in place.’’

Mr Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) shared Fagbohungbe’s view.

He said the appointment of different personalities to preside over the offices would foster independence.

Oyetibo said: “As far as I am concerned, we should

opt for the best practices and the best practice is that a different person should head the Federal Judicial Service Commissions (FJSC) while the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) heads the National Judicial council (NJC) “It will be in the best interest of our judiciary and it will foster its independence.

The best practice is that one person recommends from the office of the FJSC and another approve from the side of the NJC.” In the same manner, Mr. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) aligned with this position.

He said: “My candid view is that different persons

7

should head both offices.

The constitution ought to be amended to ensure that the former CJN heads FJSC while serving CJN serve as the head of NJC. That is the practice in Canada and many other advance countries.’’

But Mallam Yusuf Ali (SAN) disagreed with his colleagues. He reasoned that “those who are advocating for the offices to be headed by different persons should give us alternatives. The question is what alternatives they have?’’

He said: “I have always told people that it does not matter the kind of people

you put in those offices, it is the character of people that matters not the responsibilities they are saddled with.

“If you assign an angelic being to do the work of devil, you will be surprised he will do the work of an angel.

In like manner, if you assign to a devil the work of an angel, he will also do the work of the devil, so it is with the people placed in the position of power. It is the character that really matters.

“Rather than look for alternatives, we should seek to proffer lasting solution which is searching for men of character, Integrity and uprightness of heart.”

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News

Monday, April 8, 2013

No decision yet on NECO, JAMB –Minister IJEOMA EZEIKE ABUJA

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inister of State for Education, Mr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has described as speculation, the proposed scrapping of the National Examination Council, NECO, and the restructuring of Joint Admissions and Matriculation, JAMB. This, Wike said, was because the White Paper on the Orasanye Committee was yet to be released and considered by the Federal Government.

The minister, who spoke in Abuja at the weekend, pointed out that when the White Paper was eventually released, it would be dispassionately considered by the Federal Government and a decision that would promote the education sector would be taken.

Wike noted that the Federal Government would consider all the pros and cons of the position of the White Paper before taking a decision.

He assured Nigerians that the Federal Govern-

ment was committed to the development of education, pointing out that since President Goodluck Jonathan assumed office, the sector had undergone progressive transformation.

The minister said the Jonathan administration had invested in the development of educational infrastructure across the country to ensure that less privileged children had access to quality education for the overall development of the country.

He added that the Federal Government had completed 70 per cent of special schools for the Almajiris, the special girl-child schools and the library projects.

Wike, however, said that the Federal Government was committed to the 100 per cent of the schools.

He added that the Jonathan administration would continue to take steps to build the infrastructure of the education sector, while improving the capacity of the teachers to enhance the overall quality of education available to Nigerians.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NLC proposes N960bn housing estates for workers

OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

T

he Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and a private property developer, Kriston Lally, have initiated a move to build N960 billion housing estates for Nigerian workers.

The NLC Acting President, Mr. Promise Adewusi, and the Group Executive Vice-Chairman of Kriston Lally, Mr. Mustapha Madawaki, at the weekend signed the agreement which will bring the hous-

ing projects in Abuja into reality.

According to Adewusi, the plan is to build affordable houses for all willing NLC members, whose figure is put at eight million.

He said: “We, as a labour movement, are worried about the 40 million housing deficit that exists in the country as revealed by a United Nations study.

“This collaboration with Kriston Lally Nigeria Limited is to ensure a good number of our members have decent roofs over their heads.

“The project is expected

to cost about $6 billion or N960 billion. We consider the interest rate of the total amount of the property spread over 15 years as very attractive and well below what is obtainable in the mortgage environment.”

Adewusi said the step would clearly prove wrong the erroneous belief that trade unionists were only known for trouble making.

He explained that the NLC land in Nasarawa State and in other states would be used for the project.

On his part, Madawaki said the houses that would

be provided include bungalows, two and three bedrooms, while the housing estates would also include construction of a four-star hotel with a 180-guestroom capacity.

He said: “The opportunity is opened to any member of the NLC. Beneficiaries are expected to pay a minimum 10 per cent of the cost and then pay the rest spread over 15 years’ period.

“All interested persons should do is to pay at any branch of Zenith Bank and we will take over the process from there.”

Nollywood honours Esiri with wake, no-work-day TERH AGBEDEH

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s the remains of the veteran Nollywood actor, Justus Esiri, make the final journey on Friday, the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria, AGN, said it would honour him with a wake keep this evening.

Its National Secretary General, Mr. Yakubu Mohammed, who disclosed this in a telephone interview, said the AGN would be hosting the wake in conjunction with the rest of the guilds in Nollywood.

He said: “Not only that, a no-work-day will be declared on the day he will be buried on Friday, April 12.

What that means is that no production will take place in Nollywood on that day.”

The event, according to him, will begin at 5p.m. today at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos by Ojez Restaurant.

Meanwhile, the family

of the late veteran actor had earlier released burial arrangements for the man nicknamed the ‘Village Headmaster’, who died on February 19 due to complications from diabetes.

Esiri’s son, renowned photographer George Esiri, told our correspondent that his father would be buried at his residence in Abraka, Delta State on Friday.

According to him, another wake by the family will take place on Tuesday, April 9 at The Church of Ascension, Catholic Church, by the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, while there will be a commendation mass on the morning of April 10 at the same venue.

He said: “We will fly the body to Warri on April 10, and on April 12, there will be a church service and lying-in-state at the Polo Turf in Abraka. From there to his residence for interment.”

Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade (left) and the Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Isaac Adewole, briefing the monarch on the forthcoming 50th coronation anniversary of the Emir of Kano and Chancellor of the university, Alhaji Ado Bayero, in Ile-Ife, Osun State, at the weekend.

Police invite Leadership editor, journalists … over alleged presidential directive on opposition

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he Police yesterday invited an editor and two correspondents with Leadership newspaper over a story titled: “Outrage trails presidential directive on Tinubu, APC.” The paper’s Group News Editor, Tony Amokeodo and two correspondents, Chibuzor Ukaibe (Abuja) and Taiwo Ogunmola Omilani (Lagos) were to appear today at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

They were invited through a letter dated April 7, 2013, signed by Danmallam Mohammed, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Admin) for the Deputy Inspector Gen-

eral of Police, DIGP, ‘D’ Department, Force Criminal Investigation Department, FCID, Abuja.

According to the invitation marked CR: 3000/X/FHQ/ABJ/ VOL/49/34, the trio are to report by 10a.m. before Mohammed.

The letter which was addressed to the Chairman, Leadership Group Limited, states: “This office is investigating the circumstances leading to your front page publication titled: ‘Outrage trail presidential directive on Tinubu, APC’ and a subtitle captioned ‘bromide of the presidential directive.’

“The publication,

which featured in your Wednesday, April 3, 2013 edition, was reported by the trio of Messrs Tony Amokeodo, Chibuzor Ukaibe and Taiwo Ogunmola-Omilani.

“Based on our facts finding efforts, you are hereby requested to release the above mentioned reporters to interview the Deputy Inspector General of Police, D’ Department, FCID on Monday, April 8, 2013 at 1000hrs through the undersigned.

“Note that it is your civic and corporate responsibility to assist police investigation by honouring its invitation in the interest of justice and

due process.”

In a statement made available to National Mirror last night, the Managing Director of the newspaper, Mr. Azubuike Ishiekwene, confirmed the receipt of the letter.

He said: “In response to rapid-fire denials by presidential spokesmen, Okupe and Abati on Thursday, LEADERSHIP published the bromide of the presidential directive, provoking a raft of police visitations on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

“Today, Sunday, we received the invite below and intend to honour the request by 10am, tomorrow.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Monday, April 8, 2013

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Police beef up security in Ekiti over Deputy gov’s death ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

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ollowing the death on Saturday of the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Mrs. Funmilayo Olayinka, the Ekiti State Police Command yesterday deployed its men in strategic positions in the state capital to forestall the breakdown of law and order.

This followed pockets of protests witnessed in the early hours of yesterday by youth members of the Famuagun family of the late deputy governor in Ado Ekiti, over the circumstances surrounding her death.

The protesters, who made bonfires and barricaded the roads leading to the Igbehin area family house of the late Olayinka at Post Office and Atinkainkain ends in the state capital, were of the view that the nearby Oja Oba Market should be shut down in honour of the late deputy governor.

However, spokesperson of the police in the state, Mr. Vic-

•Okonjo-Iweala, Olumilua, Soyinka, ACN, PDP react tor Babayemi, said the youth only staged a procession in recognition of the virtues of the late deputy governor, adding that the state police command consequently drafted its men to the scene to prevent trouble makers from taking advantage of the situation to foment trouble.

Sympathizers massed at the residence of her elder brother, Chief Olusegun Famuagun, the Sasere of Ado Ekiti, at the Isato area of the city yesterday to commiserate with the family, Among the early callers at the Famuagun family house yesterday was the state governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who rushed back to the state from Lagos following the death of his deputy.

Amid tears the 81-yearold mother of the deceased, Mrs. Adetutu Grace Famuagun, was said to have asked the governor rhetorically, “Kayode, where is Funmi?

Kayode, where is Funmi?”

Olayinka, who died at the

age of 52 after a protracted battle with cancer, is survived by aged parents, husband and three children.

Other early callers included the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, state Chairman, Chief Olajide Awe, Information Commissioner, Mr. Tayo Ekundayo, Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board, UBEB, Chairman Prof. Modupe Adelabu and the Provost of the College of Education, Prof. Francisca Aladejana.

Awe, in tears, said: “It will be very difficult for us to believe she is dead. She came to add glamour to the politics of the state. She added a lot of interest that actually made us triumph.

“She acted as a mother whenever we were in a difficult situation. She was not just a deputy governor, but everything to us. She made tremendous contribution to

the success of the party and she was a pillar of support for the government. It pains us as a party, we never contemplated it, but who are we to blame God?” he queried.

Sympathizers also besieged the Government House at the Oke Bareke area of the metropolis to condole with the governor and the state government.

Among the early callers was the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Finance Minister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who was billed to attend a youth symposium at Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort yesterday morning.

Okonjo-Iweala, in the condolence register opened at the Government House said; “It is with great regret and a deep sense of loss that we learnt of the passing on of our beautiful, intelligent sister, the

deputy governor. She was a true representative of the Nigerian women.”

Former Governor of old Ondo State, Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua, described the late deputy governor as “a rare gem. She will be missed by everybody because she was very solid. Her death is a great loss to the whole state.

According to the former governor, she was a good deputy governor and a good ambassador. We were sure of solid representation when we nominated and elected her. And we got exactly that.”

Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Dr Adewale Omirin, who said everybody would miss Olayinka for her pleasant disposition, described her as supportive to the government, party and the state.

According to the Speaker; “As a medical doctor, I knew her condition was hopeless,

but I never knew it could be so soon.”

To the Secretary to the Ekiti State Government, Dr Ganiyu Owolabi, her death “is a great loss to the people of Ekiti State and a great loss to humanity.”

The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state, Mr. Makanjuola Ogundipe, described the deputy governor’s death as a great loss to Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State and Nigeria at large.

Ogundipe, in a statement by his media aide, Mr. Femi Omolusi, said the late deputy governor was “a woman of high reputation and someone passionate about the development of the state.”

The opposition party leader prayed that God would give Olayinka’s immediate family members the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Ex-Oyo SSG flays police over refusal to grant him protection KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

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ormer Secretary to the Oyo State Government and Accord Party, AP, chieftain, Mr. Ayodele Adigun, yesterday berated the state police command for refusing to grant him protection even as he raised fresh alarm over threats to his life.

He expressed dissatisfaction with police investigation into the assassination attempt on his life which led to the death of his guard, Mr. Olusanya Olapade.

He made the accusation against the police while speaking with journalists at his Akobo, Ibadan, residence, saying that the command has refused to grant him protection despite his letter to the state commissioner of police.

It will be recalled that Adigun’s house was invaded by assassins on March 27, 2013 while he was on a political assignment in Ekiti State during which his guard was murdered.

He said the family of the deceased is crying for justice, wondering why nobody has been arrested despite his naming some people in the petition he wrote to the police.

At an emotional laden ser-

vice, late Olapade was buried last Friday after a church service at Saint Paul’s Anglican Church, Yemetu, where mourners called on security agents to ensure that the killers are apprehended and brought to book.

Adigun, who said the assassination attempt on his life has shown that security in the state is still parlous, maintained that his life is still in danger.

His words: “I am not too satisfied with the police because up till now the police have not made any arrest despite the fact that I gave names of those I suspected. I suspected foul play as I don’t do business with anybody and I don’t have business dealings.

“I have been fastidious with my Accord Party revitalisation. The government of the day has been very intolerant of criticism. The deceased has worked for me for 12 years and I cannot sacrifice his life in the name of politics. They should not introduce strange thing into politics.”

Adigun while urging the police to expedite action on their investigation and bring the culprits to book lamented that if the killers are not arrested, many lives may be threatened in the state.

The choir of the Apostolic Faith performing during the 2013 Easter Service held at the Osun State Goverment House, Oke Fia, Osogbo. inset is Governor Rauf Aregbesola and his deputy, Mrs Grace Titilayo Laoye-Tomori, reading the Holy Bible during the service.

Fayemi declares 7-day mourning for late deputy

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kiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, yesterday declared a seven-day mourning period in honour of the late deputy governor of the state, Mrs. Funmilayo Olayinka.

The governor said: “In a reflection of the mood of our state at this trying moment, a period of seven-day mourning shall commence from this moment during which all flags in the state will fly at half mast. During this period also, all state official ceremonies will be suspended.”

Fayemi said in a statewide broadcast yesterday that “condolence registers have been opened in the Governor’s and Deputy Gov-

ernor’s offices, Government House, the state House of Assembly, her residence and the liaison offices in Lagos and Abuja.”

The governor said the deputy governor would be “particularly remembered for overseeing the birth of a new brand identity for the state; restoring the dignity and honour of our people and bequeathing brand identity icons that have become unifying forces among our people regardless of age, gender, or socio-political leanings.

“Her unique legacy is that active participation and high achievement in politics and governance should not

exclude women; this is particularly instructive in our society today as we pursue inclusion in every sector of national life,” the governor said.

Fayemi lamented: “This is indeed a trying period in the life of our dear state.

We have been aware of the health challenges of our deputy governor which culminated in the government issuing a statement a month ago when she commenced a sick leave during which we requested that you remember her in your prayers.

“In the course of her ailment, she battled gallantly and availed herself of the best medical services within

and outside Nigeria. In all of these challenges, I was of the belief that because of her courage and determination to live, she would pull through her health challenges. But man proposes and God disposes. She lost the battle,” he said.

The governor, who said he was pained by the death of the deputy governor, described her as “my ready partner in our collective quest to develop our dear state. As my dependable ally in the struggle to free Ekiti, she was a consistent bulwark of support, especially through the period of the judicial struggle to reclaim our mandate.”

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South West

Monday, April 8, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Agbaje attributes GTB’s strong results to customer loyalty JOHNSON OKANLAWON

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hief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje, has attributed the strong results posted by the banks for the financial year to customer loyalty.

Speaking to a group of journalists, just days after the bank published its audited 2012 results, Agbaje stressed

that no organisation in the world could be profitable if its customers did not believe and support its vision.

“There is a direct relationship between a company’s level of profitability and public perception about its brand. When people see a brand as a valued partner, they continue to do business with it, which ultimately translates to profitability. Companies on the other

hand have a responsibility to ensure their customers are satisfied at all times and treated with respect. This knowledge is the base rock upon which our 2012 performance is hinged’, he said..

GTB posted profit before tax of N103bn on improved gross earnings of N221.9bn translating into a 69 per cent rise in profit after tax from N51.7bn to N87.3bn The bank closed the

2012 financial year with an On-Balance Sheet size of N1.73trn up from N1.608trn a year ago, while total assets and contingents stood at N2.26trn, up from N2.14 trn in 2011 representing a growth of 8 per cent and 6 per cent respectively.

Additionally, the bank’s stance as an upstanding social citizen and commitment to full disclosure was evidenced by its 2012 tax li-

abilities, which came to over N16.3bn, while total dividend payment for the financial year is projected at N45.6bn or N1.55 per share Agbaje confirmed that the bank would continue to introduce products and alternative channels that will allow the public to undertake their banking activities quickly, safely and conveniently.

GTB was established in 1990 and is regarded by In-

dustry watchers as the best run financial institution within the Nigerian financial services space, due to its bias for world class corporate governance standards, excellent service quality and innovation.

The bank operates from over 200 branches within the country and has banking subsidiaries in Cote D’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom.

Taskforce begins patrol of BRT lanes with cameras today MURITALA AYINLA

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orried by the alleged constant abuse of dedicated BRT lanes by private vehicles and military personnel, the Lagos Taskforce on Environment and Special Offence Enforcement Unit will today begin monitoring of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lanes with cameras.

The state government has, therefore, initiated move to prosecute erring motorists, just as it provided four patrol vans and digital cameras to capture images of erring vehicles and arrest traffic offenders.

Speaking with National Mirror, the task force chairman, Mr. Bayo Sulaiman, said that the government initiated the move to curb constant abuse of the BRT lane.

Sulaiman, however, said 30 hoodlums and three traders were arrested at the weekend in Ketu and Iyana-Ipaja area of the state for constituting nuisance.

He said the hoodlums were arrested following a tip-off by members of the public, adding that the traders’ goods were also confiscated.

Sulaiman said: “Although we carry out our routine raid on daily basis, but these boys are said to be responsible for robbery and raping in Tipper Garage and Iyana-Ipaja area.

Henceforth, we shall continue to raid those trouble spots. You will recall that we just arrested those terrorising unsuspecting commuters in Oshodi. We will not rest until crime is fully curtailed in Lagos”.

He added that those arrested would be arraigned in court.

According to the task force chairman, the confiscated goods are perishable and would be given to the Orphanage Homes and charity organisations.

On the motorists who ply the dedicated BRT lanes, Sulaiman stressed that with the new strategy, it would be difficult for any traffic offender to escape prosecution.

Ondo to domesticate National Building Code HAKEEM GBADAMOSI AKURE

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lans are underway by the Ondo State Government to domesticate the National Building Code designed by Governor Olusegun Mimiko when he was appointed Minister of Housing and Urban Development.

Speaking at the weekend in Akure, a member of the implementation committee, Dr. Igbekele Daodu, said the state government decided to set up the committee to implement the building code following the successful hosting of the Nigeria Institute of Architects’

quarterly dinner in Akure recently.

Daodu, who was a former Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development in the state, said that the implementation committee was headed

by Prof. Niyi Okedele of the University of Lagos.

According to him, members of the committee are seasoned engineers, architects, estate surveyors, town planners and environmentalists, among others.

The former commissioner said the implementation committee was constituted to ensure compliance with the laws associated with erection of structures.

L-R: Principal partner, Cranes and Ladders, Mr. Tosin Olukoga; TV presenter, Billboard Nigeria, Bisola Aiyeola and Chief Executive Officer, Cranes and Ladders, Mr. Ebun Roberts, at the unveiling of the Eko Festival of Kites in Lagos, at the weekend.

PHOTO: YINKA ADEPARUSI

Nigerians may demand revolution –Amaechi ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

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ivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has expressed the fear that the seeming government’s failure to provide jobs for the people may result in the unexpected.

Amaechi said: “If we do not provide means of livelihood for the people, they will provide means of livelihood for themselves illegally”.

The Rivers State governor spoke at Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort at the weekend during a programme tagged: “The Nigeria Sympo-

sium for Youth and Emerging Leaders,” organised by The Future Project.

He said: “The country produces much wealth, but it is in the hands of a few. If we do not do things right, Nigerians will demand revolution”.

The governor, who advocated good governance as recipe to the problems of the nation, added: “The problem is about the system. If we reform a bit, things will be okay”.

Amaechi, who had been having running battle with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership, said that he was being haunted as Governors’ Forum Chair-

man because of his stance on excess crude account and the Sovereign Wealth Fund.

The governor explained that he took the radical position on behalf of NGF that each state should be allowed access to those funds rather than for the Federal Government to take possession on their behalf.

The governor had vehemently opposed the Federal Government over the deduction from the excess crude account and championed a legal battle over the Sovereign Wealth Fund where he advocated access of each state to the funds directly.

Speaking earlier, Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi asked the youth to be tolerant and courageous to always fight for good governance.

He also told them to prepare to pay any price to achieve socio-economic emancipation of the people.

The governor advised youth not to be disenchanted by the misdemeanour of the few charlatans, who found their ways into positions of leadership, saying they should always embrace leaders with clarity of vision and who display confidence and competence in governance.

Measles on the prowl, Lagos warns mothers, care-givers MURITALA AYINLA

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he Lagos State Government advised mothers and caregivers to be vigilant and report any suspected case of measles to the nearest health facility.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, told journalists that the advice became necessary because of the reported outbreak of the disease in some states.

He warned resident to

avoid staying in overcrowded places, just as he called on mothers to embark on measures that would reduce the risk of their children contacting this disease.

Idris listed the measures to include exclusive breastfeeding of babies for the first six months of life before introducing complementary feeding and taking of children for routine immunisation.

The commissioner also advised mothers to ensure the administration of Vi-

tamin A from the age of six months and keep sick a child at home.

Stressing measles is contagious, Idris urged mothers or caregivers to immediately take a suspected measles patient to the nearest health facility for assessment and confirmation.

He explained that the disease is usually contacted when a person breathes in the tiny drops containing measles germs from the nose and mouth of an infected person when coughing or

sneezing.

The commissioner added that it could also occur when one comes in contact with materials and objects which have been soiled with the secretions from such an infected person.

Idris said: “Signs and symptoms of suspected measles include high fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. The appearance of whitish spots in the mouth and rashes that spreads from the head to the rest of the body strongly suggests measles.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South East

Monday, April 8, 2013

Igbo leaders deliberate on Achebe’s burial NGOZI EMEDOLIBE AND DENNIS AGBO

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olitical and cultural leaders in Igboland yesterday commenced deliberations on the burial of the late literary icon, Prof. Chinua Achebe.

The leaders, who commenced the discussions in Enugu said that no decision has been reached on the burial of the renowned novelist.

Four out of the five governors of the South-East who met with other Igbo leaders behind closed doors also re-

•Kinsmen await burial programme ceived a report of the 11-man committee set up by the leaders to look into the remote and immediate causes of the post-election crisis rocking the leadership of the apexIgbo socio-cultural organisation, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, who briefed journalists at the end of the meeting which took place at the Enugu State Government House and attended by governors of Abia, Theodore Orji; Enugu, Sullivan Chime; Ebonyi, Martin Elechi; the Secretary to the Govern-

ment of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, Senator Uche Chukwumerije, Chief Anagha Ezeikpe, Eze Agom Eze, MAO Ohuabunwa, Senator Ben Obi, among others, that the meeting deliberated on three issues.

The three issues he said included the crisis in Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Achebe’s burial and another that bothered on the security and general infrastructure in the South-East.

On Achebe, Obi said the

meeting could not fix the date for the burial of the late literary icon because of the need to consult with relevant stakeholders.

“We need to reach out to all the stakeholders, including President Goodluck Jonathan, the people of Ogidi, his hometown in Anambra State, the various states in the South-East. The essence of this is to ensure that everybody is carried along,” he said.

He, however, assured that the burial will involve the people of the Igbo nation.

On the Ohaneze crisis, the governor said the South-East leaders would take a critical look at the report of the Senator Ben Obi’s committee with a view to ensuring that peace returned to the organisation.

Meanwhile, Achebe’s his kinsmen are still awaiting the official programme announcing his burial rites.

Although this is normal considering Achebe’s status in the society and the need to avail him a befitting burial, the official programme and a burial committee expected to be constituted by the Anambra State government

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have not been put in place.

His kinsmen in Lagos under the umbrella of Ogidi Town Union have however opened a condolence register at the Town Hall located at FESTAC Town, Lagos, where mourners who wish to commiserate with the town for the loss could go to write their condolences.

According to Nollywood actor and Senior Special Adviser to the Anambra State Governor on Creative Media, Bob Manuel Udokwu, the response has been immense in consonance with the larger than life image Achebe depicted while alive.

Group offers free performance training for residents DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

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Standing from L-R, Msgr. Ike Obiorah, Senator Ben Obi; National Secretary, Nigeria Civil War Veterans, Colonel Ray Nnaji (rtd); Enugu State Chairman of the association, Rev. Anthony Aniele and Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, with war veterans at St. Leo Catholic Church, Enugu, yesterday

Abia govt woos investors in oil sector

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bia State government has urged investors, especially multinational organisations, to avail themselves of its business-friendly policies and peace and invest in the oil and gas sector of the state’s economy.

Commissioner for Petroleum, Chief Don Ubani, who made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Umuahia, said the government has provided the enabling environment for investments in the state.

He said the state government wanted more groups to invest in the critical sectors of the state to reduce the dominance of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria in petroleum business in the state.

Ubani said the Dutch

oil giant had enjoyed monopoly of exploiting oil and gas in the state, noting that it might have been the result of an agreement the defunct Eastern Nigerian government had with the company.

“I have the feeling that by the time oil exploration started in the then Eastern region during the colonial days, there were agreements reached between the government and SPDC. “Today, things have been liberalised,” he said, stressing that the state government was willing to enter into fresh negotiation with prospective investors in the downstream sector of the oil industry,” he said.

The commissioner lamented that in spite of the liberal policies and

regular assurances of the state government of cooperation with potential investors, “they often go away for one reason or the other.”

He said there were marginal oil fields and possibilities of new fields in the state waiting to be explored and exploited, adding: “They are there and if

Shell does not want to exploit them, others should.”

NAN reports that the government’s call for more oil investors in the state was supported by some traditional rulers from the oil-producing communities of Ozaa area, who urged the government to allow more investments into its oil resources.

management consultant group, AMPG Consult, an exclusive mind empowerment outfit has commenced trainings for public and private sector employees in Enugu State, aimed at giving them tools to achieving peak performances at work.

The training, which is part of the company’s corporate social responsibility, is aimed at achieving human resource development for optimum service delivery.

A Director in charge of education department in the organisation, Mrs. Abigail Okoro, had during her presentation explained that the free training exercise was informed by the low level of performance among the nation’s workers in various sectors.

Okoro’s words: “The sole aim of this training with the theme: ‘Maximizing your potentials in the workplace’ is to make people start embracing peak performance in their various places of work.”

She said the company was born with a view to contributing its quota towards the

development of the nation’s economy.

Participants were drawn from the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN; Coca Cola PLC, various state ministries, parastatals, and departments, among others.

One of the resource persons and immediate past Registrar of the Institute of Management and Technology, IMT, Enugu, Mr. Barth Ezea, said the training came at the nick of time when service delivery has become of utmost importance in an emerging competitive environment.

Ezea stressed that regular training and retraining of workers, especially those manning the human resource department in a private or public sector has become most desirable for employers of labour.

He further noted that as the driving force of any organisation, managers of human resource units in all outfits should be adequately empowered so as to enable them attain peak performance level “because effective human resource management is the key to high productivity in any organisation”

Community councils’ selection tears Imo apart CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

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he appointment of president-generals of town unions by the Imo State government is now tearing communities in the state into two as aspirants who failed to make the list of nominees have accused the state governor, Rochas Okorocha, of deviating from his earlier

stance to conduct election in the Community Government Council, CGC. Reports from different communities in the state showed that aspirants and residents are restive as they have threatened to drag the state government to court for swindling them of their hard earned money which they used to purchase forms in readiness for the election that was suddenly

canceled.

Many of the aspirants complained that they bought their forms between N10, 000 and N20, 000 with the hope that the government would allow the people to make their choice through election but were disappointed when the government resorted to selection.

In Umudibia Nekede Autonomous Commu-

nity in Owerri West Local Government Area of the state, residents are at each other’s neck following the selection of a youth leader that has been leader of the community for more than eight years.

The people are also kicking against the selection of a woman leader who is said to be bed-ridden, wondering how she will lead other women in her condition.

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South South

Monday, April 8, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

JTF part of illegal oil bunkering –Ex-militants EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA

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ome former militant commanders under the aegis of “Third Phase Amnesty” have said the Joint Military Task Force, JTF, was part of the incessant illegal bunkering activities in Foropa River, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

They accused the JTF of colluding with a militant leader in the area to sell stolen crude to large vessels.

In a statement made available to National Mirror yesterday in Yenagoa, leaders of the group, Commanders Ifalibabou and Ikpokutanyo, alleged that an oil vessel, identified as PAIBO 2, was currently loading stolen crude at a creek in Foropa under the supervision of security personnel deployed to the area.

The statement reads in part: “The engine of the vessel was bad that it was hidden in the creeks waiting to be repaired and taken away.

“Our leader, Gen. Keithy Sese, called the Central Naval Command and the JTF authorities in Yenagoa for the arrest of the vessel and stoppage of the bunkering in the territory.”

But when contacted, the JTF spokesman, Lt. Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, denied allegations that the officials of the security agency were

colluding to steal crude into vessels.

He said: “This is falsehood and distractions cannot stop the JTF from carrying out its mandate.

“Their hue and cry is as a result of the stepping up of our anti-oil heft and anti-illegal refineries operations.”

Nwachukwu said the JTF had just stormed Okpomakiri community where the youths were indulging in illegal activities, “and we cannot condone it simply because they claim it is their God-given blessing and at their backyard.”

The spokesman said the JTF would not be deterred no matter the campaign of calumny against it.

However, the former militants alleged that some persons in Foropa conspired against Sese, saying he was arrested by the JTF on trumped up charges and demanded his immediate release.

They said Sese was being detained at JTF in Yenagoa, describing his continued incarceration as illegal and unacceptable.

The statement added: “Sese had survived an attempted assassination and kidnap. He decided to travel to his home, Foropa, where he considered safer because of the presence of the JTF in the community.

“On getting to Foropa territory, he discovered the booming activities of oil

Tackle illegal refineries, sea piracy, Dickson tells LG chairmen EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA

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overnor Seriake Dickson has called on the newly inaugurated eight council chairmen in Bayelsa State to combat sea piracy and illegal refinery operators in their domains.

Dickson, who made the call at in Yenagoa at the weekend, regretted that the problems were prevalent in Southern Ijaw, Nembe, Brass and Ekeremor local government areas.

The governor spoke shortly after the oath of allegiance was administered on the chairmen and their deputies.

He advised the chairmen to guard against the diversion of council funds for their private use and serving perceived political godfathers.

Over the years, council administration in the state has been fraught with corruption, truancy, crisis, and

lack of development in the hinterlands.

On March 23, the Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission, BYSIEC, conducted polls in the eight local governments where the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, won all the seats.

It was gathered that 12 political parties contested the council polls.

While urging the chairmen to work closely with their deputies and councillors to avoid rancour, Dickson enjoined them to reach out to their opponents who contested the election with them.

The governor urged on the chairmen to set up counterpart development committees to attract developmental projects to the communities.

Dickson said his administration would properly monitor council funds to ensure transparency and judicious use of money for projects.

L-R: Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan; his wife, Roli and Very Rv. Fr. Francis Akkhidue of St. Benedict Catholic Church, Ubiaja, during the presentation of award to the governor for his contributions towards God’s work, at the Patron’s Feast Day Award in Ubiaja, Edo State, yesterday.

Boko Haram: Amnesty won’t end terrorism –Group

Accelerate PIB passage, forum urges NASS

TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

AMOUR UDEMUDE

T

he Secretary General of the United Niger Delta Energy Development Security Strategy, UNDEDSS, Mr. Tony Uranta, said yesterday that amnesty to Boko Haram would not end terrorism in the country.

Uranta said UNEDEDSS, a coalition of all ethnic and political pressure groups in the Niger Delta region, was of the view that the Federal Government step was good, but could only be feasible if Boko Haram ended hostilities.

Addressing journalists in Lagos, he described the agitations and criticisms that have trailed the setting up of

theAmnesty Committee as uncalled for.

He said: “I am amused at the level of agitation over the Federal Government decision to set up a committee to work out modalities for a possible amnesty to Boko Haram.

“I find it laughable that otherwise discerning pundits equate this to the Federal Government granting Boko Haram amnesty.

“If I ponder over taking a wife, does that mean I am married? Who will be the Boko Haram that will dialogue with anybody? Has Al Qaeda ever dialogued?

“The United Nations has recommended Disarmament, Demobilisation and Rehabilitation, DDR, phases, an integral part of amnesty-

granting which must be preceded by armistice.

“Do you see any terrorist in Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, etc lining up to be biometrically registered? Can we not see that the terrorist threat to Nigeria is not merely a Nigerian-driven one?

“I see this whole Amnesty Committee issue as Federal Government showing putative goodwill, but I foresee the whole thing being an exercise in futility because of the fundamentals of this type of sectarian terrorism worldwide.

“I do not think the Federal Government is obliviously to this frighteningly sad reality, but I join every sane Nigerian to pray for an end to this wanton mass murders currently going on.”

Crisis brews at UBTH over appointment of ‘unqualified’ director SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN BENIN

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risis is brewing at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH, over allegations that the Chief Medical Director, CMD, Prof. Michael Ibadin, appointed an unqualified nurse as Acting Head of Nurses.

According to a petition signed by an Assistant Director of Nurses in UBTH, Mrs. Glory Igbinomwanhia, the development is threatening to disrupt the peace and tranquillity of the tertiary health institution.

The petition reads in part: “What we have now is the appointment of acting HOD/DDNS (Deputy Director Nursing Service) who is

not prima facie qualified to contest for the substantive position…

“We have nurses who are qualified with reference to the scheme of service and the possession of a Bachelor of Nursing Science degree in line with the position of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, NMCN.” It was gathered that the NMCN position was clarified in a letter dated June 30, 2009, signed by Mrs. O. A. Olanipekun, the Council’s Secretary General/Registrar, addressed to the Director of Nursing Services of state health ministries.

It was also learnt that the clarification letter was sent on request to the Delta State Ministry of Health, Asaba, where a similar matter was

recently handled.

The NMCN letter entitled; “Re: Request for Clarification on Allied Courses Relevant for Appointment into the Nursing Officer Cadre,” reads: “This is the position of the Federal Ministry of Health that any nursing officer without a degree in nursing cannot head any Nursing Department. Registered Nurses and Midwives who want to move to the Directorate Cadre, i.e.

GL 15, must have a first degree in Nursing.”

In his reaction to the allegations, Ibadin said the outgoing Deputy Director of Nursing Services, DDNS, for UBTH, Mrs. Stella Agbonwanegbe, retired on March 6, with her send-off party held at the end of the month.

ASABA

A

Niger Delta group, Izon-Ebe Oil Producing Communities Forum, has called on the National Assembly to expedite action on the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB. The group said any ‘undue’ delay in the passage of the bill would not go down well with the public, especially people of the region.

It also warned President Goodluck Jonathan against granting amnesty to Boko Haram members.

In a statement issued yesterday by its President, Moses Edougha, the group enjoined the lawmakers to put in more efforts for accelerated passage of the bill which the oil and gas producing communities and Nigerians stood to reap from bountifully.

He said: “We want to state that undue delay in the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill is creating mixed reactions from the public.

“While we commend the National Assembly in their dogged and erudite leadership in the pursuit of the PIB that has passed through second reading, we want to state and urge them to put in more efforts to accelerate the passage of the bill. The benefits of the PIB to the oil and gas producing communities and Nigerians are enormous.”

The president said the conditions outlined for acquisition of petroleum lifting licence were unfavourable to the region, adding that most oil blocks were acquired by Nigerians not from oil and gas producing areas and the Niger Delta region.

Monday, April 8, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

13

Politics

I’m not leaving PDP –Ahmed

14

Sambo remains leader of the North –ACF AZA MSUE KADUNA

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he Northern apex socio-political organisation, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), at the weekend stated that Vice-President Namadi Sambo remains the leader of the North.

The vice chairman of the ACF Board of Trustees (BoT), Ladan Shuni, stated this during an interactive session with reporters in

Kaduna.

Shuni said that the recent statement credited to elder statesman and former Minister of Agriculture, Sani Zango Daura, that Sambo is a powerless politician, who could not lead the North was one of the indications that the region wanted a disloyal vice president.

National Mirror had reported that some powerful Northerners have perfected plans to replace Sambo.

2015: We’ll use Akpabio’s template to campaign–Lagos PDP OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU

T

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has promised to adopt the good governance template of the Akwa Ibom State governor, Godswill Akpabio, in its campaign for the 2015 governorship election in Lagos State.

This was just as the PDP has described Akpabio as the best performing governor in the country and thus becomes the current best model of good governance for the PDP to flaunt in future campaigns.

This was the conclusion of the party, as contained in a press release, signed by its Publicity Secretary, Taofeek Gani, and made available to National Mirror after its recent visit to Akwa Ibom State.

The party has therefore planned to flaunt the monumental achievements of the governor during its campaigns, especially for the 2015 elections.

Gani said: “We shall proudly adopt the good governance of Akwa Ibom State in our 2015 campaign. Unlike the propagandist Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governors, it is true that very many PDP states are enjoying good governance; the example of Akwa Ibom State is indeed one of uncommon transformation.

“A state two times larger than the size of Lagos State, but with about 20 per cent of the Internally Generated Revenue in Lagos State, has been able to achieve a lot without plunging into avoidable debts.”

APGA youth leader sues Ikimi EMMANUEL ONANI ABUJA

T

he youth leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Ibrahim Carefor, has instituted an action at an Abuja High Court against a chieftain of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Chief Tom Ikimi, Carefor is praying the court for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendant from claiming or alleging that

APGA is part of the arrangements by some opposition parties to dissolve into the contentious All Progressives Party (APC).

Besides, the plaintiff wants Ikimi to retract a statement he was said to have made in the March 6 edition of a national daily.

He averred in his statement of claim, that his party was not part of APC, adding that the said statement has caused some measure of disaffection among the youths of the party.

Shuni, a former ambassador to Morocco during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’ s administration, recalled the era of Obasanjo and his vice president, Atiku Abubakar when the duo were always at loggerheads over national issues, saying that such political scenario would not augur well for the development of the country.

The former envoy and stalwart of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said Sambo should be

commended for being loyal to President Goodluck Jonathan over the years, adding that the Vice President had within a period of time carried out developmental projects in the North.

He said: “It is a pity that Daura is not very much aware of the various contributions Sambo has made to this country. May be people are expecting Sambo to do what the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar did under the administration of former President

Obasanjo by being always at loggerheads with his boss.

“I don’t know, may be Daura wanted Sambo to be briefing him on whatever he has done in terms of bringing peace and economic development to the North.”

Noting that “Sambo as the leader of the North has contributed a lot to the North,” the ACF chieftain said that he was aware of the roles played by the Vice President in bringing peace to the embattled region.

His words: “Sambo is the leader of the North, he is a leader of the PDP, he believes in the party. You don’t expect him to descend so low to campaign in his ward during elections, it is not his responsibility. It is his responsibility to campaign for the party in the entire country. So, it is not the fault of the Vice President if he did not deliver his ward at local government election, it is the fault of his supporters. After all he delivered the entire state to PDP.”

Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson (4th left); his wife, Rachael (3rd left); Deputy Governor, Gboribiogha Jonah (4th right) and Vice Chairpersons of five Local Government Areas shortly after they were sworn in at the Government House in Yenagoa, at the weekend.

ANPP accuses member of being sponsored to frustrate APC EMMANUEL ONANI ABUJA

T

he All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) has accused one of its members, Mallam Isah Bala, of being sponsored by those bent on frustrating the merger efforts.

Bala had last week in petitioned alleged that the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) had concluded plans to hijack the ongoing merger of major opposition parties.

But in a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Emma Eneukwu, yesterday, ANPP dismissed his claim.

The statement reads:

“The attention of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) has been drawn to media reports on Friday whereby a so-called ANPP stakeholder in Usuman ward of Bwari Area Council, by name Mallam Isah Bala, in a letter addressed to the National Chairman of our great party alleged that the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) was trying to hijack the merger of opposition parties, and then advised our party to withdraw from the ongoing merger plans. Yesterday, the same character published the said letter in a full page colour advertisement in a national daily.

“We wish to state categorically that if not for the

lone signature and particulars of Mallam Bala fully delineated in the advert, we would have ignored the initial media reports as the handiwork of some ghost political mischief-makers yet on another round trip to scuttle the progress All Progressives Congress (APC) is making as the emerging platform for the nation’s progressives. This is for the obvious reason that if the author were a true member of our great party, he would surely know the right channels to air his opinions and grievances to the party, and also the processes to deploy in advising the party leadership.

“We are confident to as-

sert that concerning party politics and ancillary best practices, the ANPP can hold its head high as an icon of internal democracy in our nation today. This is an intrinsic particular in all our membership and leadership from top to bottom; and this calls to question Mallam Isah’s motive in his present antics.

For sure, he is sponsored, teleguided and used by the same forces that have been doing all things possible to foil the merger of the opposition in Nigeria.

“Therefore, we dare these shadow puppet masters to show their face if they are not shamelessly imploding with blatant failure in their unpatriotic enterprise.”

14

Politics

Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed recently spoke on his alleged plan to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), granting of amnesty to Boko Haram and his administration’s programme during The Governor Explains. WOLE ADEDEJI, who monitored the interaction, brings excerpts.

Monday, April 8, 2013

I’m not leaving PDP –Ahmed Says ‘Kwara opposition not cerebral’

What informed your recent inspection of projects across the state and what were your findings?

At the beginning of every financial year we have a budget which is an articulation of programmes that we intend to spend the people’s money on. Once these projects have been contracted one, they need to be taken to completion.

We want to be sure that works are carried on the way they have been idealised for implementation. On the strength of that, once projects are going, there is a strong project monitoring team, a special adviser on infrastructure who also doubles as check and balance on developmental projects. We also need to see for ourselves to ensure that we get value for money. That is what informed our recent visits to various projects that are ongoing to ensure that we get value for money. Anywhere we go to we expect that contractors should have got the job to the level to which we have funded them. So far, we are happy with what we have seen. Our contractors are working accordingly and anywhere we expect to see things and they fall below our expectations, the contractor will be given a marching order.

That is as clear as a crystal.

There are reports that some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors including you were planning to dump the party. Also the ACN, CPC and ANPP in the state have accused the PDP in Kwara State of planning to hijack their party. What’s your take on that?

In Nigeria, we play politics with everything. First, there is no iota of truth that I am planning to leave the PDP. It does not make sense for me to leave the PDP for another party. PDP is the biggest party in Africa. Why would I be dumping a big party for a small party? It does not make sense to me personally. Why would I move from a national party to a regional party? As it is today, PDP is the biggest party in Africa and the only national party. Other parties are regional. And by the grace of God Almighty, it is the ruling party in Kwara State. So, there are indications why I will continue to remain in PDP. I will continue to strengthen PDP because it is the only fair platform today that has been able to manage its differences to a focal point. Other parties also have differences which have reduced them to the regional levels they are. They all started as national parties but shrunk to regional levels because they could not manage their differences.

I am not aware of any collusion going on in the state between either any opposition party trying to come together and being frustrated. I am not even aware that they exist in the state. Yes, we get pockets of press statements coming in from a group of people here and there, but largely they’ve not been very cerebral in their approach to what we are doing. We try to be very careful not to join issues on matters that are not affecting the people; on issues that are not approached from the angle that people should feel it should be approached. When it becomes too partisan or personal, we try to move away but when criticism become very constructive, we respect such. We take opinions and try to correct our stance because we do not have monopoly of wisdom. We are open to corrections from well meaning Nigerians who can suggest alternative ways by which we can deliver service. However, the issue that some people are trying to stop political associations in the State, I am not aware.

Recently, your administration embarked on demolition of structures in the state. What informed the decision of the government considering the economic situation?

People must comply with laws otherwise there will be anarchy. We have not stopped anybody from pursuing any meaningful, genuine means of livelihood but we cannot allow people to breach laws encapsulated in the laws of Kwara State in the name of trying to pursue economic activities. If we do that there will no law and order. The right of way is not designed for people to create shops for

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ahmed

use. Anything you need to do in the use of land, you must get approval from Town Planning Authority, anywhere in the world. If you don’t have an authority to execute or to create any project why do you do it? We are not stopping people from pursuing their livelihood but they must not contravene the law.

What assurance are you going to give Kwarans that the budget would be implemented to achieve at least 80 per cent implementation rate?

When it comes to the implementation of budgets you will know that I am a very strong proponent because I have been in charge of budget preparation in the state in the last eight years or more. I am very familiar with what should be encapsulated into the budget, especially what’s doable.

When we came in, we wanted to ensure that only what is feasible should be encapsulated in the budget and that is what we have done. I want to assure you that as projects are being implemented, they are being done as encapsulated in the budget. As long as the funds, designed to fund these projects are available, those projects would be carried out accordingly as stated in the budget.

The only constraint that we may have in executing the budget 100 per cent is the availability of resources as enshrined in the budget, largely coming in from the federation allocation. If the monies come in from federation allocation as projected, we will also spend it as projected. So long as the funds are coming in as we planned we will also execute as planned.

The issue of security challenge is bothering Nigerians and many people have suggested an amnesty for Boko Haram members, what is your take on this issue?

It is unfortunate in Nigeria that today we are faced with an unprecedented security challenge. I must commend the Federal Government in its effort to check all sorts of vio-

I WILL CONTINUE TO STRENGTHEN PDP BECAUSE IT IS THE ONLY FAIR PLATFORM TODAY THAT HAS BEEN ABLE TO MANAGE ITS DIFFERENCES TO A FOCAL POINT

lence whether in form of Boko Haram or attack on ethnic groups as we have in the clash between ethnic nationalities and nomads. We have some coming in form of kidnapping, attack on Federal Government installations such as crude oil pipelines etc. They require a very critical look.

Amnesty is very simple. What do we mean by amnesty?

It means that we should pardon those who have committed crimes against the state. That is what it means. Start with our brothers and sisters in the South/South. They had a grievance about degradation of their environment, largely from exploration and exploitation. On the strength of that, they felt that they needed something to make them feel part and parcel of the country, hence they tried to frustrate the lifting of crude oil. The Federal Government suggested amnesty for the militants at that time.

It could be recalled that when amnesty was suggested for the militants, it was vehemently opposed by Nigerians who asked why we should we give amnesty to those who have wilfully taken up arms to destroy Federal Government and oil companies’ installations? However, it became clear that the path to amnesty was a possible path to peace because the whole essence was to achieve peace. When there is peace, then we can talk about justice. When we talk about justice we can now talk about equity.

Peace has to come first. As we have it today, there is an insurgence of an Islamic group in the North in the name of Boko Haram. We all know that it has nothing to do with Islam because for those of us who are Muslims we know very well that there is nothing that they preach that is in consonance with the tenets of Islam. Everything they stand for negates the very principle and policy of Islam.

However, they have engaged in wanton destruction of lives and property of innocent Nigerians. The question is: how do we arrest this situation? What were the problems that led these young men in taking up arms along with non-Nigerians to create havoc on our people? Destroying everything we stand for, trying to create problems that could probably escalate into civil war. We begin to see the relevance of amnesty, forgiveness for this group of people.

What is the cause of amnesty and what is the result of amnesty if we grant it? What have they brought to the table that they stand for? The South/South youths came out with an environmental degradation issue, joblessness, lack of infrastructure. It was understood. It was clear. And there were negotiations and amnesty was brought in. Since then we have a peaceful environment, at least in our context.

Amnesty is desirable for Boko Haram to the extent that they are able to bring to the fore that these are the issues they have against the system; these are the areas they feel short-changed as a people, as Nigerians, then we can begin to look at what manner of peace and pardon will be made available to this class of people so that we can come together again and move on as a people. So, it is neither here nor there. We cannot stand up and say amnesty is not desirable, amnesty is desirable. We must begin to look at the issues that will determine whether they deserve amnesty or not. Let us see, first the face of the people we are speaking with.

Second, what is their grievance against the system?

What is it that they have against innocent women and children that they are throwing bombs at? What is it that they feel should be done rightly that is not done right?

This implies that the concept of dialogue should come in first. When dialogue comes in then the issue of amnesty will follow. I feel that with that kind of approach we will begin to see some succour coming to our people that find themselves in this tough terrain where there is a high level of insecurity and they cannot on their strength carry out their normal activities. We need to give it a critical look.

To the extent that we are facing a challenge we have never seen before we must approach it in a way and manner we have never done before. If we begin to allow the thing to be politicized, that is these are Muslim dissidents or these are a group of aliens or these are just people who are just out to create problems and we try to shove them away with a wave of the hand, we will not be solving it. The cost of peace is not too much.

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Monday, April 8, 2013

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A nation atrophying HeartBeat

CALLISTUS

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK

JONATHAN HAS THE

OKE

RESPONSIBILITY

Callistusoke@nationalmirroronline.net 08054103275 (SMS ONLY)

TO PROTECT THE

W

hat do you objectively feel in the air about our dear Nigeria? Despondency, hope or fear? I do not lay claim to clairvoyant powers, but from my reading of the signs and the elements, I can categorically say Nigeria is not in good health.

Pick the major national newspapers and scan their headlines to get a measure of what I mean. On daily basis you get an overdose of the bickering among the ruling political class. The opposition is unrelenting in its resolve to squeeze life out of the Presidency. The latest is the spat over who is behind Boko Haram.

Why not given the federal government’s no clue situation to the staying powers of the militant Islamic sect. Boko Haram has assumed never-say-die (abiku) mystical form. The second lead story of last Monday edition of this newspaper was on the raid of JTF on Boko Haram’s enclave in Kano that resulted in 15 deaths. The rider was “No cause for alarm in Kaduna” riposte by the state’s police command. But by the following day the lie of such high sounding assurance was exposed in our banner headline: Bloody Easter: 20 killed in Kaduna attack.

S

ometimes last year, ambition was one theme that resonated in my reflection in a national daily following the tragic death of the two deputy inspectors-general of police less than three months apart. Titled Anatomy of Death, I argued that ambition is a mirage when death is not minded.

Although it was an expression of agony and lamentations on the futility of life, in a sense however, there is nothing wrong in being ambitious. After all, ambition is the driver of existence, its purpose and vision, but that purpose or vision must be meaningful and impactful. This I consider a nice colour of ambition.

A man or woman without ambition aims for nothing, ventures for nothing and so gains nothing. He lives to be exploited by other players in the field of life and consumed by other forces that shape the world. He lives to die without a reason to live. He lives by the spurs of the day, by the whims and caprices of the moment and by intuition, emotion or brainwaves, not by a particular plan, order or focus, not rationally, not objectively.

He cannot number the milestones of his journey of life should he live long because he has no compass of life. A life without ambition is one of waste and disorder.

Ambition is what paints our purposes and pursuits. The hue of our hopes and aspiration is the ambition we silently nurture and practically pursue. It is the tonic of

DIGNITY OF

NIGERIA.

TO DO SO, HE MUST SUCCESSFULLY PROJECT THE STRENGTH OF THE NATION

Boko Haram appears ahead our security egg heads on the intelligence dimension of the pervasive insurgency.

What do you make of the two officers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSDC) allegedly killed by the police in Ikorodu area of Lagos State penultimate week? The Presidency is still trying to unravel the why. The police and NSDC have given their versions of the story. Form your own conclusion.

If oil money was the incentive for the reported shoot out, then it is a dicey affair. Those who are doing the investigation must factor in the likelihood of a replay of the Lawrence Anini-George Iyamu saga in Edo State between 1985 and 1987; and also the double life of the head of Special Anti-Robbery Squad

(SARS) whose arrest in June 2009 opened a can of worms. Who would have known that anti-robbery Czar could be a chief sponsor of violent crimes across the country?

The development spawns one pertinent question: “What happened to the oil pipeline vandals arrested by the civil defence people”? If they all escaped during the shootout, it means somebody does not want them apprehended for obvious reasons.

More sickening is the ease with which N2.2 billion meant to service the contract for the surveillance and monitoring of oil pipelines in Rivers State was withdrawn from a bank by a cabal led by an unnamed former Bayelsa State senator and a leader of a defunct militant group.

It is in the national interest not to reveal details of the contract, which is juicy enough to allow for the appointment of the senator as a “management consultant” on a monthly package of N110 million!

Never mind the current rumble. As quietly as the money has been withdrawn, a replacement could be quietly made. After all there is more from where the missing money comes from. The storm will be over soon, one way or the other. It is a family affair.

The developments above are mere symptoms of a sickly nation as expressed in the declining quality of government’s actions, policies and programmes. You know what happens when a once powerful and rich man goes to seed. He loses self esteem and respect. This is the phase Nigeria is now passing through.

The loss of national vitality, a product of ineptitude leadership and credibility challenge, is impacting in our international standing. Early last month in Marrakech, Morocco, tiny Benin Republic deprived us of a seat on the Executive Committee of the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF). And within the same week, Cameroon, in gross violation of the 2006 Greentree Agreement that guides the cession of Bakassi Peninsula to her, forcefully ejected hundreds of our compatriots from their ancestral homes located within the ceded Peninsula, killing five in the process.

Article 3 (1) of the Greentree Agreement guarantees these embattled Nigerians the exercise of the fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in international human rights law and in other relevant provisions of international law.

Section (2) of the same Article comprehensively shielded these Nigerians from real and every imaginable brutality

by Cameroonian authorities, including forcing them to leave the Zone or to change their nationality, culture, language and beliefs; depriving them of their property and customary land rights. Cameroon is also under obligation to take every necessary measure to protect these Nigerians living in the zone from any harassment or harm.

Nations earn respect, they do not buy it. President Goodluck Jonathan has the responsibility to protect the dignity of Nigeria. To do so, he must successfully project the strength of the nation. I see this as a daunting task under the current dispensation.

Colours of ambitions existence, the adrenalin of life, firing our rocket of attainment, fulfillment or actualisation.

Our ambition may be hinged on sustaining a legacy, especially if we are from the wealthy class. It may be just to make a difference, carve a niche for ourselves in our professions or trade, in the academia, in sports and entertainment, or in the public service. It is the height we want to attain, in being the best possible in what we do or where we are. For a lot, however, the ambition may just be to make a living or get by in life with all the comforts and appurtenances that office or power confers.

However, the tenor of our ambition should be defined by the peace and progress it brings to the world, the happiness it gives others and the fulfillment it gives us in the joy we extend to others. This is because ambition is noble when it is for the edification of humanity, when it is to the glorification of the power above and when it is for the refinement or perfection of our character.

Our journey in life starts not from the cradle, not even from the womb of our mothers. It is an inherited journey from the mud from which our father Adam was molded by the ultimate potter. Some thinkers found a convenient way to describe our maker as the Grand Architect of the Universe, with the acronym, GAOTU. This architect has also been described as the author and finisher of our life in the

THE HUE OF OUR HOPES AND

Mirror of the moment

ASPIRATION IS THE AMBITION WE SILENTLY NURTURE AND PRACTICALLY PURSUE Book of Life. He is Allah; for this is what the criterion directs humanity to call Him, or Ar-Rahman, the merciful, among so many other beautiful names that qualify the majesty of the Almighty, his omnipotence, omnipresence and omniscience.

Since we owe our existence to this Living Being in whose being is our being and what becomes of us in the morrow, to whom we shall render account, and who shall ultimately declare our success or failure and award medals or invoke punishment on the merit of our performance, then our pursuit or goal, our ambition should find expression in what gladdens the almighty. Is this usually the case? Do we recognise this unseen director of affairs to shape our ambition in the direction he intends?

Many people want to be somebody without understanding or knowing how or who they want to be like. We envy others and want to

ABDUL-WAREES SOLANKE korewarith@yahoo.com, 08090585723 (SMS only)

surpass them in achievements without appreciating their peculiar pains and limitations, costs and compromises, sacrifices they offered and sins they committed in their climb up the ladder. We openly declare before large congregations that God is our refuge and that his banner over us is love, yet we stoop very low in certain covens in darkness at odd hours of the night.

We seek the face of our heavenly Father for fortune and forgiveness, yet we follow fools and fortune-tellers with famished faces and frail fingers as our pathfinders. We seek salvation and serenity of our soul from the machinations of the Great Enemy; yet we mortgage our peace of mind by our pride and conceit, and the pains we inflict on others to protect our vested interests.

These are the colours of ambition.

Solanke is Head of Training, Voice of Nigeria, Lagos

Editorial

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Monday, April 8, 2013

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The country’s harsh business environment

he Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) spoke up recently, lamenting the lingering unfriendliness of the country’s business environment. Speaking at its 2nd quarter (2013) aggregate Business Confidence Index (BCI), the business group observed that although the country recorded a modest improvement of 16.5 per cent from the 10.5 per cent it posted in the first quarter of the year, investors and business leaders were still wary of the harsh state of the economy and the unfriendly business environment.

Experts define BCI as a leading economic indicator designed to measure the degree of optimism on the state of the economy that business leaders are expressing through their investment dispositions. The LCCI, however, complained that the Nigerian business environment is still weighed down by rising socioeconomic uncertainties that have kept the BCI scores trailing far behind the global optimum level of 50 per cent. “The factors that weakened the index score include poor access to credit, inhibitive tendencies of monitoring and regulatory agencies, sustained insecurity situation across the country, dwindling public power supply and budget approval/implementation crisis. Macroeconomic factors such as exchange rate and inflation rate exerted neutral influence on the Q2,

ADEQUATE STEPS SHOULD BE TAKEN TO MAKE ALL PROCESSES AND PROCEDURES OF DOING BUSINESS IN THE COUNTRY HOSPITABLE 2013 BCI score”, the Lagos business chamber stated.

The LCCI report indicated, however, that the real economic sectors like agriculture, manufacturing and solid minerals improved on the BCI they posted in the first quarter of 2013, but still remained at the bottom of the ladder with very low confidence score levels at seven per cent, five per cent and two per cent, respectively; while the hotel/ restaurant, IT/telecoms, finance and professional services sectors were on the lead with 35 per cent, 27 per cent, 21 per cent and 17 per cent respectively, which represented the highest confidence levels.

It may be recalled that about the second quarter of last year, the Organised Private Sector (OPS) also listed the provision of adequate infrastructure, especially power, improvement on security, skilled manpower development, policy consistency, land reforms, tackling corruption and the strengthening

of supply chains as the most critical factors the country needed to usher in a new era of increased investments in the industrial sector of the economy. At a quarterly luncheon for business leaders hosted by the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investments for key OPS operators at the time, the Chairman of Skye Bank Plc, Mr. Tayo Ayeni, had stated that the economic growth and prosperity desired by the country would only be possible if the incentives listed above were addressed.

Ayeni said the government needed to listen to local frontline investors and engage them actively in policy formulation in order to secure their commitment to plans and objectives for economic development; development of workable and result-oriented policy initiatives; and to ensure that the right challenges were highlighted and the right solutions proffered.

With the LCCI still complaining about virtually all the setbacks the OPS identified about this time last year, it is quite obvious that nothing tangible has been achieved in truly helping the nation’s business environment to be competitive.

Large scale deficits in electricity supply, horrible road and rail infrastructure, monstrous insecurity and problems associated with inaccessibility to credit, multiple taxation, general policy consistencies, indescribable official corruption and bureaucratic bottlenecks

erected by dubious public officers, etc., have for decades remained the greatest problems and bane of the country’s business climate and economic breakthroughs. We have consistently argued that countries in a hurry to emerge as economic giants (the Asian tigers are good examples), revolutionised their economies and industries with extra-ordinary determination, commitment and zero tolerance for corruption. With the Nigerian experience of pervasive public sector corruption and paying lip service to economic transformation, such countries would have still been competing with Nigeria as partners in retrogression, backwardness and underdevelopment.

Hopeless living conditions, poor life expectancy, high infant and maternal mortality rates, virtually zero access to potable water, basic shelter, sound education and public health facilities, and increasing levels of unemployment and underemployment, are some of the direct consequences of a comatose economy like Nigeria’s, presently.

The government should take reports from the business community serious if it truly wants to attract investment and inject life into the economy. Adequate steps should be taken to make all processes and procedures of doing business in the country hospitable; including the provision of the requisite infrastructural and security platforms.

ON THIS DAY April 8, 2008 The construction of the world’s first building to integrate wind turbines was completed in Bahrain, a small island country situated near the western shores of the Persian Gulf. The Bahrain World Trade is a 240 m (787 ft) high twin tower complex located in Manama, Bahrain. The towers were built in 2008 by the multi-national architectural firm Atkins. It is the first skyscraper in the world to integrate wind turbines into its design.

April 8, 2005 Funeral of Pope John Paul II: The funeral of Pope John Paul II was held on April 8, 2005, six days after his death on April 2. The funeral was followed by the novemdiales devotional in which the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Catholic Churches observed nine days of mourning. Over four million people attended the funeral which brought together the single largest gathering in thehistoryof heads of stateoutsidetheUnitedNations.

April 8, 1953 Mau Mau leader, Jomo Kenyatta, was convicted by Kenya’s British rulers. The Mau Mau Uprising was a military conflict that took place in Kenya between 1952 and 1960. It involved a Kikuyu-dominated anti-colonial group called Mau Mau and elements of the British Army, auxiliaries and anti-Mau Mau Kikuyu. The capture of the rebel leader, Dedan Kimathi, on October 21, 1956, signalled the ultimate defeat of the Mau Mau.

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Cover

Under the

radar

By Francis Ezem

W

orried by the prevalence of corruption particularly at the various seaports in the country, the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it is beaming its searchlight on Nigeria’s maritime industry to curtail further economic losses to the nation arising from the menace.

For now, the anti-graft body is currently putting finishing touches to plans to begin to conduct Corruption Risk Assessment (CRA) of the seaports in Nigeria. CRA is the process of examining the practices, systems and procedures of public bodies.

Chairman of the commission, Ekpo Nta, disclosed this in Lagos at a one –day inaugural meeting with stakeholders to sensitise and seek their cooperation on the proposed conduct of CRA at all establishments in the industry including public and private ones.

The commission also said that the meeting was organised in conjunction with Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Technical Unit on Governance and Anti-Corruption Reforms (TUGAR), it national partners with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The chairman noted that the focus of the anti-corruption agency is not to identify and possibly hound suspected corrupt persons rather to prevent acts of corruption. “The CRA is focused on studying organisational systems and operational environments with a view to addressing

identified corruption risks therein. It is not a tool of criminal investigation, it is strictly a tool for prevention of the occurrence of corruption”, the chairman said.

“It is also a corruption prevention tool, which works with the management of an organization to identify vulnerable areas that are prone to corruption, proffer solutions and develop integrity plans that would strengthen accountability and transparency towards checking corruption and enhancing service delivery.”

The ICPC boss said that the commission’s intention was not to “apportion blame but to carry out a systematic study since it is much better and wiser to prevent the occurrence of corruption than to spend expend huge

Tincan Island Port

resources in investigations and prosecutions after the damage has been done and so the commission places much stock on the CRA process”.

Business Courage gathered that the objectives of the CRA in the port industry are in three folds; which include studying the procedure at the ports, mapping out corruption risks and fi-

nally designing a comprehensive integrity plan to help the port address existing and future corruption-prone processes at the port on its own.

The ICPC-boss noted that the CRA project at the nation’s seaports had become necessary owing to the critical role of the port industry in enhancing the growth and development of the nation as well as the security of the nation. “The port industry is an industrial lifeline and hub that performs multiple functions in local and foreign commerce and massive job creation, among others. The industry is also one of the highest revenue generating sections in the country that must be guarded jealously to avoid loss of resources and to ensure proper and efficient running of the facilities”, he noted.

As a pilot project, four seaports are targeted, which com-

prise those in Lagos, Onne, Calabar and Warri.

The project is also in tandem with the functions of the commission as contained in sections six (b) of the ICPC Act 2000, which empowers it to examine the practices, systems and procedures of public bodies and where in the opinion of the commission such practices, systems or procedures aid or facilitate fraud or corruption to direct and supervise a review.

Besides the seaports, Business Courage also learnt that the commission will soon begin an extensive corruption assessment risk at the nation’s airports, which is in line with the anti-graft body’s plan to systematically carry out the project across strategic public organisations. “We want to assist institution to study and design internal systems that reduce

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Okonjo-Iweala

SEMIU SALAMI ADEJUWON OSUNNUYI TAYO ADELEKE

EDITOR STAFF WRITER SENIOR REPORTER

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HEAD, PRODUCTION SENIOR GRAPHIC ARTIST

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Cover Troubled by the increasing rate of corruption at the various sea ports in the country, the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in collaboration with other key stakeholders in the maritime industry are perfecting strategies to curb the menace. But how far can this go?

Umar

Nta

corruption loopholes through integrity plans. This might sound academic, but we know that no factory or industry can run effectively if there is no deliberate quality assurance or control put in place to check bad products or services. It is in this spirit that we are undertaking this exercise and it is in everybody’s interest that we work as a team desirous of promoting the well-being of all stakeholders, our citizens and the nation,” Nta said.

The ICPC boss explained that a 20 trained and certified Corruption Risk Assessors, who would work with an Inter-Agency Advisory Committee and a team of consultants, have been deployed for the assessment project in the ports, naming the target ports as Lagos, Onne, Calabar and Warri.

The UNDP Team Leader, Prof.

Sam Egwu, said that “The corruption risk assessment process, being driven primarily by ICPC, TUGAR and BPP, began in 2011 with the development of a corruption risk assessment methodology. The developed methodology eventually formed the basis for the development of a comprehensive training module that has now been used to successfully train over 60 corruption risk assessors drawn from government ministries, departments and agencies at both

federal and state levels; civil society; and the anti-corruption agencies. It is from this pool of trained assessors that a team has been constituted to work in close association with experts and in consultation with relevant stakeholder for the conduct of this pilot corruption risk assessment in the Nigerian ports sector.”

Egwu said that the UNDP is proud to be associated with the initiative, and has supported it from inception on the basis that it lies at the heart of the mandate of three of the UNDP’s national partners on anti-corruption the ICPC, TUGAR and BPP. “The support of UNDP for this exercise derives from our commitment to respond to the priorities set by the Nigerian Government, which includes fighting the malaise of corruption and achieving the country’s broader development goals, one of which is to increase Foreign Direct Investment to which the ports sector is crucial.

“UNDP remains committed to promoting public accountability and transparency in Nigeria, an objective that is crucial and closely tied to our larger goal of reducing poverty and promoting sustainable development in order to empower and build resilient nations. In furtherance of this, UNDP, remains committed

to working in collaboration with partners and other stakeholders to mainstream anti-corruption measures into public sector management, as indicated by our ongoing support to this corruption risk assessment initiative,” the UNDP Team Leader said.

Recently, Nta had disclosed that the first graduands of United Nation Development Programmes (UNDP) trained Corruption Risk Assessors (CRA), would be deployed to carry out their first assignment at the nation’s Ports, as part of efforts to minimise corruption in the nation’s Ports.

Nta had emphasised that purpose of CRA is to minimize systemic vulnerabilities and strengthen organizational processes and procedures against corruption in the Nigerian ports.

“We shall be deploying these new graduands in their first assignment which is to conduct a pilot CRA of the Nigerian Ports.

It is common to hear that corruption is endemic in Nigeria because of the system,” he had said.

The issue of corruption particularly at the various seaports across the country has attracted country-wide condemnation, with many, both local and international stakeholders singling out the ports as one of the most

corrupt government institutions in the country.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo- Iweala, had while admitting the prevalence of corruption in the sector attributed the problem of congestion at the nation’s ports to corruption among government officials.

The minister who made the disclosure at the investigative hearing organised by the House of Representatives joint committees on finance, customs and marine transport in Abuja said there was the need to improve the general port operations in the country.

Dr Okonjo-Iweala who spoke through the permanent secretary in the ministry, Dankadi Kifasi, said that the Nigerian ports need to enhance their efficiency to come close to international best practices.

According to her, the decongested roads in the port’s vicinity were being reversed to its former state, explaining that the situation was made worse by the lawlessness of tanker drivers lifting petroleum products from tank farms.

She said that the Ports Reform committee was currently collaborating with the Lagos State Government to solve the perennial traffic congestion,

adding that the Federal Ministry of Works had also commenced rehabilitation of the access roads to the ports.

Okonjo-Iweala noted that the existence of a functional, efficient port system would boost international trade and revenue profile of a nation.

In his presentation, the Minister of Transport, Idris Umar, said that a bill to further sustain port reforms would soon be submitted to the National Assembly.

Umar explained that the bill would seek to repeal the Nigerian Ports Authority Act of 1999 and enact the Nigerian Ports and Habours Act, 2013.

Represented by the permanent secretary, Nebolisa Emordi, the minister said to ensure efficiency in the operations in the ports, the number of agencies operating at the ports had been reduced from 14 to 7.

Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Finance, Abdulmumin Jibrin said for Nigeria to be a cargo hub for West and Central Africa maritime region, its ports operations must conform to global best practices.

He noted that when there was congestion at the ports, ships with goods are diverted to neighbouring countries and revenue lost by the government. BC

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Agrobusiness FEATURES

L-R: MD, UTC Nigeria Plc, Foluso Olaniyan, Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina and Chairman, Master Bakers, Ekiti State, Bosun Oshaloni, at the official launch/demonstration of Cassava Bread Initiative in Ekiti State

A vote for cassava bread Stakeholders canvassed for increased usage of cassava flour in bread making as a way of advancing the economic value of cassava and ultimately realise the objective of the Cassava Bread Initiative

By Ifeanyi Nwoko

R

ichard Aderemi is a baker with over 45 years’ experience. He is one of the few bakers who ventured into baking cassava bread in the early 1970s and he attests to the viability of the project.

Aderemi recalled that in 1970, during the regime of Gen. Yakubu Gowon, cassava flour was introduced for bread baking purposes, adding, however, that it was later abandoned.

“From 1970 to 1973, cassava flour was introduced; the flour was distributed by a cooperative society. I was then in Ipetu Ijesa in Osun State, where I started my bakery business. They came to my bakery to do the test and it failed, so they left the flour, nobody used it, nobody bought it but I found some errors in the initial test,” he said.

However, after the initial failed test, Aderemi said that he successfully used the flour to bake bread and the bread was okay. “The bread was quite good, people liked eating it; travellers from Ilesha to Akure always patronised my bakery because of the high quality of the bread,” he said.

Aderemi, however, said that he stopped baking cassava bread when government sponsorship for the project ceased,

as cassava flour was no longer available.

Nevertheless, he appealed to the Federal Government not to relent in its efforts to promote the public acceptance of cassava bread, insisting that the production of 100-per-cent cassava bread was, indeed, feasible.

Sharing similar sentiments, Mansor Umar of Alliance Modern Bakeries, Katsina, stressed that he had been making huge profits ever since he started baking bread with cassava flour input.

He, nonetheless, identified the shortage of high-quality cassava flour as a major challenge, calling on the government to make available composite flour (cassava flour mixed with wheat

flour) for bakers. ``No baker will buy wheat flour separately and cassava flour separately and then mix them together; it is not possible,” he said.

However, Ishaya Kamachewue, the North Central Representative of Master Bakers, stressed that bread baking with 100 per cent cassava flour was also very practicable. ``There is no big deal about including 40 per cent cassava flour to wheat for baking, as a professional baker, even with 60 per cent cassava flour, we can bake bread. Even with 100 per cent cassava flour, we can bake bread but the bread cannot be as smooth as the one produced from wheat flour,” he said.

All the same, Kamachewue,

(Middle): Adesina, and (2nd from right): Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide during the launch of cassava bread produced by Park & Shop and Spar in Abuja

who is also the Managing Director, Goshen Bakery, Nasarawa, urged the government to support bakers with modern equipment, as over 90 per cent of the bakers still relied on manual flour mixing, for instance.

But how far has the Federal Government gone with its policy of adding 40 per cent cassava flour to the wheat flour used for baking in Nigeria?

Toyin Adetunji, Special Adviser to the Minister of Agriculture and Leader of the Cassava Value Chain, said that the government had been able to stimulate the production of bread with 20-per-cent cassava flour input. ``So far, we have trained about 385 master bakers and we also have our big bakers; we hope that by year 2015, we will be able to get to 40 per cent,” she said.

Adetunji explained that due to the fact the bread in the market was not labelled ``cassava bread’’, many citizens felt that there are no cassava bread on the shelf.

She said that as part of efforts to tackle the emerging challenge of mixing the flour by bakers, the government had facilitated the mixture so that the bakers could have access to the composite flour.

The Minister of Agriculture, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, said that the full implementation of the

cassava bread initiative would greatly boost the country’s economy.

He noted that Nigeria was the largest producer of cassava in the world, with an annual production of 40 million tonnes.

Adesina said that Thailand, which produced only 10 per cent of the world’s output of cassava, controlled about 80 per cent of the global trade in value-added cassava products.

He underscored the need for Nigeria to upscale its cassava value addition strategies.

The minister noted that Nigeria expended over N600 billion every year on the importation of wheat flour for use in the confectionery industry, stressing that the inclusion of 40 per cent cassava flour would save the nation about N254 billion annually.

Adesina recalled that Nigeria’s importation of wheat flour rose from 78,000 tonnes in 1960 to 4,051,000 tonnes in 2010, as bread had become a significant part of the citizens’ nutritional regime. ``This rising dependence on wheat poses several challenges for our economy because any shock to the global wheat supply leads to a direct impact on our economy, especially on the prices of food and inflation. `That is why as part of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda of the government, we launched an aggressive strategy to substitute wheat flour for cassava flour in bread and confectioneries,” he said.

Adesina said that the Federal Government had established a Cassava Bread Development Fund to support research, training of bakers and acquisition of equipment, among others.

On the issue of consumer safety, the minister stressed that cassava bread was very good for human consumption. ``Cassava bread is healthier than white flour wheat bread; cassava has lower glycaemic index (measurement of how quickly blood sugar rises after consuming a particular type of food) than wheat and it is, therefore, less likely to aggravate diabetes. NAFDAC has fully certified cassava bread as healthy and safe for consumers; today, Nigerians are increasingly demanding cassava bread because it is cheaper and it has a longer shelf life,” he said.

Adesina expressed happiness on the progress made so far, adding that at present, importation of wheat flour into the country had dropped from 4,051,000 tonnes in 2010 to 3,700,000 tonnes in 2012.

All in all, stakeholders want the government to sustain the cassava bread initiative, saying that it would create employment opportunities, while reducing the huge funds currently spent on wheat importation. BC Nwoko is of the News Agency of Nigeria

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News

Abdullahi, NPA boss

NPA expects 87 ships at ports

T

he Nigerian Ports Authority has said that 87 ships would sail into the nation’s ports between April 5 and April 30.

The NPA disclosed this in its daily report “Shipping Position” released in Lagos on Friday. ``The expected ships will be laden with used and new vehicles, frozen fish, base oil, bulk urea, general cargo, containers, and petroleum products. Other ships will arrive with steel, bulk corn, and crude palm oil,`` it said.

NPA said that the ships would berth at ENL Consortium, Josepdam, Tin-Can Island Container Terminal, Five Star Logistics, Apapa Bulk Terminal and APM Terminals.

The other terminals are Greenview Development Nigeria, Ibafon Terminal and Josep Dam. The NPA also disclosed that 11 ships laden with petroleum products were waiting to berth at various ports in Lagos.

It said that four other ships, laden with bulk malt, bulk wheat, and fish, were waiting to berth at some other designated ports.

quarter of this year. The DMO disclosed this in its provisional calendar published on the Website.

It said that bond sales for the quarter would open on April 17.

According to DMO, the bonds to be sold in April will include N25 billion to N45 billion bonds each of sevenyear, 10-year and 20-year tenor.

It said that the bonds were expected to mature in June 2019, January 2022 and July 2030 with coupon rate of 16 per cent, 16.39 per cent and 10 per cent, respectively.

The DMO also said that it would on May15 issue another set of three bonds which will include N25 billion to N45 billion bonds of five-year bonds.

Others are N10 billion to N20 billion bonds of five-year tenor and seven-year tenor bonds of between N20 billion and N30 billion.

The DMO also said that the N25 billion to N45 billion bond of five-year tenor would mature in April 2017 at 15.10 per cent yield rate.

The N10 billion to N20 billion bonds at four per cent yield rate will mature in April 2015.

The seven-year tenor bonds of between N20 billion and N30 billion with 16 per cent yield rate will mature in June 2019.

The DMO said that the sales for the quarter would end on June 12 with the sale of N25 billion to N45 billion each of five-year debt to mature on 2017 with coupon rate of 5.10 per cent, adding that the bank would also offer another fiveyear tenor bonds on June 12 with coupon rate of four per cent.

Cross River sets aside N400m to boost enterprises

T

Tunde Lemo, Deputy Governor, CBN

CBN may sell N410bn bonds in Q2 of 2013

T

he Debt Management Office (DMO) says the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) may sell as much as N410 billion worth of bonds during the second

he Cross River Government has set aside N400 million to boost its Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The amount is to be given through the Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (MEDA), in collaboration with Bank of Agriculture.

Speaking in Calabar at the presentation of cheques to beneficiaries of the scheme, Governor Liyel Imoke said that MSMEs was very important in the economic life as the sector has the highest potential for employment creation and socio-economic development.

Imoke, who was represented by his deputy, Efiok Cohbam, said one of the objectives of his administration was wealth

Mobile Technologies Imoke

creation. ``To pursue this, we have set out to create access to services for Cross Riverians, encourage public-private partnership and to maintain a socio-economic environment for self-sustaining growth and investment.Government has set out to make MSMEs more productive and rewarding by encouraging the adoption of best practices and developing a strong private sectordriven economy; growing the purchasing power of our people; and strengthening the real sector of the state economy,” he said.

He said in spite of the pivotal role of the sector, it was still battling with various challenges including insufficient capital and lack of proper business information.

He said that in addition to the loan, MEDA had been mandated to organise training programmes to address the capacity building needs of beneficiaries and provide business development and advisory services to beneficiaries.

Earlier, an executive director of Bank of Agriculture, Waziri Ahmadu, said that N400 million had been budgeted as first instalment for the programme.

He said that the bank was ready to partner with the state in a renewed effort to provide access to credit through the development of micro, small and medium scale enterprises.

The Director-General of MEDA, Ignatius Atsu, said that 500 micro enterprises and cooperative groups were selected to benefit from the scheme.

According to him, the scheme attracts eight percent interest for agro-based business and nine percent for non agro-based business.

Train youths on mobile technologies – FG told

S

oftware experts in cell phones have called on the federal and state governments

to train youths in the use of Information Technology (IT) in mobile and computer technologies.

The measure, they said, would re-direct the youth, especially graduates towards empowerment programmes and job creation.

Some of the experts who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) stressed the need to boost Nigerians capacity, especially in the use of IT, to repair computers and cell phones.

A software expert, Benedict Ubong, said that various governments needed to empower the youth to explore the potentials in modern IT to boost the sector.

Ubong called on governments to set up workshops and seminars to train interested youths so as to develop and expand their capacity on the use of IT to repair GSM phones. ``We are asking government to give interested youths a chance in phone repair to develop their talent. If the youths are engaged in something meaningful, it will take their mind off crime, reduce unemployment and this will also help the economy to improve,’’ he said.

Also speaking, a technologist and software expert, Richard Chukwumerije, said that Nigerian youths were talented people that could excel in IT development with the necessary support to enhance their skills, noting that the governments could introduce phone setting and repair as a course in technical schools and higher institutions so as to enable interested youths to gain knowledge and become specialists.

“Most of us go for seminars and workshops, but the cost is much; we even browse the Internet to acquire knowledge on different kinds of software and on how to repair phones,’’ Chukwumerije said.

He called on governments to empower the youth, and said that if Nigerian youths were engaged in intellectual work, it would take their minds off crime and criminality.

Don bemoans poor state of tourism industry

P

rof. Oladele Falade, Lecturer, Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, has lamented the poor development of the tourism industry in the country.

Falade who made this known in a telephone interview, urged state governments to revive all tourism sites in their states to facilitate substantial growth in the industry and encourage economic benefits.

“Tourism industry is still being neglected by the government. The first quarter of this year is ending and still there is no considerable improvement in the industry.

State governments should focus in the revival of tourism sites in their localities to achieve meaningful development in the sector,” Falade said.

He said that well maintained tourist sites would attract foreign tourists and boost the nation revenue.

The lecturer commended Ekiti State Government for reviving the Ikogosi Warm Spring in Ikogosi, Ekiti West Local Government of the state, adding that government at all levels should develop tourism potential that have been lying untapped over the years.

Software expert advises on protection of computers, e-mail accounts

A

n Information Technology (IT) expert has urged Nigerians to always adopt measures that would secure their Personal Computers (PCs) and e-mail accounts from being hacked by fraudsters.

Chris Uwaje, President of Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON), gave the advice in Abuja. He said that hacking, a ``digital intrusion,’’ is of

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News other information. ``Who are you talking to online, where are you buying things from online and what IP address are you using?’’ he asked.

Operator proffers panacea for growth of microfinance banks in rural areas

D Uwaje

two type, ethical hackers and crackers. “Ethical hackers are professionals who have mastered information domain and want to prove that the system is not secured. They are licenced by the FBI and some countries, but do not get involved in stealing or dubious act with their skills. They use their intelligence to get into your system, even transfer your money then send you an e-mail that your system is not secure and your money is still somewhere for you,’’ Uwaje said.

According to him, crackers are those who damage your system with impunity to steal your money and others.

The software expert said that there were different ways used by hackers to hack computers and e-mail accounts. ``They can hack into your mail by sending you a mail to click something that direct you into a different website through which they gather your information. Sometimes when you open your bank account online, they must have a core idea or cookies through which they grab those information.’’

Uwaje, however, said that there were measures that could help IT users to secure their personal computer systems and their information such as the use of complicated passwords.

These measures according to him include the use of complicated passwords that may combine capital, small letters with numerical numbers and having a protective virus in ones computer system.

He also urged IT users to be careful about whom they dealt with on the Internet, as well as people making use of their personal computer systems. The question is who is using your laptops, are they using your password or you have another different account for everybody different from your own? You need to create password for other users of your PC which is different from yours,’’ he said.

Uwaje said these and some other measures would go a long way to protect your laptops, e-mail account and

ele Oyekanmi, Chairman, Ikeja Branch of National Association of Microfinance Banks (NAMB), has advised rural dwellers to form cooperatives to establish microfinance banks.

Oyekanmi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that such initiative would help to address the shortage of microfinance banks in the country. ``The best way to have microfinance banks in the rural areas is for community dwellers to pool resources together and apply for a licence to open a bank. Such move will bring development to our rural communities. It will benefit traders, farmers and even the youths in such communities by way of employment,” he said.

Oyekanmi said that microfinance banks in rural areas had more potential to be profitable as a large percentage of the target customers lived in these communities.

The NAMB official, however, said that the poor state of public infrastructure was affecting the development of microfinance banks in the rural areas. ``The roads are bad; poor electricity supply and many more infrastructure lags constitute major challenges to the growth of this sub-sector,” he said.

Abdullahi Dikko, Compt-General Customs

Stakeholders commend new initiative to reduce corruption at ports

S

ome stakeholders in the maritime industry have commended the introduction of a new Corruption Risk

Assessment (CRA) programme by the Technical Unit on Governance and AntiCorruption Reforms (TUGAR).

TUGAR is a department under the Independent Corrupt Practises and others Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

TUGAR flagged off new CRA programme with the theme: ``Prevent Corruption by Strengthening Accountability and Integrity Mechanism within the Nigerian Ports Sector`` on April 4 in Lagos.

Eunice Eze, Lagos State Coordinator, National Environmental Standard and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), said that this would curb corruption at the ports. ``The TUGAR actually want to tackle it from the roots and the root of all corruption starts from the ports and other sectors,” Eze said.

Bassey Opara, Director, Enforcement and Regulation, Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), said that introduction of CRA was a good measure against corruption. ``There is need to fight corruption to the end.

CRFFN will support TUGAR in its fight against corruption, `` Opara said.

Charles Edike, the Customs Area Comptroller at Murtala Muhammed Airport, said that the Comptroller-General of Customs, Abdullahi Dikko, had also introduced the Trade Hub Portal to enhance the clearing systems. ``Our service is much more transparent with the new portal system. You can clear your goods now without meeting any customs officer.

Corruption actually starts from outside,`` he said.

Edike urged importers to be honest with their documentation to enable the Customs Service to achieve the 24-hour cargo clearance.

Muhammad Gulangu, the General Manager, Marine and Operations, Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), said that NPA would support the reforms to curb corruption at the ports.

Oye Ariyo, the Chairman, Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), TinCan Island Chapter, said that the association would try its best to reduce corruption at the ports.

“Agents who engage in corruption at the ports are not clearing agents because a qualified agent works with licence. You cannot see any licensed agent trying to connive with importers because the system will detect false declaration,’ he said.

Ariyo said that ANLCA had been supporting the reforms since 2004, adding that agents would continue to make ports business friendly.

Poor savings culture affects Nigeria’s investment profile – Oyama

A

Ekuwem

Efficient broadband services will check insecurity – Expert

A

n ICT expert, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, has said that efficient broadband services could be used to check the current state of insecurity in the country.

Ekuwem, Chief Executive Officer of Teledom Group, who made the observation in an interview, said that efficient broadband services could facilitate transmission and sharing of security information among the relevant agencies seamlessly at high speed required to make timely interventions.

Ekuwem said that peace, security, law and order were the basic requirements for economic development of a country, noting that investments would not flow to violence-prone areas.

“For the country to effectively fight the emerging trend of insecurity, the use of ICT must be given its rightful place, thus broadband development must be pursued vigorously,” he said.

Ekuwem said that there was also the need for a national database which must contain the relevant identification data of all the citizens.

According to him, the national database should be regularly updated by authorised agencies of government and should contain all records of every citizen.

He said that it was ironical that criminals were roaming the streets free, while honest and law-abiding citizens lived behind heavy burglary proofs at homes and in the offices.

The IT expert said that broadband access to the Internet was creating a revolution in ways services were delivered, how industrial processes were managed and researches carried out.

“It facilitates the delivery of more effective health care, banking services, better education, transparent governance, sustainable environment, more efficient transportation and national security.”

lecturer in the Department of Economics, University of Calabar, Dr Ovat Oyama, has said that the poor savings culture in Nigeria was affecting the nation’s investment profile.

Oyama said that increased savings would strengthen Nigerian banks and in turn attract more foreign direct investment. ``A strong banking sector is a product of high savings by citizens which will also have positive effects on the stock market, industrialisation and manufacturing. If our citizens save more, the country’s productivity chart will be ascending, while jobs will be available for the youths through increases in business outfits in operation,” he said.

Oyama advised Nigerians to cut down on unnecessary expenses so as to have more to save. “Most Nigerians do not adhere to their monthly expenditure plans. We are even yet to overcome our unnecessary taste for foreign products that have domestic substitutes. This tendency is exactly what is making people not to keep their extra or additional income in banks for a fairly long period,`` he said.

Oyama advised the Federal Government to enforce its policy which discouraged importers from importing goods that could be produced locally.

NSE confers fellowship on 69 engineers

T

he Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has conferred fellowship honours on 69 engineers.

Speaking at the award ceremony in Abuja, the president of NSE, Mustapha Shehu, said the conferment was part of measures to encourage professionalism.

He also said that the conferment of fellowship by the NSE was the highest honour bestowed on its members, who have been found worthy, as a result of their contributions to infrastructure development.

Shehu said that the NSE was poised towards fostering growth in engineering practice.

The president said that the NSE was involved in capacity building training for its members, so as to meet the world’s best practice in engineering standards.

Those conferred with the fellowship are drawn from the various engineering sectors, including the public and private sectors BC

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Monday, April 8, 2013

A9 25

A quiet

deal maker He started as an architect with a multi-national construction company handling big ticket contracts in Nigeria, but two years down the line, he left the lucrative job to float an oil and gas company, trading on excess fuel oil from the Port-Harcourt and Warri refineries. About sixteen years after, Tonye Patrick Cole has developed his Sahara Energy Group into a conglomerate, with operations spanning the entire energy chain in Nigeria to neighbouring West African countries and beyond

By Ademijuwon Osunnuyi

A

bout sixteen years ago, he started the company on a tripod and today, it is still firmly rooted on the same tripod but then, only one of the troikas is visible in the soar-away company that started out as oil trading company but has now grown into a group of companies with operations spanning the entire energy chain. The company is Sahara Energy and the face behind it is Tonye Cole, Son of the Kalabariborn Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Brazil, former President Olusegun Obassanjo’s Special Adviser on External Affairs and

business magnate, Ambassador Patrick Dele Cole.

Born in January 4, 1967, Tonye attended Corona School, Victoria Island, Lagos before proceeding to King’s School, Ely, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom. He returned to Nigeria to study architecture in University of Lagos and later Universidad de Brasilia, Brazil for further studies in architecture.

A merit honours graduate of architecture, Tonye began his professional career with the frontline Brazilian architectural firm, Grupo Quartro SA in Goiania Brazil in 1990 where he was involved in the design and implementation of the urban planning and city development

Cole

of Palmas, the capital city of the newly created state of Tocantins. A city designed as a ‘green fields’ project and built up from the scratch. While working with Grupo Quartro SA, Tonye was said to have worked on the State Ministry of Justice headquarters and the City Hall.

The youthful Tonye however, returned to Nigeria in 1993, after two years stint at Grupo Quartro and immediately joined EMSA S.A., another Brazilian civil engineering company, considered then to be the seventh largest engineering firm in Brazil. The company was then awarded the World Bank-financed water projects for the Lagos State Water Corporation and the task to

midwife the project fell on the young Tonye as the Director of Operations. Tonye incorporated and set up the Nigerian office, recruited local staff and managed the office. The company, which was a joint venture with Sakamori Limited executed three World Bank sponsored contracts valued at $58 million and one African Development Bank, AfDB sponsored contract for Anambra State Water Corporation valued at $15 million.

Full of energy and strong desire, with an eye for serious money-making deals, Tonye, despite the massive successes that came with his international engagements, saw a hidden treasure, not in his chosen

profession, but in crude oil merchandising. As a Niger Deltaborn and bred indigene and with his father operating at the highest level of governance, Tonye probably felt he had everything at his disposal to make it real big in oil deals than work as an architect. So, after barely three years in paid employment, he decided to take a plunge into private practice. Today, the rest is history.

However, Tonye didn’t do it alone though. In 1996, he along with his friends, the duo of Tope Shonubi and Ade Odunsi founded Sahara Energy Resource Limited. The company started out as an oil and gas company whose Continued on pg A10

Business Courage

core business was in the trading of excess fuel oil from the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.

With a combination of dealmaking and stroke of luck, perhaps, helped by his father’s strong political connection, Sahara Energy, sooner than envisaged, advanced far above its original concept, transforming into a conglomerate with its hands in shipping and crude oil supply, storage, vessel management and upstream exploration with strong physical presence in Ghana, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Cameroun, Switzerland, France and Brazil.

Those familiar with the story of Sahara Energy say the company, through a combination of hard-work, resilience, integrity and dogged determination, established itself as a convincing trading quarters such that it was able to secure a respectable trading line from two first class international banks, the BNP Paribas and the United European Bank in just three years of operation. This, they say, enabled the company to carry out transactions from the point of purchase from the refinery, chartering of vessels and shipping the products, to the point of sale and delivery to the end users.

Not one to be taken in by the success achieved within a short period, Tonye and his colleagues further pushed the frontiers for the company, such that, within five years of operations, Sahara Energy had diversified into storage depot and vessel ownership, building depots in Lagos, Onne in Port-Harcourt and Abuja with a combined capacity of 70,000 metric tonnes and a fleet of five vessels moving products across the West African coast.

Today, Sahara Energy has well over 600 direct employees in its` payroll and also has a growing portfolio which includes upstream assets comprising of nine blocks including one deepwater block in Ghana, an equity partner in Block 5 of the JDZ awarded in 2005 and is deeply involved in developing the domestic gas infrastructure.

Despite its massive diversification, Sahara Energy remains very strong in the trading sector and has set up a trading office in Geneva, Switzerland which actively trades in crude oil, gas oil, Jet A1, mogas and bitumen in various markets globally.

The company also maintains a strong physical presence in Ghana, Ivory Coast and Senegal and representative offices in Cameroun, France and Brazil.

Today, Sahara Energy remains one of the leading beneficiaries of the contentious fuel subsidy regime of successive government and has cleverly utilised the platform and its attendant opportunities to grow the business into one of the most diversified energy company in Nigeria.

Those who know Tonye well enough say creativity, courage, commitment, learning and in-

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Monday, April 8, 2013

Not one to be taken in by the success achieved within a short period, Tonye and his colleagues further pushed the frontiers for the company, such that, within five years of operations, Sahara Energy had diversified into storage depot and vessel ownership, building depots in Lagos, Onne in Port-Harcourt and Abuja with a combined capacity of 70,000 metric tonnes and a fleet of five vessels moving products across the West African coast

dustry have remained his hallmark. For him, they say the drive was not just to prove that an indigenous firm can make an inroad into an industry largely dominated by foreign firms, but it was also a medium of creating hundreds of jobs for Nigerians and assisting immensely in halting Nigeria’s unemployment crisis. This, he has achieved and is still achieving through a group structure whose strength is attributable to dedication to its core values, loyalty and integrity to its industry partners, and experienced professionals with prescience and abilities to breakthrough obstacles.

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A10 26

From its flagship, Sahara Energy Resources Limited, what is today Sahara Energy Group, an ‘incubator’ of companies made up of a collection of independent companies with operations spanning various segments of the energy sector, indeed started as divisions and as the divisions grew into veritable businesses and revenue generators in themselves, they were established as separate limited liability companies, each with its own management and organizational structure, all co-existing as a part of the larger Group.

Although the companies function under a Group umbrel-

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la, each of these companies is set up as an independent limited liability company comprising of their own boards, managing directors and management team responsible for all aspects of its operations. Human resources, legal, finance and administration departmental functions are however centralized at Group level.

In 2007, four fully autonomous companies were created as independent entities but today, about sixteen years after start-up, Sahara Group boasts of twelve affiliate companies namely: Sahara Energy Resource Nigeria Limited, the flagship; Sahara Energy Field Limited; Sahara Trade West Africa Limited; Sahara Bulk Storage Facilities Limited; Aviation Air and Land Services Limited; Sahara Sea Support Services Limited; So Energy Limited and P-Lyne Energy Limited. Others in the group include Sahara Power Resource Limited; Sahara Gas Limited; Sahara LNG Limited and Sahara Farms Limited.

Sahara Energy Field Limited (SEFL), is the upstream exploration and production (E&P) arm of the group. Its core business is to explore and develop oil and gas assets in established and emerging frontiers. SEFL aims to create value for its shareholders through successful exploration, development and production of oil and gas reserves while contributing to the future and development of the countries where its operations are located.

The company adopts a commitment and participatory approach of partnering through time and resources with employees, local communities and contractors that would help cre-

ate and sustain vibrant communities which in turn would contribute to its success and the national strength of countries it operate in.

Since it began operations in 2004, the company has succeeded in establishing a firm foundation in selected West African basin either as operator or partner. It has a 100 per cent stake in OPL 274 Western onshore Niger Delta, 26 per cent equity in OPL 286 in Deep Water Nigeria, 45 per cent stake in OPL 284 in Deep Water Nigeria and 51 per cent equity in Tsekelewu marginal field (OML 40). It also has 10 per cent equity in Block 5 in the Nigeria-Sao Tome Joint Development Zone as well as 35 per cent stake in OPL 332 in Deep Water Nigeria.

It executed a seismic agreement with the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) and has exercised its right of first refusal on the ECTP Block B1 after acquiring 1,250 sq km of 3D seismic.

SEFL also recently entered into a 50/50 JV with PGS/Azimuth which gives it access to the largest seismic database across the west of Africa (from Mauritania to Namibia).

The other subsidiary, Sahara Trade West Africa (STWA), was incorporated in 1996, about the time the flagship company was incorporated and was established primarily to cover trade across West African States.

As the volume of transactions handled by the original Sahara Group founding company grew rapidly, the need for separation of functions became even more evident and STWA was mandated to build, operate and manage a fully focused West African

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Tonye’s Sahara Group was also involved in the sponsorship of the School Feeding Programme in the 53 schools of Obokun Local Government Area in Osun State

trading and marketing company.

Today, STWA is active in Nigeria; Benin Republic; Cameroon, Ghana and Ivory Coast. It manages and operates a 30,000 barrels per day contract to Tema Oil refinery on behalf of the Government of Ghana, 40,000 barrels per day to Societe d’ Iviorien Rafinnage on behalf of Government of Cote d’Ivoire, supplies 2000MT each of gas oil and gasoline to the Government of Niger Republic and supplies 20, 000MT of gasoil; 30,000 MT of gasoline; 20, 000MT of Jet Fuel and 20, 000MT of Fuel Oil to Republic of Benin.

STWA is active in the trading of products across West Africa, exporting steadily from Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria and importing into Ghana, Nigeria and Benin Republic.

For Sahara Bulk Storage, its core operation is developing and operating state of the art bulk liquid storage. The company is ISO 9001.2000 certified, thus guarantees that all products received at its facilities comply with international standards.

The company has a strong foot print in West Africa with a strong presence in Nigeria and Ghana and recently in Ivory Coast. All its facilities are specifically designed for the storage of all types of petroleum products and chemicals. With storage facilities at key seaports and airports in West Africa, the company maintains a healthy stock of refined products for major oil companies and airlines providing throughput services to the industry and also facilitating distribution through a fleet of tankers, trucks and Jet A1 bowsers.

So Aviation is a Sahara Energy subsidiary which operates as a service provider to the aviation industry through the provision of dedicated infrastructure to offer uninterrupted aviation fuel supply. The company also provides buffered stock and management programmes that maximize the efficiency and utilization of the refuelling supply chain for airlines and their supporting operating vehicles.

The company maintains an exclusive fuelling management portfolio for the Nigerian Presidential Air Fleet (PAF), and operates a full-fledged Into-Plane

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Business Courage A11 27

Monday, April 8, 2013

fuelling service for an expanding fleet of commercial and cargo airlines traversing the Nigerian and West African airspace. So Aviation operates in Nigeria’s three major international and domestic airports and it is also Nigeria’s first indigenous company to be awarded a license to supply Jet A1 fuel.

Sahara Sea Support Services Limited has as its core business, the provisioning of bunkering services and was established primarily to service the vast number of ocean tankers, vessels and tugs plying the West African shipping lanes.

However, a freeze on the renewal of bunkering licenses in Nigeria since 2000 has severely hampered bunkering activities in and around Nigerian waters and by extension, affected the operations and fortunes of this company. But then, the foresightedness of Tonye and his colleagues which saw them expanded the company’s portfolio to complement its bunkering operations with the acquisition of various sizes of oil tankers ranging between 5000MT and 30000MT deadweight has remained its staying power. All the vessels operate within the West African region with most of them under long-term charter leases.

The company was also one of the earliest ship owners to implement the Nigerian Cabotage law and is fully active in the application of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) standard to all its vessels operating in the region.

So Energy is the downstream, retail operation arm of the group. It is responsible for the management and operation of dealer owned and company owned petrol stations. So Energy introduces to each marketplace it enters, a new model of innovative stations, which centres on combining under one umbrella, striking architecture and a design which is distinctly African but yet modern, as well as new services positioned to meet the wide range of refuelling needs for the motorist. So Energy has begun an aggressive drive to establish a regional network of retail stations and now has operations in Nigeria, Ghana and Ivory Coast.

P-LYNE Energy is a subsid-

Cole

iary established as a service provider to the upstream oil and gas sector. In the pursuit of its business, P- LYNE Energy provides technical and support services through Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Fabrication, Maintenance and Support Technologies.

The company’s services are targeted at upstream infrastructure facilities such as pipelines, flow lines, storage tanks, terminals, platforms and composite plants. The company establishes service centres that support the government’s local content initiative and promotes technology transfer programmes to the local work force.

Another of its vast subsidiaries is Sahara Power Resource Limited, established in 2001 with core competences in the repair, maintenance and operation of power plants. Between 2001 and 2004, the company played an active role in the emergency power projects embarked upon by the then National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), now Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

In 2006, the company partnered with a major international power company, Korean Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) to enable it to provide a wider range of solutions to the entire power sector throughout the region.

The resulting company, KEPCO Energy Resource Ltd (KERL) carried out major repairs on two boilers in Egbin Power Plant, Lagos State. Egbin has an installed capacity of 1320mw, but in 2006 could only generate 880mw. The work carried out by KERL added 440mw and helped restored the plant to full capacity.

KERL is presently engineer-

ing a 1350mw Power Plant, to be installed in the Lagos area. The plant when built will consist of 3 × 450mw combined cycle power blocks.

Sahara Gas Limited is another in the league of the ubiquitous Sahara group established to operate fully in the gas sector of the oil and gas industry. The company is engaged in a variety of business activities from the acquisition of preferred stakes in gas projects to the marketing and sales of gas products for both the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) trades.

Sahara Gas holds strategic stakes in the LNG sector with access to international gas markets and re-gasification facilities. Sahara Gas partnered with Sempra LNG to form a JV and secured 2.5 per cent equity in Olokola LNG (OKLNG) in Ogun State.

Domestically, the company operates a 1000mt LPG depot in Calabar, Cross River State which is being upgraded to a 2500mt facility. Outside of its regular spot cargoes, the company is also involved in a two year contract for the lifting of LPG mix through the NNPC/ Chevron Joint venture at the Escravos LPG FSO, a five year contract for the lifting of Oso NGL on behalf of NNPC, through the NNPC/Mobil Joint venture from the Bonny River terminal.

As the first indigenous company to partake in the successful lifting of Oso NGL, Sahara Gas has been involved for over five years in the NNPC/Mobil Joint venture, paving the way for other Nigerian establishments to follow.

Outside the regular busi-

ness activities, Tonye is also noted for act of human kindness.

He is believed to have embarked on series of philanthropic gestures that cuts across political, tribal and religious divides. He was credited for financing cleft, cataracts and other minor surgeries as well as free eye tests and provision of eye glasses for over 500 people in Lagos among others.

Tonye’s Sahara Group was also involved in the sponsorship of the School Feeding Programme in the 53 schools of Obokun Local Government Area in Osun State. This programme, which provides a meal per day for Nursery to Primary two pupils in the schools, serves to increase enrolment rates, improve nutritional status as well as the performance of the average school child and alleviate shortterm hunger, thus increasing their attention and concentration span.

In Ghana, the company is also involved in the donation of boreholes to Guinea worm endemic and Buruli Ulcer which affect a large number of rural Ghanaian inhabitants such as Kintempo Kintempo North, Brong Ahafo Region, Kodee Afigya-Kwabre, Ashanti Region, Adentan Adentan Municipal Assembly, Accra, Greater Accra region and Ogbojo Adentan Municipal Assembly, Accra, Greater Accra region As part of its contributions towards the eradication of preventable blindness in Ghana, Sahara Group also sponsored 75 cataract surgeries around Wa in the upper west region of Ghana.

This programme was carried out in conjunction with the Ghana Health Service as part of activities to mark the World Sight Day Celebrations in the country.

In June 2011, Tonye raised the bar for his corporate social responsibility engagement when he flagged off what he christened ‘The Nehemiah Project’(TNP), a visionary blueprint that maps out a clear-cut, mass-embracing strategy, which signposts a promising path into desirable future as a nation. Probably inspired by the great works of the biblical Nehemiah, the nation rebuilder, Tonye’s ‘The Nehemiah Project’ is comprised of “a group of well meaning individuals who are committed to rebuilding the society by empowering and inspiring the youths as the future leaders to discover, explore and realize their full potentials.”

The ‘Nehemiah Project,’ aside providing platform for various distinguished youth leaders with exemplary records of success in their various professional callings and are considered as constant sources of inspiration to other young people around the world, especially in Nigeria to challenge youths between the ages of 18 and 30 to think outside of the norm and pursue careers utilizing their God giving skills and talents, TNP is also expected to execute impactmaking, sustainable projects. BC

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Business Courage

Monday, April 8, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ThebuddingEntrepreneurs

Inspired by

Kiyosaki She spent 12 years for a normal five-year course in Pharmacy, but rather than get discouraged, she remained focused and determined. Today, Mosunmola Dosunmu is not only one of the best known pharmacist in Nigeria, her business initiative, Health on Wheels has also thrown her into global reckoning, emerging as one of the winners of the prestigious Goldman Sachs 10000 women scholarship programme

By Salami Semiu

M

osunmola Dosumu, 41, a trained pharmacist obviously knew what she wanted when she stuck to pharmacy as a course of study in the university. And when a course that normally runs for five years stretched to 12 years, rather than get discouraged, Mosun remained focused and determined to see it through.

Upon qualifying as a trained pharmacist, Mosun did her Internship programme at Swipha, a pharmaceutical company in Lagos, where she was fortunate to work with a boss who challenged and inspired her to aim high. As an Intern, her allowance was a meagre N5, 000 per month and had to work for another retail pharmacy from 5pm to 9pm, for an extra N3, 000 per month as a way of augmenting her monthly income.

Not deterred by her meagre income, Mosun remained focused and exude tremendous passion for her chosen career.

However, her inspiration for entrepreneurship came after she read “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki. Fortunately for her, Mosun’s husband, a medical doctor, also have a flair for business. After reading the book, she felt the compelling need to go into business, but she convinced herself that the business must run along her professional line.

However, what really gave Mosun the needed spark to give it a shot was the N115, 000 the family received as gifts at the naming ceremony of their first

son. After considering a number of options, Mosun and her husband decided to use it as start-up capital for a pharmaceutical store.

The entire “seed money” as she calls it, was used to purchase drugs. To pay the rent, they borrowed N250, 000 from her husband’s client, and had to embark on an aggressive savings from their salaries for six months for enough money to put the shop in order.

Mosun effectively used her previous contacts and relationships to get other drugs on credit from some pharmaceutical companies and that essentially led to the birth of HealthServe Pharmacy, her first business endeavour.

The pharmacy was officially opened on a Sunday and at the close of business that day, HealthServe made a total sales of N7,000. Today, however, HealthServe Pharmacy operates from about four locations in Lagos and has close to 20 employees. As an add on to HealthServe, Mosun also runs Health On Wheels, does training and gives inspirational speeches and health talks.

Incidentally, the idea of Health on Wheels, a service she runs by visiting companies, government agencies, rural areas, taxi parks, religious gatherings, etc to give health talks, was an idea that developed from her running of HealthServe Pharmacy. Health on Wheels provides mobile health tests to screen for serious health problems such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels and diabetes. The objective of the programme, according to

Dosunmu

Mosun is to promote healthy living by reducing morbidity and mortality rate amongst Nigerians giving rise to a healthy nation.

The idea for Health on Wheels grew out of a study she conducted at her Health Serve

pharmacies that found four out of 10 people evaluated were either hypertensive, had high cholesterol or were diabetic.

Incidentally, the story of Health on Wheels equally has its root in another opportunity that came Mosun’s way when

she got enlisted for the Goldman Sachs Entrepreneurship Development Service programme which is run in partnership with the Lagos Business School.

While a student in the Goldman Sachs program, she and her classmates were asked to suggest new ideas for businesses and when she discussed the survey and put forth her Health on Wheels idea, she got strong encouragement from her professor. “I felt it was not such a good idea,” says Mosun, “but now I’m running with it.”

Her emergence as a Goldman Sachs scholarship beneficiary did not come easy, just like her pursuit of her course as a pharmacist. After two attempts, she finally secured the EDS; Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Scholarship to attend a Certificate in Entrepreneurship Management, the programme that she admits completely changed her business orientation and acumen.

It was at the EDS programme, which offered her tremendous network of small business people and friends, that she met Florence Ohale, who ultimately became one of Mosun’s greatest benefactors. It was Florence that convinced her to apply for the Group Study Exchange Programme of Rotary Club International.

Barely 12 hours after she submitted her application online, Mosun received an invitation to come to Abuja for a 7pm interview the next day. On the appointment day, Mosun did

Management Principles

Henry Fayol’s 14 principles of management *Specialisation/Division of Labour principle of work allocation and specialisation in order to concentrate activities to enable specialisation of skills and understandings, more work focus and efficiency. *Authority with corresponding responsibility If responsibilities are allocated then the post holder needs the requisite authority to carry these out including the right to require others in the area of responsibility to undertake duties. *Discipline The generalisation about discipline is that discipline is essential for the smooth running of a business and without it – standards, consistency of action, adherence to rules and values – no enterprise could prosper. “in an essence – obedience, application, energy, behaviour and outward marks of respect observed in accordance with standing agreements between firms and its employees “ *Unity of Command The idea is that an employee should receive instructions from one superior only. This generalisation still holds – even where we are involved with team and matrix structures which involve reporting to more than one boss – or being accountable to several clients. The basic concern is that tensions and dilemmas arise where we report to two or more bosses. One boss may want X, the other Y and the subordinate is caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. *Unity of Direction The unity of command idea of having one head (chief executive, cabinet consensus) with agree purposes and objectives and one plan for a group of activities) is clear. *Subordination of individual interest to the general interest Fayol’s line was that one employee’s interests or those of one group should not prevail over the organisation as a whole. This would spark a lively debate about who decides that the interests of the organisation as a whole are. Ethical dilemmas and matters of corporate risk and the behaviour of individual “chancers” are involved here. Fayol’s work – assumes a shared set of values by people in the organisation – a unitarism where the reasons for organisational activities and decisions are in some way neutral and reasonable. *Remuneration of staff The general principle is that levels of compensation should be “fair” and as far as possible, afford satisfac-

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Business Courage A13 29

Monday, April 8, 2013

ThebuddingEntrepreneurs not inform her husband about the trip to Abuja, as she feared he might discourage her from this “shadow chasing” tour to America. “I was going to tell him after I had arrived Abuja,” she recalled.

Unfortunately for her, she missed the 12 noon flight to Abuja, and had to pay an additional charge to be on the 3:30 pm flight, which was delayed for another two hours. She finally landed in Abuja at 7pm (the exact time for the interview), only to discover that her luggage was missing and in the process of scrambling all over for it, she sprained her ankle.

Frustrated and upset, she called Florence from the airport to say she was heading back to Lagos but again, Florence persuaded her to go for the inter-

view and by the time she finally got to the interview venue at 8:45pm, the panel had already finished for the day and was having dinner.

Luckily, she was still interviewed after narrating her ordeal and out of 35 candidates that applied for the sponsorship, Mosun was one of the four that passed, to go on to the next stage, the following day.

The second stage of the interview was on March 10, 2010 and she had to prove to the panellist that she was involved with a project that had the potential to impact on the country positively. “It was a project I started but had to abandon for lack of confidence. I discussed this project on our second day at the EDS Goldman Sachs Class and received a rousing

tion both to the staff and the firm (in terms of its cost structures and desire for profitability/surplus). *Centralisation Centralisation for Henry Fayol is essential to the organisation and a natural consequence of organising. This issue does not go away even where flatter, devolved organisations occur. Decentralisation – is frequently centralisaed-decentralisation !!! The modes of control over the actions and results of devolved organisations are still matters requiring considerable attention. *Scalar chain / Line of authority The scalar chain of command of reporting relationships from top executive to the ordinary shop operative or driver needs to be sensible, clear and understood. *Order The level of generalisation becomes difficult with this principle. Basically an organisation “should” provide an orderly place for each individual member – who needs to see how their role fits into the organisation and be confident, able to predict the organisations behaviour towards them.

Thus policies, rules, instructions and actions should be understandable and understood. Orderliness implies steady evolutionary movement rather than wild, anxiety provoking, unpredictable movement. *Equity Equity, fairness and a sense of justice “should” pervade the organisation – in principle and practice. *Stability of tenure Time is needed for the employee to adapt to his/her work and perform it effectively. Stability of tenure promotes loyalty to the organisation, its purposes and values. *Initiative At all levels of the organisational structure, zeal, enthusiasm and energy are enabled by people having the scope for personal initiative. (Note: Tom Peters recommendations in respect of employee empowerment) *Esprit de Corps Here, Fayol emphasises the need for building and maintaining of harmony among the work force , team work and sound interpersonal relationships.

In the same way that Alfred P Sloan, the executive head of General Motors reorganised the company into semi-autonomous divisions in the 1920s, corporations undergoing reorganisation still apply “classical organisation” principles – very much in line with Fayol’s recommendations. BC

ovation. Very quickly, my classmates embraced Health On Wheels, with volunteers for its re-branding and re-launching.

I was chosen to represent my Zone and to proceed to the last stage,” she recalled.

This final stage involved written test and presentation skills. She scored 56 in the written test while the cut off mark was 60. “I asked to see my answer sheet and spotted a mistake in the marking. This made them add an additional 3 marks, giving me 59,” yet, she still did not meet the cut off mark.

However, at that stage, Mosun said she was happy with her performance and proudly carried her luggage and proceeded to board a taxi to Abuja airport, back to Lagos. “I was pleased as I had discovered something more about myself from the experience. It also reinforced what I learnt in class - an entrepreneur cannot fail,” she recalled.

Just then, she was called back and advised to complete the whole interview. At the last stage, she was asked to make an on-the-spot presentation on Nigeria, which she did to a very loud ovation from the panel and was qualified as one of the first four candidates to represent Nigeria in the final scholarship slot.

But that wasn’t the end of the story. Of the six successful awardees, only the first four to successfully obtain visas were to travel to the state of Illinois, United States of America.

Again, Mosun encountered serious challenges trying to register online for the US visa, at both Abuja and Lagos. This continued for over a week. Unfortunately, out of the six, four others were given visa leaving her and one other lady .Despite all the discouragement; she still went ahead for her visa appointment.

Finally, another lady showed up along with Mosun at the embassy for the final slot but fortunately this time, it was Mosun who was successful but then, she had another hurdle to cross. Four people were to proceed on the trip but five of them had visas but alas, one of the candidates had to step down for me to proceed for my journey to Illinois.

It was after her return to Nigeria that the Health on Wheel fully developed into a serious business idea.

Mosun Dosunmu’s business is marked by characteristics that can help make it successful, including innovation, education, training, focus and determination and doggedness.

However, Health on Wheels still faces challenges such as the cost of the service, weak promotion and a lack of infrastructure and security in the country. BC

Personal Finance The Financial Planning Process

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ost people want to handle their finances so that they get full satisfaction from every available naira they have. Typical financial goals include such things as a new car, a larger home, advanced career training, extended travel, and self-sufficiency during working and retirement years.

Personal financial planning is the process of managing your money to achieve personal economic satisfaction. This planning process allows you to control your financial situation. Every person, family, or household has a unique financial position, and any financial activity therefore must also be carefully planned to meet specific needs and goals.

A comprehensive financial plan can enhance the quality of your life and increase your satisfaction by reducing uncertainty about your future needs and resources.

We all make hundreds of decisions each day. Most of these decisions are quite simple and have few consequences. Some are complex and have long-term effects on our personal and financial situations.

The financial planning process is a logical, six-step procedure: Determine your current financial situation Here, you will determine your current financial situation with regard to income, savings, living expenses, and debts. Preparing a list of current asset and debt balances and amounts spent for various items gives you a foundation for financial planning activities.

Develop financial goals You should periodically analyze your financial values and goals. This involves identifying how you feel about money and why you feel that way. The purpose of this analysis is to differentiate your needs from your wants.

Specific financial goals are vital to financial planning. Others can suggest financial goals for you; however, you must decide which goals to pursue. Your financial goals can range from spending all of your current income to developing an extensive savings and investment programme for your future financial security.

Identify alternative courses of action Developing alternatives is crucial for making good decisions.

Although many factors will influence the available alternatives, possible courses of action usually involves issues like continuing the same course of action; expand the current situation; change the current situation and taking a new course of action.

Evaluate alternatives You need to evaluate possible courses of action, taking into consideration your life situation, personal values, and current economic conditions.

Every decision closes off alternatives. For example, a decision to invest in stock may mean you cannot take a vacation.

A decision to go to school full time may mean you cannot work full time. Opportunity cost is what you give up by making a choice. This cost, commonly referred to as the trade-off of a decision, cannot always be measured in naira.

Decision making will be an ongoing part of your personal and financial situation. Thus, you will need to consider the lost opportunities that will result from your decisions.

Create and implement a financial action plan In this step of the financial planning process, you develop an action plan. This requires choosing ways to achieve your goals.

As you achieve your immediate or short-term goals, the goals next in priority will come into focus.

Re-evaluate and revise your plan Financial planning is a dynamic process that does not end when you take a particular action. You need to regularly assess your financial decisions. Changing personal, social, and economic factors may require more frequent assessments.

When life events affect your financial needs, this financial planning process will provide a vehicle for adapting to those changes. Regularly reviewing this decision-making process will help you make priority adjustments that will bring your finanBC BC cial goals and activities in line with your current life situation.

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Rising wave of mobile malware As smartphones continue to take the larger chunk of the mobile markets and millions of people committing their hardearned money on them, experts warn of the prevalence of mobile malware which they say could make people lose money as well as precious and valuable data

By Adejuwon Osunnuyi

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o phone manufacturers, the rate at which smartphone, a mobile phone built on a mobile operating system, with more advanced computing capability and connectivity, has been growing across the world is no doubt encouraging.

The craze for smartphones cannot be said to be unexpected. Historically, when the first smartphones were released into the market, they combined the functions of a personal digital assistant (PDA) with a mobile phone. Later, models added the functionality of portable media players, low-end compact digital cameras, pocket video cameras, and GPS navigation units to form one multi-use device.

Today, many modern smartphones include high-resolution touchscreens and web browsers that display standard web pages as well as mobile-optimized sites. While high-speed data access is provided by Wi-Fi and mobile broadband, in recent years, the rapid development of mobile app markets and of mobile commerce have been drivers of smartphone adoption.

The mobile operating systems (OS) used by modern smartphones include Google’s Android, Apple’s iOS, Nokia’s Symbian, RIM’s BlackBerry OS, Samsung’s Bada, Microsoft’s Windows Phone, HewlettPackard’s webOS, and embedded Linux distributions such as Maemo and MeeGo. Such operating systems can be installed on many different phone models, and typically each device can receive multiple OS software updates over its lifetime. A few other upcoming operating systems are Mozilla’s Firefox OS, Canonical Ltd.’s Ubuntu Phone, and Tizen.

Leading IT research and advisory company, Gartner, Inc., recently revealed that while worldwide mobile phone sales saw a decline of 1.7 per cent in 2012 from the year before, smartphone sales soared globally during 2012, with a record-setting number of 207.7 million units sold in the fourth quarter of 2012 – up 38.3 per cent from the

same period in 2011. Gartner’s report also showed that smartphones running on the Android operating system captured more than 50 per cent of the smartphone OS market, growing by 87.8 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2012.

However, while the euphoria over the growing capabilities of smartphones continues to soar, the flip side to that is that smartphones are now being plagued by the bane of computers: Malware.

Malware, short for malicious (or malevolent) software, is software used or programmed by attackers to disrupt computer operation, gather sensitive information, or gain access to private computer systems. It can appear in the form of code, scripts, active content, and other software.

‘Malware’ is a general term used to refer to a variety of forms of hostile or intrusive software.

Malware includes computer viruses, ransomware, worms, trojan horses, rootkits, keyloggers, dialers, spyware, adware, malicious BHOs, rogue security software and other malicious programs; the majority of active malware threats are usually worms or trojans rather than viruses.

Malware is different from defective software, which is legitimate software but contains harmful bugs that were not corrected before release. However, some malware is disguised as genuine software, and may come from an official company website in the form of a useful or attractive program which has the harmful malware embedded in it along with additional tracking software that gathers marketing statistics.

Softwares such as antivirus, anti-malware, and firewalls are relied upon by users at home, small and large organisations around the globe to safeguard against malware attacks which helps in identifying and preventing the further spread of malware in the network.

According to a report in the MIT Technology Review, earlier last month, Websense security researcher, Chris Astacio warned at the RSA Security Conference in San Francisco that

cyber-criminals are increasingly turning their focus on smartphones, using corrupt websites to infect their victims.

Astacio said malicious software is targeting iPhones, iPads and Android devices, aiming to use mobile browsers to take control of the device, according to the report.

That could be of particular concern to Apple users, as another new report found iOS to be the mobile operating system with the most vulnerability. That’s likely because iOS is much more of a target. Android’s vulnerability is its open platform, which allows easy creation of potentially malicious apps, so hackers haven’t needed to attack the OS directly. But because Apple has such control over its App Store, criminals are forced to look for other means of entry — such as through iOS, according to a report by ZDNet. In an interview with ZD-

Net Asia, SourceFire security researcher Yves Younan said he was “surprised” that Apple topped the list of vulnerabilities, but that it made sense given that Android attackers focus on apps, and Windows isn’t yet widely used enough to present much of a target.

“Unfortunately that isn’t the only growth Android has been experiencing,” says Lutz Blaeser, managing director of local IT security software distributor Intact Security. “The current malware report compiled by antivirus security solutions software house G Data, demonstrates how owners of Android smartphones and tablet PCs are increasingly being targeted by malware authors.”

According to the G Data Malware Report, analyses from the second half of 2012 show that the amount of new malware programs targeting Android has increased fivefold since the first half of 2012, reaching a maxi-

mum of almost 140 000 by the end of the second half of the year. “Over the last few months, Android malware has become an eCrime growth market; we are constantly recording new variants of malicious apps.” says Ralf Benzmüller, head of G Data Security Labs. “However, the perpetrators are not only relying on spreading malicious apps, but are increasingly trying to integrate infected devices into botnets. This turns smartphones into spam machines.”

G Data’s report makes it clear that malware creators are now going for quality over quantity.

The growth of PC malware has slowed for the second time in a row, because the perpetrators are using less mass malware and focusing mainly on creating highly complex, intelligent malware instead, which Benzmüller points out is significantly more dangerous and can cause far more damage.

And those malware producing cyber crooks are busy too.

In the second half of the year, a new malware strain for Android was discovered every two minutes – which amounted to 140 000 new malicious files.

“The new forms of Android malware are particularly insidious, because it is mostly Trojan horses that take the guise of known apps with legitimate functions, such as weather apps,” Blaeser says. “The manipulated copies are cleverly designed to look like the genuine article and will even show you the weather forecast like the real app does – but it can also be a command system that gives a hacker total control over your

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Astacio

Benzmüller

handset and provides him with all your numbers, contacts, and the passwords stored on the phone. Some malware even allows users to trace the exact physical location of your phone, delete all your information and wreak some other havoc.”

Blaeser advises that users who want to ensure that their devices don’t get struck down by such a Trojanised app, should make sure that they only download or purchase apps from legitimate sources, such as the Google Play store. “Alternatively, users can protect their Android phones or tablets with special mobile antivirus protection such as G Data MobileSecurity Version 2,” says Blaeser. “It not only protects users against viruses, malicious apps and threats while they surf the web, but it also allows them the possibility of retrieving their lost device or delete all their personal data if the tablet or phone has been stolen.”

With the growth in mobile exploding, experts noted that it is only natural for cybercriminals

Business Courage A15 31

Monday, April 8, 2013

to move towards that device as a means for profit since it has such large numbers. According to them, consumers must strive to learn about these new ways hackers can trick or deceive them.

Part of the education process, according to IT experts, is to understand where and how all these malicious activity happen. Unlike PCs where infections typically happen through email (attachments or links) or from visiting an infected website, for mobile devices, malicious software (malware) is distributed primarily through infected apps. In their Mobile Security: McAfee Consumer Trends Report, McAfee analyzed data from McAfee Mobile Security users on Android devices and found out that 16 per cent, that is one in six of apps are infected with malware or contain links to risky URLs. It was also found out that about 40 per cent of malware do more than one malicious activity (for instance it may not only send your mobile number and device ID to the hacker, but it

may also open a “door” so the hacker can get future information from other apps).

The number one malicious activity the malicious apps did was sending handset and personal information to the hacker.

In essence, Spyware represents about one-third of all malware families in our zoo and 23 percent of mobile spyware joins a botnet or opens a backdoor, increasing the risk of data loss or device abuse.

What does this mean for you?

It means you better be careful with your mobile device and especially what apps you download and use. This is more important because the smartphones have, to many, become an extension of them.

An IT expert, who wouldn’t want his name in print told Business Courage that to him, protecting the smartphones could be more important because “if all the data that was on my phone get into the wrong hands, I shudder to think of what could happen. That’s why it’s critical that you are careful when using apps.” He noted.

According to him, to keep their phones safe, consumers should always watch where they download as he sounded a note of warning that they should always download apps from reputable app stores. According to him, consumers should always make sure they investigate the app to be downloaded by researching it through the reading of reviews and checking its ratings.

“They should check the permissions: Make sure the app is only accessing data it really needs to function- studies have shown that one third of apps ask for more permission than they need it,” he noted.

According to him, “Don’t store your logins: Do not choose the “remember me” option for apps and mobile browser for your login information, even though this is not as easy. This way, if a stranger accesses your device, they cannot log into your accounts as you.”

Notably, the IT expert said while about 51 per cent of consumers would rather prefer losing their wallet than the smartphones, only about four per cent consider making use of mobile security software. Like the computers, he noted, it is very mandatory for smartphones users to use security software such as McAfee® Mobile Security.

“McAfee® Mobile Security helps protect your phone against malware, bad apps and other mobile threats. It also allows you to remotely locate, track and lock your device in the case of loss or theft.”

While it is expected that the rise of mobile malware attacks will likely force Apple and Google to release more frequent OS updates to patch vulnerabilities in the future, experts say, the best security advice is the simplest: Be careful where you browse, and don’t open attachments that you don’t trust. BC

Technotips

Essential tips for unlocking phones and saving money

T

he maintenance requirements for keeping a cell phone are quite high. Not to mention that they could also mean a good sum of money. One way of saving money on your phone bills or your cell phone maintenance is unlocking them. We give you reasons why and some how to tips to live by.

Basically, mobile phones are connected to one service.

They carry an IMEI or International Mobile Equipment Identity, which is basically a serial number that determines as to what wireless service they are connected with. Aside from that serial number, mobile phones also have removable SIM or Subscriber Information Module, which connects the phone to the subscriber and the phone to the network company. Network companies usually lock the phone to their service so as not to be unavailable to other wireless services.

That’s why when you need to switch to another network or wireless service you will also need to buy a new phone, which makes owning a cell phone pretty expensive. That will not be so if you know the essential tips for unlocking phones.

Unlocking phones will allow you to change SIM cards without fuss. It will free you from roaming charges threat.

It will also let you find another owner for your phone and not hear any complains about it not carrying their network provider.

Of course, before making any move, you need to ensure that all your legal obligations with your network provider, which was defined in a contract, has been fulfilled. That’s the only time you can unlock your phone and not worry about anything.

Tips for unlocking phones Previously, unlocking phones mean that you will carry your phone into a service company and let a technical professional perform the task. Nowadays, however, you just need to avail of a mobile phone unlocking service. Suddenly, there is no need to make much effort or wait any longer.

That does not mean, however, that you carelessly go ahead with the process. Remember that there are some things you must consider. Take note of the following cues: Tip #1: Make clear with your liabilities to your network provider. Unlocking your phone is only proper if you have already exhausted the contract you signed with your network provider. Otherwise, you will still need to pay the charges involved for the full duration of the contract.

Tip #2: Unlocking will give you more freedom personalizing your cell phone. However, just to be safe, make sure that you only add up reliable applications that will further enhance the function and beauty of your phone without risking damaging it.

Tip #3: If your contract with your wireless provider is finished, you can ask the company to provide you with an unlocking code. This is safer than trusting online service.

Then again, be prepared to go through a process and probably some time to wait for any result.

Tip #4: Know the rules. In an amendment to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, unlocking phones is deemed legal. That makes you free from liability of any charges that may be made by your service provider. However, you should also keep in mind that subscribers are given a fair warning to unlock their phones at their own risk. Some cell phone manufacturers may have that precaution regarding unlocking phones, which may void its warranty. BC

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Aderinola

Telecoms VAS providers seek better collaboration Stories by Kunle Azeez

T

he Wireless Application Service Providers of Nigeria, (WASPAN), the umbrella body of firms providing value added services in the nation’s telecommunications industry, has commenced series of moves which it hopes will result in the development value addition in the sector through a collaborative approach.

To this end, the group has brought together local and international experts in the value-added services industry to look at ways of resolving knotty issues in the sector, especially matters bothering on relationship between VAS companies, telecommunication operators and the industry regulator.

In one of such moves, WASPAN invited the Founder and Board Chairman, WASPA- South Africa, Dr. Leon Pelman, for a special meeting in Abuja last week with the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) and other industry stakeholders.

Discussion at the meeting revolved around how Nigeria could adopt the model of relationship between mobile network operators and VAS companies in South Africa.

According to Pelman, the current issues that are confronting VAS industry in Nigeria were not peculiar to the country, but were similar to issues that other climes have had to contend with in the past when they were at the same level of development of their telecoms industry that Nigeria is currently.

It will be recalled that VAS companies have been embroiled with telecoms operators over revenue sharing, while copyright issues have also reared their ugly heads in recent years, resulting in NCC to call for collaborative solution to the matters.

Painting a picture of what the situation was in South Africa in the early development of VAS market, Pelman said: “In the early days of

the mobile phone industry in South Africa, there were a lot of issues that cropped up between operators and VAS companies, adding that when the matters got to a stage, there was a need to form WASPA- South Africa.”

He noted that since the formation of the group, which is made up of VAS companies and representatives of telecom operators in South Africa, major issues of disagreement between VAS companies and operators have been resolved.

He added that both operators and VAS companies have since been jointly developing solutions for the public.

The National Coordinating Consultant at WASPAN, Simon Aderinola, noted that the group decided to embark on this new collaborative approach “because of the belief that it is the best way of bringing everyone involved in the sector to fully understand issues and develop economic potential of the VAS sector.”

He said: “Although, VAS companies were competitors, We have come together to help provide a common platform that can resolve issues and also quickly move this industry forward.

ICT firm begins product awareness creation in Lagos

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new Information Technology company in Nigeria, RLG Communications Nigeria Limited, has flagged off a 30day free BRT bus ride service.

The initiative which will span the month of April, is aimed at using the avenue to introduce RLG’s range of IT products including mobile phones and computers to the commuters during the ride.

The RLG-branded BRT buses are easily identifiable and will ply such routes as IkodoruCMS; Okoko-Mile 2, Ajah-CMS and Ikotun-Oshodi every day.

Explaining the reason behind the initiative, Chief Operating Officer, RLG, Taiwo Latilo, said: “When we decided to come out with an campaign to promote our brand in the Nigerian market, we were constrained by our organizational philosophy which is personified by our tagline “proudly Yours”.

Proudly yours in what sense?

Proudly yours in the sense that

Monday, April 8, 2013

we believe in bring socially responsible in the markets that we operate in and acknowledge that we exist and operate in a shared environment.”

He said the philosophy gave rise to the idea of a free bus service, an idea, he said, was chosen because of its potential to directly impact on the most number of people in the society.

“At RLG, we are committed by this philosophy to produce and deliver the highest quality products and services because of our long-held belief that businesses are more likely to do well in a flourishing society than one that is falling apart.

“Our devices, therefore, are of world-class standards, our training programmes have richly-improved lives over the years and our corporate social responsibility initiatives have been felt across international boundaries. We will use this opportunity to introduce products brand services offered by the RLG brand to the general public,” he said.

He said, as makers of high quality mobile phones and computers, the company also provide training in applied ICT, noting that the company has trained over 20, 000 in Osun in various aspects of applied ICT. “We currently operate in countries like Ghana, Kenya, Gambia, Dubai and China and with our entry into the Nigerian market, we are committed to providing Nigerian with affordable and quality IT products and services,” he added.

Meanwhile, RLG is partnering with the Lagos chapter of the Federal Road Safety Corps, in the BRT marketing and product awareness creation effort.

Ndukwe, others for Beacon of ICT forum

F

ormer boss of the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), Ernest Ndukwe, is to be the special guest of honour at this year’s Beacon of ICT Awards ceremony organised annually by Communication Week Media Limited, publishers of Nigeria CommunicationsWeek.

Ndukwe brings added weight to the annual industrywide celebration that recognises deserving talents, contributions and commitments to the

Ndukwe

growth of the ICT industry.

The event, sheduled to hold on April 20, 2013 in Lagos has the theme: “Technology Adaption; Looking IT Straight In the Eye”.

In a statement, the Editorin-Chief, Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, Ken Nwogbo, said the theme was informed by the fact that the ICT innovations are delivering home-grown solutions in Africa, transforming businesses, and driving entrepreneurship and economic growth.

He said that the Beacon of ICT Distinguished Lecture was designed to explore efforts to put Nigeria on the global ICT map.

He said the keynote address will be delivered by Professor Chris Nwagboso, Chairman, Knowledge Factory International, United Kingdom.

Nwagboso is one of the best brains in integrated transport and automotive systems in world; with works in innovation and enterprise.

Along with the theme of this year’s event, Nwagboso will examine efforts to adapt ICTs to local conditions and uses in Nigeria and allowing Nigeria understand those innovations and adjust them to her own development needs.

His areas of interest also include; Transportation and Civil Engineering; Intelligent Systems for Mobility; Logistics and Supply Chain Management; and Performance Management Systems For Industry and Public sector Meanwhile, Nwogbo has described Ndukwe and Nwagbos as “pride to African’s ICT.” The highlight of the evening will be awards on some individuals and organizations for outstanding contributions and best practices.

Beacon of ICT Distinguished Lecture/Awards Series now in its fourth year is the biggest industry event complete with trappings of any five star red carpet events.

Samsung rewards customers BRT Bus

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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onsumer electronics and home appliances, Samsung Electronics West

Africa has celebrated Nigerian mothers by hosting its customers to a home appliances giveaway at its Ikeja City Mall store in Lagos, with two customers carting away grand prizes of two Samsung Ecobubble washing machines at the event.

Highlighting the features and benefits of Samsung’s Ecobubble to customers at the event, Samsung Electronics’ West Africa’s Managing Director, Brovo Kim, reiterated the importance of family and mothers in particular to the organisation.

“At Samsung, family is extremely important to us. We organized this event this year so that families can have the opportunity to honour their mothers, and also have a chance to win them exciting prizes, including our unique and innovative Ecobubble washing machine, making washing easier. Ecobubble derived inspiration from historical washing practices.

“In previous generations of hand-washing, people used to create large quantities of rich and soapy foam for their laundry, helping the detergent to penetrate and get absorbed deeply.

We have applied this traditional wisdom in our bubble based washing system, to make the tiresome chore of cleaning clothes much easier and more convenient for our customers, without wasting energy,” he said.

Samsung’s range of Ecobubble washing machines builds on the successful introduction of the technology by the company in 2010.

The powerful yet, truly ecofriendly range is the first in the world to generate special bubbles, enabling great performance from the start, so that cold water washes like hot water. The bubbles penetrate deeper and dissolve faster into fabrics, helping users make energy savings of up to 70% and still achieve great results.

On his part, Samsung Electronics West Africa’s Director of Consumer Electronics, Sunil Kumar, said that Samsung will continue to exceed consumers’ expectations with well engineered and stylishly designed digital appliances, built around practical technologies that really make a difference in the lives of consumers. “A consumer desires great performance above everything else - clothes need to get clean without stains or smells. But consumer needs have since gone beyond these priorities.

For instance, larger households are always running cycle after cycle to try and stay ahead of their laundry mountain, and overloading to try and save time will compromise performance. BC

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Behind d Wheels This page is open to sponsorship

The 2014

brands 2014 Kia Optima hen the current Kia a Optima launched in n 2010, its gorgeous s styling was, frankly, a little e stunning. Conceived and exxecuted at Kia’s design studio in n Frankfurt, Germany, the Optiima helped launch the brand as a major aesthetic force. With its s subtle wedge shape, its clean n and discreet application of the e corporate “tiger-nose” grille, e, and excellently executed interiior, Kia’s mid-size sedan put the e established segment players on n notice. That it was good to drive was almost a bonus.

Now comes time for the update, with the 2014 model year bringing freshened styling and a revised equipment roster.

While the body shell remains unchanged, Kia has replaced the front fascia with a more playful and more futuristic unit, which—depending on the selected trim level—incorporates regular or LED fog lights that crib their pod-like look from the European Pro_cee’d GT. The non-functional fender vents receive a pronounced chrome wing, the LED taillights are updated, and the rear diffuser and trunk have been reshaped. While the car is still quite handsome overall, the new detailing somewhat lacks cohesion with the rest of the design. It’s an odd hiccup from a company quickly becoming synonymous with great styling.

The Optima’s interior now includes a 4.3-inch TFT screen in the instrument panel and a newly optional eight-inch navigation and telematics screen.

Occupants sit on redesigned seats, and a new optional blindspot detection system incorporates rear cross-traffic alert.

One more feature available only on the sporty Optima SX: a drive-mode selector, which sharpens the transmission’s responses and allows the driver to toggle the power-assist levels of the steering.

That’s it, as far as changes for the 2014 model year go. The trim levels remain identical: entry-level LX, which packs 16-

Kia Optima

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inch a l loys, fog lights, tinted glass, and a dual exhaust; mid-level EX EX, adding leather seats seats, 17 17inch alloys, and a power driver’s seat; the upscale SX, which comes with 18-inch alloys and more aggressive fascias; and the top-of-the-line SX Limited, complete with chrome wheels, Nappa leather seats, an electric park brake, and LED fog lights.

The engine portfolio also carries over. The entry-level power plant is a 2.4-liter gasoline direct-injection engine with 200 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. On the SX, there is an optional 2.0-liter, direct-injected turbo with 274 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. Kia also offers the Optima hybrid, which was updated for 2013 with more torque and additional options.

Its 2.4-liter four and electric motor deliver a combined output of 206 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. All powertrain options come with a six-speed torque-converter automatic.

The face lift will help the Optima continue to woo buyers into Kia showrooms until an all-new successor arrives in another two to three years. With the new, larger Cadenza going on sale soon, the Optima will no longer be Kia’s flagship model in the U.S.—but it will continue to be the brand’s standard bearer for style 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid When Nissan first outlined its next-generation, in-house hybrid system nearly two years ago, it promised that the setup would arrive sometime in 2013 to supplant a V-6 in a new hy-

brid vehicle vehicle. We had predicted that the company was talking about the inevitable hybrid version of the latest Altima sedan, but Nissan’s first recipient of its new hybrid powertrain is, in fact, the new Pathfinder crossover. Introduced last year, the fourth-generation Pathfinder broke significantly from its predecessor, a rugged body-onframe SUV in the old tradition, and this hybrid iteration further seals the new rig’s crossover status.

The 2014 Pathfinder hybrid enters a pretty empty space in the market—that of the nonluxury three-row hybrid crossy occupied solely y over—currently by the Toyota Highlander hybrid.

T h e

ing I n finiti Q X 6 0 hybrid.

Nissan didn’t skimp on the hybrid goods with the Pathfinder. The system consists of a supercharged 2.5-liter fourcylinder engine, an electric motor, Nissan’s Xtronic CVT, and a lithium-ion battery pack. The motor is mounted between the engine and the CVT, and a pair of clutches connects and disconnects the motor from the system. The blown four produces 230 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque, while the electric motor brings 20 horsepower and 29 lb-ft to the party; total output stands at 250 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque.

Those figures are comparable to the regular Pathfinder’s 3.5-liter V-6, which boasts 10 more

Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid

only other threerow crossover available with a hybrid version is the Pathfinder’s more-luxurious sibling, the upcom-

horsepower but 3 fewer lb-ft.

When it comes to every hybrid’s key selling point, the Pathfinder appears to deliver, at least in city driving.

Although official EPA figures are forthcoming, Nissan estimates that the Pathfinder hybrid will be good for 25 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway with either drive configuration.

A di tto Ni ith th According Nissan, with the exception of what’s under the hood and the lower tow rating, the Pathfinder hybrid is pretty much the same as the gas-powered Pathfinder. The hybrid gets LED taillights, a few Pure drive hybrid exterior badges, and special hybrid-information screens in the gauge cluster. Nissan even figured out a way to mount the lithium-ion battery pack beneath the third-row seat in such a way that the chairs can still fold flat, and cargo capacity is unaffected. The hybrid gear is available as a powertrain option on three of the standard Pathfinder’s four trim levels—SV, y SL,, and Platinum—and buyers have the choice of front- or allwheel drive.

Standard equipment lists for the three hybrid trim levels mirror those of their V-6 counterparts, and every hybrid comes with an eight-way power driver’s seat,

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Behind d Wheels This page is open to sponsorship

Autocare How to maximize your car’s performance

B Toyota Highlander

Nissan’s Intelligent Key with pushbutton starting, a rearview camera, a 4.2-inch gaugecluster display, and a seveninch central infotainment screen. While the gauge-cluster display is similar to the one offered in other Pathfinders, in the hybrid it can show hybridspecific info like whether the electric motor is aiding acceleration or regenerating the batteries. Buyers can add leather seating surfaces, an eight-inch central touch screen, heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, a dual panoramic sunroof, a Bose audio system, and Nissan’s signature Around View multi-camera parking aid.

So unlike hybrids from other manufacturers, the Pathfinder hybrid doesn’t offer unique looks or trim specifications relative to its more-pedestrian brethren. But it does offer a noticeable uptick in fuel economy, and while final pricing has yet to be determined, Nissan says to expect the hybrid to cost buyers an additional $3000.

Given that a bone-stock, frontwheel-drive 2013 Pathfinder SV starts at $32,755, well, you do the math. Speaking of math, Nissan likely is hoping buyers will do a subtraction problem involving the Toyota Highlander hybrid’s $41,015 base price and the Pathfinder’s—as it stands, the solution to that problem appears to be a few thousand bucks in the Nissan buyer’s pockets. View Photo Gallery 2014 Toyota Highlander The mid-size Highlander made its debut in 2000 as a more carlike alternative to the rugged 4Runner, and it quickly became Toyota’s crossover SUV sales leader—before everyone had learned to call them crossovers. That term has since become a household word, and the third-generation Highlander hews to the defining elements: unitized construction and

front-wheel-drive architecture, with off-road use as a distant, and steadily diminishing, design priority.

Toyota unveiled the latest Highlander at the New York auto show as a 2014 model. It’s a major make over emphasizing passenger-car virtues such as comfort, quiet operation, and a smooth ride. And like the generation-two Highlander, it has seats for seven passengers, as three-row seats are now a midsize-SUV must.

The interior has been redone with upgraded materials, softtouch surfaces, as well as ambient lighting around the dash and doors. There’s a new info display, a new roll-top center console with expanded capacity, a new headliner, and the availability of second-row sunshades.

As with almost all new vehicles these days, the new genthree Highlander debuts with enhanced telematics—Toyota calls its system Entune—as well as an expanded list of standard features. New safety options include a blind-spot monitor, lane-departure warning, and a rear cross-traffic alert.

Other elements in the new Highlander’s comfort quotient include more interior volume; cargo space behind the third row is up 34 percent, according to Toyota, which would raise capacity to almost 14 cubic feet from 10 cubic feet in the current vehicle.

Reclining third-row seatbacks now split 40/60. The 2014 Highlander’s third-row seat is wider and looks to be easier to access as well. Toyota also emphasizes noise-reduction measures in the new Highlander, including extensive sound-insulation material, acoustic windshield glass, and new hydraulic engine mounts.

As befits a vehicle portrayed as all-new, the Highlander’s sheet metal has been restyled from stem to stern. The side panels are more sculpted, a

big new grille preserves a hint of SUV butch, the rear fascia is revised, and wraparound headlamps and a power-operated rear lift gate have been added.

Although the 109.8-inch wheelbase is unchanged, the Highlander’s length has stretched by 2.7 inches to 191.1, and width expanded from 75.2 to 75.8 inches. Toyota cites increased use of high-strength steel for imparting greater chassis stiffness, but refrains from any rigidity specifics.

Toyota also declines to fully detail its powertrain options or fuel-economy estimates, but changes under the Highlander’s hood appear to be modest.

The base engine continues to be a 2.7-liter four; it’s rated for 187 horsepower in the current model. It will be paired with a six-speed automatic, and, as before, is front-drive only—the all-wheel-drive option is limited to V-6 and hybrid versions.

The upgrade engine and Hybrid Synergy Drive also appear to be carry-overs, the former a 3.5-liter V-6 (currently 270 horsepower), with a new six-speed automatic. The hybrid continues with the 231hp 3.5-liter V-6 augmented by electric motor power for total system output of 280 horsepower. As with the current Highlander, the hybrid system works through a continuously variable transmission. Both engines continue to be fed by lessefficient port-injection systems, as distinct from power- and fuel-economy-enhancing direct injection.

In addition to fuel economy and pricing—which Toyota has yet to release—comfort, refinement, infotainment, and a contemporary array of safety features are the key buying priorities in this family-centric class, and that’s where Toyota is putting its chips with the latest Highlander. We’ll see how the bet pays off when the Highlander rolls into Toyota showrooms early in 2014. BC

ecause a car is a depreciating asset, people are more likely to hold onto their car for longer periods of time.

Instead of trading their car in for a new one, people are holding onto their cars and maintaining them so they last longer. To make a car last longer and maximize its performance, there are certain things you can do. This will increase the life of your car and decrease the costs that could come along unexpectedly.

Fluids By keeping up with the fluids in your car such as oil, you will extend the life of your car. This means changing the oil when it is recommended. The oil needs to be checked and changed regularly for optimum performance. As fluids are being used, they can get low. This is why it is important to check the levels and top off as needed.

You know your car better than anyone because you drive it daily, so listen to the sounds your car makes and note any abnormalities. By catching a problem early, you could avoid costly repairs. This could include sputtering, overheating, atypical noises or leaks. If you notice any of these, you should get your car in right away to have it checked and remedied.

Engine One of the most important things you want to avoid with your engine is overheating. If this occurs, even once, it can cause problems. When overheating occurs, gaskets, seals or cylinders can be damaged. Make sure to watch the engine cooling system gauge on your car. Also, if your ‘check engine’ light goes on, have your car looked at right away. There is a reason why that light goes on and you do not want to drive with that light on for an extended period of time. Any warning light that goes on should be checked immediately. If the problem is caught early, it can be fixed for a lower cost than if you wait.

Repairs If you do need repairs, you need to find a trustworthy mechanic. Unless you know a lot about cars, you will be looking to your mechanic for answers. When repairs are necessary, you should use good, quality parts to ensure their effectiveness and longevity. There should be a maintenance schedule for your car and it should be followed, even if they seem unnecessary.

Driving Sometimes mechanical problems are out of your control, while others are in your control. For instance, you should not accelerate too quickly on a frequent basis. This means breaking it in easily when it is brand new. And when you drive it in harsh conditions, it is important to let it warm up. The more you do these things, the more likely your car will last longer and need fewer repairs. Keeping your car clean is another good way to maintain your car.

No matter how long you plan to keep your car, you should do all of these things in order to maintain it. This should be done not only for yourself, but for the next owner of your car.

Since a car can run for a decade or longer, you want to keep your car maintained so it runs its best. BC

A20 36

Business Courage

Monday, April 8, 2013

Rockefeller, Tony Elumelu Foundations launch fund to impact investment in Africa

T

he Rockefeller Foundation and the Tony Elumelu Foundation have announced the launch of the Impact Economy Innovations Fund (IEIF) at the Impact Investing in Africa: Accelerating the Industry Regionally Forum.

According to a statement, the event, hosted by The Rockefeller Foundation, the Tony Elumelu Foundation, and the Bertha Centre for Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship at the University of Cape Town (UCT) Graduate School of Business, provided a platform to introduce the investment and entrepreneurial community from all over Africa to the concept and practice of impact investing.

Through a series of presentations and panel discussions, participants developed a better understanding of the barriers to and opportunities for unlocking greater investment capital for impact at scale, while strengthening the sector’s entrepreneurial talent and African ecosystem.

“Throughout its 100 year history, The Rockefeller Foundation has worked to enhance the impact of innovative thinkers and actors,” said Eme Essien Lore, Acting Managing Director at The Rockefeller Foundation.

“Now, during our Centennial year, our work

Elemelu

is helping accelerate the growth of the impact investing industry in Africa as we partner with organizations that are at the forefront of helping to achieve equitable growth for all, such as The Tony Elumelu Foundation and the Bertha Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship.”

Dr. François Bonnici, Director of the Bertha Centre at the UCT Graduate School of Business said, “We are conducting research on impact investing in South Africa to provide an

annual barometer to track the trends and practices in the sector. With the support of The Rockefeller Foundation and The Tony Elumelu Foundation, the possibilities for impact investing in Africa are considerable.”

The IEIF will fund proposals geared toward projects that seek to enable capital solutions, foster entrepreneurial ecosystems and promote impact investing industry infrastructure – ultimately aimed at impacting the lives of poor or vulnerable people throughout Africa.

“Impact Investing is a critical tool in driving our agenda of promoting entrepreneurship for lasting economic and social development in Africa. We want to see more deals of this nature and our commitment to support this new fund is just the beginning,” said Dr. Wiebe Boer, CEO of the Tony Elumelu Foundation. “ The IEIF will be managed by The Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN) in close collaboration with the Tony Elumelu Foundation and The Rockefeller Foundation. A Request for Proposals (RFP) has been issued, calling for submissions to the IEIF that align with the Fund’s objective of boosting the development of robust regional markets.

Click here for more information on how to apply for IEIF funding. BC

NSE market capitalisation dips by N12bn

T

he market capitalisation of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) dipped further last Friday by N12 billion as a result of profit taking.

The market capitalisation, which opened at N10.990 trillion, declined by 0.11 per cent to close at N10.978 trillion due to price losses.

Also, the All-Shares Index lost 38.28 points of 0.11 per cent to close at 34,301.37 from the 34,339.65 achieved on Thursday.

Okomu Oil Palm led the losers’ chart, losing N1.49 to close at N95 per share.

Zenith Bank came second on the losers’ chart with a loss of 82k to close at N21.51, while Julius Berger lost 70k to close at N51.10 per share.

NCR depreciated by 45k to close at N18, while FBN Holding lost 40k to close at N21.10 per share.

Analysts attributed the price losses to profit taking embarked upon by some investors who were taking advantage of gains recorded in the last few days due to 2012 financial results of companies.

NewGold, however, topped the gainers’ chart, gaining N11 to close at N2, 380 per unit.

It was followed by Lafarge Wapco

NSE, Trading Floor

with a gain of N6.59 to close at N86.59 per share, while Nigerian Breweries rose

by N2.49 to close at N161.50 per share.

Conoil gained N2.39 to close at N26.33 per share.

A total of 377.91 million shares worth N4.19 billion were traded in 6,185 deals against the 418.60 million shares valued at N4.26 billion traded in 6,888

deals on Thursday.

Transcorp emerged the most traded stock with 58.71 million shares worth N83.53 million.

It was trailed by FCMB which accounted for 41.81 million shares valued at N208.91 million, while GTBank sold 25.12 million shares worth N633.28 million. BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Barclays adds Nigerian Sovereign Bonds to emergingmarket index Johnson Okanlawon with agency report

B

arclays has added about $16bn of Nigerian debt to its emerging markets government bond index from April 1, this year.

The bonds were also included in the J.P. Morgan Government Bond Index, emerging markets from October 1 last year, increasing its appeal to mainstream foreign investors.

The spokeswoman of the bank, Mrs. Jodie Gray, told Bloomberg yesterday that ten Nigerian bonds were included in the index.

Gray who said that the debt has a weighting of 0.97 per cent at Friday’s close, added that ten Romanian bonds were also included in the gauge.

The bank said in November it would add the two nations’ debt to the index after reviewing changes in marketplace and polling investors on governance and market accessibility.

Eligibility criteria include having a minimum market size equivalent of $5bn, while each bond must have at least $300m outstanding and a minimum 12 months to maturity.

J.P. Morgan estimated that Nigeria would attract at least $1.5bn of inflows as a result of the inclusion.

Since October, yields have fallen by more than 200 basis points on some tenors, though they have climbed recently as foreign interest wanes.

The Barclays index is not as widely followed as JPMorgan’s and the impact of the inclusion on yields may be more muted.

An Emerging Markets Analyst at Standard Bank, Mr. Samir Gadio said, “We suspect only a handful of foreign funds investing in Nigeria track the Barclays bond index and that the impact on the long end will be limited from current levels.

“This is unlikely to generate the same yield compression as experienced with the GBI-EM inclusion.”

According to him, the inclusion could explain why some bonds have traded moderately stronger in recent days while the short end of the curve sold off.

Yields on Nigeria’s bonds due January 2022 have dropped 193 basis points, or 1.93 percentage point, to 10.91 percent since the end of September. BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, April 8, 2013

A21 37

NSE to aid emerging businesses, introduces designated advisers

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he Nigerian Stock Exchange concluded another phase in its plans of nurturing the growth of small to mid-sized companies via the announcement of selected Designated Advisers (DAs) for companies listed on the Alternative Securities Market (ASeM). The fourteen Dealing Member firms selected included ARM Securities Limited, BGL Securities Limited, Capital Asset Limited, Cardinal Stone Securities Limited, EDC Securities Limited, Fidelity Securities Limited, and FSDH Securities Limited. Others were Investment One Stockbrokers International, Magnartis Finance & Investment Limited, Marina Securities Stockbroking Services, Morgan Capital Securities Limited, Partnership Investment Company Limited, Primera Africa Securities Limited and UBA Stockbrokers Limited.

Head, Broker Dealer Regulation of The NSE, Olufemi Shobanjo confirmed that the selection process centred on the DAs who are Dealing Members of The Nigerian Stock Exchange with expertise on Corporate Finance and Investment; InDepth Knowledge of Capital

Shobanjo

Market Rules and Operations; Intimate Acquaintance with the Disclosure and Listing plus Post Listing Requirements of The Exchange.

“The selected DAs who were also cleared by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), went through a rigorous process carried out by The NSE which took into account their Compliance History, Transaction Profile and Track Record of Subject Matter Experts (SEPs) presented by the Firms” said Shobanjo. He appended that “The NSE has received and processed applications for Designated Advisers from over twenty Dealing Member Firms

and decided to announce the successful applicants ahead of the official launch of the ASeM Board slated for later this month”.

According to Shobanjo, Designated Advisers will be required for all companies listed on the ASeM Board of The Exchange to ensure compliance with all the listing and post listing requirements of the ASeM Board.

It would be recalled that the NSE had revealed early this year that part of its major focus would be Small and Medium Scale Enterprises via the launch of its Alternative Securities Market as such companies remained the drivers of growth in the Nigerian economy. The ASeM will be a specialised board on the Nigerian stock exchange where Emerging Companies with high potential for growth can access the capital market under concessionary rules and requirements to raise long term, low cost capital.

The NSE had also issued a circular to dealing member firms two months ago, asking them to indicate their interest in becoming Designated Advisers to companies listed on or seeking listing to the ASeM. BC

Naira hits highest level since August

T

he Naira strengthened a fourth day to complete its best one-week performance since August last year after oil companies were said to sell dollars to meet local expenses.

The naira rose 0.1 per cent to 157.45 per dollar in Lagos, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The naira gained 0.7 percent last week, it’s best performance since the five days through Aug. 17.

Oil companies, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), are the second-biggest source of dollars after the Central

Bank of Nigeria, which offers foreign currency at auctions on Mondays and Wednesdays to maintain exchange-rate stability.

“The naira strengthened on the back of foreign-exchange sales from oil companies earlier this week, expected dollar sales from the NNPC, and to a lesser extent, some modest foreign-capital inflows,” Samir Gadio, an emerging-markets strategist at Standard Bank Group Ltd. in London, said in an e- mail.

“It is likely that dollar-naira will drift higher once the NNPC effect dissipates next week.”

The central bank sold $237 million at an April 3 auction, compared with $300 million at the previous sale on March 27.

It didn’t hold an offer on April 1 because of a public holiday.

Borrowing costs on Nigeria’s local-currency debt due January 2022 rose six basis points, or 0.06 percentage point, to 10.89 per cent, according to Thursday’s prices compiled by the Financial Markets Dealers Association.

Yields on Nigeria’s $500 million of Eurobonds due January 2021 declined three basis points to 4.33 percent last Friday. BC

CBN warns on fake recruitment advert

By Tola Akinmutimi, Abuja

T

he Central Bank of Nigeria at the weekend alerted the public on a fake advertisement purportedly linked to it about a job recruitment exercise, saying it had nothing to do with the advertisement.

In a statement by the Bank’s Head of Corporate Communications, Ugochukwu Okoroafor, the bank disclosed that the advert was aimed at misleading the public into believing that a recruitment process was being initiated by it.

While describing those behind the exercise as criminals, Okoroafor said the ugly development was another efforts by

some fraudsters to tarnish the image of the Bank, saying that if CBN intends to recruit, it will use its own website to advertise such exercise rather than doing so through a third party that is not known to it.

The statement reads: “The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been drawn to a job recruitment advertisement titled, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Recruitment 2013, posted on the website: jobsnigeria2013.com and claiming to be acting on behalf of the CBN. “We wish to warn members of the public that this website and the so-called recruitment

exercise it claims to conduct, have nothing whatsoever to do with the CBN. “The CBN has its own process of conducting recruitment exercises which is always publicised on the Bank’s official website: www.cbn.gov.ng”, it added.

Okoroafor noted further that in recent times, there had been deliberate efforts by some criminal elements using the internet to tarnish the reputation of the CBN, and defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

He therefore advised members of the public to beware of these unscrupulous characters and disregard these fake websites.BC

Market Indicators for Week Ended 05-04-13 All-Share Index 34,301.37 points Market Capitalisation N10,978,164,022,661.22 Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING PRICE

CLOSING PRICE

CHANGE

MAYBAKER

2.10

2.31

0.21

ABCTRANS

0.80

0.88

0.08 2.39

CONOIL

23.94

26.33

HIS

2.14

2.35

0.21

NEIMETH

0.90

0.98

0.08

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING PRICE

CLOSING PRICE

CHANGE

IPWA

0.70

0.63

0.07

LEARNAFRICA

1.93

1.74

0.19

MANSARD

2.55

2.30

0.25

WAPIC

1.07

0.97

0.10

JAPAUL

0.76

0.71

0.05

Inter-Bank Rates TENOR

RATE%(PREV) 28-Mar-2013

RATE%(CURR) 05-Apr-2013

CALL

10.0500 – 10.2500

10.0500 – 13.5000

OBB

10.1000 – 10.7500

10.1500 – 12.7000

Primary Market Auction TENOR 91-Days

AMOUNT (N’mn) 31838.51

RATE (%)

DATE

11.00

27-Mar-13

182-Days

59081.14

11.15

27-Mar-13

91-Days

20,278.04

10.45

21-Mar-13

Open Market Operation TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

105-Days

50,000

133-Days 289-Days

RATE (%)

DATE

11.75

04-April-13

50,000

11.99

04-April-13

50,000

12.75

03-April-13

Wholesale Dutch Auction System AMOUNT OFFERED

AMOUNT SOLD

DATE

$300m

MARKET DEMAND $237m

$237m

03-April-13

$300m

$300m

$300m

27-March-13

A22 38

Business Courage

Monday, April 8, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Zenith Bank Plc: Raising the bar among its peers

By Tayo Adeleke Zenith Bank Plc yet delivered another year of robust results which saw the profit before tax growing by 51 per cent to N102 billion. The bank also doubled its net profit to N101 billion in the review year. The result also shows the bank’s commitment to prudent debt management as its total non-performing credit facilities to total credit facilities stood at three per cent, a remarkable improvement over the six per cent recorded last year.

As a result of this performance, Zenith becomes the first bank to cross the N100 billion Profit after Tax mark.

Financial analysts and investing publics were particularly impressed by the bank’s increasing profitability despite the prevailing economic realities, pointing out that the earning per share of 312 kobo was reassuring for a bank with a solid tradition of raising the bar.

Commenting on the group performance, Godwin Emefiele, Group Managing Director said; “We are indeed delighted to note that amid the challenging business environment witnessed in 2012, notably the restrictive monetary policies and the double digit headline inflation rates, Zenith Bank delivers a strong performance through commitment and dedication of workforce. “ Incorporated in 1990 as a private limited company, Zenith Bank is one of the leading banks in Nigeria in terms of assets, deposits, profitability and market value, with a focus on corporate banking business.

It became a public company in 2004 and has successfully raised about N198 billion from the capital market almost in quick successions in a period of four years. The bank has been growing its customers’ businesses, thus creating wealth for the economy at large in the last 20 years. This feat has positioned Zenith Bank as a financial institution of choice. Zenith

per cent between 2011 and 2012, from N184 billion to N222 billion. This was driven by growth of 22.2 per cent and 4.4 per cent in interest income and non-interest income, respectively, during the year. Details of the group’s audited results, announced on the floors of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), showed that Profit after tax (PAT) for the period was N100.68 billion, which represents a 106.7 per cent growth from the N48.70 billion recorded in the corresponding period in 2011. The much expected result confirms the bank’s leadership position in the industry as it became the first bank to cross the N100 billion profit after tax mark in a financial year.

In order to create more wealth for its shareholders, directors of the bank are proposing a dividend payout of N1.60 per share, up from 95 kobo in 2011.

Emefiele

Bank has its presence not only in Nigeria but in Ghana, Gambia, Sierra- Leone, the U.K and a representative office in South Africa.

Business Strategies Zenith Bank, Nigeria’s largest bank by tier-1 capital and shareholder funds, recently listed $850 million of its shares on the London Stock Exchange at $6.80 each in a major step to improve liquidity in its stock through Global Depository Receipts. By its size, that $850 million GDR listing is the largest of any Nigerian bank on the LSE to date and is expected to help Zenith Bank, with a market capitalization of $4.24 billion, access to a wide range of major institutional investors and significantly raise its international profile Financial Health A financial analysis carried

out on Zenith Bank’s audited report for the year ended December 31 2012; reveals continuous dominant of the financial institution in the financial sector in the country. The bank’s gross earning has increased by 26 per cent to N307.1 billion in 2012. The financial year ended December 2012 witnessed significant improvement in all the key profitability indices as the bank achieved an increased in interest income from N128.3 billion to N156.8 billion. Further analysis revealed that 77 per cent of the company’s revenue in 2012 came from interest income compared with the 72 per cent figure recorded in 2011. But non-interest income to total revenue fell short of minimum regulatory standard of 40 per cent compared to 23 per cent achieved in 2012.

Net revenues grew by 22.7

Assets Quality The result also showed the bank maintains its leadership position on other parameters with total assets plus contingents of N2.60 trillion, representing a 12.7 per cent increase over the N2.30 billion recorded in 2011. However, in the period under review, the investment dropped to N420 billion from N1.76 trillion billion in the preceding year 2011, representing a decline of 76 per cent. The bank’s total deposits grew by 17 per cent to N1.93 trillion from N1.66 billion in 2011. Similarly, loan and advances grew by 11 per cent to N989.8 billion in 2012. This implies that the Zenith Group has a sound and robust liquidity risk management framework that ensures that sufficient liquidity, including a cushion of unencumbered and high quality liquid assets are maintained at all times, to enable the bank withstand a range of stress events, includ-

Zenith Bank Plc Financial Data

2012=N=(‘Nm)

2011=N=(‘Nm)

Gross Earnings

307082

243948

Net Interest Income

156757

128286

Non Interest Income

70553

67569

Operation Income

221719

183668

Operation Expenses

119619

11228

PBT

102100

67440

PAT

100681

48704

EPS

319

154

1929244

1655458

Customer’s Deposits Total Assets

2604504

2326695

Dec. 2012 (%)

Dec. 2011 (%)

Net Interest Margin

8.19

7.66

Cost to Income Ratio

53.95

63.28

Loan to Deposit Ratio

50.71

53.34

Cost of Funds

3.4

2.25

NPL

3.15

3.51

% CHG

ing those that might involve loss or impairment of Shareholders’ funds. Capital adequacy ratio closed at 31 per cent from 29 per cent in 2012.

Managing Cost It was observed from the audited report that efficiency in operation led to the significant improvement in the cost to income ratio to 54 per cent, down from 63 per cent in 2011 as the bank cost curtailing measures ensured that its operational expenses were held in check at below three per cent. Zenith Bank sustained improvements of its Enterprise Risk Management culture, which saw non performing ratios level dropped to 3.15 per cent, one of the lowest in Nigerian banking industry.

The bank maintained its liquidity levels and adequate capital to support future expansion and cushion against business risks and contingencies. The audited result was applauded by financial analysts and investors as an outstanding result, as it shows the ability of Zenith Bank to sustain its performance, raise the bar of competition and continually surpass the expectations of stakeholders.

Profitability Ratios The costs associated with a unit income decreased significantly between 2011 and 2012. This is reflected in the net interest margin of 8.19 per cent in 2012 from a profit margin of 7.7 per cent as at 2011.

This shows that the bank’s total costs as a percentage of gross earnings stood at 91 per cent in the review year 2012, down from 92.3 per cent in the corresponding period of 2011. The bank needs to be more cost efficient in order to cut down on its increasing operation cost. Similarly, cost of funds increased to 3.47 per cent from 2.25 per cent while loan to deposit ratio stood at 50.71 per cent from 53.34 per cent. Return on average assets stood at 23.5 per cent, an increase of 10.8 basis points from 12.71 per cent achieved in 2011. Capital adequacy ratio closed at 31 per cent from 29 per cent in 2012.

Prospects Obviously, the current financial year ended December 31, 2012 is a great year in the history of the financial institution and its stakeholders. Analysts expect better performance in 2013 based on various strategies the bank has in place in 2013. BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage A23 39

Monday, April 8, 2013

STOCKWATCH Stock Exchange weekly equities summary as at Friday, April 05, 2013 SECURITY

PRICE (=N=)

AGRICULTURE/AGRO-ALLIED Crop Production FTN COCOA PROCESSORS PLC 0.50 OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. 95.00 PRESCO PLC 25.10 Fishing/Hunting/Trapping ELLAH LAKES PLC. NT Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. 3.05 CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. 1.61 CHELLARAMS PLC. NT JOHN HOLT PLC. 1.71 S C O A NIG. PLC. NT U A C N PLC. 59.06 CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Construction ARBICO PLC. NT CAPPA & D’ALBERTO PLC. NT Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. NT G CAPPA PLC NT Non--Building/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. 51.10 ROADS NIG PLC. 10.07 Real Estate Development PINNACLE POINT GROUP PLC NT UACN PROPERTY DEV 16.00 Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) SKYE SHELTER FUND PLC NT UNION HOMES REAL ESTATE INV NT CONSUMER GOODS Automobiles/Auto Parts DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC 0.50 Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. 4.78 GOLDEN GUINEA BREW. PLC. NT GUINNESS NIG PLC 265.00 INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. 21.40 JOS INT. BREWERIES PLC. 1.33 NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. 161.50 PREMIER BREWERIES PLC NT Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. 50.00 Food Products BIG TREAT PLC NT DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC 0.20 DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC 8.95 FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. 78.15 HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC 2.90 MULTI-TREX INTEGRATED FOODS PLC NT N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. 23.80 NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC 9.50 P S MANDRIDES & CO PLC. NT U T C NIG. PLC. 0.80 UNION DICON SALT PLC. NT Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. 35.50 NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. 960.50 Household Durables BETA GLASS CO PLC. NT NIGERIAN ENAMELWARE PLC. NT VITAFOAM NIG PLC. 3.55 VONO PRODUCTS PLC. NT Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. 36.00 UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. 53.50 Textiles/Apparel UNITED NIG. TEXTILES PLC. NT FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. 10.50 DIAMOND BANK PLC 7.25 ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INC. 14.00 FIDELITY BANK PLC 3.07 FIRST CITY MONUMENT BANK PLC. 5.00 GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. 25.94 SKYE BANK PLC 6.72 STERLING BANK PLC. 3.05 U B A PLC 8.12 UNION BANK NIG.PLC. 10.10 UNITY BANK PLC 0.75 WEMA BANK PLC. 1.57 ZENITH BANK PLC 21.51 Insurance Carriers, Brokers & Services AFRICAN ALLIANCE INS. COY. PLC NT AIICO INSURANCE PLC. 0.91 CONFIDENCE INSURANCE PLC NT CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INS. PLC NT CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC 1.03 CORNERSTONE INS. COY. PLC. 0.50 CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED INS. PLC 1.84 EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC. NT GOLDLINK INSURANCE PLC NT GREAT NIGERIAN INSURANCE PLC 0.50 GUINEA INSURANCE PLC. NT INTERCONTINENTAL WAPIC INS. PLC 0.97 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INS. PLC 0.50 INVESTMENT AND ALLIED ARN. NT LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. NT LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC. 0.50 LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC 0.50 MANSARD INSURANCE PLC 2.30 MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. NT N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. 0.79 NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. NT OASIS INSURANCE PLC NT PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. 0.64 REGENCY ALLIANCE INS. COY PLC NT SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC 0.50 STACO INSURANCE PLC NT STANDARD ALLIANCE INS. PLC. 0.50 UNIC INSURANCE PLC. 0.50 UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC NT UNIVERSAL INS. COMPANY PLC 0.50 Micro Finance Banks FORTIS MICROFINANCE BANK PLC NT NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC 0.90 Mortgage Carriers, Brokers &Services ABBEY BUILDING SOCIETY PLC NT ASO SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC 0.50 RESORT SAVINGS & LOANS PLC 0.50 UNION HOMES SAVINGS&LOANS PLC NT Other Financial Institutions CRUSADER ( NIG) PLC. NT DEAP CAPITAL MGT & TRUST PLC 2.02 FBN HOLDINGS PLC 21.10 NIG SEW. MACH. MAN. CO. PLC. NT NIGERIA ENERYGY SECTOR FUND NT ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. 0.66 STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC 13.32 HEALTHCARE Healthcare Providers EKOCORP PLC. 4.80 Medical Equipment UNION DIAGNOSTIC &CLINICAL PLC 0.50 Medical Supplies MORISON INDUSTRIES PLC. 2.23 Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. 1.70 FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC 1.80 GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER PLC 48.00 MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. 2.31

NOTE NT=Not Traded on 05-04-13

QUANTITY

52 WK HIGH

52 WK LOW

SHARES OUTSTANDING

EPS

MOV. (%)

Previous

1 753 700 2 384 808 440 790

0.64 34.01 16.15

0.50 14.53 6.40

2 200 000 000 476 955 000 1 000 000 000

0.10 6.73 2.75

N/A 31.03 1.91

0.53 72.50 24.63

NT

4.26

4.26

60 000 000

0.00

N/A

NT

2 513 951

1.70

0.48

1 199 549 736

0.11

14.23

2.67

33 266 NT 159 558 NT 123 149

2.54 7.60 8.82 8.28 42.50

0.74 5.81 5.32 5.52 28.70

2 191 895 983 963 900 300 389 151 408 821 666 666 1 600 720 323

0.08 0.24 0.00 0.35 6.89

-5.29 N/A N/A N/A N/A

1.70 NT 1.71 NT 55.00

NT NT

26.00 95.49

14.09 95.49

148 500 000 196 876 000

0.00 4.50

N/A N/A

NT NT

NT NT

7.97 14.46

2.46 14.46

920 573 765 125 000 000

0.00 0.00

N/A N/A

NT NT

394 003 5 000

62.26 8.69

21.55 3.01

1 200 000 000 20 000 000

4.93 4.73

-3.58 N/A

53.00 10.07

NT 72 625

7.28 20.15

7.28 8.82

1 375 000 000

0.00 1.66

N/A 8.11

NT 14.80

NT NT

100.00 50.00

97.00 50.00

20 000 000 250 019 781

11.75 0.75

N/A N/A

NT NT

200 000

0.50

0.50

4 772 528 415

0.00

N/A

0.50

2 500 NT 97 669 710 461 3 000 1 916 036 NT

4.63 0.68 265.00 12.83 3.20 138.85 0.97

2.23 0.68 186.00 5.23 1.61 72.50 0.93

900 000 000 272 160 000 1 474 925 519 2 112 914 681 562 000 000 7 562 562 340 126 000 000

0.00 0.03 9.46 0.25 0.00 5.08 0.00

N/A N/A 0.00 N/A N/A -1.04 N/A

4.78 NT 265.00 21.20 1.33 163.20 NT

40 427

48.91

38.31

640 590 362

2.69

N/A

49.00

NT 1 626 397 4 340 414 204 380 2 057 520 NT 176 506 1 027 010 NT 273 894 NT

0.50 19.90 16.20 95.00 6.60 2.70 43.96 6.70 5.66 0.88 4.22

0.50 4.15 3.64 52.50 1.91 1.00 20.41 3.86 5.66 0.50 4.22

2 000 000 000 5 000 000 000 12 000 000 000 1 879 210 666 7 930 197 658 3 722 493 620 178 200 000

0.00 0.00 0.91 3.79 0.51 0.00 2.50 1.07 0.08 1.13 0.00

N/A -97.80 5.42 1.13 -1.36 N/A N/A 3.26 N/A 3.90 N/A

NT 9.09 8.49 77.28 2.94 NT 23.80 9.20 NT 0.77 NT

40 000 000 1 233 375 004 360 000 000

195 419 202 988

29.20 684.00

9.15 367.83

3 129 188 160 792 656 250

1.35 25.43

1.43 1.11

35.00 950.00

NT NT 1 059 581 NT

15.58 42.66 6.75 3.67

10.03 34.39 3.01 2.66

63 360 000 819 000 000 300 000 001

3.90 1.61 0.54 0.00

N/A N/A -1.66 N/A

NT NT 3.61 NT

111 357 231 303

43.50 41.60

22.07 22.56

3 176 381 636 3 783 296 250

0.70 1.44

-1.93 -0.47

36.71 53.75

NT

0.97

0.57

843 284 027

0.00

N/A

NT

15 706 702 10 781 958 1 403 969 8 892 733 41 805 600 25 117 640 3 106 060 22 302 608 12 004 999 1 034 588 10 973 398 9 830 394 20 238 041

11.70 9.27 17.05 3.20 8.30 20.30 10.17 2.91 5.21 10.07 1.92 1.75 21.10

4.76 2.01 9.97 1.14 3.04 11.64 2.73 0.97 1.64 1.96 0.50 0.50 11.70

17 888 251 479 14 475 243 105 9 873 614 567 28 974 797 023 16 271 192 202 29 146 482 209 13 219 334 676 12 563 091 545 32 334 693 693 13 509 726 273 33 675 576 085 12 821 249 880 31 396 493 790

1.42 0.90 2.81 0.43 0.60 2.10 0.71 0.54 0.67 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.09

2.94 3.57 0.00 0.99 4.17 -0.61 7.87 10.11 1.50 -0.49 0.00 -8.72 0.99

10.20 7.00 14.00 3.04 4.80 26.10 6.23 2.77 8.00 10.15 0.84 1.72 21.30

NT 5 382 535 NT NT 15 000 674 422 115 000 NT NT 10 000 NT 611 850 127 000 NT NT 123 965 123 965 305 800 NT 13 410 084 NT NT 9 776 000 NT 25 000 NT 60 000 708 026 NT 3 627

0.50 1.01 0.64 0.50 1.20 0.50 3.51 0.50 0.69 0.50 0.50 0.80 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.61 0.50 1.93 0.50 0.66 1.11 0.50 2.35 0.50 0.52 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50

0.50 0.50 0.61 0.50 0.61 0.50 1.31 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.95 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50

20 585 000 000 7 809 391 256 211 626 000 6 000 000 000 10 372 624 157 8 820 010 363 5 100 846 808 8 847 298 420 4 549 947 000 3 827 485 380 720 000 000 5 061 804 000 6 420 427 449 28 000 000 000 7 323 313 227 3 437 330 500 4 083 713 569 10 000 000 000 7 998 705 336 5 332 830 881 5 649 693 923 5 003 506 791 2 508 315 436 6 668 750 000 5 203 757 266 6 141 087 609 8 493 173 450 2 581 733 505 13 000 000 000 16 000 000 000

0.00 0.05 0.00 0.05 0.14 0.02 0.28 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.00 0.03 0.16 0.01 0.37 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.04 0.09 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.02 0.00

N/A 0.00 N/A N/A 0.00 0.00 0.00 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 0.00 N/A N/A N/A 0.00 -12.55 N/A -5.95 N/A N/A -9.86 N/A 0.00 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

NT 0.91 NT NT 1.05 0.50 1.95 NT NT 0.50 NT 1.39 0.50 NT NT 0.50 0.50 2.63 NT 0.84 NT NT 0.71 NT 0.50 NT 0.50 0.50 NT 0.50

NT 179 690

6.00 1.15

0.00 1.00

NT 1 030 000 2 000 1

1.51 0.50 0.50 0.99

1.33 0.50 0.50 0.50

4 200 000 000 8 679 148 676 13 175 732 404 7 812 500 000

0.03 0.02 0.00 0.00

N/A N/A N/A N/A

NT 0.50 0.50 NT

NT 900 20 752 737 NT NT 114 237 821 741

0.61 2.02 17.01 0.15 552.20 0.66 11.38

0.50 2.02 8.50 0.15 555.20 0.50 6.40

3 778 005 975 1 333 333 333 32 632 084 358 5 880 000 2 500 000 3 608 657 661 18 750 000 000

0.00 0.00 3.03 0.00 12.65 0.00 0.87

N/A N/A 6.57 N/A N/A N/A 0.91

NT 2.02 19.80 NT NT 0.76 13.20

100

5.31

5.05

498 600 908

0.12

N/A

4.80

3 500

0.50

0.50

3 553 138 528

0.00

N/A

0.50

3 057

10.54

7.39

152 178 750

0.06

N/A

2.23

15 862 618 749 21 676 398 859

1.45 3.20 39.00 5.61

0.50 0.76 19.30 1.62

486 473 856 1 500 000 000 956 701 192 980 000 000

0.00 0.44 2.62 0.20

-2.86 6.51 1.03 5.48

1.75 1.69 47.51 2.19

N/A=Not Avialable

0.01 0.07

NT 0.99

SECURITY

PRICE (=N=)

NEIMETH INT PHARM PLC 0.87 NIGERIA-GERMAN CHEMICALS PLC. NT PHARMA-DEKO PLC. NT ICT Computer Based Systems COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SLN PLC 0.50 Computers and Peripherals OMATEK VENTURES PLC 0.50 Electronic Communications Services MTECH COMMUNICATIONS PLC NT IT Services NCR (NIGERIA) PLC. 18.00 TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC. 2.29 Processing Systems CHAMS PLC 0.50 E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC NT Telecommunications Carriers STARCOMMS PLC NT Telecommunications Services IHS NIGERIA PLC PREF SHARES NT IHS PLC 2.35 MTI PLC NT INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials AFRICAN PAINTS (NIGERIA) PLC. NT ASHAKA CEM PLC 24.62 BERGER PAINTS PLC 10.62 CAP PLC 37.10 CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC 10.55 DANGOTE CEMENT PLC 156.00 DN MEYER PLC. NT FIRST ALUMINIUM NIGERIA PLC NT IPWA PLC 0.63 LAFARGE WAPCO PLC. 86.59 PAINTS & COATINGS MANFACT.PLC NT PORTLAND PAINTS & PRDT NIG. PLC 5.39 PREMIER PAINTS PLC. NT Electronic and Electrical Products AUSTIN LAZ & COMPANY PLC NT CUTIX PLC. 1.80 NIGERIAN WIRE AND CABLE PLC. NT NIGERIAN WIRE IND. PLC NT Packaging/Containers ABPLAST PRODUCTS PLC. NT AVON CROWNCAPS & CONTAINERS 1.90 BETA GLASS CO PLC. 10.43 GREIF NIGERIA PLC 12.68 NIG. BAGS MANFACT. COY PLC 2.70 POLY PRODUCTS (NIG) PLC. NT W A GLASS IND. PLC. NT Tools and Machinery NIGERIAN ROPES PLC NT STOKVIS NIG PLC. NT NATURAL RESOURCES Chemicals B.O.C. GASES PLC. 7.94 Metals ALUMACO PLC NT ALUMINIUM EXTRUSION IND. PLC. NT Non-Metallic Mineral Mining MULTIVERSE PLC NT Paper/Forest Products HALLMARK PAPER PRODUCTS PLC. NT THOMAS WYATT NIG. PLC. NT OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SER. PLC 0.71 Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC 16.96 Petroleum &Petroleum Products Distributors AFROIL PLC NT BECO PETROLEUM PRODUCT PLC 0.50 CONOIL PLC 26.33 ETERNA PLC. 3.51 FORTE OIL PLC. 13.65 MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. 124.00 MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. 22.40 TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. 180.00 SERVICES Advertising AFROMEDIA PLC NT Apparel Retailers LENNARDS (NIG) PLC. NT Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. 1.96 Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC 3.89 TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. NT Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. 0.61 Hospitality TANTALIZERS PLC 0.50 Hotels/Lodging CAPITAL HOTEL PLC 6.27 IKEJA HOTEL PLC 0.85 TOURIST COMPANY OF NIGERIA PLC. NT TRANSNATIONAL CORP. OF NIG.PLC 1.50 Media/Entertainment DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC 0.50 Printing/Publishing ACADEMY PRESS PLC. 2.05 LEARN AFRICA PLC 1.74 STUDIO PRESS (NIG) PLC. NT UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. 4.50 Road Transportation ABC TRANSPORT PLCPLC 0.88 Specialty INTERLINKED TECHNOLOGIES PLC NT SECURE ELECTRONIC TECH.PLC NT Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC 4.75 NIG. AVIATION HANDLING COY PLC 6.11 ASeM CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Property Management SMART PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC NT CONSUMER GOODS Food Products MCNICHOLS PLC 0.97 Personal/Household Products ROKANA INDUSTRIES PLC. 0.60 HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals AFRIK PHARMACEUTICALS PLC. NT INDUSTRIAL GOODS Electronic and Electrical Products NT ADSWITCH PLC. 1.63 NATURAL RESOURCES Metals W.A. ALUM. PRODUCTS PLC. NT OIL AND GAS Petroleum & Petroleum Products Distributors ANINO INTERNATIONAL PLC. NT CAPITAL OIL PLC 0.50 RAK UNITY PET. COMP. PLC. NT UNION VENTURES & PET. PLC NT SERVICES Apparel Retailers UDEOFSON GARMENT FACT. NIG PLC NT Food/Drug Retailers and Wholesalers NT JULI PLC. 2.76 ETF’s Sector ETF NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND 2 638.00

QUANTITY

52 WK HIGH

52 WK LOW

SHARES OUTSTANDING

EPS

MOV. (%)

Previous

2 500 NT NT

1.96 12.91 4.28

0.76 8.59 3.50

1 925 717 268 153 786 012 100 000 000

0.09 0.00 0.00

0.00 N/A N/A

0.87 8.17 2.30

212 000

0.52

0.50

2 960 000 000

0.10

0.00

0.50

1 000

0.50

0.50

2 941 789 472

0.00

N/A

0.50

NT

0.91

0.91

4 966 666 668

0.00

N/A

NT

2 300 1 146

18.28 3.59

13.12 2.41

108 000 000 492 825 600

0.00 0.01

N/A N/A

18.45 2.29

13 873 NT

0.50 4.97

0.50 4.04

4 620 600 000 4 200 000 000

0.00 0.04

N/A N/A

0.50 NT

NT

1.47

0.50

6 878 478 096

0.00

N/A

NT

NT 17 050 000 NT

2.25 3.50 0.50

0.00 2.46 0.50

4 400 000 000 4 893 594 400

0.00 0.00 0.00

N/A N/A N/A

NT NT NT

NT 511 460 52 611 19 754 665 620 121 595 NT NT 1 112 980 535 711 NT 300 NT

3.32 30.00 12.57 43.98 15.49 132.51 3.51 0.75 0.99 56.50 3.36 5.28 13.40

2.86 9.10 7.27 14.50 4.20 95.00 0.93 0.50 0.91 37.00 0.52 2.27 10.93

260 000 000 2 239 453 125 217 367 585 560 000 000 1 241 548 285 15 494 019 668 242 908 200 2 109 928 275 513 696 000 3 001 600 004 792 914 256 400 000 000 75 000 000

0.00 2.14 1.09 2.28 1.47 8.33 0.00 0.00 0.00 4.10 0.26 0.23 0.00

N/A 0.49 0.19 0.00 1.05 5.05 N/A N/A N/A 13.93 N/A N/A N/A

NT 24.50 10.60 37.10 10.44 148.50 NT NT 0.81 76.00 NT 1.45 NT

NT 6 600 NT NT

2.00 2.50 0.73 2.58

2.00 1.33 0.50 2.58

510 396 608 2 220 000 000 15 000 000

0.03 0.11 0.00 0.00

N/A 0.00 N/A N/A

NT 1.80 NT NT

NT 1 711 42 000 50 2 717 101 NT NT

3.98 6.91 12.71 15.03 3.60 1.86 0.63

3.98 2.19 9.53 13.28 1.60 1.05 0.63

N/A N/A

42 640 000 6 215 000 000 240 000 000 199 066 550

0.00 0.05 0.05 0.90 0.24 0.22 0.00

N/A 0.00 N/A N/A

NT 1.90 9.49 12.68 2.70 NT NT

NT NT

8.69 0.14

8.26 0.14

265 409 280 2 918 000

0.00 0.00

N/A N/A

NT NT

25 000 000 683 974 528

67 936

9.20

5.70

393 120 000

0.76

0.00

7.94

NT NT

7.75 12.39

7.75 10.55

75 600 000 100 000 000

0.00 0.43

N/A N/A

NT NT

NT

0.50

0.50

4 058 989 226

0.00

N/A

NT

NT NT

3.22 1.38

3.22 1.38

50 000 000 220 000 000

0.04 0.00

N/A N/A

NT NT

7 958 889

1.02

0.54

6 262 701 716

0.13

9.23

0.65

984 374

24.80

10.94

2 262 711 568

1.73

0.95

16.80

NT 10 000 13 661 111 352 262 867 23 661 18 112 104 364

20.71 0.70 41.89 5.59 28.69 163.50 72.00 240.00

20.71 0.50 19.61 2.12 9.12 111.51 32.29 125.00

125 487 475 3 716 976 579 693 952 117 1 249 162 828 1 080 280 628 300 496 051 253 988 672 339 521 837

0.00 0.00 0.47 0.61 0.00 6.11 3.62 14.63

N/A N/A 9.98 6.36 0.00 0.00 N/A 6.48

NT 0.50 23.94 3.30 13.65 124.00 24.88 169.05

NT

0.72

0.50

4 035 497 307

0.00

N/A

NT

NT

3.48

3.48

0.19

N/A

NT

273 080

3.65

1.12

980 294 400

0.21

-10.50

2.19

263 322 NT

3.67 6.40

2.11 3.28

589 496 310 198 819 763

0.58 0.25

2.91 N/A

3.78 NT

5 818 800

1.64

0.85

865 808 912

0.08

N/A

0.58

400

0.75

0.50

3 211 627 907

0.01

N/A

0.50

10 000 97 000 NT 27 080 317

8.00 2.59 4.76 1.95

3.00 1.16 4.31 0.50

1 548 780 000 2 078 796 396 1 772 884 297 25 813 998 283

0.18 0.92 0.00 0.22

N/A -8.60 N/A 0.00

6.27 0.93 NT 1.50

10 000

0.50

0.50

8 000 000 000

0.00

N/A

0.50

52 200 202 132 NT 33 718

3.68 8.00 2.92 6.82

1.64 1.94 2.78 3.09

403 200 000 771 450 000 425 641 111

0.14 0.29 0.01 0.50

N/A N/A N/A 0.00

2.05 1.93 NT 4.50

1 276 243

0.80

0.50

1 507 000 000

0.00

N/A

0.61

NT NT

5.15 1.88

4.90 0.80

236 699 511 5 631 539 736

0.00 0.03

N/A N/A

NT NT

835 003 189 823

2.78 11.75

1.54 5.15

634 000 000 1 230 468 750

0.38 0.81

N/A -18.42

5.27 7.49

NT

1.43

1.04

45 000 000

0.12

N/A

NT

11 000

1.02

1.02

201 885 335

0.00

N/A

0.97

500

0.60

0.60

30 000 000

0.00

N/A

0.60

NT

0.50

0.50

24 898 850

0.00

N/A

NT

NT 500

1.88

1.63

125 005 250

0.00

N/A

NT 1.63

NT

0.50

0.50

6 650 000

0.00

N/A

NT

NT 20 000 NT NT

0.21 0.50 0.31 0.63

0.21 0.50 0.31 0.63

24 200 000 5 857 500 000 15 000 000 98 600 000

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

N/A N/A N/A N/A

NT 0.50 NT NT

NT NT 16 000

0.50

0.50

20 000 000

0.00

N/A

3.05

2.76

194 700 000

0.00

N/A

NT NT 2.76

100

2 706

2 422

0.00

2 638.00

40

Monday, April 8, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Monday, April 8, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

41

Law & Justice nationalmirrorlaw@yahoo.com

Individual rights when systematically trampled upon leads to loss of faith in the polity.

RETIRED JUSTICE OF SUPREME COURT, JUSTICE SAMSON UWAIFO

Don’t split office of AGF from Justice Ministry –Ali, Williams

Retired justices of higher Bench should handle election petitions –Fagbohungbe

Against the background of persistent allegations of abuse of powers by some of the Attorneys-General in the country, the call that this exalted office should be separated into two has been rife. KAYODE KETEFE, Assistant Head, Judiciary Desk, explores this issue and its implication for the administration of justice.

42

How David-West was jailed, freed 46

Tribute: Exit of Araka, judicial icon 45

Jonathan

T

he fact that too much concentration of powers readily lends itself to abuse is a trite issue in law. Thus all forms of appearance of over-concentration of powers tend to cause some disquiet in judicial cycle.

An instance of “undesirable” fusion of powers under the Nigerian legal system is that of the office of Attorney General of the Federation who invariably doubles as the Minister of Justice. The Nigerian 1999 Constitution fuses these two offices into one.

The office of the Attorney-General is created by S 150 (1) of the constitution as amended which provides that “there shall be an Attorney-General of the Federation who shall be the Chief Law Officer of the Federation and a Minister of the Government of the Federation. ” Pursuant to this provision, the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation (AGF) is appointed by the President while the Governor appoints the Attorney- General of the State. Sections 174 and 211 of the 1999 Constitution respectively provide for the powers of the AGF and Attorneys- General of the States.

The provisions specifically empower the AG to, among other things, initiate or discontinue any proceedings before any court of law in Nigeria.

The scope and latitude of these powers have over the years been a subject matter of numer-

AGF, Mr. Mohammed Adoke

ous judicial pronouncements. For example, in the case of Ibrahim & Anor V. State (1986) 1 N.S.C.C 230 at 234, the illustrious jurist, late Justice Kayode Eso, pronounced thus “It is plain to me that the Attorney-General, who, as this court has said in the State v. S.O Ilori 1983/ S.C.N. L.R. 94, to be the law and master unto himself, law unto himself and against the only sanction where he abuses his almost unfettered discretion is the reaction of his appointor or the adverse public opinion which may force him to resign…”

This same position was reached by late Justice Ignatius Pats -Acholonu JCA (as he then was) in the case of Guardian Newspapers Ltd V. Attorney-General of Federation (1995) 5 NWLR (PT.398) Justice Acholonu said “Both at common law and by virtue of our constitution, the Federal Attorney-General is the Chief Law Officer of the Republic and at the common law is the conscience of the people.

The Attorney-General represents the state

I DON’T THINK THERE IS

NEED TO SPLIT THE OFFICE, IF YOU DO THAT YOU ARE ONLY GOING TO CREATE UNNECESSARY CRISIS

in all actions against the state. He can do this in person or through the other law officers of the state below him. The office of the AttorneyGeneral in the scheme of affairs of the state is as old I dare say as the common law. In the exercise of his functions as the Chief Law Officer of the state, he cannot even take a dictation from the head of state as his position is unique.”

The above judgments represent the latitude of the powers constitutionally bestowed on the occupier of the office of the Attorney-General.

It is also for this reason that many stakeholders reckon that the combination of the office with that of government’s Minister of Justice would usually lead to abuse.

It would be recalled that such allegation of misuse of powers and abuse of office had once been levelled against a former AGF and Minister of Justice, Mr. Michael Aondoakaa, who was accused of shielding corrupt powerful Nigerians from being prosecuted.

Among the offences levelled against Aondoakaa was that he attempted to cripple other anti-corruption institution like Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission by directing them to forward their case files to his office for approval.

In many commonwealth countries, the two CONTINUED ON PAGE 44

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Retired justices of higher Bench should Chief Felix Fagbohungbe is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) whose expertise in company law in not in doubt. In this interview with KENNY ODUNUKAN, he speaks on criminal justice administration, justice sector reforms and composition of election tribunals among other issues. Excerpts.

lami as President, Court of Appeal?

Well, I read the reasoning of the Judge, Justice Salami was not a plaintiff in the case. The case itself does not affect Justice Salami’s re-instatement.why I am saying so is that the NJC has recommended to the presidency that Justice Salami should be re-instated but the president; we read in the newspapers said that the matter is still in court. Now that the matter has been struck out, I think the president is now free to carry out the recommendation of NJC by reinstating Justice Salami. The matter being in court was the initial impediment according to the presidency. The matter has been struck out; striking it has paved way for the president to act on the recommendation of NJC. If the court has ordered for his instatement, it would have meant that the court influenced his re-instatement. The NJC is the body with the prerogative to order for his instatement therefore the presidency should act now. Taking such decision will be good for the President, good for the NJC and good for Justice Salami himself.

Do you subscribe to the views that the powers of CJN should be whittled down?

Well, anybody who is the head of any institution can abuse his power, it is a possibility, but my own take is that for the CJN to be the Chairman of NJC and at the same time be the Chairman of Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) is what I find irreconcilable.

The reason for that is that the FJSC will recommend to NJC, that means that as the head of FJSC, you will recommend to yourself also as the head of NJC.As far as I am concerned there is no fairness in that. You can abuse the structure as a result of those twin responsibilities. I think they should appoint Justices of the Supreme Court or other eminent jurists to head the Federal Judicial Service Commission while the CJN can be the chairman of NJC .With that there will be separation of powers and checks and balances will be put in place.

Fagbohungbe

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has asked lawyers to register with the Commission and disclose some confidential facts relating to their clients’ accounts. What is your view on this?

The issue of registering with EFCC has been discussed extensively by various bodies of the NBA, both in the state and federal level. Even the body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria has also deliberated on it.NBA on behalf of all the lawyers will come out with concrete resolution on the issue. Apparently, they are discussing and consulting various stakeholders on the matter and the relevant authority. We as lawyers are mindful of our relationship with our clients and our professional duties of confidentiality which we owe our clients in terms of finance and other aspect of involvement with them. I believe the issue will be fully addressed by the NBA on behalf of lawyers in the country.

Do you support the call for amnesty for Boko Haram sect and other terrorists?

The issue of amnesty to Boko Haram sect has to be carefully examined. We must engage the minds of those who highly knowledgeable, experienced and sophisticated in handling socio-cultural and religious conflicts to address the issue. I believe the solution to the NigerDelta agitation may not be exactly the same solution required to fix the Boko Haram menace. The agitation might be completely different and they require to be well examined with appropriate solution.

Their concepts are quite different, their agitations are different. If you follow the trend of event when NigerDelta militants came on board, their plight and agitations were clearly spelt out and you will realised that

it was very easy for the government to address their plights.

For , their plight and agitations should be considered, carefully examined with careful consultation. However if the end result will assure peace to Nigerians, then they should be given what they want.

If it is amnesty is that will stop violence, then they should be given that just as the Niger-Delta people. If a highly-placed person like Sultan of Sokoto could suggest amnesty for members of Boko Haram sect, then the government should work hand in hand with him to see and agree on any solution that will bring peace to our nation. I personally support anything that will restore peace and tranquility to our country as long as it is not at the expense of our collective existence. So, the government, Sultan of Sokoto, various northern elders and stakeholders who are asking for amnesty should sit on a round table dialogue and fashion out ways to meet the needs of Boko Haram sect and restore peace to our country.

What is your opinion on the recent court decision that struck out the suit seeking to reinstate Justice Ayo Sa-

NOW THAT THE MATTER HAS BEEN STRUCK OUT, I THINK THE PRESIDENT IS

NOW FREE TO CARRY OUT THE

NJC BY REINSTATING JUSTICE SALAMI

RECOMMENDATION OF

What is your view on the application of plea bargain in our legal system?

If you look at the administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State, it provides for plea bargain except we now change our mind and condemn the Lagos House of Assembly for the promulgation of that law. The truth however is that plea bargaining has its own merits and demits, it all depends on how you look at it. We should not forget that the essence of plea bargain is to punish as well as to reform the defendant. A plea bargain allows both parties to avoid a lengthy criminal trial and would also ensure recovery of stolen fund. There is a belief that if the accused is truly sober and remorseful, he has also been punished enough by what is being collected from him.

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Law & Justice

Monday, April 8, 2013

43

handle election petitions –Fagbohungbe SERIOUS STEPS ARE BEING TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT ABUSE OF JUSTICE THROUGH PLEA BARGAINING DOES NOT PREVAIL IN OUR COUNTRY

The conditions are well laid out in the administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State. Basically at the national level and I can assure you serious steps are being taken to ensure that abuse of justice through plea bargaining does not prevail in our country. There are people who are praying that it should be struck out and while some are vehemently in its favour.I believe we must strike a balance between both ends and ensure that all stakeholders have their points.

As a Senior Advocate, do you think the prestigious award of SAN should be scrapped?

It is a privilege to be elevated to the rank of SAN and that makes you one of the leaders and seniors at the Bar. I know that at the body of Senior Advocates, we all addressed the issues of good conduct, good behaviour and so on. I can assure you that there is no SAN who will go out of his way to behave irresponsibly because we are often enjoined to keep and maintain good leadership at the Bar. You must also realise there are those who are seniors and elderly at the Bar who had aspired to be SAN and have not attained that status.

They are bound to agitate for the rank to be scrap.

Most of the issues raised are minor and often can be resolved within the Bar Association. Of course, we are also looking into the plight of those who are claiming that it should be scrapped. However, I believe most of the issues raised against SAN title holders are minor and can be handled within us. We are brothers at the Bar Association and there is really no antagonism as such.

Can you compare the South African Judiciary and ours, particularly, as regard the recent judgement by a South African court that sentenced Henry Okah, the MEND leader for jail for terrorism?

You see, the judicial system in Nigeria is quite different from that of South African judiciary. I feel concern at times when people compare two countries .They are not the same .Nigeria is not South Africa, Nigeria is not Britain. We have our system, we have our culture, and we have our own way of doing things. Somebody who has not read the charge, who does not know the evidence to be given and does not know the process that has been filed, he won’t understand the process of justice system in Nigeria. People are often in a haste, want to play to the gallery forgetting that justice sometimes takes time .People are unnecessarily in a hurry, they want to take the matter to the court of public opinion and that is not the

issue . Most often than not, the comments and opinions of the public are different from the evidence before the court. Sometimes what is before the court may be different from the personal opinion being expressed outside.

So that is why the provision of law Is clear, when you are not satisfied with the decision of the High court ,go to the Court of Appeal and if you are not still satisfied, go ahead to the Supreme Court.

People are so judgemental, once they hear a bad report about somebody, they will crucify him immediately, and they will condemn and nail him. They don’t want to know whether the report about him is true or false.

Whereas, the law is clear about an accused person. The Presumption of innocence, sometimes referred to by the Latin expression as ‘’ei incumbit probatio qui dicit, non qui negat (the burden of proof lies with who declares, not who denies), is the principle that one is considered innocent until proven guilty.

Application of this principle is a legal right of the accused in a criminal trial. The burden of proof is often on the prosecution, which has to collect and present enough compelling evidence to convince the court and if reasonable doubt remains, the accused is to be acquitted. Therefore I urge Nigerians to be patient with Nigeria judicial system, justice sometime takes time. People should wait and allow the hand of justice to take its due process.

The Lagos State Judiciary has made it mandatory for plaintiffs to seek preliminary settlement before approaching the courts. What is your take on this?

I commend the Lagos State Judiciary for its effort in championing ADR, the state has always been on the cutting-edge and often keep on setting the pace .The state has fought endlessly to ensure that administration of justice is smoother, faster and more importantly swing to parties that are truly taken advantage of. That is why I commend the Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) and Lagos State Ministry of Justice and the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Ayo Philips and others judges who deemed it fit to administer this wonderful legal idea.

What is your opinion on criminal justice administration, especially prison congestion in the country?

You know the prison system in Nigeria is being operated by the Federal Government, it the responsibility of the FG. Nigeria is becoming a very sophisticated state, the population is so large. Lagos State only is more than five West Africa countries put together. With over 20 million population alone in Lagos and the population keep increasing in leaps and bounds with crime also increasing, tell me how can you manage the prison system built by the British colonialists? the prisons we have now have been built 30 to 20 years ago. I believe the parliament must vote for prisons enlargement, innovation and building more prisons every year. Don’t forget that our prisons are already congested and yet we continue to put the ever- increasing alleged criminals into the prison custody.

You must realise that the courts are very busy too, we do not have enough judges, the judges are very busy.

Due to the age of knowledge and enlightenment people are aware of their rights and want to go to court when such rights are violated. Laws cannot stop any body from going to court.

Can you compare the practice of law in the past with the

present?

A lot has changed when it comes to the practice of law, within a week you can get copies of the decisions of the Supreme Court, you can visit the internet to read judgments of courts. .In those days, you will have to wait endlessly for court judgments. People don’t have access to the decisions of higher court. These days even while in court, you can visit some websites that will enhance your case and enlighten you on legal matter. You can conduct research and look for authorities that you can immediately cite in court. So you can see that information technology have helped a great deal in the way law is being practised .Technology has assisted the development of law in our country and this is undeniable.

One other factor you must take note of is that the number of cases only in State High Court today is much more than what we used to have then, even if you bring all judges of the Court of Appeal to Lagos Judicial division there will still be much more cases to be adjudicated upon in our courts.

Is the NBA really doing enough in terms of championing the rule of law in the country?

Oh yes! I can categorically say that Okey Wali (SAN), the incumbent President of NBA, is a very good leader and trying his best to ensure that our nation is ultimately governed by the rule of law and I think the Bar Association itself has done impeccably well in recent times to ensure that the rule of law is held as a top priority in our nation.

How will you react to the state pardon granted to former Governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha?

Yes. It is the president’s prerogative to grant pardon.

Whether he has done it in the best interest of Nigerians is a different issue, entirely but he has the mandate of Nigerians to carry out his duty. He has granted that order to the best of his ability. I do not think in any way he has violated the provision of the constitution by granting the order. Nigerians gave him the mandate.

What innovations do you think should be put in place towards the Justice Sector Reform?

There is need to fund the judiciary very well, funding in the sense that there is a need to put more facilities in place for them to work ,appoint more judges and pay them very well, with that you can entrench the rule of law. What happens in our country is that you pay judges’ peanuts and when they retire, they are not hopeful, there is nothing on ground to leverage on.

When adequate provisions are not made for them after retirement, what else do you expect from them, provision must be made for them after retiring on the Bench. They also have children; won’t they send them to school and also feed them? Are the salaries being given to judges enough? What are the provisions made for them after retirement?

I personally advocate adequate and proper funding for all sitting and retired judges. When Judges retire, they deserve good treatment and good provision for their sustenance. The way the government is treating judges, they will make them think about the future while still serving .They will certainly think about tomorrow. For now the government is really not doing enough to take care of them.

What is your view on the appointment of judges to serve on election tribunal?

It is my strong view that retired judges of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal should be appointed as the chairmen and members of election petition tribunal. This is because the tribunal assignment given to the serving judges will interrupt seriously with their daily schedule. I think that this should be avoided, serving judges should not engage in tribunal functions at all. I think that should be considered very seriously particularly when the constitution is being amended.

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Separation of the two offices’ll increase cost of governance’

Ojo

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41 offices are held simultaneously by the same public officer.

In Ghana for instance, the two offices are fused but it is noteworthy that the ruling National Democratic Congress, in its manifesto, promised to separate the Ministry of Justice from the Attorney-General’s office as a measure to check corruption.

The party stated that it was uncomfortable with the present position where the Attorney- General holds the dual role of being the principal legal advisor to the government and also the initiator of public prosecution. This arrangement, the party notes had made the AG to be unable to investigate and prosecute activities involving his colleagues-ministers!

National Mirror spoke to some senior lawyers on the desirability or otherwise of splitting the office of AGF and the Minister of Justice.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mallam Yusuf Ali, said “I have never supported and will never support splitting of the office of Attorney- General and Minister of Justice. As far as I am concerned you are creating more bureaucracy and spending unnecessarily.

“You are also promoting in-fighting between both offices you will eventually discover that both offices will clash with respect to responsibilities.

In most commonwealth countries, both offices are often taken together by one person. The truth is that we have too many ministries already and with them so many ministers.

They have to be reduced. These political appointments are just unnecessarily contributing to our national expenses.

Splitting both offices does not make sense politically, legally and economically. So, I believe the office should be left intact” Chief Ladi Williams, SAN, aligned with Ali’s view. He said “I don’t think there is need to split the office, if you do that you are only going to create unnecessary crisis. Where will the duties of Justice Minister and the AG begin and end? You can run into the danger of both running at cross

Williams

Ali

I FIRMLY BELIEVE IN THE PROPOSAL THAT THE OFFICE OF THE

SHOULD BE SEPARATED FROM THE OFFICE OF THE

MINISTER OF

JUSTICE

purpose; each may claim equal rights on certain issues especially where the borders are not well defined.

However, you can create two departments and assign to one the works that need to be done by the Attorney-General and to another the works that are to be done by the Ministry of Justice while one person, i.e the AGF himself, acts as the coordinator that coordinates and oversee the function of the two departments. That arrangement will be much better than to say you want to split the office into two, because if you do that you would be increasing the overhead cost of governance as you would have two offices instead of one, moreover you would have to replicate the two offices in each of the36 states of the federation.”

However, the former Second National Vice -President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Adekunle Ojo, was of a different opinion. He said “I firmly believe in the proposal that the office of the Attorney-General should be separated from the office of the Minister of Justice or Commissioner of justice as the case may be.

As an Attorney-General you owe a duty to the people, your primary duty is not to the governor or to the president. There was a situation in America sometimes ago when an Attorney-General sued the governor of a state.

The governor had tried to create a something like a local government and the Attorney-General had said no,

Courage deserted me –Daramola

M

y first solo appearance was before Justice Olu Obadina at the High Court of Lagos State. That was in February 1994. I was to move an application for amendment of pleadings. When Mr. Tayo Oyetibo gave me the file, I studied every document in the file and thought I was prepared but when I got to the court, courage deserted me and I was praying silently that the court should not call the case. The case was listed as number 25 on the cause list. When the court got to number 23, electricity supply went off and the judge directed the registrar to adjourn all the cases. I was very happy. By the time I went back to the court sometime in March 1994, I had regained my confidence. I argued the case effortlessly and the application was granted.”

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

Olu Daramola

you don’t follow the constitution. The AG went to court to stop the governor and he won eventually. That was possible because the position of the AG was not fused with the office of the minister of justice. I doubt if there is any AttorneyGeneral in Nigeria today who can afford to sue his or her governor. That is one of the advantages of separating the two fused roles.”

Interestingly too, prior to his demise, the late fiery lawyer, Chief Gani Fawehinmi had repeatedly dwelt on the roles played by Attorneys- General in different jurisdictions of the world to prosecute their Presidents or appointors for offences of corruption or breach of the law.

However, Chief Wole Olanipekun in an article titled: ‘’Before the Attorney-General is taken to Golgotha’’ had said that ‘’the Attorney- General is not just any other Minister of Commissioner of government. He is primus inter pares among all ministers and sits next to the President or Governor at the Executive Council meetings. ‘’ To him, the powers of the AG as enunciated in the constitution should be preserved at all times and there was the need for moral wakening amongst Nigerians on the need to strengthen the position of Attorney-General of the Federation.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

TIPS ON ADMINISTRATION OF ESTATE •

A testator is a person who leaves a will in favour of some dependants and beneficiaries at the time of his or her death.

•

When a person dies without leaving a will, he/ she is said to die interstate.

•

The probate of a will is granted to the executor(s) named in the will of a testator or to an administrator in the absence of will.

•

A letter of administration is granted to a personal representative to manage the assets of a deceased interstate.

•

The application for the grant or revocation of probate and letters of administration is made to the probate Registry of the High court having jurisdiction over the deceased’s estate.

•

Once probate has been granted to an executor, the law provides for the continuity of executorship and the administration of the estate of the deceased.

•

Until the letters of administration are granted, the estate of the deceased interstate vests in the Chief Judge of a State in accordance with Administration of Estate Law of the state.

•

An infant cannot be an executor until he attains age of majority (21) and where an infant is a sole executor, the court can grant letters of administration with the will annexed to his guardian or such person as the court thinks fit.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Law & Justice

Monday, April 8, 2013

45

Events

Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ade Ipaye, (left) and British High Commissioner to Nigeria ,Mr David West during a courtesy visit to the Lagos state Ministry of Justice recently.

Chairman, Judiciary Committee of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr. Senai Agunbiade and Lagos State Solicitor -General, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN) at a conference on the state of Human Rights in Africa in Lagos recently.

The passage on January 21, this year of the Chief Judge of the old Anambra State, Justice Emmanuel Oseloka Araka has created a vacuum in the country’s judiciary.

WALE IGBINTADE reflects on the life and times of the late jurist.

L-R: Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly ,Mr. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Lagos state Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) and the State Chief Judge, Justice Ayotunde Phillips at a stakeholders’ meeting on new Lagos Traffic Law recently.

Tribute: Exit of Araka, judicial icon

T

he demise a couple of weeks ago of Justice Emmanuel Oseloka Araka, former Chief Judge of Anambra State, has no doubt thrown the judicial community into mourning. Against this background, the cream of the legal profession, is expected to converge on Friday, April 12, for a valedictory session in his honour . The solemn ceremony is billed to hold at the Onitsha High Court, Anambra State and it would be followed by the deceased’s interment at his Odoje quarters, Onitsha , Anambra State on April 13.

The late Justice Araka was a very distinguished and courageous judge. Before his appointment to the Bench, he contested and won election, on the platform of National Council of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC), to the Federal Parliament from Onitsha constituency in December 1961.

In 1962, he was a member of the Federal House of Representatives. He became a judge of the High Court of the East Central State in 1972 after being sworn in along with the likes of Justices Rowland Okag-

L-R: Mr Ipaye , British High Commissioner, Mr West and British High Commission Communication Manager, Mr Wale Adebayo.

Araka

bue, Francis Nwokedi, A.I. Aseme, and Abai Ikweche.

During the Civil War, he was in the Biafran enclave. But unfortunately, he did not get on well with the Biafran authorities.

Ojukwu fell out with many Onitsha people and Araka was thrown into confinement at Achina with others till the end of the war.

After the war, Araka was appointed a judge in 1972 and he was posted to Abakaliki . In 1974, he was in Nsukka and he became the Chief Judge of Anambra State in 1978.

Justice Araka was a fearless jurist hence he presided over a lot of cases involving the government.

Justice Araka sent legal luminary, Dr.

Olu Onagoruwa to jail in 1979. He was the state Chief Judge during the tussle between Chief Jim Nwobodo and Chief Christian Onoh to occupy the Enugu State Government House in 1983.

Besides, the late jurist presided over the case of Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe v. FEDECO in the suit over the non-payment of taxes, Chief Michael Ajasin versus Chief Akin Omoboriowo among others.

Justice Araka held an admirable tenure until his retirement in March, 1985. In 1983, he was conferred with the honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON)

by President Shehu Shagari. As a judge, several cases he handled stand out. His legal mind was legendary and always a point of reference. . He was a well-known jurist, whose judgments affected many lives and expounded the nation’s jurisprudence especially in property and constitutional law.

Recently, the family of the late jurist urged the Anambra State Governor, Chief Peter Obi, to immortalize their late father particularly in view of his contribution to the development of the judiciary in the country.

According to the late Judge first’s son, Martin Araka, who spoke on behalf of the Araka family of Odoje quarters, Onitsha, ‘’ what the family desires is for the State government to do something to immortalize the name of our father who worked tirelessness for the progress of the nation.’’

Martins believed that the tenure of his late father as Chief judge of the old Anambra State was remarkable and historical, adding that the state Judiciary owes a lot to his father.

Contemporaries of the late jurist included Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, Dr. Dike Nwokedi, Chief M.T. Mbu, G.C. M. Onyiuke and the late Chief Rotimi Williams while his classmates included the late Justice Kayode Eso, Chief F.A. Ajayi (SAN) and Ambassador Hastrup, a lawyer, among others.

Born at Agbor, Delta State on September 16, 1925, Araka attended Hope Waddell Training Institute, Calabar between 1939 and 1942. He finished his secondary education at Ilesha Grammar School in 1943. He then studied Law in Dublin, Trinity College, University of Dublin, like many of his colleagues.

In 1950, he obtained a Bachelor’s of Arts and Bachelor’s of Law ( LL.B) degrees. He also sat for his Bar final examination in October of the same year. He was called to the Bar in January 1951. Araka returned to Nigeria in April 1951 and started practising at Onitsha.

Araka was later appointed a Queen’s Counsel which is equivalent to the present Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) before his elevation to the Bench in 1972.

Justice Araka, who bore the traditional title of Nnayelugo, passed on at the ripe age of 87 on January 21, 2013.

46

Law & Justice

Monday, April 8, 2013

David-West

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Babangida

How David-West was jailed, freed

P

rof. David-West, a consultant virologist attained the peak of his academic career at the University of Ibadan and later became the country’s Minister of Petroleum. He was also subsequently appointed the Minister of Mines, Power and Steel during the successive military regime in the mid 1980s.

David-West is also widely known as an outspoken critic of the Federal Government’s policies. This stance sooner put into trouble shortly after his exit as a cabinet minister under Gen. Ibrahim Babangida administration.

He was arrested and charged with corruption for allegedly enriching an American based- oil company, Stinnes Interoil to the tune of $57,117.443 (about N457 million). He was arraigned before the Special Military Tribunal on Recovery of Public Property in 1990.

The charge preferred against him at the time alleged that by this act, David-West had contributed to the economic adversity of the country.

During his trial, the prosecution testified that the professor of virology received an expensive wrist watch among other incentives from the top officials of the American oil firm during the deal.

Interestingly however, the ex-minister repeatedly denied any involvement in corrupt practices and claimed that he was innocent of the allegation brought against him.

But despite his ‘not guilty’ plea, the tribunal Chairman, Justice Bello Gusau found him guilty of the offence and sentenced him to 10 years imprisonment on November 16, 1990.

Not even the emotion-laden allocutus of his lawyer, Mr. Tunde Olojo, could sway the tribunal from sending him to jail.

About two months later, precisely in January 1991, David-West’s counsel, Mr. Olojo, filed a notice of appeal at the Special Appeal Tribunal against the verdict and canvassed 19 reasons why the lower tribunal’s judgment should be set aside.

Among the grounds upon which the appeal was based are that the lower tribunal lacked jurisdiction to try him, and that the

Prof. Tam David-West is a virologist who is widely acclaimed as a social critic. Shortly after he was removed as the Petroleum Minister during the military regime, he was tried for corrupt practices, found guilty and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by a military tribunal in 1990. The Special Appeal Tribunal, however quashed his conviction and set him free.

FRANCIS FAMOROTI, Head, Judiciary writes.

FAMOUS CASES tribunal exceeded its jurisdiction, if any, in convicting him.

During the hearing of the appeal on July 8, 1991, David-West through his lawyer had contended that three persons as against the four prescribed by tribunal handled his case.

According to him, ‘’ Section 5 of the Recovery of Public Property (Special Military Tribunals) amendment Decree No 21 of 1986, makes it mandatory that the tribunal shall be properly constituted with four members and not three members as was the case with the tribunal that tried me.’’

Olojo vehemently argued the appeal and urged the Special Appeal Tribunal comprising retired Supreme Court Justice Dahunsi Coker as Chairman, Justice Koffree and Mrs. Phoebe Ajayi-Obe (SAN) as members to quash the conviction and set David-West free.

A senior government prosecutor, Mr. Kolapo Adaabale, opposed the notice of appeal and prayed the tribunal to affirm David-

West’s conviction.

When the special appeal tribunal eventually delivered its judgment, it quashed David-West’s conviction and described it as a miscarriage of justice.

The Justice Coker-led tribunal declared that evidence adduced before the Special Military Tribunal was not substantial enough to warrant the ex-petroleum minister’s conviction.

Besides, the appeal tribunal held that the prosecution failed to establish the charges of corrupt practices against David-West beyond all reasonable doubts adding that there were loopholes in the prosecution’s case, which the lower tribunal overlooked.

Accordingly, the appeal tribunal set aside the conviction and sentence and ordered his release from prison.

Immediately the verdict was made public, hundreds of David-West’s admirers hailed the judgment while scores of people main-

DAVID-WEST WAS ARRESTED AND CHARGED WITH CORRUPTION FOR ALLEGEDLY ENRICHING AN AMERICAN BASED-

OIL COMPANY, STINNES

INTEROIL TO THE TUNE OF $57,117.443 (ABOUT N457 MILLION)

tained that his travails were orchestrated by the Babangida administration.

Since the virologist regained his freedom in 1991, he has remained uncompromising in his criticisms of adverse economic policies in the country.

David-West has been an outspoken and controversial critic of the government policy since his purge and arrest under the military regime. For instance, he criticised the unconstitutionality of the advisory council established by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2010, and he cautioned against government unreservedly opening its doors to United States intelligence.

Although he is not affiliated with any political party, David-West supported politicians who share his thoughts, views and ideologies on national issues.

Born in Buguma, Kalabari, in what is now Rivers State, David-West received his higher education at the University of Ibadan between 1956 and 1958 and earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree at Michigan State University in 1960. He bagged his Master’s of Science degree at Yale University in 1962 and pursued a Doctor’s of Philosophy (PhD) degree at McGill University from 1964 to 1966.

He was a consultant virologist and senior lecturer at the University of Ibadan in 1969 and was subsequently promoted to professor of virology in 1975.

David-West served as commissioner for education and a member of the Executive Council of Rivers State between 1975 and 1979.

He was a member of the 50-man Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) for the Federal Military Government during the regimes of late Gen. Murtala Muhammed / Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo in 1979.

David-West was the minister of petroleum and energy under Gen. Muhammadu Buhari from 1984 to 1985 and minister of mines, power, and steel under Gen. Babangida in 1986.

Since the Special Appeal Tribunal quashed his conviction and sentence, he has been relatively silent on national issues.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

INUSA NDAH MAIDUGURI

S

ome suspected members of the Boko Haram sect yesterday attacked the Ekliziyar Yan’uwa popularly known as Church of Brethren at Bulumkutu Ward in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

The gunmen also injured one policeman in the attack.

Bulumkutu is one of the volatile areas in Maiduguri metropolis which had witnessed series of attacks through shootings, bombings and other terror activities in the past.

North

Monday, April 8, 2013

others strategy Gunmen attack church in Army, against terrorism Maiduguri, injure policeman A ZA MSUE

National Mirror learnt that the gunmen, who came in a tricycle at about 11:am, opened fire on the Joint Task Force (JTF) troops deployed to the church to protect lives of and property, but the security agents repelled the attack.

An eye witness, who did not want his name mentioned, said that the gunmen wanted to force their way into the church shortly after the pastor began preaching, but they were

repelled by JTF personnel.

The witness said: “The five gunmen came in tricycle and started shooting at the direction of the JTF personnel so as gain entrance into the church, but the security forces responded with fire. The gunmen, however, fled when they discovered that they may be overpowered by the JTF. “But it appears that one of the security agents was injured; the gunmen’s bul-

lets hit him on the leg. I was when his colleague was rushing him to hospital.”

When contacted on phone, the JTF spokesman, Lt-Col. Sagir Musa, promised to comment on the issue, but nothing was heard from him as at the time of publishing the story.

But a senior security officer, who did not was his name mentioned, confirmed the incident, adding that one policeman was injured.

L-R: Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration, Mrs. Bema Olvadi; Permanent Secretary, FCT, Mr. Obinna Chukwu; Minister of State for FCT, Chief Olajumoke Akinjide and Director, Economic Planning, Research and Statistics, Alhaji Ari Isa Mohammed, during the signing of Performance Contract Agreement between the FCT Administration and Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat in Abuja, at the weekend.

PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Ex-LG chairman kidnapped in Borno INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

•Abductors demand N50m ransom confidence that the abductors threatened to kill the victim if the mediator offered a N3 million as against the N50 million earlier demanded.

The source said: “We learnt that the family members of the former local government chairman and the mediator on Saturday offered to pay N3 million, but the kidnapper rejected the amount.

“The kidnapper was annoyed with offer, which they described as ridiculous, they

threatened to kill the victim if N3 million was mentioned to them.”

The sources, however, added that another offer of N10 million was yesterday advanced to the abductors, which was also turned down.

A senior State Security Service (SSS) official, who did not want his name mentioned, confirmed the abduction to National Mirror on phone, but declined to speak further on the incident.

former Chairman of Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State, Alhaji Mustapha Gadobe, was at the weekend kidnapped by some gunmen.

The gunmen have, however, demanded N50 million from the state government or risk the victim’s death, senior public officials and security sources said.

Gadobe was reported kid-

napped near a Maiduguri suburb called Wadiya by the gunmen, who hurriedly bundled him into his Toyota FJ Cruiser and drove off to unknown destination.

Sources told National Mirror that a member of the state House of Assembly is currently handling the negotiation between the kidnappers and the state government.

A senior political appointee told National Mirror in

JAMES DANJUMA

Group flays AYF for raising spurious allegation

A

KATSINA

A

Northern youth group, Muryan Talakawa, has flayed the Arewa Youth Forum (AYF) for alleging that two governors were plotting to prevent Vice-President Namadi Sambo from contesting the 2015 general elections.

The AYF had alleged in an interview that Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State and his Bauchi State counterpart, Mallam Isa Yu-

47

guda, were plotting to stop the vice-president him from contesting the next polls.

In the interview, AYF criticised the governors for “blackmailing the office of the vice-president.”

The governors were accused of not respecting Sambo’s office.

But the National Chairman of Muryan Talakawa, Mr. Saidu Bala, told National Mirror that it was wrong for AYF to criticise the gov-

ernors.

Bala alleged that AYF was being sponsored by those he described as faceless people to criticize the governors.

He said: “The North does not need spurious allegations to win sympathy as there are more pressing issues like insecurity and infrastructural development which the region is in dire need of.

“The North and indeed

the country need peace at this time and not for the youth to be sponsored to speak against those in places of authority.”

Bala advised youths not to allow themselves to be used by politicians in order to disrupt the public peace.

He said: “Youths should, instead, pursue what promotes security, unity and progress of the North in particular and the nation in general.

KADUNA

T

he Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) in Jaji, Kaduna State, at the weekend held an exercise with other security agencies as one of its strategies to combat terrorism and other criminal activities in the country.

While declaring the exercise open, AFCSC Commandant, Air Vice Marshal Eko Osim, said the exercise was organised at the peak of the security challenges confronting the nation.

He called on stakeholders to support efforts by security agents to combat criminal activities in the country.

Represented by Deputy Commandant, Rear Admiral Sanmi Alade, he urged the 236 participants to provide ideas that would help address conflicts when occurred.

The exercise, tagged: “Haske Biyu” was organised to expand the professional knowledge and understanding of selected officers of the Armed Forces in order

to prepare them for increasing responsibilities both in staff college and command appointments.

Air Vice Marshal Osim said that series of lectures, interactive sessions and exercise had been carefully selected and sequenced to meet the realities of current and emerging trends in the global and internal security.

He said: “This training exercise is on how to maintain internal security challenges in the country and as we are in the middle of security challenges, it is time to work ways on how to bring about lasting solution” The participants include the police, State Security Service (SSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Prison Service (NPS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA) and the media.

Gaidam gives N100m lifeline to sick indigenes INUSA NDAHI DAMATURU

G

overnor Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State has approved the release of N100 million as a special support to 21 chronically ill people whose conditions require advanced medical treatment outside the state.

The beneficiaries include a policewoman, Corporal Habiba Agwam, who suffers from acute myeloid leukemia and requires a bone marrow transplant.

A statement signed by his Special Adviser on Press Affairs and Information, Mr. Abdullahi Bego, said that the governor approved N13 million for Miss Agwan to undergo the bone marrow transplant in Singapore.

Other beneficiaries of the gesture include six patients for kidney

transplant, seven for spinal cord surgery and two for open heart surgery.

There is also a case each for coronary angiography and bypass heart surgery and a patient for cochlear transplant.

The governor’s special adviser said Gaidam gave the approval following a recommendation by the state medical board.

The statement said the patients would receive treatment in specialised hospitals both within and outside the country.

The statement also said that a child born as a hermaphrodite is among the beneficiaries of the governor’s special support and that doctors “will determine which of the chromosomes is dominant in the hermaphrodite child and will do the operation accordingly.”

48

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Monday, April 8, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Work on late Yakowa’s N28bn road projects stopped A ZA MSUE KADUNA

T

he N28 billion road projects awarded by the late Kaduna State governor, Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, have been stopped as contractors complained of inadequate funding after mobilisation.

Yakowa had flagged-off 31

rural and urban roads construction work across the 23 local government areas of the state with 25 percent contract sum paid to each contractor as mobilisation fee.

The road network, which cuts across the three senatorial zones, was awarded to various contractors in October 2012 at over N28 billion.

Barely four months after

Yakowa’s death, work has completely stopped on the 34-kilometre Kagoro-Manchok road, awarded to P.W. Nigeria Ltd at the contract sum of N4, 886, 554, 346.95, with completion period of 15 months.

A breakdown of state Ministry of Works and Transport contract sums document obtained by Na-

tional Mirror indicated that the 45-kilometre Kwassam Kushere Geshere road awarded to SDEM Nigeria Ltd at the cost of N3, 762, 669, 605.63; the 6-kilometre Romi Karatudu road given to Tiger Cat Company Ltd at the sum of N920, 359, 283.00 had been abandoned by the contractors, with only the 9-kilometre Kudenda road network

L-R: Chairman, Board of Trustees, American University of Nigeria, Alhaji Ahmed Joda; Chairman, Re-Nuyel Community Bank, Da Bitrus Pam and President, Afe Babalola University, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), after their decoration with the honorary doctorate degrees at the 26th convocation ceremony of the University of Jos, on Saturday.

PHOTO: NAN

SSCE: Parents raise alarm over plans to frustrate wards

IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA

P

arents of suspended Senior Secondary Three, SS3, students of Key Science Academy, Mararaba in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, have raised the alarm over plans by the school principal, Mr. Andrew Maiyanga, to frustrate their children.

They accused the principal of suspending their children for no reason even when the students are about to write their final examinations, alleging that it was a ploy to sabotage them.

Some of the parents, who spoke with National Mirror in Lafia, the state capital, but who did not want their names mentioned, further alleged that the suspension will certainly affect the children’s performance in their final exams.

According to them; “The decision by the school authority to search the students’ room and their belongings in their absence was the reason for their demonstration that led to their suspension.” They described the action as autocratic and illogical.

“It was wrong for the school authorities to search

the belongings of the students’ behind them and later suspend them for their reactions,” said one of the parents.

They also alleged that the principal was planning to bring down the standard of the school for refusing to grant them accommodation in the hostel even when they were recalled; saying such will adversely affect the outcome of their result at the end of the exams.

Although, the school principal could not be reach for comment, but documents available to our correspondent dated February 5, 2013, showed that the decision to suspend the students

was recommended by a committee set up to investigate the students’ unrest.

Another documents titled; ‘Re: Students disturbance of 28th February, 2013’ and signed by the school’s Executive Director, Alhaji Dauda Kabir, said the board has recommend the recall of the affected students after a plea by the Nasarawa State Ministry of Education and other stakeholders.

The letter added that the students will not be allowed into the hostel but will be allowed to write their examinations and leave the premises after each paper.

Kogi, Anambra want extension of rail lines WALE IBRAHIM LOKOJA

I

mpressed by the improvement recorded in rail transportation in the country recently, Kogi State Governor, Captain Idris Wada and his Anambra State counterpart, Mr. Peter Obi, have solicited for the inclusion of their states in rail way development from Onitsha through Anyingba- Ajaokuta to Abuja in the master plan of rail development in

the next 25 years.

The governors made the plea during their courtesy call on the Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, in his office in Abuja.

They expressed satisfaction with the improved railway system in the country.

The duo described Onitsha and Anyingba as two of the most viable commercial centres in the country while the Ajaokuta Steel Complex is the nation’s industrial hub.

They said the construction of rail way line through the two towns would boost the nation’s economic and industrial activities. Wada and Obi commended the giant stride of the minister in reviving rail transportation in Nigeria.

Wada and Obi also appreciated the ongoing dredging of River Niger from Lokoja to Onitsha.

They further commended the laudable intention of the minister to establish sea

ports in Lokoja, Idah and Onitsha.

Responding, Senator Umar pledged to look into their demand with his technical team and get back to them.

He lauded the initiatives of the two governors aimed at improving the living standard of their people, assuring that he would partner with them in their development programmes, especially in the water transportation sector.

awarded to CGC Nigeria Ltd at the cost of N965, 258, 692 and other few road contractors were seen working on site.

Investigation revealed that contractors were starved of funds to enable them complete the work on time. A member of staff of one of the firms, who did not want his name in print said; “Just last week, one of our site managers told us that government has not paid after the 25 percent mobilisation fee given to them last year and the money was used for the work done.”

The development may not be unconnected with recent revelation by the state Chairman of the All Nigerian Peoples Party, ANPP, Senator Mohammed Lawal Aliyu, that N12 billion out of N20 billion loans collected for road projects by the state government had disappeared into thin air.

Senator Aliyu, who disclosed this during the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Kaduna State council interactive forum said the

state got N20 billion loan from commercial banks but surprisingly only N8 billion was used for the purpose.

His words: “Kaduna State government collected N20 billion road projects loan from commercial banks few months ago. We have information that N12 billion of that money disappeared.

Only N8 billion was used for the purpose.”

However, Governor Yero’s Director General on Media and Publicity, Ahmed Maiyaki admitted that the late passage of the 2013 budget affected the road projects.

In a telephone interview with National Mirror, Maiyaki confirmed that the projects were partially stopped but assured that government would continue with them soon.

His words: “The delayed passage of the 2013 budget affected the N28 billion road projects. Just recently, Governor Yero signed the budget into law. Government will continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to the good people of the state.”

Kwara awards N2bn road projects

T

he Kwara State government has awarded contracts for the construction of three major road projects and an additional work on an on-going project at a cost of over N2billion.

Also, the state government has approved over N357million for the purchase of medical equipment for the five general hospitals currently at advanced state of remodelling and rehabilitation.

State Commissioner for Works and Transport, Dr Abubakar Amuda Kannike

and his Health counterpart, Alhaji Kayode Abdul Isa, announced these in a press briefing over the weekend after the state executive council meeting.

Kannike identified the approved road contracts as the 18.6 kilometre ArandunRore-Aran Orin-Ipetu road at the cost of over N1.5 billion with a 12 month completion period, beginning from this month; the 1.8 kilometre Umar Audi road which was awarded at the cost of N434, 388, 693 with a six month completion schedule.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Monday, April 8, 2013

49

MRS. FUNMI OLAYINKA, 1960 - 2013

L-R: Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi; his wife, Bisi and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, during the minister’s visit to the Government House over the death of the deputy governor in Ado-Ekiti, yesterday.

L-R: Ekiti State governor’s wife, Mrs. Bisi Fayemi; mother of the late deputy governor, Mrs. Adetutu Famuagun, Governor Fayemi and father of the deceased, Chief Festus Famuagun, during a condolence visit to the family, yesterday.

A huge loss to Ekiti, Nigeria –Mark, Ekweremadu

GEORGE OJI ABUJA

S

enate President David Mark and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, have described the death of the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Mrs. Funmi Olayinka, as a huge loss to the country.

In a condolence message to the government and peo-

ple of Ekiti State, Mark described the late Olayinka as an indomitable Amazon who stood to be counted when it mattered.

He said: “At a time when it was a Herculean task for women to aspire into elective office, Mrs. Olayinka was among the few Nigerian women who ventured into politics.

“She was a very determined person who had a dream and mission. She proved her mettle and indeed contributed immensely to the building of new Ekiti State.

“We shall miss her resourcefulness and robust contributions. We shall miss her passion for women and youth development agen-

Her death disheartening, sad –Ajimobi

G

overnor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has commiserated with Governor Kayode Fayemi, the government and the people of Ekiti State over the death of the state Deputy Governor, Mrs. Funmi Olayinka.

The governor, in a statement issued in Ibadan yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo, described Mrs.

Olayinka’s death as unfortunate, disheartening and sad.

Ajimobi, who said he received of the news of Mrs. Olayinka’s death with rude shock, expressed the regret that the deputy governor died at a time when her wealth of experience was most needed to complement Fayemi’s efforts at transforming Ekiti State.

He said: “It is quite un-

Mimiko, Uduaghan mourn HAKEEM GBADAMOSI AKURE

O

ndo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko and his Delta State counterpart, Emmanuel Uduaghan, have expressed sadness over the death of Mrs. Funmi Olayinka.

Mimiko said in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Eni Akinsola, that her death left him almost speechless.

According to the governor, the death of such a young, lively and active leader cannot but evoke deep feeling of loss and sadness.

He said: “Nigerians were well aware that she was indisposed, but were hoping and praying that she will scale through and

come out stronger and better. We were therefore shocked to hear of her death. It is sad, sad news.

It evokes a deep feeling of loss and sadness.

“The demise of Mrs. Olayinka will be greatly felt by her husband, children, political acolytes and indeed the good people of Ekiti State.

“Sad as it is, we cannot but thank God for her life, pray that her soul finds repose in the Lord and seek God’s grace and strength for the family to bear the loss.”

In his own message, Uduaghan expressed deep condolences with the people of Ekiti State on the sudden death of the deputy governor.

Uduaghan also com-

fortunate and regrettable that we lost Mrs. Olayinka at this time. She was not only gentle, unassuming and articulate, she was also a seasoned banker and an administrator par excellence and a progressive-minded personality.

Ajimobi prayed God to grant her family, the government and the people of Ekiti State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

miserated with Governor Kayode Fayemi, who he noted must have been greatly affected by the death of his deputy.

In a statement by his Press Secretary, Felix Ofou, the governor praised the courage and strength of the late deputy governor in the battle against cancer, adding that she worked tirelessly to please everyone until a few weeks ago when it was announced that she was proceeding on medical leave.

He said: “Not once did she betray signs of being sick. May be a few persons were aware of her health status. All we saw was a courageous and strong woman willing to please everyone.”

da.”

Describing the late politician as a people oriented leader, Mark regretted that her death came at a time her service was most needed by the people of Ekiti State and the country in general.

On his part, Ekweremadu said the late Mrs. Olayinka was a promising female leader, a progressive and

distinguished professional who wholeheartedly dedicated herself to the service of the good people of Ekiti State and the entire county.

He said: “It is certainly a huge blow to our collective desire to have more women play greater roles in Nigerian politics and our quest for national development as her death has created a vacuum

that will be hard to fill.”

The deputy Senate president expressed heartfelt condolences to Governor Kayode Fayemi over the death of “a partner in progress,” urging him and the people of Ekiti State to take solace in the fact that she bequeathed worthy legacies for which she would be remembered forever.

Painful exit of a dependable deputy gov –Fashola MURITALA AYINLA

L

agos State Governor Babatunde Fashola yesterday expressed shock over the passage of the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Mrs. Funmi Olayinka.

Fashola described her as a great daughter of Ekiti State who made her mark professionally and then offered to serve her people.

The governor said in a condolence message signed by his Special Adviser on

Media, Mr. Hakeem Bello, that he shared in the sorrow of Governor Kayode Fayemi, the government and the people of Ekiti State as well as the immediate family of Mrs. Olayinka over the tragic incident.

He said: “As a brother governor, I feel completely overwhelmed, just imagining the depth of your pain and anguish at the death of a most loyal, dependable and diligent deputy which you had in Mrs. Olayinka.”

The governor said when the history of the restoration of the democratic mandate

A blow to progressive politics –Aregbesola

G

overnor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State has described the death of Mrs. Funmi Olayinka as devastating and a big blow to progressive politics in Ekiti State and Nigeria.

Aregbesola said in a statement issued by the Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, that Mrs. Olayinka’s death had shown that government at all levels should brace up and give the necessary attention to the treatment and detection of cancer.

According to the governor, with early detec-

tion and quick action, a lot of women suffering from breast cancer can survive.

He said: “Lives of millions of women are being threatened as they suffer under the disease of cancer without early detection and adequate treatment.

“Government at all levels should rise up to the task by subsidising the cost for testing and treatment.

“Aside from these, other challenges like lack of constant electricity power supply, poor equipment maintenance culture and inadequate training of personnel have contributed to increase morbidity and mortality in most hospitals in our country.”

freely given to Fayemi and the late Mrs. Olayinka as well as the back-breaking work to restore the meaningful governance to Ekiti State was written, a very glorious and general mention would be made of the deceased.

Sustain her good work, NSGF urges Ekiti PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

T

he Northern States Governors’ Forum, NSGF, said the best tribute the government and people of Ekiti State could pay the late Mrs. Oluwafunmilayo Olayinka was to sustain her good work.

The NSGF Chairman and Governor of Niger State, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, said in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Danladi Ndayebo, that the deceased touched the lives of the weak and poor.

The forum enjoined Governor Kayode Fayemi and the people of Ekiti State to be encouraged by the fact the late deputy governor lived an inspiring and a fulfilled life.

The NSGF also urged members of Mrs. Olayinka’s family to be consoled by the fact that she died after a life of dedication to service of God and humanity.

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Monday, April 8, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ACN accuses Presidency of plot to rig 2015 polls CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

lief and commitment to an emerging political culture that is inclusive, participatory and transparent.

“When juxtaposed against Lai Mohammed’s allegations, it would appear to any discerning citizen that Alhaji Mohammed is engaged in disinformation, the likes of which we heard ahead of the elections referenced above, thus suggesting a well worn tactic.

“The integrity of elections is without doubt one of the major achievements of this administration. It remains a legacy issue for President Jonathan. Lai Mohammed’s allegations of tenure elongation, instigation of violence, likely emergency rule, and a sinister plan that will make free and fair elections impossible in 2015 are entirely hollow and a figment of his imagination.

“More specifically and to buttress his conspiratorial claim, the ACN spokesman alleged that the Federal Government has awarded an oil pipeline protection contract to serve as a smokescreen to fund activities that would create chaos in the South-West.

Fact is, no such contract was ever awarded by this administration.

“The more alarming aspect of the disingenuous press conference was the deliberate attempt to exploit religious and ethnic differences amongst citizens to create a state of siege and fear ahead of the 2015 elections. This was clear in the use of the national Boko Haram crisis and the ‘terror-baiting’ of the populace. Is the ACN hatching a plot of electoral violence through auto-suggestion?”

Also, PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, in a statement made available to National Mirror described the allegation by the ACN as tissues of lies.

In a statement made available to National Mirror last night, Metuh said: “The statement is replete with tissues of lies and propaganda and once again portrays the ACN as a party that lacks direction and given to noise making.

“It is on record that President Goodluck Jonathan has fully empowered security agencies to effectively

tackle the Boko Haram insurgency and his decision to set up an Amnesty Committee on the issue shows his dedication and total commitment in his regard.

“We challenge the opposition to come out with their solution to the problems instead of always trying to heat up the system for selfish reasons. We decry the emphasis on Lagos and South-West and enjoin the ACN to go beyond their regional approach to issues concerning the country.”

In a related development, the PDP yesterday said that some people have manufactured reports aimed at destroying the credibility of the party’s convention in which its national leadership were produced in 2012.

“We wish to alert Nigerians to a destructive plot by certain reactionary forces who working hand in glove with collaborators in the INEC have manufactured a spurious report, specifically aimed at destroying the credibility of the party’s 2012 National Convention, which brought in the current National Working Committee, NWC, using judicial officers of questionable integrity,” he said.

PDP said a revisit of the 2012 National Convention was a measure of the desperation of some politicians to achieve selfish ambition even at the risk of destroying their party.

His words: “Till date, the PDP remains the only political party in the country that conducts transparent internal elections, which start with the ward, local government and state congresses culminating in the national convention. The 2012 exercise was not only unique in the level of participation of party members but in the rancor free, sports-like attitude which various contestants exhibited.

“The current NWC, since inauguration, has maintained a sound working rhythm with the members and critical stakeholdersthe President, the National Assembly, which the party controls and the PDP State Governors whose newlyformed forum which the party leadership engineered, is already sending cold shivers and causing colly-wobbles in the opposition camp.”

Metuh said the wheel of reconciliation and prog-

ress is gradually turning full circle with the recently concluded peace and reconciliation tour of the Party’s NWC and the complementary peace initiatives by the Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees.

PDP said: “In whose interest therefore are these system vampires fighting? In whose interest and at whose behest are these merchants of infamy laying these mines, which could blow our great party sky-high.

“It is no doubt in the

service of selfish interest of this tiny clique of politicians of fortune, those whose ambition must be served or the party crumbles.

“We as leaders of this great party will not fold our hands while those whose lack of self confidence in free and fair democratic process which our leadership has set as a sine qua non for the 2015 electoral exercises has driven into an unconscionable frenzy of either hijacking the party or destroying its hard

earned democratic credibility.”

Also, the ACN in Osun State has alleged of a grand plot by the PDP to massively rig the 2014 election in Osun State.

The party said the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, will be used to create chaos before and after the election process, just like it happened in 2003.

In a statement made available to National Mirror yesterday by the ACN Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, Barr.

Kunle Oyatomi, the party said authoritative information leaked to the ACN in Osun from the meeting of PDP leaders in Osogbo over the weekend gave graphic details of how the plans to tamper with names on the voters’ list in each polling station; effect mass transfer of security personnel from the state perceived to be sympathetic to ACN; and orchestrate a massive ballot box snatching exercise similar to what the party did in 2003 to rig Chief Bisi Akande out of office.

L-R: Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund. Mr. Fola Arthur-Worrey; Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola Chairman of the Taskforce on Environmental and Special Offences, CSP Bayonle Sulaiman and Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, during Governor Fashola’s inspection tour of regeneration work at the Ijora-Apapa axis yesterday.

Killing of 12 policemen: MEND claims responsibility CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

Young Shall Grow “As I speak to you, some policemen are still at the community. It is the disabled nature of the speed boat conveying the affected policemen that made them soft targets. We had lots of gunboats and security personnel in the area. As I speak with you now, the entire Azuzuama community is condoned off.”

The Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson yesterday described the death of the 12 policemen as tragic, shocking and disheartening.

Dickson, who said this in a condolence message to the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, noted that the affected policemen were actively involved in their duty of service to the nation and humanity when the tragic incident occurred.

He said: “The development is a constant reminder of how vulnerable we are in our collective efforts at pursuing and achieving

lasting peace and unity in our state and country.”

Dickson eulogised the late policemen, noting that they displayed outstanding qualities in their dedication and commitment to duty as well as patriotism and willingness to sacrifice for the sake of the people.

The governor expressed the condolences of the government and people of Bayelsa State to the entire Police Force and the families of the deceased.

Meanwhile, Anglo-Dutch oil giant, Shell was prevented from re-entering the company’s drilling site at Yorla town, Khana Local Government area of Rivers State on Saturday by the protesting people of the area.

The community residents numbering about 300, stormed the oil company’s facilities in the Ogoni land, armed with sticks, cudgels and chanting war songs.

Workers of the oil company, who apparently got wind of the protests, abandoned the site before the

protesters got to the area.

The Ogonis have been having a running battle with the oil company since the military era.

A clampdown on the members of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People, MOSOP, resulted in the 1995 hanging of the leader of the group at the time, Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other persons.

MOSOP Secretary-General, Comrade Dum-Ade John, who spoke with newsmen during the protest at the location in Kpea community, where an oil spill was reported two years ago, accused the oil c ompany of collaborating with the Federal Government to circumvent the law as it relates to the environment.

He further accused a member of the Rivers State House Assembly of being one of the major collaborators.

“We expect the Nigerian Government to respect and recognise the declaration of UNEP (United Nations Environmental Pollution)

Report, and I see no reason why Shell will not come and own up, clean up, pay up the damages and finish up with a round table with their people, rather they are drilling the oil on their land despite the damages they have cost them,” John said.

Also speaking, Mr. Ledee Wiko and a MOSOP activist, Comrade Emmanuel Monday Aluzim lamented that the conditions of the Ogoni people on Shell’s re-entry into their land have not been met. “Our condition for Shell to re-enter our land has not been met, so Shell should stay off our land. If Shell has placed premium on their oil including the sustainability of the Ogoni people, Shell would have come to meet all the conditions the Ogoni people gave to them, but they have not done this, rather we were made to understand that recently they came with 10 tankers and siphoned oil at midnight accompanied with some fully armed JTF soldiers,” he said.

Monday, April 8, 2013

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51

World News

“For Asia, development is still the top question, development is still crucial for solving many problems and conflicts”

- CHINESE PRESIDENT, XI JINPING

WORLD BULLETIN

PAUL ARHEWE

Hollywood star, Wesley Snipes, leaves jail

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

S

ome South Africans have given thanks in Sunday prayers for the improvement in the health of Nelson Mandela, the former president who was discharged from a hospital after a nine-day stay for treatment of pneumonia.

Members of an outdoor congregation in Johannesburg say 94-year-old Mandela was in their thoughts often during his most recent hospitalization. The antiapartheid leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate was admitted to a hospital in the South African capital of Pretoria on the night of March 27 and was discharged on Saturday.

Knowledge Modisa, a South African advertising manager, says she and other worshippers have been putting Mandela “first” in their prayers.

Mandela spent 27 years in prison during the period of white racist rule that ended with his election to the presidency in a democratic vote in 1994.

The South African presidency announced the 94-year-old had been cleared to leave the Pretoria hospital following ‘a sustained and gradual improvement in his general condition.’

It was the third hospital visit for the former anti-apartheid leader since December when he underwent treatment for gallstones and a lung infection.

‘Sustained and gradual improvement’: Nelson Mandela has been discharged from hospital after a nine-day stay for treatment of pneumonia. An ambulance carrying the 94-year-old arrives at his home He was driven out of the hos-

Mandela being driven in an ambulance out of the hospital, with a police escort.

Photo: Getty Images

South Africans give thanks for Mandela’s improvement pital grounds in ambulance followed by a police car.

The vehicle went straight to his home in the Houghton neighbourhood of Johannesburg.

Meanwhile, Mandela has spent his first night at home after being discharged from hospital.

In a statement, South Africa’s government said there had been “a sustained and gradual improvement”.

Mandela was the country’s first black president in the 1990s and is seen by many as father of the nation.

He led the struggle against apartheid (white minority rule) and in 1993 was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

The presidency statement

read: “Former President Nelson Mandela has been discharged from hospital today, 6 April, following a sustained and gradual improvement in his general condition.

Nelson Mandela is clearly in better health than he was 10 days ago, but the former South African president is not out of the woods yet. He will continue to receive high-level care at his home in Houghton, Johannesburg.

There is no talk of him returning to his traditional Eastern Cape home at Qunu which is many hundreds of kilometres from Johannesburg. Mandela remains frail, and South Africans have grown used to the fact that their former leader has disap-

peared from view. He has not been seen in public since the 2010 World Cup. In the meantime, Mandela’s family will certainly be relieved that “Tata”, as they call him, is able to enjoy the comfort of his own home once again.

“The former president will now receive home-based high care. President [Jacob] Zuma thanks the hard working medical team and hospital staff for looking after Madiba so efficiently.”

The statement continued: “[Mr Zuma] also extended his gratitude to all South Africans and friends of the Republic in Africa and around the world for support.”

Mandela’s home is in the Houghton district of Johannesburg.

US preparing for possible further North Korea actions

T

he top U.S. military officer said Sunday the Pentagon had bolstered its missile defences and taken other steps because he “can’t take the chance” that North Korea won’t soon engage in some military action.

Heightened tensions with North Korea led the United States to postpone congressional testimony by the chief U.S. commander in South Korea and delay an intercontinental ballistic missile test from a West Coast base.

North Korea, after weeks of war threats and other efforts to punish South Korea and the U.S. for joint military drills, has told other nations that it will be unable to guarantee diplomats’ safety in the North’s capital beginning Wednesday.

U.S. Gen Martin Dempsey, the Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman who just wrapped up a visit to Afghanistan, was asked in an Associated Press interview whether he foresees North Korea taking military action soon.

“No, but I can’t take the

chance that it won’t,” he said, explaining why the Pentagon has strengthened missile defences and made other decisions to combat the potential threat.

Dempsey said the U.S. has been preparing for further provocations or action, “considering the risk that they may choose to do something” on one of two nationally important anniversaries in April — the birth of North Korean founder Kim Il Sung and the creation of the North Korean army.

Actor Wesley Snipes has been released from an American federal prison where he was serving a threeyear sentence after being convicted on tax charges in February 2010.

The release is said to have occurred in New York on Tuesday.

Snipes, 50, had been serving time at a federal prison in Pennsylvania.

A jury convicted him of wilfully failing to file tax returns for 1999, 2000 and 2001. Snipes was acquitted of felony tax fraud and conspiracy charges.

In June 2011, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal of his sentence, which he had argued was too harsh for a misdemeanour conviction.

Snipes was released on April 2 and transferred to the New York Community Corrections Office, which will oversee his home confinement. Home confinement, otherwise known as house arrest, will end July 19.

Snipes has appeared in dozens of films, from “White Men Can’t Jump” and “Demolition Man” in the early 1990s to the “Blade” trilogy. He entered the McKean prison in December 2010 to begin a three-year sentence for failure to file income tax returns.

Snipes is said to have belonged to a group that challenged the government’s right to collect taxes.

Prosecutors said he owed millions of dollars in back taxes.

Snipes had appealed because he said he didn’t get a fair trial.

Snipes

Central African Republic council to pick interim leader

L-R: U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey shaking hands with his, South Korean counterpart, Gen. Jung Seung-jo, before their Military Committee Meeting in Seoul Photo: AP

Central African Republic’s selfappointed leader has announced the creation of a new council that will choose an interim president, a move aimed at placating the international community after he seized power by force two weeks ago.

Meanwhile, the government reduced the hours of a curfew in place since the government’s overthrow, even as gunfire crackled across the city of 700,000 after dark each night.

52

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Monday, April 8, 2013

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53

Sport

I wouldn’t compare Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. I think I enjoy watching both of them

UCL: Beware of Gala, Okocha warns Madrid

- FORMER PORTUGAL INTERNATIONAL, LUIS FIGO

54

Club owners give LMC ultimatum J OEL A JAYI ABUJA

C

Rangers’ player in aerial ball contest with an opponent (left), and Pillars’ players celebrating victory over AC Leopards in Kano (right).

CCL: Pillars, Rangers in last 16 Champions League Results

EVEREST O NYEWUCHI

N

igeria’s flag bearers in the CAF Champions League, Kano Pillars and Enugu Rangers, have progressed to the final qualifying round of the competition, following their successes at the weekend.

Pillars had on Saturday in Congo, forced the AC Leopards to a goalless draw, and thus qualified for the round of 16 on 4-1 aggregate, having beaten the Leopards with that result in Kano, a fortnight ago.

Yesterday, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, Rangers beat Vital’O of Burundi 2-0, and qualified with the result on aggregate, having played a goalless draw in the first leg decided in Bujumbura.

After the conclusion of the next two-

Enugu Rangers

2-0

Vital’O

AC Leopards

0-0

Kano Pillars

Al Ahly

2-1

Tusker

Etente Setif

4-2

ASFA Yennega

Stade Malien

2-0

Casa Sport

Esperance

1-0

Primeiro de Agosto

AS Vita

0-0

Zamalek

legged match-ups, the last eight teams will be drawn in two groups for the final round of the league.

Elsewhere on the African continent, BBC Sports report that Zamalek of Egypt forced a 0-0 draw at former winners, Vita Club of the Democratic Republic of Congo to narrowly reach the last 16 round.

Zamalek, winners of the title on five previous occasions, won the last-32 tie 1-0 on aggregate thanks to their slender lead

NFF wishes Jossy Lad well

A

delegation of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) was at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan on Saturday to wish former Nigeria international and excoach of the Super Falcons, Joseph Ladipo (Jossy Lad) quick recovery.

Jossy Lad, who captained top Nigeria club, 3SC (then IICC Shooting Stars) and played for the Senior National Team, took ill recently and is hospitalised at the UCH Ibadan.

NFF 1st Vice President, Chief Mike Umeh, himself a former Team Manager of the senior national team, led NFF Executive Committee

member, Barr Olaleye Adepoju and Assistant Director (Media), Ademola Olajire, to empathise with the former Super Falcons’ coach on his sick bed. National Sports Commission (NSC) Zone 2 Coordinator, Dr. Steve Olarinoye, was equally on the delegation.

A visibly elated Jossy Lad expressed his appreciation to the NFF president and assured that he was getting better.

Barr Adepoju, who is also Chairman of the Oyo State Football Association, confirmed that the condition of Jossy Lad had greatly improved from when he (Adepoju) last visited him.

from the first leg in Cairo Former champions, Esperance of Tunisia, Orlando Pirates of South Africa, Recreativo Libolo of Angola and Stade Malien of Mali also progressed.

Esperance, winners once and runnersup twice in the past three seasons, had to wait 88 minutes before Khalil Chemmam converted a penalty for a 1-0 win over Angolan visitors Primeiro Agosto - the same score they won by in Luanda.

Pirates, the only South African winners of the Champions League, edged Zanaco of Zambia 2-1 in Soweto after a 1-0 first-leg victory.

Libolo beat El Merreikh 2-1 in Sudan for a 4-2 overall success. On a miserable weekend for Sudanese clubs, Al Hilal were ousted by Sewe San Pedro of Cote d’Ivoire the previous day in another shock. Al Hilal won the home leg 3-1 but went out 5-4 on aggregate.

Jang gets kids golf award JAMES A BRAHAM JOS

P

lateau State Governor, Jonah Jang, has got an award for promoting kids golf in the state.

Kids Golf International (KGI) which gave the award to the governor was founded by Kenny Thompson, with the aim of nurturing kids to become sports ambassadors and is also dedicated to the development of golf among children with support of parents, individuals and corporations.

The governor was voted for the award for the overwhelming support he gave to the state ju-

nior golf contingent who made it to the European Golf Championships in Gullane, Scotland and the United States last year.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Isaac Wadak, who received the award on behalf of the governor at the IBB Golf and Country Club in Abuja told National Mirror that the award would encourage Jang to do more for golf development in the state.

“The award to the governor by the Kids Golf International is really a morale boost. If the governor is promoting kids golf, I think it is something that should be applauded because it will encourage him to do more for the development of kids golf in the state. So we really appreciate the honour done to the governor by this award.”

lub owners in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) have threatened to institute legal action and other necessary measures against the Nduka Irabor-led League Management Company (LMC) if it fails to convene emergency congress in the next two weeks.

The group, under the aegis of Association of Club Owners and Managers disassociated itself from the formation of a new company for the league and all the contractual agreements entered into by the LMC, claiming that their consent or approval were not sought before such steps were taken.

Rising from their meeting in Abuja, yesterday, which had 16 out of 20 participating NPFL club chairmen in attendance, they said in a communiqué that the LMC had abandoned its terms of reference.

The communiqué signed

by Barr Issac Danladi, who is also the Chairman of Nasarawa United FC read, “The Interim Management Committee (IMC) or the so called (LMC) has no morale or legal right to form or register a company on behalf of the 20 Premier League Clubs without their consent, resolution and approval.

“Any person or persons doing business with the LMC on behalf of the club chairmen and managers is doing so at his or her own peril.

They cannot terminate or alter existing contracts entered into before the constitution and inauguration of the said IMC or formation of LMC without the approval of congress.

“The unguarded utterances by the LMC Chairman, Hon. Nduka Irabor, on the persons of the club chairmen and managers are categorically unacceptable.

Also the way and manner the staff of the NPL are being treated with disrespect and disregard by the Hon. Nduka Irabor-led ‘LMC’ is totally unacceptable.”

54

Sport

Monday, April 8, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

TEAP names Turkish TA

ITTF AJC: Omotayo, Oribamise win silver

JOEL AJAYI

YEMI OLUS

N

H

ABUJA

igeria National League (NNL) side TEAP FC has appointed Turkish Hassan Egilmez as the club’s Technical Adviser.

Egilmez is a UEFA Prolicensed coach based in Germany.

The Abuja-based club has also ratified the appointment of its former coach, Donald Malomo-Paris, who is also a UEFA-licensed coach, as the new coach.

Malomo who was with the club before it gained promotion into division one of the NNL last year left and left the club last season.

Chief Executive Officer of TEAP, Mr. Achebe Okoro, told National Mirror at the weekend that Malomo’s appointment would take immediate effect while the technical adviser would resume duty before month end after which they would be unveiled.

“We will continue to sustain the drive towards attaining greater heights as we plan to recruit experienced players soon,” Okoro said.

Awards: NWF honours Ahmed, Aregbesola IFEANYI EDUZOR

A

rrangement has been concluded by the Nigeria (Pro) Wrestling Federation to honour the Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, and his Osun State counterpart, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, with the Good Governance Award for their numerous contributions towards development in their states.

President of the federation, Prince Hameed Olanrewaju Mohammed, told National Mirror yesterday that the governors were considered for their numerous achievements since they assumed offices, adding that other state governors were also in line for the awards in the coming months.

“We are honouring Ahmed because in the history of Kwara State, no governor has created 2, 000 jobs for the youths like he did recently while Aregbesola has also impacted on the Osun with his people-oriented programmes,” Mohammed said.

The NWF boss said the body had sent a visitation team to all the states in Nigeria, adding that the resolve to list the awardees was informed by the team’s assessment.

Ofoedu (r) during a recent game in the Turkish league

Turkey 2013: Ofoedu eyes Flying Eagles’ call IKENWA NNABUOGOR

F

ormer Enugu Rangers striker, Chikeluba Ofoedu, has declared himself as the missing link in the Flying Eagles at the AYC in Algeria.

The 1461 Trabzon of Turkey in-form attacker said he could help the junior national team score goals at the forthcoming FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey if given the opportunity by Coach John Obuh.

“I congratulate the Team for qualifying for the World Cup and I am happy it will be played here in Turkey,” Ofoedu said yesterday “I want to be part of his team to the championship and I want to score goals for the team,” the 20- year-old Ofoedu added.

Ofoedu has scored nine goals in 18 games for the senior team of Trabzon since he teamed up with the club in January.

“I think I can translate that club form to the Flying Eagles and my fans here will be happy to

Austin Okocha (r) chatting with a journalist at the Champions Planet in Lagos last week

UCL: Beware of Gala, Okocha warns Madrid AFOLABI GAMBARI

F

ormer Super Eagles captain, Austin Okocha, has said that Galatasaray could reverse the 3-0 loss suffered against Real Madrid in their Champions League first leg quarter final match last week when both sides clash

again in Turkey tomorrow.

Okocha told National Mirror last week at the Heineken Champions Planet in Lagos that his experience playing at Fenerbahce in the late 1990s dictated that Turkish clubs are unpredictable.

“The first leg result suggests that it’s all over for Galatasaray but the fact is that opposition

see me playing Nigeria,” Ofoedu further said.

Nigeria will play in Group B alongside Cuba, Korea Republic and Portugal with the Flying Eagles opening against the Portuguese on June 21 in the Kadir Has Stadium, Kayseri.

Coach Obuh has promised to ring changes to the Team that finished third at the Africa Youth Championship in Algeria ahead of the Turkey event, saying the strike force needs reinvigoration. always finds it difficult to get favourable results in Turkey,” the former Nigeria international explained.

“Manchester United and the same Madrid have tasted the pangs in Turkey in the past and that says a lot.

“It’s not to take anything away from Madrid with regard to their current form. But they must watch it and not lose focus.”

Meanwhile, former Super Eagles striker, Daniel Amokachi, will be guest at the Planet on Wednesday when the dual second leg Champions League matches featuring Barcelona/ PSG and Juventus/Bayern Munich will be aired.

Amokachi, who is currently Eagles’ assistant coach, will share great moments of his career with fans during a scheduled interactive session.

The race to Wembley for the Champions League final has also intensified as fans are in contest for the five slots reserved for the lucky winners in raffle that will be held later this month.

aving led their teams to a third place finish during previous matches, Olajide Omotayo and Esther Oribamise continued their impressive display in the singles of the 2013 International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) African Junior, Cadet and U-21 Championships which ended in Nabeul, Tunisia on Saturday.

Following the withdrawal of number one Shady Madgy due to a thigh injury, Algeria’s Yannis Douifi emerged winner of the Junior Boys’ Singles event as he beat Omotayo 4-1 (9-11, 6-11, 11-9, 11-6, 11-5, 11-8) in the final on Saturday to prevent a clean sweep of titles by the Egyptians.

Madgy withdrew after picking an injury in his quarter-final duel against Omotayo who went ahead to beat Egyptian Mahmoud Fathy in the semis 4-1 (11-8, 11-9, 9-11, 117, 11-5).

In the Cadet Girls’ Singles event, Oribamise faced Egypt’s Amira Yousry, who won in three straight games 3-0 (11-2, 11-6, 117). Oribamise had earlier beaten compatriot, Onyinechi Mbah, (118, 13-11, 4-11, 9-11, 11-8) in her penultimate round duel.

Ojo Onaolapo lost in the semis as eventual winner, Khalid Assar, beat him 4-0.

Nigeria’s Junior Boys and the Girls teams had earlier secured a place in World Junior Championships scheduled for Rabat, Morocco later this year, following the third-place finish of both teams.

The Egyptians won 14 gold medals in the championships, thereby asserting their dominance as the table tennis power house in Africa.

The tournament was preceded by an ITTF Junior Circuit event from March 28 to 31.

Omotayo

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Monday, April 8, 2013

55

WORLD RECORD

Largest medical charity Vol. 03 No. 594

S

N150

Monday, April 8, 2013

The Wellcome Trust, established in 1936 as part of the will of Sir Henry Wellcome (1853-1936), has an asset base of £12 billion ($19.46 billion), due to the merger of Wellcome plc with Glaxo in 1995, which left the Wellcome Trust with a 4.7 per cent stake in the new company, Glaxo Wellcome.

Issues in Centenary celebration

ince February when President Goodluck Jonathan kick-started Nigeria’s centenary celebrations there have been sporadic though faint echoes of dissent on the matter. But this notwithstanding, a good number of well-meaning Nigerians seem definitely well disposed to the whole idea even if the government were to take the bill. However, the year-long event will not involve one kobo of public fund, which is a big plus to the Jonathan Administration upon which history has, willy-nilly, entrusted the task and would therefore not be kind to him if he fails to oblige, not minding who picks the bill.

As the organisers have rightly acknowledged, the essence of any celebration, it should be noted, encompasses the vision and mission “to re-inspire confidence in

Godwin

Guest Columnist

Nzeakah

the unity of the country, showcase her resilience and highlight the determination to overcome existing challenges in a march towards building a vibrant, progressive and respected nation eager to take her position among the world’s leading countries.”

One is therefore convinced that the event offers us a unique opportunity to count our blessings as a people and nation with a resolve to launch into the next century with renewed hope, determination and expectations. For the same reason, the celebrations represent a powerful and clear message to the world –a world of friends, admirers, sceptics and foes alike – to note that we know from whence we come and are conscious of where we are going in a 21st century global village driven by science and technology. No one with acute sense of history will therefore say that Nigeria has no cause to celebrate; that a country that has seen so many woes and survived secessionist threats by its three former regions at different times, not to mention countless bloody riots—has no cause to celebrate one hundred years of existence.

But if the Nigerian story really started in 1900, as many are wont to point out, it becomes clear that she has practically consistently undergone baptism of fire for the past 113 years, including the four decades (1970-2010) which some people refer to variously as “the years of the locust”, “years of long knives” and “the years of musical chairs” when a series of self-seeking military juntas held the country hostage, plundered her economy, robbed her treasury silly, shared out our oil blocks among themselves, cleverly neglecting “The Black Scorpion” Brigadier Benjamin Adekunle (the real hero of the civil war on the Nigerian side), perverted the political system and, departing, released their anointed disciple

THE CELEBRATIONS, MARK YOU, REPRESENT A VERITABLE PROLOGUE TO THE MESSAGE OF THAT NEW CENTURY, THAT

FUTURE WHICH NIGERIA AND NIGERIANS MUST CONFRONT WITH DYNAMISM from jail, who completed the assault by corrupting the nascent democracy and practically returning the polity to square one. Is it not therefore a matter of slack-jawed stupefaction that Nigeria has successfully weathered so many storms and is now poised, as we believe, to launch into another century on a clean slate? Is this singular feat of survival not worth celebrating? The celebrations, mark you, represent a veritable prologue to the message of that new century, that future which Nigeria and Nigerians must confront with dynamism, with hope, and not with dread or trepidation, holding fast to Henry Longfellow’s high counsel that we must not look mournfully into the past, but wisely learning from the past, improve on the present because the present is ours.

President Jonathan should therefore be prepared to lead Nigeria in the march of destiny to meet the shadowy future without fear; encouraged all the time by Albert Einstein who affirmed that “great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.” Of course, those Nigerians who insist that Jonathan has not

performed are more than entitled to their opinion. Yet some of us believe that the fact that the man has been able to fight Boko Haram almost to a standstill; that he has been able to hold the country together in spite of odds; that he has been able to improve on the economy as handed over to him by Yar’ Adua, and that he seems to be steadily waxing stronger and more confident by the day is, no mean achievement. Therefore, let us proceed with the centenary celebrations in earnest if only “they will be strong and forceful, colourful and rich, harnessing and projecting our diversity in culture, joyously proclaiming the journey to a new national order”, as promised by the organisers. If those behind the planning and execution of the event won’t be long in word and short in execution, if they will wall the talk, one has taken note of a number of laudable legacies that are expected to emerge from the celebrations, including a befitting new gate for the FCT, Unity Squares in 36 states, special medical diagnostic centres, one in each geopolitical zone; centenary libraries and centenary science laboratories in each of the six zones.

Here the organisers’ sense of history appears superb, deserving of commendation, for the idea of the six zonal structure as a basis for distribution of federal amenities is a thing whose time has come, having been a dormant proposal since 1922 when Lugard’s successor Sir Hugh Clifford first appointed six Nigerians into his 46-member legislative council to represent 6 geopolitical areas of Nigeria. To be sure, the most fascinating of the centenary projects, in my view, is the Centenary City that will be located in the Abuja suburb and which, like the ongoing Eko Atlantic City, is conceived to focus the attention of the investing world on Nigeria and promises to be a true replica of cities like Dubai, Monaco and Songdo.

Anyway, for me really, the attraction of this project is not its elitist nature but the fact that built from the scratch on about 1000 hectares of virgin land, the city will be a sure source of thousands of jobs in its construction years in addition to about 5,000 permanent ones when completed in about five years time.

Nzeakah writes from Ota, Ogun State.

Sport Extra

E

xplosive opener, Virender Sehwag is one of a number of bigname players to have been left out of India’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy in England in June.

The dashing player has been in poor form in recent

Cricket: India axes Sehwag from England June tour months and was also dropped from their Test team for the last two matches against Australia last month.

Sehwag is not the only high-profile name to miss out on the 30-strong selection

with spinners Harbhajan Singh and Pragyan Ojha, seamer Zaheer Khan and batsman Cheteshwar Pujara also omitted.

The 34-year-old still holds the world record score in one-

day internationals, with his 219 against the West Indies in 2011 one of only two double centuries in the 50-over game, the other belonging to Sachin Tendulkar who retired from limited overs international

cricket late last year.

Test reject, Gautam Gambhir, as well untested Jalaj Saxena, Siddharth Kaul, Kedar Jadhav and Ishwar Yadav have been given a place NFF President, Aminu Maigari in the squad.

Virender Sehwag

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