Friday leadership

15.08.14

No. 65

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

N200

NIGERIA'S FIRST FRIDAY NEWSPAPER

Ganye chiefdom to confer traditional title on Ty danjuma, wife 10

Chibok Diary

DAY

123

www.leadership.ng Leadership Newspapers

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David umAru faults drafting of soldiers for niger by-election 12

We plotted your removal, gov aliyu tells bamanga 5 tukur

BBOG Group Wants Churhces, Mosques, Nollywood To Join In Advocacy > Page 2

AS confab ENDS

Delegates Adopt Final Report 9

Sing old National Anthem Resolutions, victory for democracy – Coomassie

Meet The Nigerian Woman Who Leads Africa’s First Ladies To Obama

Lordina Mahama (Ghana)

By AYANDA NGWANE and PAUL CHIAMA, Abuja

Africa has always been endowed with talents and personalities who made great impact in the world. From Nelson Madiba Mandela, Aliko Dangote, Johann Rupert, Nicky Oppenheimer to Mike Adenuga and Abdulsamad Rabiu, the list of Africa’s influential persons now includes a woman who has created a new record through her passion in fashion. She is Dr (Mrs) Merit Gordon Obua.

Little may have been known before now about this erudite personality who has given all attention to the promotion of African women. She has painstakingly reserved no energy in pursuing her innate ideas and CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Penehupifo Pohamba (Namibia)

Merit Obua

Sizakele Zuma (South Africa)

Ebola: Fg okays nanosilver to treat patients, as another nurse dies

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#BringBackOurGirls 123 day

Friday, August 15, 2014

Editor’sNote Here we are again with another interesting package meant to make your Friday fantastic!

This week on FRIDAY EXTRA, we convey to you the significance of “The New Yam Festival” of the Igbos.

PARLIAMENTARY CHAT features an interview with Hon. Yakubu Umar Barde, a member of the House of Representatives from Kaduna State.

He opines that anyone who tries to kick against Vice President Sambo running with Jonathan is an “enemy of the north”. Be sure to read the interview.

ESSENTIALS this week features your favourite “Tuface Idibia” as the man of the moment. He is portrayed in the write-up as a model other artistes ought to look up to. KANNYWOOD TRENDS features “Uzee” Adeyemi, a movie producer who talks about piracy in the Nigerian movie industry and how it discourages him from shooting movies.

Other usual segments of the paper are also on; WOMEN IN POLITICS features an interview with Sen. Grace Folashade Bent.

While you enjoy this package, don’t forget to Thank God It’s Friday!

Chibok Girls: BBOG Group Urges Churches, Mosques, Nollywood To Join Campaign story by Chika Mefor, ejike ejike, Abuja

The #BringBackOurGirls has called on churches, mosques and the entertainment industry to lend their voices to the campaign for the rescue of the abducted Chibok girls.

Speaking at its 107th day sit-out, the group called on the groups listed above to join the campaign and add more value to the campaign, adding that the campaign can only become stronger when everyone contributes his or her own quota to the cause.

"It is tiring as we count the days the girls have been abducted. [However], we will keep standing. We are their voices and we will continue to lend our voices to the campaign.

Wherever we get to, let's put it in their faces.

Until they are back alive, life cannot continue," it said.

The group also deliberated on the planned visitation to past heads of states as well as other senior government officials, in a bid to push for the rescue of the abducted girls.

The group, however, refused to disclose the names on the list, in order to ensure that the planned meetings be discrete and, as a result, produce better results.

Recall that over 200 girls from Government Secondary School Chibok, Borno State, were abducted by the Boko Haram sect and, after 100 days, the girls are yet to be rescued. While the federal government is claiming to be on a rescue mission, there seems to be a lack of belief, due to the lack of convincing results over time.

“Attract what you expect, reflect what you desire, become what you respect, mirror what you admire.”

For Feedback: fridayleadership@leadership.ng

Chibok In The Week Saturday, August 9, 2014 The BringBackOurGirls group decried the prolonged stay in captivity of Boko Haram terrorists of the over 200 schoolgirls abducted in Chibok, Borno State on April 14, 2014, saying “the girls are our collective trust. Thus every additional day spent in captivity testifies to our collective failure as a people, even more so, the failure of our government to discharge its obligation to them.

Sunday, August 10, 2014 Parents of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls rejected insinuations that some of their daughters in captivity of the Boko Haram insurgents may have been used by the sect to execute suicide bombings around the country.

his re-election bid for 2015.

In another development, the BringBackOurGirls group vowed to expand the coverage of its campaign by taking it beyond the sit-out venue to strategic places.

Wednesday, August 13, 2014 The Presidency, through the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, condemned the ultimatum given by the Northern Elders Forum, describing it as irresponsible and unpatriotic.

On the other hands, the

Monday, August 11, 2014 The BringBackOurGirls groupmade its intention to engage stakeholders in the country so as to rev up campaign for the rescue of the Chibok schoolgirls in Boko Haram’s captivity.

Thursday, August 14, 2014 An official of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) and Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Prof. Ango Abdulahi affirmed NEF’s backing of the October ultimatum given to President Goodluck Jonathan to rescue the abducted Chibok schoolgirls or forget his 2015 ambition of returning as president of Nigeria, saying they have every right as Nigerians to do so.

Tuesday, August 12, 2014 As the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls clocked 120 days, the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) issued President Goodluck Jonathan a two month ultimatum to last till the end of October within which to end the Boko Haram insurgency and rescue the girls who are still being held captive or risk mass opposition to

Today Friday, August 8, 2004 The BringBackOurGirls group, in keeping with its earlier decision to take its solidarity campaign for the release of the Chibok schoolgirls to major stakeholders in the country, has called on churches, mosques and the COMPILED

BY UGOCHUKWU IROKA entertainment industry to lend their voices in the campaign for the release of the girls. ...AS COMPILED BY Abah Adah

Members of the #BringBackOurGirls (BBOG) Group, during a village square meeting at the Unity Fountain, over the abducted Chibok school girls in Abuja, yesterdey. Photo by OYEDELE OMOKAGBO

Another section of members of #BringBackOurGirls in a village square meeting at the unity Fountain in Abuja, yesterday. Photo by OYEDELE OMOKAGBO

A little “thank you” that you will say to someone for a “little favour” shown to you is a key to unlock the doors that hide unseen “greater favours”. Learn to say “thank you” and why not? ― Israelmore Ayivor

our stand

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August 15, 2014

AUN’s Example In Community

T

he once fabled synergy between town and gown is manifesting itself in a practical way in Yola, the Adamawa State capital.

The American University of Nigeria (AUN) has adopted community service as one of the ways of bringing peace to that troubled north-east state. This process has seen the university, which started as an elite institution, impacting positively on its host community’s environment.

In keeping with its mission of being a development-oriented university, AUN is training young Africans to assume leadership roles in their societies through a dynamic development process that is based on Africa’s vibrant cultures and rich past. The approach is three-pronged, according to the university’s president, Dr Margee Ensign. The first requires the students to participate in the university’s development projects. The students, from varied backgrounds, engage the community in a manner that will play down other negative forces that have been threatening the peace. Through this process, the students themselves develop fresh perspectives about who or what they want to be in life.

AUN students, as part of this community service, provide one-on-one educational support to pupils for 12 to 18 hours of

private tutoring in small groups of five per tutor. They develop original reading materials and forge personal relationships with young members of the community.

The second approach is using technology in such a way that will make learning easy and affordable.

The students are trained to use information and communication technology (ICT) to enhance literacy, not just for themselves but their host environment.

The university believes that an e-library and a digital process can and do bridge the education gap.

To this extent, AUN has built one of the most elaborate e-libraries in sub-Saharan Africa that is helping not just the students but also the host community which includes institutions in its catchment area to expand their horizon. Considering the

Ag. Editor Hassan Gimba Ahmed Deputy Editor Kazeem Akintunde Editorial Board Safiya M. Adamu, Chairman Christian Ochiama, Deputy Chairman Standards Aniebo Nwamu, Director ’Lara Olugbemi, Assistant Director

illiteracy level, AUN is convinced that there was not much time to build conventional schools when a person hungry for knowledge can easily log on to the e-library and access all the information he or she needs to develop himself. The third approach is the Adamawa Peacemakers Initiative, an interreligious and cultural communitybased collaborative effort that has helped to douse the tension in the state. This peace initiative started when subsidy was removed from petroleum products and was exacerbated by the Boko Haram insurgency. Through it, the young impressionable minds are taken off the streets and put into more meaningful activities like sports.

It is pertinent to note that it is not all about the young people. The older members of the community are also engaged in waste-to-wealth projects that have seen ordinary rural women become economically useful to themselves. So far, the university is running these projects on its own steam and from its own resources. It believes that it is worth it, considering the positive result that has been achieved.

We commend the university for its foresight and hope that other higher institutions in the country will emulate their methods. If ever a reform was needed in the nation’s education sector, the AUN initiative is it.

Founder Sam Nda-Isaiah Chairman Hajiya Ireti Kingibe Group Managing Director Azubuike Ishiekwene Group Executive Directors Michael Okpere Dr Kazeem Durodoye Company Secretary/ Legal Adviser Abdulhaleem Amin Divisional Directors Abdulmumin Balogun Ademola Oladosu Iyobosa Uwugiaren Salisu Alhassan Bichi General Managers Aminu Abubakar Sule Zipporah D. Tanko Joy Adekanye

Leadership

Holdings

Managing Director Abraham Nda-Isaiah Executive Director Nnamdi Samuel New York Office Mohammed Bello Shehu London Office Dr Bello Salihu Johannesburg Office Abiodun Oguntuase Business Manager Bilkisu Mohammed Rimi

An ugly child of your own is more to you than a beautiful one belonging to your neighbor.

— Ganda Proverb

LEADERSHIP is a national paper symbolically embedded in the nation’s capital.

We shall stand up for good governance. We shall defend the interest of Nigerian people even against their rulers, and we shall raise our pen at all times in defence of what is right. These are the values by which we intend to be assessed.

We shall never, ever for any reason forget the noble reason of our coming into being: For God and country!

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August 15, 2014

LIVING TO BE 100

One health tip daily Nature’s Pollution-Fighter The powerful antioxidant and detoxifier L-cysteine can help protect your body from the harmful effects of pollution, heavy metals, chemicals, radiation, alcohol, and smoke. This naturally occurring amino acid may also help boost the immune system, protect against heart disease, build muscle, and decrease fat buildup. L-cysteine is also useful for combatting inflammation and promoting healthy hair and nail growth. The substance is found in eggs, fish, almonds, sesame seeds, soy, pumpkin seeds, peanuts, legumes, avocados, bananas, whole grains, and brewer’s yeast.

Ebola: FG Okays Nanosilver To Treat Patients As Another Nurse Dies

By Winifred Ogbebo and Victor Okeke, Patience Ivie Ihejirika, Abdullahi Umar, Abuja; Aronke Olayiwola, Taiwo Ogunmola Omilani, Lagos; Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin; Isaiah Benjamin, Kaduna Joshua Dada, Osogbo And Nnamdi Mbawike, Enugu

The total number of deaths from the deadly Ebola Virus disease has risen to four as one of the nurses who treated the Liberian-American Patrick Sawyer who brought the virus to the country has died in Lagos.

The Minister of Health, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu confirmed this yesterday in a statement issued by his Special assistant on Media and Communications, Mr Dan Nwomeh.

LEADERSHIP learnt from a reliable source who pleaded anonymity that the nurse, who had been at the B Ward – a male ward which is now referred to as Ebola Ward – of the Yaba Mainland General Hospital, died in the early hours of yesterday.

According to the source, family members of the deceased had since been informed and had reported to the hospital.

Efforts made to reach the state Commissioner for Health, who was said to have been at the hospital proved abortive.

Meanwhile, the federal government said it was treating eight confirmed cases of Ebola virus disease patients with an experimental drug known as Nanosilver, which it said was declared fit for use by Nigerian scientists.

At a press briefing which had in attendance, the ministers of Information, Interior and Environment and Women Affairs, the Minister of Health, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu, said the drug was

Jonathan

confirmed fit for use and provided by Nigerian scientists for the treatment of the Ebola virus disease patients in Lagos.

The Minister of Health, said that they “will follow all the medical research ethics code of Nigeria in administering the drug which includes the patient’s consent.”

Chukwu also used the opportunity to clarify media reports that 21 persons had been quarantined in Enugu, saying that “only six persons are quarantined in Enugu. Some people assume that merely seeing the lady from a distance will make them to contact the virus, that’s not true.”

He said that the Enugu Ebola case was as a result of one of the nurses who made primary contact with the Liberian man, Mr. Patrick Sawyer, who though quarantined, travelled against the advice of the Incidence Management Committee to Enugu.

“The newly married woman went to visit her husband in Enugu. She did not infect anybody on ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Meet The Nigerian Woman Who Leads Africa’s First Ladies To Obama ➔ FROM FRONT PAGE

beliefs. Again, she has demonstrated in a convincing manner that African women are not only useful or influential in the kitchen and are not inferior to their world peers.

She has further demonstrated that doggedness and extraordinary commitment to a cause can, not only open the doors to wealth, but also create fame.

Thus, the example of Dr Obua is one to be emulated after admiration in our society replete with untapped talents and potentials.

Dr (Mrs) Merit Gordon Obua To Lead African First Ladies To Women Summit In an era when Africa and indeed the stories about her women folks are few to write home about, a Nigerian, Dr (Mrs) Merit Gordon Obua, has been nominated by influential female persons in the United States led by the American First Lady, Mitchele Obama and Senator Gonzella James to lead other prominent African women to attend the Women of Influence Summit in the United States.

It was learnt that in August, the state of Atlanta, Georgia is seeking to bring African first ladies and top African womenachievers together in a very congenial environment where they can rub minds together, share ideas, learn and take critical steps on how to move forward in relation to personal, social and community developments.

It is for this reason that Mrs Obua, who is described as the most philanthropic woman in Africa has been nominated to lead other African first ladies from the Republics of South Africa, Gambia, Angola, Ghana and Namibia to the White House. The event which is highly selective in attendance brings together first ladies, senators, notable women in positions of authority and other female dignitaries from different parts of the world.

It was gathered that this is the first time that top African female leaders who have carved a niche for themselves in their various vocations are being honoured by authorities in the US. The selection of Mrs Obua as the first recipient to be recognised in that capacity by the US first lady and Senator Gonzella is a recognition of the feat she has achieved in Nigeria.

Part of the recognition of Obua as the leader of the group, it was gathered, stems from her contributions to the growth and development of African women on the continent, especially

through the organisation, AFRICAN WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP of which she is a life patron.

LEADERSHIP Friday learnt that after a thorough consultation among the council of female senators in Atlanta Georgia, Senator Gonzella James, the most powerful female senator in the world, decided to congratulate Obua on her achievements and efforts on empowering the African women especially in her role as the patron of the African Women in Leadership.

It is not surprising, however, that Obua has the admiration of influential female figures in the US because she has brought to bear long term impact on women and youths as well as an undying commitment to the cause of the female gender on the continent, a drive that goes hand-inhand with the creative talent and entertainment industry in Africa. This is more so as the creative talents on the continent are bursting with energy.

One of Obua’s vehicles for social engineering which endeared her to the American first lady, Mitchele Obama and Senator Gonzella, it was learnt, is that she has been using fashion education as a means of social reformation for which she earned herself the ‘Princess of Hope’ for the continent. This, according to report, is a singular effort of this Nigerian which is second to none on the entire continent of Africa.

Dr Obua, it was learnt, does not only believe that it is enough to provide income for young women and youths in Africa, but that there is a need for training and support in every aspect of life.This is what inspired her as the first black woman to bring the World Fashion University to Nigeria.

As a follow up to this, two years ago, she was nominated for the investiture as the patron of World Fashion Organisation by the President of the World Fashion Week, Parco De Jaimes, in Paris. After the event, report says she had series of meetings with the board of governors of World Fashion Organisation and was able to convince them to host African edition of the Africa Fashion Reception in Nigeria.

In her speech, heralding the World Fashion Week, Mrs Obua while justifying the need for selfreliant African women and local entrepreneurs said, “Honestly Africa does not need aid from the international community but needs assistance to develop and make commercially via-

Angola’s first lady Ana Paula

ble its creative fashion industries in order to bring about meaningful development through wealth creation. The fashion industry creates jobs for fashion designers, creative directors, fashion editors and journalists, photographers, textile designers, cutters, stylists, models, makeup artists and tailors”.

The African Fashion Reception, LEADERSHIP Friday learnt,is one of the five events lined up by the World Fashion Organisation that will serve as a prelude to the World Fashion Week that will be hosted in Paris in October 2014.As Nigeria is hosting the event for the African Continent, so is the US hosting for North America, France for Europe, China for Asia, Argentina for South America and the City of Perth will host for Australia.

The African Women in Leadership conference to be held in the United States in August hopes to break away from the norm so as to create a conference experience like never before. With the theme: “African Women: Harnessing Our Strengths, Growing In All Spheres”, different topics will be discussed by different women in leadership positions who have carved a niche for themselves around the world as they look forward towards sharing their insights, passion and secrets with the aim of empowering, developing and harnessing the strengths of all participants.

Top on the topics to be treated, LEADERSHIP Friday gathered, include Mentoring: Women Empowerment Through Voting, Philosophy and Business; Positioning the African Woman for Leadership; Women: Leading Across Work, Family and the Globe; Bridging the Gap and Removing Barriers; The Role of the African Woman in Peace Building others are Not Business as Usual; Being The Leader Others Want To Follow; Leadership ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

A housewife who complains that there is not enough foodstuff in the market should remember that if her husband adds to what is already available, there would be more for everyone. ― Nigerian Proverb

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August 15, 2014

Meet The Nigerian Woman Who Leads Africa’s First Ladies To Obama ➔ FROM PAGE 4

Skills for the 21st Century; Strategic Empowerment for Leadership and A Personal SWOT Analysis, among others.

Over the years, the African woman has been seen from different perspectives judging from the myriads of problems on the continent. To many, she is industrious but backward with no innovative acumen while to others, she is the backbone of the family. Events in the recent times have however, shown that African women like Dr Obua are a force to reckon with as global players in the economic and social transformation of the continent.

In this year’s conference, participants will hone vital leadership competencies and gain insight into managing work-life balance, creating strong support systems, discovering and utilizing their in-built strength and more. By coming together to hone vital leadership competencies and achieve new levels of confidence and suc-

cess, African women will continue to act, grow and lead in the 21st century.

Already, expectations are high that this year’s conference of prominent women across the globe will help to proffer solutions to some of the crisis rocking every part of the world. This is because of the belief in the power of the entertainment industry, arts and crafts as a vehicle for social change, an area that Mrs Obua has been noted for over the years. With the pioneering role of her likes in Nigeria and indeed Africa, it is expected that the hydraheaded monster called poverty would be a thing of the past in years to come.

In his remarks about the conference, the governor of the State of Georgia hosting the event, Nathan Deal said he was pleased to extend his regards to the African Women of Influence. He applauded the patron for her dedication in harnessing and enhancing the leadership potentials of women in Africa. ‘’I hope this year’s conference, in part-

nership with the state, proves to be inspirational for all powerful and influential women of the world’’, he said. Governor Deal also thanked Dr (Mrs) Obua for the outstanding example she has set for the black race.

Analysts are of the opinion that because of the pioneering role of Mrs Obua on the continent, the lost glory of Nigeria in the international podium, especially in Africa shall be reclaimed in a matter of time. This is so as the country is trailing closely behind the Republic of South Africa which is the economic hub of the continent.

Mrs Obua who was born on the 22nd January 1971 into the royal family of Imiringi in Ogbia LGA of Bayelsa State, showed her academic brilliance early in life when in school as she twinkled like a shining star in the galaxy. She had her School Certificate and Senior Secondary Certificate Examination with distinctions, a feat she repeated at the University of Port Harcourt where she graduated in 2001.

Gambia’s first lady Alima Jammeh

AWLC 2014 therefore is an opportunity to hear about new trends, research and best practice examples from innovative female achievers who remain resilient in the face of daunting challenges. Participants will learn how to continue to be successful leaders in a world that is constantly evolving in many facets.

We Plotted Your Removal, Gov Aliyu Tells Bamanga Tukur

By Paul Chiama, Abuja

One of the major players in the turmoil which led to the resignation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) former National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, who is also the Niger State Governor, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, yesterday had a sober reflection and confession in Abuja on his role in the entire crisis that rocked the leadership of the party, accepting being one of the leaders of the political coup.

Governor Babangida Aliyu told a gathering of Nigerian Society of Engineers in Abuja in the presence of Dr. Bamanga Tukur that he played a major

role in the political gang-up that led to the resignation of the National Chairman of the PDP. The governor, in his words, said: “I know I played a major role in your removal but all I want to urge you to do is to please continue the good job you are doing for the PDP and the country.”

He regretted the possibility of him and his colleagues not being able as at now to bring back Dr. Bamanga Tukur as the national chairman of the PDP to continue his job.

According to Dr. Aliyu, even though they succeeded in plotting the removal of Dr. Bamanga Tukur from office, “we have not come out of the woods”.

He therefore urged Dr. Tukur not to relent with the good services he was rendering to the PDP for survival and continuity.

In his reaction at the scene of the event, Dr. Bamanga Tukur jokingly told Dr. Aliyu that “the confession tonight has clearly shown me those who plotted my removal from office”.

He said that the statement from the governor was a clear vindication of his innocence in the entire episode, noting that it had confirmed the fact that all that happened was all a game of political intrigue and conspiracy.

Tukur said that as a true sportsman, he had forgotten the events and forgiv-

en all those who played one role or the other in the incident.

He reiterated his preparedness to continue to support the party and ensure its victory in every election especially the re-election of the incumbent president, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

The former PDP chairman assured that the entire incident was a political experience that had encouraged and equipped him more on how to serve the party and country better.

He remarked that politics is a game of give and take where according to late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, “there is no permanent enemy and no permanent friend”.

Ebola: FG Okays Nanosilver To Treat Patients As Another Nurse Dies ➔ FROM PAGE 4

her way to Enugu as she had not developed any symptoms. You cannot transmit Ebola if you don’t have the symptoms,” he said.

“One of the primary contacts to the Index case disobeyed the incident manager in Lagos and left for Enugu but when she developed symptoms, she immediately contacted a health facility,” said the minister, adding that though the husband of the newly wedded nurse does not have symptoms but because of the intimate relationship, he had to be quarantined also.

According the minister, the nurse and her husband were carried back to Lagos on special ambulances while insisting that nobody has Ebola in Enugu for now.

Prof. Chukwu also said that the 21 primary contacts of Mr. Patrick Sawyer had been released as they did not show any sign of Ebola after the maximum incubation period of 21 days.

He said currently, 11 persons had tested positive to Ebola, three had died- the Liberian man, a nurse and a protocol officer of ECOWAS while 169 were under surveillance.

Chukwu said all of them were secondary contacts to the index case, the American Liberian, Sawyerr.

‘Let me clarify issues on Ebola scare in some states. The disease is still only in Lagos. None of the contacts in Enugu have tested positive. They’re still under close watch. So all the cases are still confined within Lagos State.”

“The Abia case was a Steven Johnson syndrome, the lady reacted to some antimalarial drug she took and we tested and confirmed that it was not Ebola.

‘The Imo corpse from abroad died of gastroenteritis, not Ebola; the Anambra case was not Ebola too and the Abuja case was a diabetic patient who also was HIV positive. It was not Ebola,’ he said.

Chukwu said “the federal government has prohibited the repatriation of corpses from abroad to Nigeria. We have also prohibited the inter-state transportation of corpses without waiver from the government.”

“But if you feel differently, you can apply for a waiver accompanied with death certificate and if we are satisfied, we can give a waiver.”

He disclosed that the ministry had granted two waivers so far; two Nigerians who were brought in from India and Kenya.

Dangote donates N150m Meanwhile, the Dangote Foundation has donated N150 million to the Ebola Emergency Operation Centre in Lagos.

Making the donation on behalf of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, Mrs. Adiembong Adage, said ‘the centre is a platform through which critical investment by government and private sector can be made towards curtailing this Ebola crisis.”

Mrs. Adage encouraged Nigerians to take personal responsibility of the situation and not to panic while making use of the relevant information that were being disseminated by the government.

Also in his contribution, the Information and Communications Minister, Mr. Labaran Maku thanked the Dangote foundation for the donation, ‘by donating 150 million, Dangote foundation has upped the game. We thank them for taking the first step,’ while calling on well-meaning

Nigerians to show solidarity to the fight against Ebola.

He also slammed the foreign media who he said were bent on tarnishing the corporate image of Nigeria through the generalization of the Ebola spread in the country.

He said “Some media will quote that Ebola has killed over one thousand in West Africa while putting Nigeria in the figure.”

‘We have noticed two media houses in particular who have continuously refused to send the true picture of Ebola spread in Nigeria in spite of all our efforts to brief the media in very transparent manner. We have not hidden anything as far as this virus is concerned,’ he said.

He pointed out that ‘one of the media has particularly refused to report Ebola but to impugn on the integrity of Nigeria. They will use this unfortunate incident of Ebola to run down the corporate image of our country and our people.

‘If it continues, I can tell you that we are going to take measures. Let it not come to pass that you want to push us to the wall and exploit our magnanimity, our free democratic spirit to run down the image.’

One spoon of soup in need has more value than a pot of soup when we have an abundance of food. ― Angolan Proverb

➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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August 15, 2014

Ebola: FG Okays Nanosilver To Treat Patients As Another Nurse Dies ➔ FROM PAGE 5

Maku said was only the minister of Health that was empowered to announce any outbreak or new cases of the virus in order to guard against panic and erroneous reportage.

Kwara Orders Closure Of Hospital The Kwara State government has ordered the immediate closure of Kiddies hospital- a private health facility in Ilorin, the state capital over suspected Ebola virus infection.

Announcing the closure of the hospital, the Senior Special Assistant to the Kwara state governor on public health, Professor Sunday Opabola and his counterpart in the secondary health, Dr Ibrahim Gambari, said the seven-months-old baby suspected to have contacted Ebola virus had already been isolated and quarantined at Sobi specialist hospital.

Hand Shaking Restricted In Lagos Assembly Fear of Ebola virus has drastically reduced hand shaking among the members of Lagos State House of Assembly and the administrative staff.

LEADERSHIP observed this yesterday at the Assembly complex when one of the lawmakers, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu refused to shake a female journalist, saying Ebola greeting has been introduced. “ I don’t shake anymore and I only pat my hand on my chest to greet people just for precaution measures”, he said.

NOA takes sensitization To 22 Markets In FCT As part of efforts to curtail the spread of the deadly Ebola virus, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), yesterday took its sensitization workshop to Garki market in Abuja.

Speaking at the One-Day Workshop on Security Awareness and Sensitization Campaign on Ebola Virus for Market Women in the FCT, the Director-General

of NOA, Mr Mike Omeri, said the essence of taking the sensitization programme to market women was to further sensitize the entire FCT residents.

Hajj 2014: NAHCON Organises Sensitisation Workshop On Ebola As part of it’s efforts to halt spreading the deadly disease, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has organised a day’s sensitization workshop on the menace of the EVD on intending pilgrims.

Speaking at the workshop, Chairman of the medical committee NAHCON, Dr Ibrahim Kana said that all Nigerians needed good health either at home or abroad and that was why for Hajj Commission whose major function was to convey Nigerians to Saudi Arabia organised the workshop to educate pilgrims on the danger of EVD in the gathering. …As. KRPC Organises for Host Communities As part of efforts to prevent the outbreak of the Ebola virus fever within and among people of its host communities, Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC) yesterday held a sensitization program for its host communities.

Ebola Virus: Enugu Opens Quarantine Centres.

The Government of Enugu State yesterday announced that it had opened four centres in the state where victims of the dreaded Ebola Virus would be quarantined.

The decision followed announcement by the Federal Government last Wednesday that a nurse who was under surveillance over the Ebola Virus Disease escaped from Lagos and made contacts with 20 persons in the state.

Speaking with reporters at Nike Lake Hotel, Enugu, the state Commissioner for Health, George Eze disclosed that the major source of the virus had been contained.

He, however, stated that 21 persons who had contacts with the victim of the

virus were currently under surveillance in Enugu.

Osun Inaugurates Committees For Prevention Of Virus In an attempt to wage war against the dreaded Ebola virus, Osun state government yesterday inaugurated five different committees on the prevention of the disease in the state.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr (Mrs) Temitope Ilori who inaugurated the committees stressed the need for members of the committees to work towards ensuring total prevention of the disease in the state.

First Consultant Doctor Critically Ill Relatives and concerned friends of the Senior Consultant Physician of the First Consultants Medical Centre, Dr Ameyo Adadevoh, who was put in quarantine had sent SOS to the United States and the international community.

The spokesperson of the group, Dr Ladi Okuboyejo while briefing newsmen in Lagos said that the ‘cry for help’ was as a result of the doctor’s critical state of health.

“We have been following the situation very closely because a couple of us happen to know a number of people who have been put in quarantine.

“And it is obvious to us that the situation is beyond what we can deal with because as we speak, those quarantined are critically ill.

“We, however, feel that there is a need for us to make this urgent cry for help to the international community to come to our aid, ‘’he said.

Okuboyejo commending the chief consultant and other health workers at the First Consultants Medical Centre, Obalende who reported the case to the appropriate health authorities.

“I am a medical doctor and I am surprised that they made the diagnosis in the first instance.

“Because this is a man that could have gone elsewhere and could have been

treated for malaria and he could have died and spread the thing like wild fire.

“The chief consultant attended to this patient and he felt it was very necessary for them to send the blood sample for screening. ‘’When it was confirmed to be Ebola Virus Disease, he insisted she must not leave the hospital.

“We are particularly concerned that if someone could be so patriotic as to save millions of Nigerians from the hardship of this pestilence, the least we can do is to make an appeal to the international community for assistance, ‘’ he said.

Okuboyejo commended the efforts of the Federal Government and urged that increased measures be put in place to address the situation. ‘’We know that the government is trying but certainly there is a lot more we can do to improve the situation.

“This why we are making this passionate cry and appeal to the international community to come to our aid so that this doesn’t get out of control.

“Nigeria is one of the most populous countries in Africa and God forbid if this goes out of control. ‘’As we speak, a number of the people being quarantined are critically ill and we are seriously concerned.

“If America can fly their citizens to America for treatment, we need their help and that of the international community, ‘’he added.

LEADERSHIP Friday reports that Nigeria has now recorded ten confirmed cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). Out of these, four have died and six are currently undergoing treatment.

The fourth death recorded yesterday, Aug. 14 was a Nigerian nurse who participated in the initial management of the index case.

The total number of persons under surveillance in Lagos is now 169. These are all secondary contacts as all the primary contacts have completed the 21-day incubation period and have been delisted to resume their normal lives.

FG Suspends Residency Training Programme For Doctors In Federal Hospitals

By Winifred Ogbebo & Victor Okeke, Abuja

The federal government has announced the suspension of the Residency Training Programme in Federal Government Hospitals pending the conclusion of the ongoing appraisal of the challenges in the health sector.

This was contained in a statement signed by the special assistant to the minister of health on Media and Communication, Dan Nwomeh and the deputy director of press, Alhaji Isaiku Yusuf, made available to LEADERSHIP yesterday in Abuja.

However, the statement said the directive was without prejudice to any emergency measure that might be necessary for the hospital management to immediately restore full medical services.

The statement recalled the protracted strike action by members of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) consequent on which untold hardship had befallen innocent members of the society who were

in need of medical care.

The statement reads in part, “For the whole of July 2014, these doctors did not work yet government, owing to the emergency situation in our country, paid them the July salaries with allowances such as call duty allowance, teaching allowance, hazard allowance, etc, believing that this magnanimity of government would appeal to reason for NMA to call off the strike.

“This strike action can be considered as one of the most insensitive steps to be taken by any association or a labour union in the history of this country.

“Pertinent to the issue under discussion are the current security challenges in the country with the attendant mass casualties.

The situation has been compounded by the recent importation of the Ebola Virus Disease into Nigeria on 20th July 2014.”

The Government lamented that despite the Presidential declaration of a National Public Health Emergency on Ebola Disease which had united the entire country in the efforts to contain the disease,

the NMA who should take leadership role in the fight against Ebola disease was now the most unsupportive.

“All efforts by Government to contain this disease are being frustrated by the continued industrial strike action of the NMA.” According to the statement, the NMA had commenced their strike on 1st of July despite the Federal Government’s successive intervention meetings and dialogue, including extensive deliberations with the leadership of the NMA on 25th and 26th June 2014, where agreements were reached on each of the 24 demands and a MoU was signed by both parties.

The statement reads in part, “the Federal Government had also cultivated the attention and intervention of some eminent personalities in order to prevail on the NMA leadership to respect the ethics of their profession and end the strike whilst the dialogue is on-going.”

These personalities included the governor of Delta State, the secretary to the government of the federation, members

of the National Assembly (especially the Senate and House committees on Heath), the head of the civil service of the federation, chairman of the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission, the senior special assistant to the president on public affairs, the honourable ministers of health and labour and productivity, the honourable minister of state for health, presidents and registrars of the National Post-graduate Medical College of Nigeria, the West African College of Physicians and West African College of Surgeons, traditional rulers, eminent and senior members of the medical profession, as well as past executives of the NMA. @It should be stressed that the Federal Government has implemented more than 90 percent of its responsibilities as signed by both parties. At the conclusion of each meeting, the NMA promised to call off the strike but would renege.

The federal government wish to reassure the public that optimal medical health care delivery would be sustained in our hospitals.

If you marry a monkey for his wealth, the money goes and the monkey remains as is. ― Egyptian proverb

NEWS EXTRA / 7

August 15, 2014

Inferno Claim 4 In Rivers

By Anayo Onukwugha, Port Harcourt

At least four persons – including a fiveyear-old girl, an 18-month-old boy and an aged woman – lost their loves when fire gutted make-shift houses in Mgbuoshimili area of Rumueme Kingdom Obio/Akpor local government area of the Rivers State, yesterday.

LEADERSHIP FRIDAY gathered that all the deceased were natives of Imo State, and that the old woman and the boy had returned from visiting members of their family, whose names were no known, from home before their tragic end.

Some of the victim’s neighbours who spoke to LEADERSHIP FRIDAY, disclosed that the fire started at about 00:25am, but could not confirm the cause of the fire, leading to speculation that it might have being caused by candle-light.

Also, it was gathered that the girl’s father was out of town, when the disaster occurred. The girl, according to the report, was earlier rescued by neighbours and rushed to hospital, where she later passed on.

Neighbours and sympathisers commended the Rivers State Fire Service for its prompt response to the distress call, which helped in controlling the fire from spreading to other structures in the area.

They accused oil giant Nigerian Agip Oil Company of negligence, adding that the inferno would have caused less damage, if the company had respond-

2015: ‘PDP Right To Zone Governorship Seat To Abia South’

by Oiboh Peter, , Abuja

The Ngwa Lawyers Forum has hailed the decision of the state chapter of the Peopls’ Democratic Party (PDP) to zone the soonto-be-vacant seat of the governor to Abia South senatorial zone.

The move which the group considered laudable has, interestingly, received overwhelming support from many informed citizens of the state, noting that decision is due to the hard work of remarkable, politicians from the zone.

In a communiqué released at the end of its meeting held recently, the forum pledged to continually uphold, applaud and support the administration and legacies of the current governor, Chief T. A. Orji.

“In supporting this infallible position of the ruling party on zoning which is in line with the party constitution and conventions, and also tallies with commonsense of what is right, fair and just. This undeniably will help promote peace and harmony, reduces rancour and, above all, distinguish Governor Orji as one of the major leaders of Ndigbo in Nigeria,” the communiqué stated.

Make-shift houses gutted by fire in Mgbuoshimini, Rumueme, Rivers State, yesterday. Photo by Nan

Man Murders Girlfriend For Refusing Marriage Proposal

By George Okojie, Lagos

A man identified as Raphael Effiong has been arraigned before an Ebute Meta, Lagos, Magistrate’s Court, for allegedly stabbing his estranged lover to death for refusing to marry him.

Effiong,28, a native of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, allegedly killed Gift Sunday, 26, after she rejected his marriage proposal at a popular hotel in Ketu area of the state.

LEADERSHIP FRIDAY understands that Effiong met the deceased, a fashion designer, in Lagos last year and they became lovers.

It was further gathered that the

duo had gotten along so well, until Effiong got infuriated when his lady-love turned down his proposal for marriage.

Some angry words were exchanged, the duo got entangled and, blinded by his fury, Effiong reached for his scissor and stabbed his girlfriend in the breasts and armpits.

Neighbours heard Sunday’s cries and rushed to her aid. They took her to a nearby hospital where attempts by doctors to save her life came to nothing, as she died from profuse bleeding as a result of injuries sustained from the injuries.

In a bid to avoid prosecution after committing the crime, Effiong

allegedly fled, but was apprehended and handed over to the police in the area.

The police later transferred the matter to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Panti, Yaba, for further investigation.

When the matter came up in court yesterday the suspect’s plea was not taken.

The presiding magistrate, Justice F.J. Adefioye, ordered him to be remanded in prison custody at Ikoyi, Lagos, while the prosecutor, Mrs. Iyobosa Onaiwu was directed to duplicate the case file and forward them to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions for advice on the case.

4 Nabbed For Robbing Pastor, Raping Daughter Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan

The Oyo State Police Command said it has arrested a 55-year-old suspected robber-rapist, identified as Ayodele Ademola and three others – Afolabi Oluwatobi (24), Morakinyo Olufemi (43) and Azeez Rafiu (27) – for allegedly robbing a pastor and raping one of his daughters.

While parading the suspects at the police headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan on Thursday, the command’s deputy commissioner of police, Sam Okalua, said the suspects had gained access into a pastor’s compound through

the fence and deprived him of his belongings.

One of the suspects was said to have raped one of the pastor’s daughters after they were done stealing.

According to him, the suspects had ordered the pastor to open his door.

After he complied, the three men entered his sitting room while one was standing outside with the gun.

“They ordered everyone in the house to lie down and close their eyes while they ransacked all the rooms in the house and carted away goods,” Okalua said.

Okalua also listed the items taken by

the suspected robbers at gun-point to include; a Sony laptop, Samsung iPad, Apple iPad, three smart phones, a Toyota Corolla with registration number MK 382 AAA, a Mercedes Benz with number GGE 278 CK, six classic wrist watches, the sum of N200,000 and other valuables.

According to Okalua, upon being noticed by passers-by who suspected their attitude, the suspected robbers took to flight. However, when the police were informed, they swung into action and after thorough investigation; the suspects were arrested in turns.

When a once-beautiful piece of cloth has turned into rags, no one remembers that it was woven by master weavers. ― Nigerian Proverb

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August 15, 2014

Fake Lawyer Nabbed In Court

By Tope Fayehun, Akure

A 40-year-old man, Olaoluwa Taiwo Joseph, has been nabbed by security operatives within a Magistrate’s Court along Ondo Road, Akure, for allegedly impersonating lawyers in the state.

Joseph, who had deceived many by claiming to be a member of the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Akure Branch, prior to his arrest.

LEADERSHIP FRIDAY gathered that luck ran out on the fake lawyer when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Olarenwaju Adesanmi of an Akure magistrate court to represent a client.

Police sources from the Akure Area Command told our correspondent that documents, including a lawyer’s letterhead, bail bond, bail sheets, wigs, gown, amongst others, were found during a

search of his apartment.

Police sources further revealed that the accused confessed that he had been parading himself as a lawyer for a long time in courts around Akure.

Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Akure, Kayode Dare, told journalists that the accused “was neither a lawyer nor a member of the association”.

Dare revealed that security operatives have begun investigation.

The state police command’s spokesperson,Wole Ogodo, confirmed his arrest to LEADERSHIP FRIDAY and assured that the command has begun investigation into the matter, with a view to unravelling the true identity of the man.

Joseph has since been locked up at the Olokuta Prison and will remain there, until September 1, 2014, when his case will be brought up for hearing.

L-R: Former governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba; deputy chairman, National Conference, Prof Bolaji Akinyemi; Senator Tilley Gyado and chairman, National Conference, Justice Idris Kutigi (Rtd), yesterday, at the National Conference venue in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO BY ADEFEMI ADEWUYI

Commercial Activities Grounded As Cultists Kill Man

By Matthew Dike,Lagos

Commercial activities in Illasamaja area of Lagos State were halted and people took to their heels, after suspected cultists killed a man yesterday.

The man identified a Biodun Fadipe, a father of three, was hacked to death at around 4pm. The killing sparked a crisis, as hoodlums and residents in the area grounded commercial and social activities, fleeing.

LEADERSHIP FRIDAY gathered that four men clad in black balaclavas and armed with guns and other dangerous weapons suddenly appeared on Taminowo Street, asking questions about

the victim’s whereabouts. Upon finding him in front of his shop, Fadipe, known as ‘Pepper’ in the area, tried to escape his attackers, but they attacked him with an axe, killing him.

Seeing the gruesome act, shop owners locked their shops and fled, for fear of being attacked and very few people could be found around when LEADERSHIP FRIDAY visited the scene.

Though the motive behind the killing could not be ascertained, some of the residents disclosed that the deceased allegedly belonged to a rival cult group.

Some of the residents who believed that the hoodlums might return quickly oved out of the area temporarily.

L-R: Former governor of the old Gongola State, Wilberforce Juta; chairman, Adamawa State PDP chapter, Chief Joel Madaki; member, House of Representatives (Yola North/ Yola South/Girei), Hajiya Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed Binani and the vice-chairman, Adamawa State PDP chapter, Alh. Rufai Jingi, during the free distribution of N12m-worth of fertilisers by the lawmakers in Yola.

Ebola: Ibadan Catholic Bishops Ban Handshakes During Mass Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan

As the dreaded Ebola virus continues to spread and both the federal and state governments continue to take measures to curtail its spread, the Catholic Bishops of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province (Ondo, Ekiti, Oyo and Osogbo dioceses) have said that the shaking of hands for the sign of peace at Mass “be suspended with immediate effect”.

The bishops, in a communiqué issued and signed by its president, Most Rev. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin, and the secretary, Most Rev. Felix Ajakaye, after a two- day meeting, held at Ado-Ekiti bewwen August 11 and 12, 2014, also suspended the tradition of common self-

signing with water at the entrance of its parishes.

They also directed that the giving of the Holy Communion should, hence, be the practice, with due and adequate catechesis of the people by competent authorities.

“That priests, religious and other pastoral workers collaborate with doctors and other medical personnel to sensitise and educate our people on the dangers, symptoms and management of the Ebola disease. This should take into consideration the native language of the people for maximum effect and for minimising superstition and rumours which can do more damage than the disease itself,” the communique said in part.

L-R: ‘Sarkin Sabon Gari Rido’, Alhaji Abdulahi Idris; ‘Sarkin Rido’, Alhaji Hamisu Haruna; executive director, services (KRPC), Alhaji Idi Mukhtar; district head of Kamazou, Dr. Auta Makama and the ‘Baruwan Gbagyi’, Yunusa Bawa Wasa, during the Ebola awareness prevention and sensitisation campaign for 17 communities organised by the Kaduna Refinery Petrochemical Company, at the NNPC Staff School, Kaduna, yesterday. PHOTO GBENGA ABIOLA

Pro-Jonathan Group Honours Kente

By Paul Chiama, Abuja

A retired deputy director in the National Assembly and governorship aspirant in Taraba State, Chief David Sabo Kente, has been honoured by a pro-Jonathan group, the Mass Movement For Goodluck Jonathan, for being a “Beacon of Empowerment in the North-eastern part of the country”.

During the award-giving ceremony in Abuja, the director-general of the movement, Kenneth Ibe-Kalu,

described Kente as “a reliable and dependable pillar of hope for the less privileged, saying the award was in recognition of his philanthropic activities in his homestate.

“We discovered that apart from the many things Chief Kente has been doing in terms of offering assistance to the less privileged, his foundation has been in the fore-front of providing basic social amenities for many communities in Taraba State,” Ibe-Kalu said.

L-R: Head, legal, ‘Legal Blitz’, Adekemi Edema, CEO/ publisher of ‘Legal Blitz’, Lere Fashola and the magazine’s administrative head, Oluwaseun Adeboye, during the ESQ Nigerian Legal Awards press conference in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO BY GBENGA

It is only a stupid cow that rejoices at the prospect of being taken to a beautiful abattoir. — African Proverb

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August 15, 2014

conference By joe dudun, amina alhassan and BODE GBADEBO

Northern Delegates React To Final Report L-R: Deputy Chairman, National Conference, Prof.

Bola Akinyemi; Chairman, Justice Idris Kutigi (rtd) and the Secretary, Prof. Valerie Azinge, displaying the conference report yesterday at the National Conference in Abuja. PHOTO BY ADEFEMI ADEWUYI

Confab Ends

Delegates adopt final report Sing Old National Anthem

The National Conference inaugurated by President Goodluck Jonathan on March 17, 2014 finally ended yesterday with delegates congratulating themselves for a job well done.

Contrary to apprehensions arising from issues contained in the three volumes of the prepared reports, the delegates unanimously adopted the final report of the conference.

The session opened, shortly after the adoption of Votes and Proceeding of the previous day, with a motion sponsored by High Chief Jerry Okwuonu and former governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili seeking to “mandate the secretariat to vet and effect amendment” to the three reports prepared by the secretariat.

The motion reads as follows: “Whereas the secretariat has done a very marvelous job of compiling the report of the Conference and presenting same to us in easily readable and crosscheckable format; and “Whereas delegates have perused all the reports and submitted in writing all items of omission or incorrect addition to the final report; and Bearing in mind the dual necessity of bringing the conference to a close for purposes of not unduly over-reaching the logistics provision of the conference and not unnecessarily prolonging the continued conglomeration of people in contradiction to the prescription of Health Authorities especially as the country tackles the Ebola

crisis.

“It is hereby moved that the secretariat be mandated to vet all the written submission by delegates and make necessary correction thereby providing the final draft of the Conference reports” Another motion to slightly amend the earlier motion was moved by Adamu Maina Waziri proposing a change in the nomenclature of one of the volumes of the reports from ‘Draft Constitution’ to ‘Proposed Amendments to the 1999 Constitution.’

According to Maina’s motion, “In particular, we observed that volume III titled Draft Constitution, conveys an attempt to insert various resolutions and recommendations of a constitutional nature that were adopted by the Conference as proposed amendments to the appropriate sections of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.

“We recall and welcome the clarification and confirmation offered by Conference Chairman at plenary on August 13, 2014 that indeed Volume III contains proposals for the amendment of the 1999 Constitution.

“We urge the leadership of the Conference, in collating the final report, to more appropriately designate Volume 111 as: Draft Proposals to Amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.

“Furthermore, we note and

welcome the amenability of the Conference Secretariat to entertain suggestions from the delegates that point out any specific error to misrepresentation of decisions taken or resolutions adopted by the Conference and/or any inadvertent failure to incorporate same in the draft report.

“In preparing the final report, we urge the Conference Secretariat to keep faith with and reflect fully and accurately all resolutions and recommendations accepted by the Conference and as contained in votes and procedings that were formally adopted.

“Subject to the acceptance of the foregoing understanding, assurances and conditions and in accordance with the Procedure Rules, 2014 of the Conference, we move for the validation and adoption of the draft reports contained in volume 1, 2 and 3 without further debate.

“In the spirit of the consensus building cultivated by members and to maintain the bridges built during the currency of the Conference, we urge all delegates to subscribe to this plea.”

The two motions when put to voice vote separately by the Chairman received a unanimous acceptance by the delegates who also spontaneously stood up and sang the old National Anthem “Nigeria We Hail Thee.”

The chairman then called on Chief Richard Akinjide to formally move a motion for the

adoption of the final Conference Report. Chief Akinjide while moving the motion recalled his days in parliament before Nigeria gained independence and also after independence and noted that it was an honour to be called upon to move a motion for the adoption of the final report of a “very successful conference”.

The youngest delegate to the Conference, 24-year old Miss Yadoma Bukar Mandara, seconded the motion.

Shortly after, delgates took turns to pour encomium on the leadership of the Conference for their maturity in steering the conference proceedings. Former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah gave a very moving vote of thanks which received spontaneous applause from delegates. A delegate representing the South South, Hon. Orok Otu Duke, read out a farewell poem titled “How Can We Say Farewell” to the delegates.

After adoption of Votes and Proceedings for the day based on a motion by Iyom Josephine Anenih and seconded by Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed, Justice Kutigi called on the Lamido Adamawa, Alhaji Mohammed Mustapha to move a motion for the closure of the Conference.

Chief Mike Ahamba who seconded the motion said Thursday was a day of pride and honour because “when we came here, nobody expected us to end this way…We have disappointed the skeptics.”

No partridge scratches the ground in search of food for another.

― Xhosa Proverb

Regard Resolutions As Victory –Coomasie The interest of Nigeria comes first – Gambari Leader of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and delegate to the concluded National Conference, Alhaji Ibrahim Coomasie has commended delegates from the North for coming together and standing firm in support of Northern Nigeria and its teeming population. He also reiterated the importance of coming together as a team and having recorded a lot successes for posterity and for the people.

Addressing Journalists at a conference after the National Conference ended yesterday, Coomasie said “We welcome the resolution of the conference that adopted vols.1, 2 and 3 as amended of the conference reports in line with the demand of our delegation” adding that the resolutions should be regarded as “a victory to the democratic process in Nigeria.”

Also speaking, Prof. Iyorchia Ayu cleared the air on a possible division between the delegates from the Middle Belt and the North, stressing that the unity of the country hinges on the unity of the North.

According to him, “a disunited North will bring about the disintegration of Nigeria and I have stood against anything that will bring about the disunity of the country.” He also said that he supports anything the Northern delegates have done because according to him, “it is to preserve the unity of the country and there has been nothing parochial in any position the Northern delegation has taken.”

In his address, Prof.Ibrahim Gambari said that since the North is part and parcel of the Federal Government of Nigeria, it must have its interest protected as part of Nigeria.

“The Middle belt and the rest of the North have worked closely together. You can stand your ground best when you also see common ground. We have stood our ground and also fought for a common ground and in the end, the interest of Nigeria comes first,” he said.

10 NEWS

August 15, 2014

Group News Editor: Tony Amokeodo

Osun Guber Poll: APC Accuses SSS Of Bias Says Ogar unfit for her job

By George Okojie, Lagos

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the Department of State Services (DSS) of crass partisanship and unprofessional conduct over its actions and comments on the recent election in Osun State.

In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday by its national publicity secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party also said the spokesperson for the agency, Ms Marilyn Ogar, should be properly trained and given the necessary exposure so she can speak with knowledge and facts, instead of making baseless and incautious statements.

“It is sad that a spokesperson for the

DSS does not know that there is no offence called ‘loitering’ under Nigerian laws. For her to now go on national television to say the APC’s national publicity secretary was arrested for ‘loitering’ in Osogbo on the eve of the state’s governorship election is the height of ignorance and constitutes a great embarrassment to DSS. “It is even worse that the so-called spokesperson, ever so glib, would make a joke out of such a faux pas by an agency that is supposed to be non-partisan and highly professionalised. How on earth will any human being not be disoriented when 15 hooded gunmen arrest him/ her and point their weapons at his/her head as they did to me on that night in Osogbo?

“How can a spokesperson for such a sensitive government agency not under-

stand that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria provides for freedom of movement? On what basis is Ms Ogar questioning what the APC’s national publicity secretary was doing in Osun, when the same fellow has not questioned the presence of Musiliu Obanikoro, Chris Uba and the likes in the same state, or are those people from Osun State?

“Was it not publicly announced that the APC was moving its headquarters to Osun to give support to Governor Rauf Aregbesola? Why didn’t Ms Ogar question the presence of President Goodluck Jonathan or Vice President Namadi Sambo in Osun when they came too, if she was being fair? It is sad that Ms Ogar has turned herself to the spokesperson of the PDP by echoing what that party has said on the Osun election. This is unprofessional and irresponsible,’’ it said.

Ganye Chiefdom To Confer Traditional Titles On T Y Danjuma, Wife

BY MOHAMMED ISMAIL, Yola

Former minister of defence, General Theophilus Danjuma and elder statesman, Alhaji Tanko Yakkassai will be conferred with the titles of Gan Pan (The Shield) and Kauran Ganye respectively

by His Royal Highness, Gangwari Ganye, Alhaji Umar A. Sanda on 6th September, 2014.

A statement by the Ganye Traditional Council also noted that the wife of the former minister of defence, Senator Daisy Danjuma will also be conferred with the title of Yan Pira (Special Adviser) of Ganye Chiefdom during the ceremony.

The statement added that the ceremony will be performed by the Gangwari Ganye at his palace in Ganye, as dignitaries including former heads of state, governors and technocrats are expected to grace the occasion.

However, the statement further disclosed that the turbaning of Alhaji Tanko Yakasai as (Kauran Ganye) will be performed at a later date.

It stated that General TY Danjuma’s unflinching service to his fatherland was the motivating factor behind his choice for the title alongside his wife. Reports indicate that already, Ganye town, venue of the event, has started wearing a new look with the Chamba-speaking community working assiduously for the success of the epoch-making event.

No Compromise In Gov Amaechi’s Dictionary – Wamakko

BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto

Rivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III and Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Wamakko, during Governor Amaechi’s visit to the Sultan in Sokoto, yesterday. PHOTO BY NAN.

FG Accuses States Of Collecting Illegal Taxes GEORGE Agba, Abuja

The federal government has accused some state governments of collecting taxes and levies that are not backed by appropriate laws.

This was contained in the report by the Ministerial Implementation Committee on Harmonisation of Taxes submitted to the National Economic Council (NEC) in its meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday.

Accordingly, NEC chaired by Vice President Namadi Sambo directed the acting inspectorgeneral of police (IGP), Mr Suleiman Abba to immediately remove the illegal roadblocks mounted on highways and used for revenue collection around the country.

Members of the council include all the governors of the 36 states of the federation, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory; minister of national planning; attorney-

general of the federation; minister of state, finance and the governor of Central Bank of Nigeria.

Briefing State House correspondents after the meeting alongside his Gombe and Kogi counterparts, Ibrahim Dankwabo and Idris Wada, as well as the minister of national planning, Dr Abubakar Olanrewaju, Anambra State governor, Willie Obiano said NEC deliberated on the report of the committee which was set up following complaints from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria on multiple taxation across the country.

Obiano hinted that besides illegal taxes and levies, the committee further discovered that while the 1998 Taxes and Levies Act which had been long overdue is in dire need of being reviewed, there is duplication of some taxes and levies at the state and local government levels.

“Some of the committee’s recommenda-

tions include the discontinuation of the practice of using non-revenue officials for collection of taxes and levies by states and federal agencies which is contrary to Section 2 of the Taxes and Levies Act. The committee recommended that all states revenue boards be empowered to automate their tax operations for effectiveness, accountability and reduce leakages. The committee asks NEC to direct the IG of Police to dismantle all road blocks mounted on highways for revenue collection”, he stated.

The governor added that it was agreed by NEC that the committee should work with attorney-generals of six states, each representing the six geopolitical zones to incorporate inputs and comments made by its members and report back to it at the next meeting.

The states include Bayelsa (South South), Plateau (North Central), Enugu (South East), Lagos (South West), Kebbi (North West) and Borno (North East).

Sokoto State governor, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko has said that he holds his Rivers State counterpart, Rotimi Amaechi in high esteem because he can go to any length to ensure the security, unity and progress of Nigeria.

Wamakko, who described Amaechi as an optimistic Nigerian always aiming at victory, also called on all Nigerians, especially the leaders to contribute their quota so that the country will be the pride of generations yet unborn.

“Amaechi is a person who believes in the unity and progress of Nigeria. He is a respected Nigerian who can go to any length to ensure the unity and security of Nigerians. Amaechi is a top fighter who wants victory or nothing, and there is no compromise in his dictionary,” said Wamakko.

Speaking at Rimawa in Goronyo local government of the state when Governor Rotimi Amaechi formally inaugurated the Agricultural Skills Acquisition Centre, Wamakko further disclosed that he would soon give out another N2billion loan to farmers across the state.

He said the initiative was aimed at training people in the best modern agricultural practices to enable them contribute to the development of the state and country in general, adding that his administration has given no less than N8billion loans to the farmers within the last seven years.

She is beautiful; she has love, understands; she respects herself and others; everyone likes, loves and honors her; she is a goddess.

African Proverb.

August 15, 2014

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August 15, 2014

Adamawa: Ribadu Beats Retreat, Fails To Register In PDP

By Mohammed Salihi, Yola

Contrary to speculations, former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Malam Nuhu Ribadu yesterday proved wrong insinuations that he was on the verge of joining the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

A section of the media had reported that the former anti-graft czar was billed to register for the PDP in his home state, Adamawa, yesterday, in preparation for his eventual indication of interest in the governorship race on the platform of the party. The byelection holds in October this year to fill the vacancy created by the impeachment of exgovernor Murtala Nyako. As at the time of this report, Ribadu was in Abuja.

Ribadu had maintained that he remained a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) amid unconfirmed reports that an automatic waiver was already awaiting him in the event that he defects to the PDP. Although, no official reason was given for Ribadu’s failure to register, a PDP source confided in LEADERSHIP Friday that the development had a lot to do with the inability of the tripartite parties, that is, Ribadu,

the Presidency and the top echelon of the PDP, to firm up an arrangements intended to smoothen things for him to pick the party’s governorship ticket on a platter.

LEADERSHIP Friday gathered that Ribadu developed cold feet when it became obvious that while the Presidency was ready to grant him an automatic waiver, some powerful power blocs within the party insisted he must go through the party primary like others. This, according to sources, was seen

by Ribadu as a means of taking him out of the APC only to rubbish in the PDP. Efforts to reach Ribadu were not fruitful as his three lines were switched off when LEADESHIP Friday called at 8:15pm . But his media aide, Abdulaziz Fagge, said his principal was not in Adamawa to register as a member of the PDP. “As I am talking to you, Malam Nuhu Ribadu is in Abuja; he is not in Adamawa as being speculated”, Fagge said.

In his reaction, the Adamawa State chairman of the PDP, Chief Joel Madaki, said he unaware that Ribadu was coming to the state to register as a member of the party.

“The truth is that we want people in our party; everybody is welcome, we do not dis-

criminate at all. But on this particular matter, I am not aware that Ribadu is coming to register as a member of our party.

“But please, I must remind you, and quote me please, that you join a party and then you aspire to a position; you don’t aspire to a position before you join a party,” Madaki said.

We’re fully behind Ribadu - Ex-PDP Scribe Meanwhile, support for Ribadu has soared from a cross section of the PDP in Adamawa state.

Former state secretary of the party, Mr P P. Elisha, yesterday in Yola described the former anti-graft boss’ gubernatorial ambition as the best thing to happen to the state.

He urged the national chairman of the party, Alhaji Adamu Muazu, to allow Ribadu to participate in the coming gubernatorial primary election in the state.

Meanwhile, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in charge of Adamawa State Kassim Gaidam has disclosed that about 20,000 personnel, including ad-hoc staff, security personnel and the permanent staff of the commission, will participate in the coming by-election in the state.

President Goodluck Jonathan decorating the Comptroller-General of Customs, Abdullahi Dikko Inde, with national honours for outstanding performance in the agency.

Nigeria Worse Under Jonathan – Fashola There’s danger ahead of 2015 – Ex-Gov Silva

By Igho Oyoyo, Abuja

Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola, yesterday passed a damning verdict on Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government, saying the condition in which Nigerians find themselves at the moment is worse than it was four years ago when President Goodluck Jonathan assumed office.

According to him, while the PDP has woefully failed Nigerians in the past three years when Nigerians had expected that the election of a university graduate as president of the country would have salvage them from their predicament and develop the nation, Nigerians would agree that there is the need

for more attributes that cannot be found in a school.

Fashola who spoke in Abuja at the birthday lecture of former Bayelsa Governor, Timipre Sylvia, declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC)-controlled states had been performing better than states governed by the PDP, adding that there was more to leadership than having university degrees.

Delivering a lecture entitled, ‘The Challenge of Democratic Governance’, the Lagos governor lamented that the Jonathan administration had perpetually been lying to the people of Nigeria on sensitive national issues such as the abduction of over 200 Chibok girls and the alleged missing money from the federation account. He implored Nigerians to ensure that the PDP is voted out in the 2015 general polls.

“Until recently, we all used to think that our national development was inhibited by the fact that we never had a university graduate as leader of any national government in an executive capacity.

We now have two graduates, a zoologist and an architect, at the helm of our national affairs, and I think majority of Nigerians will tell you today that their lives are worse off today than they were four years ago. The event has been followed by other round of liès. The abduction of the girls have been enmeshed in lies. They have also lied about the economy,” he said.

On his part, the celebrant, Sylva, warned of impending danger ahead of the 2015 general elections and accused the present administration of having failed to tackle security challenges, poverty and corruption issues in the country.

Everything you can imagine is real.

Pablo Picasso, Spanish painter and scuiptor

Ondo Police Disrupt Aregbesola’s Victory Rally

By Tope Fayehun, Akure

Ondo State Police Command yesterday prevented the joint rally organised by Ondo Central Senatorial District of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to celebrate the victory of Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, after last Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

Excited party loyalists had stormed the Arcade ground, Adegbemile, Akure, the take-off point for the rally as early as 7am waiting for the commencement of the celebration.

Policemen led by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Kunle Akinwale, ordered the party supporters to move to their secretariat for their celebration.

According to him, “The Command will not entertain any public procession, whether political or whatever; you should confine yourself to your party secretariat.”

Akinwale linked the police action to the security challenges in the country.

Addressing the crowd of supporters at the new party secretariat, Cathedral area, Akure, the vice chairman,Central Senatorial District,Prince Adegboyega Adedipe gave thanks to God for the victory of the APC and Aregbesola in Osun State.

“We expected the disruption of the rally; we know we are dealing with “adult minor”,but people are determined to ensure positive change both in Ondo and at the centre in Abuja.

“We thank God for what happened in Osun State; that is why we are celebrating Aregbesola,” he said.

David Umaru Faults Drafting Of Soldiers For Niger East By-election

By Abu Nmodu, Minna

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State has kicked against the posting of soldiers to the state for the Niger East senatorial district by-election slated for August 30, 2014.

The party’s position was made known by the publicity secretary of the party and member of David Umaru’s campaign team, Jonathan Vatsa, yesterday in Minna.

He maintained that posting soldiers to man the election will led to the intimidation of the electorate since the state had no history of recent security challenges.

According to him, the party is concerned that the chances of its candidate, Barrister David Umaru, could be dimmed by the fear the soldier’s presence will instill in the electorate.

Vatsa said that experience had shown that when election is around the corner, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would hide under the security challenges in the coutry and use same to its advantage.

Vatsa who reiterated that the chance of the party’s candidate was bright, and said that a free and fair atmosphere must be guaranteed before election could be said to be credible.

He charged INEC not to ignore APC’s concerns about the integrity of the resident electoral commissioner, Dr Emmanuel Onucheyo.

NEWS NATIONAL / 13

August 15, 2014

Foundation Blames Corruption For Economic Stagnation

By Chika Okeke, Abuja

The national coordinator of Dynamic Professionals for Good Leadership Foundation (DPGL), Ejiofor Onwuaso (Esq) has identified corruption and bad leadership as the major causes of political and socioeconomic stagnation.

He stated this when he led a delegation of the foundation on a courtesy visit to LEADERSHIP Group headquarters in Abuja, yesterday.

Onwuaso suggested that in order to reverse the ugly trend, there

should be a paradigm shift in approach that would usher in credible leaders, adding that such was capable of initiating acts of good and selfless governance for the benefit of Nigerians and enthronement of the rule of law.

“As an organisation, we have closely monitored the revolutionary developmental strides of LEADERSHIP Newspaper with an experience spanning over 10 years of fearless, astute and truthful reporting of facts in the most professional manner which has endeared it as the pre-

ferred newspaper amongst its teeming readers in the FCT and beyond.

It came as no surprise when LEADERSHIP was unanimously awarded the Newspaper of the Year and Most Improved Newspaper by the Abuja Newspaper Vendors Association”.

Responding, the deputy chairman of LEADERSHIP Editorial Board, Mr Christian Ochiama commended members of the foundation for their goals and assured that LEADERSHIP Newspaper was committed to the peace and development of Nigeria.

Women Politicians Seek Pairing Of Males, Females In Leadership Positions

By Ruth Tene Natsa, Abuja

Women in Politics Forum (WiPF) has called on government, political parties and all other stakeholders to support Nigerian women politicians by pairing males and females in leadership positions to create space for women in such positions.

Vice president, Women in Politics Forum, Mrs Sharon Ikeazor, made the call in an exclusive interview with LEADERSHIP Friday at a two-day Mentorship Pro-

gramme for Young Women Politicians under WiPF (North-West) which began in Abuja yesterday.

The workshop, supported by the Democratic Governance for Democracy (DGD), was jointly funded by the European Union (EU), UK Development for International Development (DFiD), Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), to ensure effective elections in Nigeria.

Barrister Ikeazor said, “If a man is a chairman, the deputy must be a woman; we must have a level playing field considering that the culture in the north is not the same as that in the south.”

Aviation Expert Eyes Ekiti Senate Slot

By Pembi David-Stephen, Abuja

Advert 10” x 5

Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever Walt Disney, founder and CEO of the Walt Disney Company

In order to give the people of his constituency good representation and bring the gains of democracy closer to them, a chief consultant in aero-space medicine, Dr Makanjuola Akindele Owolabi, has indicated his interest to represent the people of Ekiti South Senatorial District of Ekiti State at the National Assembly, under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Speaking with LEADERSHIP FRIDAY at his residence in Abuja yesterday, Owolabi stated that his interest in the position stems from the pressing need to heed the call of his people to leadership, as well as the overwhelming need for change and a responsive representation at the National Assembly, where the people expect to have a Senate of colleagues and not one of second-class citizens who are bench-warmers.

“Having attained the height which anyone in my profession can attain, it is time to focus on my people.

I have long heard the complaints of the people and felt their need for more; it is now time to act. I cannot sit back and complain. I need to act now so as to make a different impact on the lives of the people”, he said.

14

August 15, 2014

BUSINESS NEWS / 15

August 15, 2014

business news Shell Seals Deal On Sale Of Four Oil Blocks

By Chika Izuora, With Agency Report-Lagos

Anglo-Dutch oil major, Shell is about announcing the multibillion pound sale of its four onshore oil blocks in Nigeria, after wrapping up key sales and purchase agreements.

Already the company in Nigeria, the Shell Production and Development Company (SPDC) has pencilled down two blocks for sale, while the buyers are on the verge of proving that they have the funding, according to report monitored by Leadership.

Industry sources said the deal was just awaiting government’s approval which appear to be the only hurdle to clear before SPDC – a partnership between Shell, Total, Eni and the government – can formally announce the deals.

According to ‘Mail Online,’ sales and purchase agreements on two more blocks were imminent.

The asset disposals, set to be worth at least £2billion, form part of a planned £9billion of sales over two years, as new chief executive of the company, Ben van Beurden,

The Bankers Committee which comprises all the banks in the country and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has committed to resolving the N25 billion debt owed by the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to gas companies.

Rising from its 317th meeting in Lagos yesterday, the bankers committee said it has resolved to offset the debt owed to gas companies, having been encouraged by the increase in the price of gas. The price of gas had recently been increased from $1.50 to $2.50 with a transportation cost of $0.8.

Speaking for the committee, the managing director and chief executive of Ecobank Nigeria, Jubril Aku, said banks in the county working together with the CBN and the government would provide loans that would offset the debt.

He pointed out that the loans

OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) yesterday, carried out a public destruction of substandard products worth over N700 million at its Ogun State dump site in Shagamu.

Speaking at the event, director general of SON, Dr Joseph Odumodu, said the sub-standard products ranged from cables, armoured cables, ball-pen biros, extension sockets, mobile phones, electric bulbs, tyres, engine oil,

shaving sticks and stabilisers. He pointed out that the exercise was in furtherance of the agency’s zero tolerance campaign against substandard products in the country.

According to him, the public destruction exercise was carried out in accordance with SON’s procedure which normally commences with market survey, inventory, seizure, sampling, laboratory tests and analyses to ascertain conformity to specifications and requirements of Nigeria Industrial Standards (NIS).

“The electric cables failed

critical parameters in the Nigeria Industrial Standards (NIS) like conductor resistance, elongation, tensile strength and diameter of insulation as well as not having country of origin embossed on them for traceability. The tyres are all used and mostly expired, while the supermarket items have expired well before the dates of our market survey between January and February 2014, and were still kept on the shelves for sale to unsuspecting consumers,” the DG stated.

reins in costs and focuses on the best performing projects.

While Shell sees its Nigerian offshore development as a prized asset, onshore operations have been hampered by spills, hurting both the company’s finances and its reputation.

The spills were mostly caused by suspected thieves tapping into pipelines – known as ‘bunkering’ – but Shell has struggled to convince critics that it was solving the problem or cleaning up spills fast enough.

Its difficulties have encouraged the company to divest some of its oil blocks in the West African country.“We have signed sales and purchase agreements for some of the oil mining leases but we are seeking to divest all.In the event of a successful completion of the sales process we shall make a market announcement,” the report quoted an SPDC spokesman.

The company has begun consulting staff who would be L-R: Group Council, UBA Capital Group, Mr Leo Okafor; Head, Legal/ Trust Services, Union Trustees Limited, Mr affected by the sales but stressed Ekom Umossoh, and the MD/CEO, UBA Asset Management Limited, Mrs Modupe Mujota, at the 7th annual general that it would ‘continue to have a meeting of UBA Mutual Funds held in Lagos, yesterday. significant onshore presence in oil and gas’.

CBN, Banks To Offset PHCN Legacy Debt

By Bukola IdowU , Lagos

SON Destroys N700m Fake Products

would later on be paid off over time through direct deduction as production increases alongside cash flow. According to him, gas to power has always been an issue of concern for the committee, as many of the banks had stakes in the industry.

“Today, at $3.3 there is enough incentive for gas companies to produce gas and that is necessary because when you look at the 26 generating stations we have, there are 23 gas dependents and it is important for us to go in there so they can increase their production.

“So we feel that is one major incentive that would help gas companies to produce commercially. Another incentive has to do with the legacy debt.

The legacy PHCN had accrued a debt of N25 billion and the gas companies have always been agitating that the debt should be paid otherwise they would not produce only to accumulate new debt,” he said.

Port Costs Remain High Despite Regulator– Investigation

By Samson Echenim, Lagos

No downward trend or reduction has been observed in Nigeria seaport cost system, despite the appointment of an economic regulator for the port.

President Goodluck Jonathan appointed the Nigeria Shippers’ Council (NSC) as seaports economic regulator in February 2014, with a temporary status and with prior mandate to check arbitrary charges at the port, but the cost of doing business at the ports only went up with new charges associated with the prearrival assessment report (PAAR) and other new trade policies, LEADERSHIP investigations have revealed.

At the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos, the cost of clearing containers remained the same between N150,000

and N300,000. Expectedly, the Customs held on to its implementation of the 35 per cent tariffs on imported vehicles.

Investors and importers under the aegis of Shippers Association of Lagos State (SALS) said the high cost of clearing cargoes have remained unabated at Nigerian ports, attributing the high cost of cargo processing to the multiple charges imposed on imported goods.

President of the association, Mr Jonathan Nicol, said the five per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) and the one per cent PAAR charge were some of the many charges bedeviling Nigerian shippers.

He gave others as the 35 per cent automobile levy and the common external tariffs levy.

According to him, the combined cost implication of

Not every movement is progress; Some movements are just a way of burning fats!

― Israelmore Ayivor

the charges on one consignment, cumulatively takes away most of the shipper’s capital.

“The federal ministry of finance has to provide leadership in managing the problems of the Nigerian shipping community.

“Government should think about the huge investments in building deep sea ports as well as maritime prospects in the next 20 years to attract more cargo,” he said.

Also, a frontline licenced clearing agent and a former chairman of Tin Can chapter, Dr Farinto Kayode , said at a meeting of clearing agents in Lagos that the Customs charges originating from the PAAR system was becoming unbearable. He noted that as a final document, as far as value of cargo was concerned, the Customs could only query PAAR based on quantity.

16 / BUSINESS NEWS

August 15, 2014

‘Electricity Tariff Review Needed To Accommodate Market Prices’ – CBN

By Evelyn Okoruwa, Abuja, Lagos

Following the federal government’s recent increase in the price of gas- to-power, from $1.50 to $3.30, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele, has said a review of the current electricity tariff is needed to accommodate market prices and associated cost such as the price of gas.

Emefiele stated this while addressing investors in the monthly meeting of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) with chief executive officers of the various distribution and generation companies otherwise known as the CEOs meeting.

According to a statement issued yesterday by the NERC’s head, Public Affairs Department, Dr Usman Abba Arabi, the CBN governor stated that a “review in electricity tariff is needed to accommodate market prices and associated costs like the price of gas.”

He also recommended that the industry should counterbalance the burden of the tariff by shifting more costs to the richer in the society and less cost to the poor, adding that “those who are earning higher should be ready to pay more in terms of electricity for the industry to remain sustainable and reliable.”

While expressing satisfaction at NERC’s efforts at reforming the power sector, Emefiele urged investors and all participants in the industry to remain positive and get the job done.

The CBN governor further noted that the bank was working with the NERC and other agencies of government to ensure that issues relating to legacy debt owed gas suppliers in the industry were sorted out and paid even as he urged gas suppliers to commit themselves to provide enough gas-to-power sector.

Emefiele, who said issues of the debt payment would be presented at a meeting with members of his board, urged operators to act as financial catalysts as the bank steps in to resolve the problem.

In his remarks, chairman of the NERC, Dr Sam Amadi, expressed gratitude to the CBN governor for the effort he was putting to ensure that the sector progresses and achieve the mandate given by the federal government on electricity power generation and distribution in Nigeria.

L-R: Vice Chairman, Remontowa Holdings, Roman Kinda; Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina and Nigeria’s first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, during the christening of the vessel ‘Bayagbona’.

Dame Patience Commissions Marine Vessel In Poland By kingsley alu, Abuja

Nigeria has acquired a marine research vessel, the first lady, Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan, has stated.

The acquisition of the £10.1 million vessel for the Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research by the federal government would boost Nigeria’s local fish supply and successfully help in achieving the policy of the government towards selfsufficiency in fish production in the near future.

Jonathan said this on Wednesday in Gdanski, Poland, during the commissioning and christening of the vessel named ‘RV Bayagbona.’

The first lady said that the focus of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) has been to promote

strategies for ensuring sustainable fish stocks, integrated fisheries management, aquaculture and improving trade through established global best practices in overall fisheries management.

“Nigeria is blessed with abundant aquatic resources with a coastline of 853 kilometres also rich in fish and shrimps,” she said, adding that the Niger Delta is reputed as the second largest salt-water habitat in the world and has shrimps that are highly valued resources after the crude oil.

She commended the minister of agriculture and rural development, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, for the successful acquisition of the vessel which, according to her, would help to boost Nigeria’s capacity in marine and oceanographic research for sustainable management of the

vast deep sea resources.

In his remarks at the ceremony, Adesina, explained that the approval for the purchase of the deep vessel by President Goodluck Jonathan, became imperative in view of the need to properly monitor and manage the diversity of the country’s resources.

He said that Nigeria has no business importing fish, saying, “Nigeria has abundance of water.

We are blessed with numerous lakes, rivers, reservoirs, dams and flood plains, spanning about 13 million hectares which can support artisanal fisheries and aquaculture.” He disclosed that Nigerian shrimps were considered some of the best in the world and presently generate foreign exchange worth $65 million annually.

All-share Index Drops Marginally By 0.01%

by OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos

Trading at the stock market went down yesterday as the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index (ASI) dropped marginally by 0.01 per cent.

The NSE-ASI went down by 2.81 to close at 41,750.38 points from the 41,753.19 achieved on Wednesday.

Similarly, market capitalisation shed N1 billion to close at N13.786 trillion as against the N13.787 posted on Wednesday.

Conoil recorded the highest price loss of N5.26 to close at N67.24 per share. Nigeria Breweries lost N4.29

to close at N170.7, while Guinness dropped N2.94 to close at N190.06 per share. Glaxo Smith shed N1.51 to close at N63.50 per share while Forte Oil lost N1.07 to close at N226.

Conversely, Dangote Cement led the gainers by N5.87 to close at N231.95 per share. It was trailed by Mobil with a gain of N5 to close at N175, while UACN appreciated by 25 kobo to close at N61.

Berger Paints chalked up by 22 kobo to close at N8.62, while Access Bank rose by 14 kobo to close at N9.74 per share.

Also, the total transaction traded went down by 15.4 per cent as

investors bought 207.931 million shares valued at N2.24 billion in 4,785 deals as against 245.694 million shares valued at N2.79 billion traded in 4,633 deals on Wednesday.

The financial services sector remained the toast of investors as Unity Bank emerged the most traded equity. The sector accounted for 40.21 million shares valued at N20.11 million. Transcorp came second with 19.29 million shares worth N107.6 million, while Diamond Bank accounted for 18.54 million shares valued N116.81 million.

Follow these reports on leadership.ng/business

Not every movement is progress; Some movements are just a way of burning fats!

― Israelmore Ayivor

17

August 15, 2014

ASHAKACEM PLC

A Subsidiary of

RC 13422

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER, 2013 AUDITED FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER, 2013

The Directors of AshakaCem Plc hereby announce the audited financial results of the Company for st the year ended 31 December 2013 as follows: STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

These financial results were approved and authorized for publication by the Board of Directors on 25th March, 2014 and signed on its behalf by

Dividend The Board resolved to propose to members at the next Annual General Meeting, a gross dividend payout of 42 kobo on every ordinary share in issue. A detailed notice in respect of the 39th Annual General Meeting of the company will be published soon.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD Bello A. Abdullahi COMPANY SECRETARY FRC/2013/NBA/00000002301

Dated this 25th day of March, 2014 REGISTERED OFFICE: Ashaka Works Near Gombe, Gombe State.

ASHAKACEM PLC

A Subsidiary of

RC 13422

The Chairman, Board of Directors and Management of AshakaCem Plc Wish to invite: ALL STAKEHOLDERS ............................................................................

To the Groundbreaking Ceremony of its Production Capacity Expansion from One Million to Four Million Tones Per Annum

Which is scheduled to hold as follows: Date: Time: Venue:

25th April, 2014 10:00 am prompt AshakaCem Plant, Gombe State

18 / AGRICULTURE

August 15, 2014

AgriC REPORT

Young man carrying farm produce

Celebrating The Young In Farming Through Agric-Festival As the dearth of manpower to farm lands in Africa continues, efforts are increasing to attract youth farmers.

In this piece, RUTH TENE NATSA examines one of such efforts.

Youths in agriculture should be patient and hardworking as the profits from agriculture are not often immediate.

“Agriculture does not kill but makes you healthier in all its ramification

Many young and old people think that agriculture is a job for the poor and the illiterate. This has made farming unattractive and driven many young people out of the rural areas and into the cities for scarce white collar jobs.

It is therefore no wonder that the nation’s agriculture is facing dearth, as the number of youth in agriculture continues to decline, despite strident efforts to retain interests in agriculture Unfortunately, in a country like Nigeria, the white collar jobs are not readily available and the nation’s agriculture has been left to the failing hands of the ageing and the illiterate. This has led to worsening unemployment among the youth as well as the attendant poverty and hunger, which affecting over 70 per cent of the nation.

The need to tackle the problem of youth in agriculture was at the centre of the recently concluded first African Youth Agric Festival hosted by the Fresh and Young Brains Development Initiative in partnership with the African Union Commission, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), and Ministry of Youth Development with the aim of celebrating the African youth in agriculture.

Chief executive officer and founder, Fresh and Young Brains Development Initiative (FYBDI), Nkiruka Nnaemego, in her welcome address at the festival with the theme ‘Youth at the Heart of Agriculture and Africa’s Development’, said the Y-Farm project was targeting creating ten thousand ( 10,000) youth-led farms

and agribusiness by 2020 across Africa.

She said, “The Y-Farm project formally launched recently aims to establish and promote at least 10,000 youth-led farms , promote a youth-led agribusiness society, reduce poverty and increase active youth participation in sustainable agriculture across Africa by 2020 and our project through the Y-Farm: ‘My Farm, My Swag’ campaign aims to change the image of young persons involved in agriculture as poor and illiterates.”

Meanwhile, the federal government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has asserted that its interest in creating a better platform for the development of the Nigerian youth has led to the creation of Youth Employment on Agriculture Program (YEAP), a platform created by the federal government through the FMARD to provide capacity training and free starter packs for youths in the development of agriculture.

Also, the minister of agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adeshina, who was represented by the deputy director, Youth in Agriculture, Engr Abubakar Abdullahi, in his address at the event, revealed that the Ministry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) to assist young farmers expand to various levels without the often burdening request for collaterals, while an MOU between the Ministry and the Bank of Industry (BOI) was also signed to assist young farmers in value addition helping them create a market for them.

Abdullahi assured that the federal government through the Ministry was very passionate about the development of youth in agriculture, which also led to the launch of Nagropreneurs by the federal government as a platform

through which agric businessmen will be created as a way to job/ wealth creation and poverty alleviation.

He maintained that activities of the Youth/Gender department of the Ministry are aimed at ensuring the Nigerian youth is self reliant, able to create wealth and employment while replacing the ageing population of farmers through the Youth and Women agribusiness investment program, where relevant skills are transferred to them.

Adeshina urged NonGovernmental Organizations (NGOs) to key into the program and help publicise the message that “farming is now a business and not a developmental issue.”

Also, chairman, Board of Trustees, National Agricultural Foundation of Nigeria (NAFN), Senator Abdullahi Adamu, remarked that the festival was unprecedented as it was the first of its kind ever held by the nation’s youth.

He urged the youths in agriculture to be patient and hardworking as the profits from agriculture are not often immediate. “Agriculture does not kill but makes you healthier in all its ramification” he said.

As parts of activities marking the 1st AYAF, 12 outstanding youth farmers across Africa were awarded across the value chains, the festival also launched the Y-Farm Mobile application, E-shop and Online Directory of youth in Agriculture, Y-Farm marketplace and the Y-Farm Joint donor basket fund for the Y-Farm Intervention project 2014-2015 all on the platform of the Y-Farm Project.

The Festival is to be an annual event to be celebrated every International Youth Day, August 12, and rotated among other African countries. The Ist National Youth Agric Festival is to be hosted in June 2015

‘Lack of Markets, Tools, Equipment Hurt Youth Farmers’

by Ruth Tene Natsa, Abuja

A youth farmer Samuel Olaniyi has described the absence or lack of a ready market for harvested goods and produce as a major challenge to youths in agriculture.

He also said unless the federal government steps up and creates platform to encourage the youth, agriculture will continue to be a challenge to the Nigerian youths who are challenged by a poor market, lack of funding, low level of mechanization among several other issues.

Mr Olaniyi, who was a beneficiary of the federal government 10 million naira grant in 2010/2011, said “The federal government encouraged me with the grant which led to me expanding my business of one million to almost 15 million naira, but the business is continually challenged with the poor existing market as we sometimes have to transport to other states.

“Government has a lot to do about agriculture. The challenges young people in agriculture are facing are political and marketing. We still have to search for markets to sell our produce and sometimes travel very far with the attendant transport cost. I have heard the minister of agriculture say that the government wants to create a situation where one person produces and another markets. So I know with the help of the government, we will be able to do more in agriculture.

Similarly, another young fish farmer Daniel Ariahu lamented that youth farmers in Nigeria are most times denied access to finance and lack of access to modern equipment.

In his words: “In Africa, farmers still use the most archaic tools because they cannot afford the mechanized tools used by other developed countries. This makes farming hard and labor-intensive with very little profit and this is not encouraging.

“You can imagine a young person wanting to go into farming and the banks will be asking for unreasonable collateral.

If we had those collaterals in the first place, would there have been any grounds for the loans?”

MARITIME / 19

August 15, 2014

FG Bans Animal Importation Over Ebola

The federal government has banned importation of all forms of live animals through the nation’s seaports and land borders.

The director-general of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), Dr Kola Faseyitan, who disclosed this to newsmen, said his agency has also placed all its officers on red alert on the movement of pets and animals through the borders and gateways.

He said, “We barred the movement of animals, especially wild animals, and my men are placed on red alert. But the fact still remained that Nigerians should stop eating bush meat and other animals that are prone to the virus.”

While noting that bats and monkies are the known carriers of the virus, Faseyitan said the NAQS was not leaving anything to chance to prevent further spread of the killer virus.

Meanwhile, some multinational shipping lines may have suspended their services to West African countries that are currently being ravaged by the deadly Ebola virus. It was learnt that many of the multinational shipping lines calling at seaports in West African ports have suspended shore leave as well as crew change in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Nigeria.

“We have been following the situation for some time and sent out our first advisory to vessels calling at West African ports on March 26. We have subsequently sent out several updates – to crews and land-based personnel – outlining additional health measures as per the WHO recommendations.

We have also suspended shore leave as well as crew change in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea as well as in Nigeria,” a spokesperson for one of the multinational shipping lines told newsmen in Lagos.

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), International Maritime Employers’ Council (IMEC), and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) had last week issued joint advice to members on Ebola.

The groups issued strong recommendations to all vessels calling at countries affected by the recent outbreak. The advice includes ensuring crew are aware of the risk of ebola and the ways it can be transferred, adhering to the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) requirements to safeguard against unauthorised personnel boarding the vessel, giving careful consideration before granting shore leave in affected countries, avoiding making crew transfers in affected countries and monitoring crew for symptoms after departing affected areas.

“In the meantime we want to make sure that those in the shipping industry play their part in ensuring the safety of crews visiting the affected countries, and minimising the risk of the virus spreading further,” a spokesman for the organisations was quoted by Reuters as saying last week.

Lagos Seaport

NIWA Seeks Stakeholders’ Help After Many Failed Port Contracts Stories By Samson Echenim, Lagos

There is no gainsaying the fact that the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) is now synonymous with multiple contracts awarding with little or nothing to show for all the billions of naira gulped by these river ports building contracts.

It is one stubborn agency under the Ministry of Transport that has seen the federal government set aside over N50 billion in the last five years without anything to show for the transformation effort of government, unlike the successes seen in the country’s railways system.

In 2012 and in the month of March alone, the NIWA awarded six different contracts worth N9 billion for infrastructural facilities after the claimed dredging of the River Niger.

The agency had before then said it acquired 12 patrol boats and two small waterway ambulances worth N1.6 billion, to promote the utilisation of the dredged waterway. The facilities to be constructed under the contracts included the building of a new river port in Lokoja, awarded to Messrs Inter Bau Construction for N4.3 billion with a completion period of 57 weeks; the dredging of channel along Orashi River from Oguta Lake in Imo State to Degema in Rivers State at the sum of N2.03 billion awarded to Simidia S&I International Company Limited to

be completed within 12 months; and a contract for the construction of Okrika jetty was also signed and awarded to Messrs Johnmostainless Nigeria Limited at a contract sum of N438 million, within nine month.

Others were the contract for the shore protection/dredging reclamation works at selected sites along River Niger at a contract sum of N2.1 billion to Evomec Global Services; the contract for the procurement and installation of soft security apparatus, totalling N139.8 million awarded to Avsatel Communications Limited and the contract for the construction of Degema jetty in Rivers State at N491 million to the COT Engineering. Two years later, nearly all the contracts remained without significant progress. The waterways are not in use.

The river ports remained ghost stations.

As if in desperation to show some industry relevance and to seek help from maritime stakeholders on ways to forge ahead, the NIWA hosted stakeholders, including the minister of transport, Idris Umar, and heads of other maritime agencies in Lagos, last week. At the forum, the managing director of NIWA, Hajiya Inna Maryam Ciroma, pledged to provide all “necessary infrastructure” that would be required to make navigation in Nigeria’s waterways absolutely “effective and efficient.”

Sadly, that was not the first time such pledge would be tendered before industry stakeholders by heads of the NIWA. While addressing stakeholders and intellectuals who gathered for a brainstorming session meant to evolve a road map for repositioning and improving activities of the inland waterways, Ciroma pointed out that it was not enough to dredge the River Niger from Warri, Delta State, to Baro, Niger State, covering a distance of about 572 kilometres and assured that the NIWA would now ensure that sanity and global best practices reigned so as to ensure that the 100 metres wide channels with a minimum depth of 2.5 metres can also be put to best productive use all year round.

She said, “The authority with its regulatory responsibilities has the big challenge of enthroning global best practices in the inland waterways sub sector. It also has the responsibility of maintaining the more than 10,000 kilometres of waterways out of which only 3,000 kilometres are navigable.

“For the dredged River Niger to be put in proper and effective use, the federal government also approved the rehabilitation of the abandoned Onitsha River Port, which is being put up for concessioning by Messrs Green Strators of India, under the supervision of the ICRC.”

Clearing Agents Pick Holes In PAAR Despite their overwhelming support for the the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) at the introduction of the scheme, clearing agents under the aegis the Association of Nigerian Licenced Customs Agents (ANLCA), who met recently over the way the PAAR is being implemented by the Nigeria Customs Service, have begun to count their loses.

At a meeting of the association in Lagos, the ANLCA accused customs of telling lies to stakeholders over the PAAR, alleging that the trade agency was only using the tool to

extort importers and their clearing agents.

Members of the ANLCA at the meeting took turns to lament the challenges of the PAAR, especially as it concerns the quantity and value of cargoes.

The association condemned the incessant querying of cargoes by the Customs Investigation Unit (CIU) based on low value as well as inflation of values payable on consignments at various commands, saying that this is highly criminal. They further demanded that the the customs management should publish data value of

all cargoes on the internet in order to make it accessible for all freight forwarders.

The association’s national president, Olayiwola Shittu, noted that his association had stood beside the customs for nine months in the implementation of the PAAR irrespective of those who criticised it for pecuniary interests.

Shittu, however, said that at the moment, the nerves of his members were already stretched thin and that the ANLCA was ready to step on toes unless the right thing is done.

If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people together to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea. Antoine de Saint-Exupery, fresh writer and aviatorny

20 / INTERVIEW What motivated you to go into airline business?

Going into aviation is one of those things I consider as my contribution to the development of the Nigerian society. I wanted to provide jobs and change the way they are running it by doing what is right and making sure that corners are not cut.

interview

Local Operators Should Be Encouraged To Own Aircraft Hangars – 0nyema

What arrangements have been made for effective take-off of the airline?

You know the aviation industry is highly regulated. You have to follow the rules; you have to prove to the authorities that you are ready. When I say that, I mean you have to prove to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) that you are ready. They have to audit you and they have to make sure that you are fit to fly.

We are getting there, we are getting very close. We are at the last stage. We have five phases but we are on the fourth phase now. The fifth phase is the certification itself Onyema and we are on the fourth phase now, which is flight demonstration. We have already started it. You have to demonstrate to the NCAA for 50 hours; you are not carrying passengers but only their personnel, showing them what you are capable of doing when you start operations. We have come a long way; it is over a year now.

Do you have aircraft on ground already?

Yes, we do. We have Boeing jets and we have Dornier jets. We have Boeing 737-500 jets and Dornier 328 jets.

Are you going to concentrate on the traditional routes?

Every airline is scrambling for Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt routes, but we want to open up this country. We want to go to places that other operators do not venture to go. We are going to access smaller airports with our Dornier Jets, which are very powerful and have short runway capability. For instance, we want to go to Gombe, not just Abuja/ Gombe alone; there are people from Gombe, who may want to go to Sokoto, for instance.

In what ways are you going to be different from other operators?

We have zero tolerance for unsafe practices and that is why we make sure that our aircraft are well maintained. We bought our Dornier jets from Europe, and the Boeing jets from America and in conducting the tests and maintenance of our aircraft, everything was employed to

August 15, 2014

The government should be able to give us the opportunity to build hangers. If an airline applies for a space for hanger, that airline should be given land space for that purpose.

Barrister Allen Onyema is the founder of Foundation for Ethnic Harmony in Nigeria (FEHN).He recently ventured into the aviation business by floating an airline. In this interview, Onyema discusses his new pet project, Air Peace and other sundry issues in the aviation industry.

SOLA ADEBAYO was there. Excerpts:

ensure we had the best.

You can imagine, our aircraft flew for 18 hours from United States to Nigeria, no snag, no defect and that is unusual. It is all about maintenance. In America, they use 60-year old planes, no issues, it is all about maintenance. For us, we brought in BCT Aviation Maintenance Company from United Kingdom, a major maintenance organisation in the UK providing services to several major airlines in the globe.

Just as one of our competitors is using the Germans, we are using the British and they are here 24/7, maintaining these planes. If they do not sign any aircraft for operation every morning, that aircraft does not go into the sky. Those are the things we want to do.

Again, no matter the maintenance process you put in place, no matter the amount of money you put down to run your business, if the staff are not motivated, you have a problem and that might breach safety.

So, we are tackling the issue of unsafe practices from all corners.

What are your challenges?

The industry is capital intensive.

You need banks. For instance, two banks are supporting us, but at a high stake, although they allowed us some moratorium.

We could have started about six months ago, however, the certification process is taking longer than we expected. What that means is that whenever we start, we will start paying back immediately. So, not getting the right financing for the business is a major problem.

The second one is the issue of maintenance hangar.We don’t have maintenance facilities in Nigeria. When you want to do your C check or D check or other major checks, you take these aircraft out of the country and this also leads to capital flight. A huge sum is expended in taking these planes out of the country for maintenance and the money used is in foreign currency.

At all times, you need dollars, everything is computed in dollars in the aviation industry.

Maintenance issues are eating so much into the earnings of the operators.

The government should be able to give us the opportunity to build hangars. If an airline applies for a space for hangar, that airline should be given land space for that purpose. I am bringing in seven aircraft, having applied since last year for a land to build a hangar but I have had no response from the concerned authority.

If the authorities had obliged me, the banks would have come in to assist me in setting up the hangar and I will start maintaining my planes here and start thinking of bringing the expatriates into this country and replicating the Ethiopian model here.

Are you getting enough encouragement from the aviation agencies?

They are trying. I don’t have any problem with the NCAA, they are very straight forward and supportive in what they are doing because if they are not awake to their responsibilities, they might not be helping the issue of safety. The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is trying also but there

is room for improvement in the areas of allocation of offices and land for development purposes.

They are all trying and doing their best.

Does this mean you have not been given any offices at the airports?

No, I am not saying that. We have got offices at Enugu, Owerri, Port Hacourt, Abuja and Lagos.

We have approached Warri but they said when we have our Air Operators Certificate (AOC).

You know Warri is not operated by the government, they said when we get our papers we should come. Asaba too said the same thing .We have applied to the Air Force for the use of the Air Force base in Kaduna, Port Harcourt and Makurdi.

How did you finance this airline?

The financing came from my businesses, two major banks are also involved in providing financing but the major contributor is the American millionaire who sold his five planes to me.

When I met him, he asked me why aviation. That no airline has succeeded in Nigeria and I told him that my reason was because of the oportunity of creating employment. He stood up, took a hard look at me, smiled and said, he would do something for me that I have touched his heart.

He said he would recall some planes from United Airlines and give me. That I need to start low and grow and added that he would wait for me to break even before his company would get me the big ones at the right prices.

No one would believe how much I paid for these planes. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from where the funds were transferred is a living witness. I acquired my five planes for far less the price of one.

How do you assess the transformation agenda of the Jonathan’s administration in the aviation sector?

This administration has done what no other government could do for the aviation industry. Before the coming of Jonathan, our airports looked like poultry farms; they were nothing to write home about.

But under this administration, we have seen the renovation of about 24 airports. Those airports may not be like the one in Atlanta, but they are standard.

Secondly, this is the first time we are having zero duty on the importation of aircraft and aircraft parts. No other government has done it. The aviation intervention fund too is there for the airlines to access but the most important is the relief being enjoyed on import duties on aircraft and aircraft spare parts.

August 15, 2014

21

22 / TOURISM

August 15, 2014

Domestic Tourism: ABUCCIMA Vows To Explore Foreign Participation

L-R: A board member, Mr Andy Nkemneme; another member, Mr Johnson Odekina; director-general (DG), Mrs Sally Mbanefo, all of the Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) and first deputy president of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ABUCCIMA), Chief Tony Ejinkeonye during the ABUCCIMA courtesy visit to the NTDC in Abuja, recently. PHOTO BY CHIKA OKEKE

Stakeholders Seek Overhaul Of Tourism Sector To Attract Investment Stories By Chika Okeke, Abuja

As the federal government shops for investors across the world in divergent areas such as energy supply, agriculture, telecommunications and housing; one indisputable fact is that the tourism sector had been ranked lowest in the investment plans.

This sector that would have driven the Nigerian economy to its highest level had remained inconsistent in its developmental plans with little or no activity to move the sector forward. This the stakeholders attributed to poor release of funds by the federal government to carry out their developmental programmes and projects.

While they wait anxiously for the federal government’s funds, the Ministry of Tourism and its parastatals should explore avenues of generating internal revenue that would complement government’s delayed, and most times, inaccessible funds.

Speaking during the 7th Edition of African Arts and Crafts Expo (AFAC) in Abuja, the chairman, House Committee on Culture and Tourism, Ben Nwankwo, tasked the ministry to unlock the potentials inherent in the sector so as to attract massive investment, saying that culture was a tool for achieving cultural diplomacy.

“To get the operators of the economy to understand the importance of tourism, there is a need to make the sector the mainstream of the economy hub of Nigeria but the potentials inherent in the sector should be unlocked because culture is a good tool for cultural diplomacy.

On his part, the president of the International Council of African Museums (AFRICOM), Mr Nath Mayo Adediran, regretted that the ministry was weak, saying that the legislators were planning to hold a legislative retreat on how to revive the sector.

“The sector is weak in many areas and there seems to be no ray of light as to how it should be moved forward. It is unfortunate that since the creation of the Federal Ministry of Culture and Tourism, that sector had not moved as it should.

Adediran, who is the chief executive officer of the RAA Heritage Global Resources Ltd, added, “I know that the legislature is planning a legislative retreat to address this but within the sector, it is near silence of the grave.

On ways the AFRICOM can assist the industry, he said, “We want to train individual members and if you add two million to us, with almost 250 or more languages and dialectical differences, you’ll agree that culture is still a great thing to be explored to drive the economy.

“Today, carnivals are coming up and if we consider that we have 36 states in the country; choose 10 cities in each of the states, including Abuja that has six local governments, and give them dates around the entire year in which to organise their carnivals, then in each year, their cultural calendar will be occupied.

“With that, people will move and when people move, goods will also move. When this happens, revenue will come as individuals as well as participants will have money to pay tax and government will receive tax

paid.”

Also, the president, International Theatre Institute (ITI), Nigeria, Prof.

Emmanuel Dandaura, has suggested the urgent overhaul of the tourism sector to attract private investment.

He said that the proposed overhaul would provide viable framework for networking between stakeholders in the industry.

He maintained that Nigeria’s cultural potentials were underexploited and there was a need for stakeholders to diversify the economy through the establishment of small and medium scale cultural industries.

“Mapping of the sector is urgently needed to provide empirical knowledge and statistics on the net contributions and potentials of the cultural industries. This will galvanise more private sector interest and confidence to invest in the sector as against the current situation where such investments are regarded as high risk.

“The proposed mapping will also identify skill sets and policy maps as well as provide viable framework for networking protocols between stakeholders in the culture industries,” Dandaura said.

Dandaura, who is also the head, Department of Theatre and Cultural Studies, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, added, “Nigeria has very rich reservoir of cultural assets with investment potentials that are relatively underexploited. There is a need for concerted effort on the part of stakeholders to diversify the oil dependent economy of Nigeria through the establishment of small and medium scale cultural industries.

The first deputy president of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ABUCCIMA), Mr Tony Ejinkeonye, has pledged to explore foreign participants in the forthcoming trade fair and collaborate with the Nigeria Tourism development Corporation (NTDC) in a bid to promote domestic tourism in Nigeria.

Ejinkeonye, who stated this in Abuja when he led a 4-man delegation on a courtesy call to the NTDC, said since there was continuity in the ABUCCIMA system of government, the alliance with the NTDC would be continual.

“We will ensure that we explore the foreigners who participate in our trade fairs, since we have a good number them that patronise these fairs, and form a strategic alliance with the NTDC to promote Nigeria’s tourism industry, using domestic tourism as a catalyst.

Responding, the director-general of the NTDC, Mrs Sally Mbanefo, commended the ABUCCIMA for extending their hands of fellowship to it, stressing that time was ripe for private sectors to take over ownership on the country’s tourism industry.

“We need the private sector’s participation in the development and promotion of tourism in Nigeria and we need the private sector to take over the ownership of Nigeria’s tourism industry,” Mbanefo said.

According to her, “There are three things working for us in Nigeria: business, religion and entertainment tourism. We want a situation whereby people coming for business, religion or entertainment tourism will patronise our tourist sites and attend our interesting cultural festivals which will in turn create wealth and job opportunities for the people at the grassroot.”

Experts React Over Extinction Of Nigerian Languages A Second Republic minister of education, Prof.

Ihechukwu Madubuike, has stated that the tragedies suffered by the Igbos has led to the Igbo language extinction, adding that he had been working assiduously to preserve the language.

Speaking with LEADERSHIP Friday in Abuja, he said, “Igbo language is facing extinction because the Igbos have suffered a number of tragedies and in the event of that tragedy is their movement away from their environment.

“It started with the slave trade, moved to colonisation and now globalisation. These movements have tapped from the Igbo land their vitality, including their lineage, to the extent that they cannot express their values properly in another man’s land. Those in Igbo land have nowhere to go and our intention is to see how we will preserve that language.

Madubuike, who is also the chairman of the Igbo Language Academy, insisted that Igbo language was not the only mother tongue facing extinction. He noted that 4,000 years ago, the Hebrew language was also extinct.

Also speaking, a lecturer at the Department of Fine Arts, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Dr Iyabo Khadijah Tijani, said that the Yoruba language was threatened by adulterated ones spoken in public, especially in Lagos State.

“The Yoruba language as spoken by our fore fathers may be threatened by the adulterated one spoken by the general public but I have no fear of Yoruba language facing extinction in total.

“It is common in Lagos State which served as the federal capital of Nigeria for many years and as such, attracted many people, especially job seekers. So its not unusual to find such a language being adulterated.

“This is not perculiar with Nigerian languages. In England, a first time Nigerian visitor will receive a very big shock when met with a white man who cannot observe the correct use of tenses, an offence for which we were flogged for wrong usage in our classrooms here

The system will always be defended by those countless people who have enough intellect to defend but not quite enough to innovate.

Edward de Bono, Maltese physician, author, inventor and consultant.

23

August 15, 2014

Bernard Okhakume MC & A Weekly Digest market consumer advertising 08053040003

Most of them came in through technical assistance from affiliate agencies abroad.

Agency affiliation became a new craze, because it was either the serious agency puts forward an expatriate at pitches, it is likely to lose. We appreciate all of these changes, because they introduce color/glamour into the traditional way we did our thing.

But over time we started noticing the power of raw knowledge. Those who were opportune to be properly trained in areas such as marketing, sales and creative art represented themselves adequately. There was nothing any Oyibo from any agency abroad will tell a Unilever-trained marketing person in the area of brands management to cause panic.

Yeah, it was all about difference in system.

It only took time for this emptiness to reflect in other areas of advertising. Today, the story is changing. Most of those local agencies that went for foreign practitioners under all sorts of guise started sacking them, as fast as they came. Conflict in internal workings and between the so-called expatriates and the local practitioners started impacting negatively on the over-all effectiveness.

It is this same system pollution that attended our local media with the introduction of ‘expatriate’ ideas without proper consideration. No matter the extent and nature of innovation or change, the basic function and

mcaandadigestweekly@gmail.com

objective remain effective reach and impact.

I always asked the question why media independents? Every of the so-called independent media shops are only as independent to the extent that they now exist independent of the traditional advertising agency structure. They do the same thing (even with lesser diligence) compared to the traditional media departments of a standard advertising agency. That is my opinion, and I am open to superior argument. This will form a topical issue for discussion for the future. However, the kernel of this whole position is that such were the questionable changes that filtered into our local advertising industry at the turn of the century.

Nobody asked questions. Now we are into another change era, the era of social media in advertising. Social media is peculiar in the area of technological innovativeness. Yes, it is a flexible platform for person-to-person inter-relativity that gives the individual the power to decide when, where and how he or she can be sent information for mass communication. It clearly individualizes the target audience. No more can any media planner/buyer can just reel out spurious rationale for media engagement proposal without very careful consideration.

More and more, the buyer or advertiser can take part in the consideration of me-

Agbaji Chinedu business 1:0:1 Agrobusiness with Agbaji Chinedu 08035004617

The huge trade in smoked-dried fish is a consequence of the growing demand by the increasing number of Africans living in the diaspora. The US and Europe remain the major destinations for Africans who venture abroad. As a result of this transcontinental migration, and a growing appreciation for African flavours and food, the demand for dried and smoked fish appears to be growing by day.

According to a study sponsored by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the quantity of dried and smoked catfish, tilapia and other types of fish exported from West Africa to the United Kingdom was estimated at over 500 tonnes per year; with a retail value of nearly $20 million. Nigeria alone exports about 5 tonnes of smoked fish per month (via airfreight). Other major exporting countries are Ghana, the Ivory Coast, Senegal and Cameroon. However, with stricter regulations on food imported into the US and Europe, Africans are finding it difficult to exploit the million-dollar foreign market for smoked and dried fish. But the United States FDA, working in partnership with

fridayleadership@leadership.ng

the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, has made things easy for Nigerian export as a result have received samples of fish from the processing plants of the farmers for laboratory testing and had certified the product fit for export to the US with FDA Food Facility Registration number.

Mr,Tunde Sanni, owner of Tee Ess Farms, one of the processors now producing smoked fish for the US market,now has FDA Food Facility Registration N0: 1248378216.According to him“ Exporters of Nigerian foods now buy smoked fish from his Farm and export to the United States and there has been no problems doing that. He said they also smokes fish for other fish farmers according to the international standards and they can package the fish with their own label.

The market The market is large both in USA and Europe even within the country; farmers and processors have barely met the local demand for smoked fish of international standards as these branded and packaged fish sell like hot cakes in high-brow shops

Advertising And Social Media dia platform and vehicle effectiveness. It is now truly such a global village, space constraint make no sense.

It is the effectiveness of social media that supported the evolution of Target Marketing in media engagement. With the social media, it is easier to appropriately define the target audience for a given advertising message, with a proper understanding of prevalent social trend and habit, among age brackets and social cultural environments.

Therefore, it was easy for the Senior Brands Manager for Magnum Ice-cream in the US, Mike Hanley, to report 89 million impressions, 83 clicks on posted links and more than 270 replies mention all on April 29, 2011, as a result of the promoted trend he/ his brand bought into.

In same vein, Zuji Australia, an Australian travels and leisure company, invested in the promotion of online travel reservation, using long-term approach to building awareness, engaged Tweets (specifically, promoted tweets), in May 2011. The results are said to be still coming in, but the company has already more than doubled its follower base in the two months since it started using tweets.

These two reports represent many other relatively successful uses of social media as a consumer or target audience engaging

media platform, for purposes of advertising. However, the danger inherent in the application of the new media is in the area of efficiency in the face of compatibility and appropriateness. The same brands that posted relative success in the use of social media quickly reported doubt in the impact of recorded success in value terms. In other words, the social media is only effective in awareness and not actual sales.

Now, the concern concerning social media ineffectiveness on sales actualization is a joke compared to the many failures social media will face in our environment characterized by high illiteracy rate, negative rating on technology appreciation necessary for e-media, lack of infrastructures for internet social interaction, etc.

So, our contribution at MC&A Digest is, unlike we have had to accept changes in the past, practitioners and clients must take time to study the use and implication of social media for advertising to guide against wastage of media spend and blindly shooting in the dark. Whether we talk of old or new media platforms, the above-mentioned remain the over-riding consideration for effective and profitable media engagement, across market segment.

Concluded

Smoked Fish Export Business Opportunities within the country. You don’t have to own a fish pond before you start fish processing and packaging for both international and local market. You can always buy from farmers 4 to 5 months old fish and processes and package it for export or local market using cabinet dryer.

How to get buyer Register with an Export Promotion agency: The traditional and most popular place to start your quest to find buyers are to register with an Export Promotion Council They is set up by governments to develop and promote export trade in the country. Their major objective is to increase the amount of the country’s exports by addressing challenges, obstacles and bottlenecks faced by exporters and producers. The usually provide capital (in the form of grants), make international market information available and help to link exporters to potential international buyers. The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has an Export Expansion Grant Scheme which provides incentives to local exporters to grow their businesses and for-

A small house will hold a hundred friends. ― African proverb

eign exchange earnings.

Join a local trade organization: Joining a trade organization can be a very good way to gain an understanding of the dried fish export market and the tricks of the trade.

Register with online marketplaces: Online marketplaces like Alibaba.com and Tradekey.com are some of the most popular platforms to meet buyers and sellers on the international markets.

Open an online store: The internet has totally changed the way business is done.

Word of mouth: As outdated as it may sound in today’s world, word-of-mouth advertising still works and remains a great way to find potential customers.

Requirments Company registration with CAC and Export promotion council • Office/contact address • Dryer(cabinet dryer/ kiln ) • Business and brand name • mong others Be Part of Youth Agribusiness Initiative for job, wealth creation and food security.

world news REPORTS AND ANALYSIS OF GLOBAL EVENTS AND ISSUES August 15, 2014

Ebola Outbreak: Guinea Declares Emergency Guinea has a declared a national health emergency as it battles to curb the spread of the deadly Ebola virus.

This meant tighter border controls, the immediate isolation of anyone suspected to have Ebola and a ban on moving bodies from one town to another, state radio reported.

Ebola has killed more than 1,000 people in West Africa amid fears that it could spread to East Africa.

This is the deadliest outbreak

since the disease was discovered in 1976.

There is no cure for Ebola, but the first consignment of the experimental drug, ZMapp, has arrived in Liberia from the US, reports the BBC’s Jonathan PayeLayleh from the capital, Monrovia.

On Tuesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) approved giving patients untested drugs.

Ebola’s initial flu-like symptoms can lead to external haemorrhaging from areas such as eyes and gums,

and internal bleeding which can lead to organ failure. Patients have a better chance of survival if they receive early treatment.

The outbreak began in Guinea in February and has killed 377 people in the country.

It has since spread to Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria, which have all declared a national health emergency, claiming a total of 1,069 lives by Wednesday, according to WHO. —BBC

Doctors educating volunteers on how to use protective equipment to avoid catching the virus in Liberia.

Southeast Asian Countries Seek Improved Ties With Nigeria

By Bukola Ogunsina, Abuja The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has called for improved relations with Nigeria given the nation’s immense human and material resources.

This was disclosed during the 47th ASEAN celebration, hosted by the Philippines Embassy in Abuja, recently. Though ASEAN has ten members, only the ambassadors of Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam were present.

At the event, the Malaysian Ambassador to Nigeria, Lim Juay Jin, said, “We are here to promote our countries individually and collectively. ASEAN has been an entity so far, to preserve peace and stability in Asia.

ASEAN day is how we are bringing Asia to the Nigerian people.

For example, Jin said that Malaysia is home for Nigerian students. “We had a rough estimate of 10,000 Nigerians pursuing education in Malaysia. We also have so many similarities between both countries to include weather.

“The palm oil seed in Malaysia originally comes from Nigeria.

L-R: Ambassador of Indonesia to Nigeria, Sudirman Haseng; Malaysia Ambassador to Nigeria, Lim Juay Jin; Philippines Ambassador to Nigeria, Alex V Lamadrid; Thailand Ambassador to Nigeria, Chailert Limsomboon, and Vietnam Ambassador to Nigeria, Hoang Ngoc Ho, at the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Day held in Abuja.

In future we are looking at trade, investments, people relationships, and visits between the two countries.” He added that with ASEAN members have managed to link themselves with the other regions. At the moment member countries are working towards strengthening ASEAN/Nigeria

relations.

In his own part, the Ambassador of Thailand to Nigeria, Chailert Limsom Boon, said, “ASEAN is very successful in promoting peace and stability in the Asian region. We have very good economic relations among ASEAN countries” something Nigeria

UN Declares Iraq Emergency Amid Clashes The United Nations has declared its highest level of emergency in Iraq as fresh clashes between government troops and Sunni rebels killed four children west of Baghdad.

Fighting erupted early yesterday in the rebel-held city of Fallujah, about 65km west of Baghdad.

The clashes on the city’s northern outskirts killed four children, along with a woman and at least 10 fighters, said Fallujah hospital director Ahmed Shami. Fallujah has been in the hands of the Islamic State since early January, when the group seized much of Western Anbar province along with parts of the provincial capital of Ramadi.

The fighting came as the UN declared the situation in Iraq a “Level 3 Emergency” - a development that will trigger additional goods, funds and assets to respond to the needs of the displaced, said UN special representative Nickolay Mladenov, pointing to the “scale and complexity of the current humanitarian catastrophe.”

The Security Council also said it was backing a newly nominated premier-designate in the hope that he can swiftly form an “inclusive government’’ that could counter the threat from rebels, which has plunged Iraq into its worst crisis since the US troop withdrawal

in 2011.

Tens of thousands of Yazidis fled the Islamic State group’s advance to take refuge in the remote desert Sinjar mountain range.

The US and Iraqi military have dropped food and water supplies, and in recent days Kurds from neighbouring Syria battled to open a corridor to the mountain, allowing some 45,000 to escape.

The Pentagon on Thursday said a US mission to evacuate trapped civilians on Sinjar mountains by the Islamic State group is far less likely after an assessment team sent there found the humanitarian situation was not as bad as feared.

and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) can learn from. “How we did it, we cannot say exactly, we just say we have an ASEAN way of doing things. We don’t know each other very well. We need to learn more about each other.”

229

Three Al Jazeera staff; Peter Greste, Baher Mohamed and Mohamed Fahmy have been imprisoned for 229 days in Egypt.

5days Agreements have been reached to extend the humanitarian truce in the Gaza conflict by five days

Donetsk Under Fire As Ukraine Toll ‘Doubles’ Shelling of the rebel-held eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk has intensified, as the UN reports the death toll from fighting between government troops and pro-Russia separatists has nearly doubled in the past fortnight.

A spokeswoman for the UN’s human rights office, Cecile Pouilly, said the organisation’s “very conservative estimates” showed the overall death toll had risen to at least 2,086 people as of August 10, up from 1,129 on July 26.

Pouilly said at least 4,953 others had been wounded in the fighting since mid-April.

The figures emerged as a spokesman for local authorities in Donetsk told The Associated Press news agency on Wednesday that the shelling had intensified overnight.

The artillery fire had damaged power plants and gas pipelines, leaving large parts of the city without electricity or gas, city council spokesman Maxim Rovinsky said.

The situation in Luhansk, also in rebel hands, was also worsening.

City authorities said on Wednesday they had entered the eleventh straight day without power supplies.

Running water had also dried up and the few shops still open were selling only basic essentials.

With the humanitarian crisis reaching a critical stage, a convoy of nearly 300 lorries, apparently carrying about 2,000 tons of aid, resumed its journey towards Ukraine after lying idle at a Russian depot.

Kiev on Wednesday set conditions for letting the Russian aid shipments in to the rebelheld eastern regions, after earlier vowing to block the massive Russian convoy headed for its borders.

—Al Jazeera

Your Entertainment and Lifestyle Guide August 15, 2014

Can’t Be Humble?

Be Professional:

ESSENTIALS PLAYLIST

The 2Face Example There are many colorful flowers on the path of life, but the prettiest have the sharpest thorns.

razak’s diary Tattles ― African Proverb

26

STARTERS

August 15, 2014

EDITOR’S NOTE It’s been raining all week and I am wondering what that term ‘August Break’ means. However, the weekend is here and you don’t have to worry about going to work; you can go tuck yourself in and feel warm a much as you want.

I’ve had an interesting week, though it’s been work all the way.

Last week I did mention that the Ebola virus is not as easy to contract as we

think. However, you must maintain a all of the weekend sleeping.

Stay safe, stay warm and…do not strict hygiene routine and be extremely careful to be out of harm’s way. Some forget to spare a prayer for the Chibok people have placed an embargo on girls, wherever they are. handshakes and hugs; you can’t blame them. If you don’t know what works, do something sensible that’ll work!

As part of my goal to read some more, lerato.umah@leadership.ng I’ll tuck myself into bed with a book this fridayleadership@leadership.ng weekend. Do the same too; I can’t spend follow us on Twitter @essentialsng

Essentials PlaylistWith Abisola Alawode

Lerato

one TO WATCH

Top 10 Music Producers In Nigeria Entertainment site tooxclusive.com released their list of Nigeria’s top 10 music producers recently. We ran the first 10 last week and this week, we continue. Do you agree with it? If you don’t, send your own list to friday@leadership.ng.

Chopstix Apart from churning out nice tracks with his GRIP Boiz group, the producer who is familiar with Chocolate City has produced some outstanding tracks within the year with songs like Eva Alordia’s Shuga, Ice Prince’s Shots on Shots ft. Sarkodie, Stinking Shit ft. IcePrince, Yung L and Endia, SOS by Yung L amongst others.

Legendury Beatz The music-producing duo – Uzezi Oniko and Okiemute Oniko – are behind some of Wizkid’s hit tracks such as Caro, Talk, Drop ft. Wale, Eledumare, as well as other club bangers, including Ginger by L.A.X ft.

Wizkid, SoundSultan’s Kokose ft. Wizkid, Take Care of Me by Skales, Chidinma’s Emini Baller and many more.

Spellz Another talented producer, Spellz’ notable works include; Burna Boy’s Don Gorgon, Shaydee’s Chakam, Ima Bom

by Chuddy K, Dammy Krane’s Xteristics, DJ Kentalky’s Headache ft. Yemi Alade & Dammy Krane, amongst many others.

4. Tee-Y Mix You can’t leave Tee-Y Mix out of this list. Besides being the proud owner of a record label and a judge on MTN’s Project Fame, TY

Mix still maintains his image as an outstanding producer. Songs produced by him within the year include Sound Sultan’s Natural Something (yes, it may be old, but it is still trending), Tee Blaq’s Garawa, Immaculate’s Gogo Baby, Pick Pin by P.R.E, Mama Africa by Ozzy Bosco, Waje’s Merry Xmas etc.

5. Major Bangz Young and upcoming producer Major Bangz’ work on Phyno’s No Guts No Glory album is a testament to his ingenuity. He has also produced tracks like Lil Kesh’s Shoki, Tonto Dikeh’s Hi remix, IllBliss and Chidima’s Powerful and Tai Koon’s songs; Lady, How the Thing Go, Respect my Hustle, Executive, amongst other things.

6. Maleek Berry Grabbing our attention with his production of Sinzu’s Carolina back then, Maleek Berry has not relented in giving Nigerian music lovers what they want…good music! From Wizkid’s Lagos to Soweto to Banky W’s All for You, Wande Coal’s Kilaju, Plan B and Baby Hello, as well as Sinzu’s Shine and Mallek Berry’s own single Boogie Down featuring Wizkid, the producer who is signed unto Starboy Entertainment hasn’t failed us, yet.

The Good Wife Are you a fan of legal thrillers? Then, this is the show for you. The Good Wife focuses on Alicia Florrick, whose husband Peter Florrick (a former Cook County state’s attorney), has been jailed following a very public sex and corruption scandal. After having spent the previous 13 years as a stayat-home mother, Alicia returns to her old job as a litigator to provide for her two children. The series was also partly inspired by the Eliot Spitzer prostitution scandal.

The Good Wife has received universal critical acclaim. The Atlantic said that

the show “is delivering the best drama on network television”.

Time referred to it as “the best thing on TV outside cable”.

Esquire reviewed The Good Wife as “The best show on television right now”.

TV critic Emily Nussbaum of The New Yorker compared Alicia Florrick, the show’s protagonist, to Walter White of Breaking Bad. The New York Times says that The Good Wife “stands out among newer fall shows” and that it is “miles ahead of anything else that’s on at the moment”.

movie review

Half of A Yellow Sun Genre Romantic Drama Director Biyi Bandele Year 2014 Biyi Bandele’s Half of A Yellow Sun attempts to tell a love story with the back-drop of the Biafran war.

It’s difficult to tell if we are watching the edited version in Nigeria, but his adaptation of the novel leaves anyone who knows good stuff yearning for more – more love, more

war and more emotion. It did seem like some of the foreign actors came on set to look pretty, recite lines and pack up their bags. The Nigerian cast fare better. The music, set design and costume all score big points but don’t make up for the predictable screenplay and unexciting directing.

— Reviewed by Isabella Akinseye of nollysilverscreen.com

group EDITOR Lerato Miriam Umah REPORTERS Abisola Alawode, Patience Ivie Ihejirika DESIGN & LAYOUT Chukwudi J. Nwabueze, Iniobong Ekong

ACTING EDITOR Hassan Gimba Ahmed

Founder Sam Nda-Isaiah Chairman Hajiya Ireti Kingibe GRP MANAGING DIRECTOR Azubuike Ishiekwene GRP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS Michael Okpere, Dr. Kazeem Durodoye

Your weekly ESSENTIALS is filled with exclusive interviews, amazing articles from guest columnists and contributors.

COLUMNS /27

August 15, 2014

‘I Can Do All Music Genres’

By ABISOLA ALAWODE

1 2 3

Why did you opt for the name ‘Payroll’?

True, my name is Payroll. The idea came on when we were in school and, being an IT specialist, I want it to reflect in all I do; hence, the name.

What would you call your current genre of music? Afro Hip-hop. But, trust me, I can do all

genres.

What are the challenges you've faced as a musician in the Nigerian music industry?

I have experienced loads of ups and downs, as well as disappointments. When you don't know the right people, you get ignored. But then, you just have to work your way so that they cannot ignore you anymore. Sometimes, it is rough because you never know if things will quite work out the way you hope them to. But then you remember "no pain, no gain" and that every ‘down’ leads to an up. I'm very happy with everything and it makes me a stronger person.

4

Tell us more about your debut single VIP and your plans for an album…

Within the next five years, Payroll wants to be a house-hold name. How does he hope to do this?

He tells ABISOLA ALAWODE more.

Well, the concept for this track was inspired after I had an opportunity to attend a ‘VIP’ party in Lagos. I decided to turn everything I saw and observed into music, in order to inspire people who have never been accorded special privileges. An album? Nope. I am just focusing on promoting my debut single for now. The production of an album will come right after that.

5 6 7 8

What do you think should be done to improve the standard of Nigerian music?

The importance of music cannot be over-emphasised in contemporary Nigerian society. Our censor board should use the powers conferred on it to regulate and determine the types of songs and videos which should be sold in the market or released for public consumption.

Do you have any infuences?

Plenty of them.

Can you mention them, both locally and internationally?

Internationally, Akon, Diddy, Usher, Rihanna and Michael Jackson have influenced my singing. Locally, I have been influenced by Fela Kuti, 2Face, P-Square, D’banj, Don Jazzy, Iyanya, Tiwa Savage, Ebenezer Obey, Sunny Ade and Wasiu Ayinde K1.

The importance of music cannot be overemphasised in contemporary Nigerian society

Are there any artistes you would like to collaborate with? If yes, who and why?

(Laughs out loud) Yes, I will like to collaborate with D’banj, Don Jazzy, Davido, WizKid, Iyanya, Tiwa Savage, Tuface, Seyi Shay, Olamide, Wande Coal or Reminisce.

I think they know how to make good music. I hope they read this and call me (more laughter).

9 10 11 12

Payroll

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

I think I see myself on top of my career and also as a role model.

What is your ultimate goal as an artiste?

My Ultimate goal is for my music to have some form of global exposure. Also, I want to be able to put a smile on a boy or girl's face and know that I have made their life change for better.

Any advice to your colleagues?

For those at the top of the game, support and encourage young talents, because the person you take for granted today may turn out to be the person you need tomorrow. For upcoming artistes, stay true to yourself and know what kind of artist you want to be. Know what your message is and know [that] it is a lot of hard work.

And for your fans?

You know some friends; you only see them when the sun shines. My fans sustained me even in dark days. They are my soldiers of love. I owe them everything.

To be without a friend is to be poor indeed.

― Tanzanian proverb

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August 15, 2014

DR. IBRAHIM SHEMA’S FORWARD LOOKING DEVELOPMENT STRIDES IN KATSINA STATE Shema’s strides in girl child education and child development (f ) To perform such other functions as may be incidental to children development, welfare and education.

In pursuance to the above objectives, as provided by the edict establishing the Department, the following policies/programmes were adopted: FEMALE TEACHER’S TRAINEE SPECIAL SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME AT ISA KAITA COLLEGE OF EDuCATION DuTSIN-MA

DR. IBRAHIM SHEMA

Executive Governor, Katsina State

T

o demonstrate commitment to addressing girl child education and importantly ensure the building of a conducive environment for child development, the administration of Governor Shema established the first ever Department of Girl Child Education and Child Development.

Established through a legal notice (No. 16 Vol.9) of 30th December 2008, the office has been mandated to discharge the following functions:(a) Cordinating assistance for children in distress and vulnerable members of the society. (b) Co-coordinating the activities of NonGovernmental organizations related to children welfare. (c) Collaborating with Governmental and Non-Governmental Agencies on Child trafficking; (d) Overseeing Girl Child Education, Child Development and Welfare. (e) Overseeing Children’s Home and Children’s Park.

PAYMENT OF FEMALE TEACHER TRAINEE SPECIAL SCHOLLARSHIP SCHEME (FTTSS) ALLOWANCE AT ISA KAITA COLLEGE OF EDUCATION DUTSINMA

The Scheme was introduced to promote the provision of female NCE Teachers to state primary schools, hence Girls from poor families in rural areas were selected for the programme, each beneficiary female teacher trainee is given the sum of N50,000 naira annually ( NCE. I, II and III) for registration, educational materials and general upkeep, so that at the end of their training the beneficiaries are bonded to return to their communities to teach, thereby:(a) Serving as role model. (b) Increasing the number of qualified female teachers in rural schools. (c) Make rural schools Girl – Child friendly. (d) Increase enrolment, Improve attendance as well as improve completion and transition rates. It should be noted that, this pogramme is carried out in collaboration with uNICEF whereby, Katsina State Government provides Eighty Percent (80%) while uNICEF provides Twenty percent (20%). From the year 2008/2014 a total number of 2,946 candidates benefited from the scheme.

CONDITIONAL CASH TRANSFER (CCT) PROGRAMME The Conditional cash transfer (CCT) proramme is an international welfare programme that originated from Latin America and is currently operated in more than 30 countries in the world.

It is designated to offer cash assistance to less privilege girls in primary school especially the rural poor and other vulnerable persons that are identified to be eligible and that fulfill certain

REPRESENTATIVE OF CCT BENEFICIARY MOTHER VOICING THEIR APPRECIATION TO GOV. SHEMA OVER THE CCT PROGRAMME

conditions as specified in the objectives of the programme.

It was designed to increase the level of enrolment of girls in school and their retention until graduation, as well as reduce the poverty level of benefiting families.

Katsina State Government is the main financer of the programme in the state. Technical, moral and financial support is enjoyed from organizations like uNICEF, MDG, WORLD BANK and other stake holders.

The programme is being operated in 9 local government areas out of the 34 LGAs in the state. The local Governments are:- Kaita , Jibia, Dutsin-ma in (Katsina Zone), Kusada, Mashi, Sandamu in (Daura Zone), Musawa, Bakori, Sabuwa in (Funtua Zone).

125 Primary schools are involved in the programme. 9059 beneficiaries girls are enrolled into the programme and they received N5,000.00 each, after every three months. A girl is entitled to receive (through her mother).

The beneficiary must score 80% attendance in the school in three months to qualify for next payment.

The CCT programme implementation unit has so far successfully disbursed 6 cash transfers and 15 rounds of mandatory monitoring, while the 7th cash transfer will commence after the monitoring.

It is worthy to note that, at the inception of the programme, uNICEF engaged the services of a resident consultant, Ayala consulting, Equador, (North America) who helped in laying solid foundation for effective and successful implementation of the programme in the state. uNICEF contributed in the areas of training and other consultancy services.

Also that, there is currently a plan to scale up the programme to cover all the 34 Local Government Areas in the state, as well as extend the programme to junior secondary schools (to complete basic education circle) in the

MDG REPRESENTATIVE WITNESSING CONDITIONAL CASH T TRANSFER PROGRAMME FOR GIRLS EDUCATION (CCT) CASH TRANSFER AT BAKORI LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN LIMAN PRIMARY SCHOOL

state. Presently 6 successful cash transfers had been made, while7,8 and 9 cash transfers and 6 mandatory monitoring were conducted.

Three zonal dissemination of CCT programme meetings with stake holders were conducted in the three senatorial zones i.e. Daura Zone, in Daura, Katsina Zone in Dutsin-ma and Funtua Zone in Faskari, in 2013.

The Stake holders include Department of Girl Child Education, uNICEF, Local Education Secretaries, Parents, Head teachers, Field Officers, SBMCs, Community, Religious and Traditional Leaders.

The Department maintains Katsina Children’s Home were abandoned children’s lost and found, Children’s of mentality retarded parents e.t.c are maintained, some of the children are given out to foster parents after due necessary formalities.

It should be noted that, so far 37 grown up children from the home were given out to District Heads in the 2 emirate councils in the state i.e Katsina and Daura to serve as their guardians.

Furthermore, three numbers of female orphans were given out in marriage and the state government shouldered full responsibility of the marriage, while two number male orphans were married out.

Also to be noted, this Department shouldered the responsibility of these children education i.e Nursery, Primary, Secondary, Apprenticeship, Skill Acquisition, Tertiary and university education.

In the same vein this Department assists orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) across the state by providing educational materials, food, medicine and clothing support from 2009 to date.

The Department also has an Advisory Standing committee on children’s home which is chaired

by Her Excellency the wife of the Executive Governor, while the membership of the committee includes the Special Adviser on girl child education and child development,

HER EXCELLENCY WITNESSING A CASH TRANSFER AND PRESENTING A CASH TRANSFER AT DUTSINMA IN DABAWA PRIMARY SCHOOL

the representative of lined ministries and other Department and the representatives of the emirs of Katsina and Daura, others are Dr. Halima Y Adamu, Alhaji Ladan Wapa The committee is charged with the responsibility of policy matters of the children’s home.

Interestingly, the Department also provides educational and nutritional support and has provided nutritional and educational support to over 400 orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) drawn from the 34 Local Government Areas in the State.The beneficiaries were recommended/ selected by the District Heads who are closer to the communities.

The items provided includes set of school uniforms, school bags, clothes, food items e.g Maize, beans, rice and palm oil.

The Department also organizes holiday camp, for girls aged between 11-15 years, drawn from the 34 local government areas across the state, the aim of the programme is to motivate and build their self-esteem towards contributing positively to their families, communities and National Development, in this regard 250 girls are camped for 5 days mostly in the month of December. During the camping these children were trained on skills acquisition such as bags and shoe making, tailoring, catering, food preservation, tie and dye, detergent making, room freshener e.t.c. Religious lessons, hygiene, guidance and counseling. Also the children are taken for excursion e.g. visits to Government House, State House of Assembly, umar Musa Yar’adua university, umaru Musa Yar’adua International Airport, Yusuf Bala usman college of Legal Studies Daura, Katsina and Daura Emirate councils. During the excursion these children especially are opportune to see important places allowed to ask questions.

At the end of the camping the children are provided with trolley bags containing wrappers, make-up kits, sweater, Hijab, Religious and educational text books including documents (paper presented).

The Department conducted step down training on the new OVC management information system and monitoring national policy agenda on OVC in katsina state, which was adopted by the Federal Government. The stake holders are NGOs related to OVC, Local Government Social Welfare Officers etc.

INTERGRATED QUR’ANIC EDUCATION In the year 2010 this department provided learning and instructional materials to 414 selected Integrated Qur’anic Schools across the state, in the same vain the Department conducted sensitization for operators of IQE centers in the state as well as capacity building for IQE Facilitators.

SOME BENEFICIARIES OF THE CONDITIONAL CASH TRANSFRER CCT PROGRAMME

ADVISER ON GIRL CHILD BILKISU KAIKAI PRESENTING CASH TO BENEFICIARIES OF CCT PROGRAMME

STEP DOWN TRAINING

A CROSS SECTION OF MOTHERS WHOSE DAUGTHERS BENEFITS FROM CCT AIMED AT ENCOURAGING ENROLMENT RETENTION AND COMPLETION IN SCHOOLS

FRIDAY EXTRA August 15, 2014

The New Yam festival of the Igbo (Igbo: Iwa ji, Iri ji or Ike ji, depending on dialect) is an annual harvest festival by the Igbo people held at the end of the rainy season in early August.

The Iwa ji festival (literally “new-yam eating”)is practiced throughout West Africa (especially in Nigeria and Ghana) and other African countries and beyond, symbolizing the conclusion of a harvest and the beginning of the next work cycle. The celebration is a very culturally based occasion, tying individual Igbo communities together as essentially agrarian and dependent on yam.

Yams are the first crop to be harvested, and are the most important crop of the region. The evening prior to the day of the festival, all old yams (from the previous year’s crop) are consumed or discarded. The next day, only dishes of yam are served, as the festival is symbolic of the abundance of the produce.

Traditionally, the role of eating the first yam is performed by the oldest man in the community or the king (igwe). This man also offers the yams to god, deities and ancestors. It is believed that their position bestows the privilege of being intermediaries between their communities and the gods of the land. The rituals are meant to express the gratitude of the community to the gods for making the harvest possible, and they are widely followed despite more modern changes due to the influence of Christianity in the area.

The day is symbolic of enjoyment after the cultivation season, and the plenty is shared with friends and wellwishers.A variety of festivities mark the eating of new yam. Folk dances, masquerades, parades, and parties create an experience that some participants characterize as “art”; the colorful festival is a spectacle of exhibited joy, thanks, and community display.

Palm oil (mmanu nri) is used to eat the yam. Iwa ji also shares some similarities with the Asian Mid-Autumn Festival, as both are based on the cy-

INSIDE

Cutting the precious yam tubers to pieces

By Williams Orji

Roasted yam tubers are commonly used for the festival

New Yam: Unifying Symbol Of Ndi Igbo cles of the moon and are essentially community harvest.

IT’S SIGNIFICANCE TO THE IGBO CULTURE One who does not understand the festival may think, “What real significance does the new yam hold? Why is it so important to celebrate its harvest?”

The coming of the new yam is very symbolic. For the Igbos, this is a period of great joy, celebration and thanksgiving for a fruitful yield and a period to reflect on the hard work (or lack of it) put in by the people within the community that season and its eventual results.

All over the world, Igbo’s still hold

Pouring libation to the gods for a good harvest

the celebration of the New Yam festival close to their hearts. In any country where there is an organized union of the Igbo tribe, the festivities that are associated with the coming of the New Yam are celebrated with the greatest enthusiasm. Here the new yam serves as a bond for the Igbos. It is like the proverbial umbilical cord that draws the people of Igboland together. Over time, it has proven to be one ceremony that brings all Igbos together regardless of certain traditional, cultural and language differences that would have otherwise been an obstacle to tighter relations. It is a unifying element and will remain so for as long as time and fate will allow.

Yam generally is a major staple food for most people in Nigeria and other countries. In the South East on the other hand, yam most especially the new yam has come to mean a lot of things to the people of this geographical zone.

It is symbol of new beginnings, bountiful celebrations and long lasting brotherly bond. Like the birth of a new born baby, its coming is a thing of elation and gladness to the entire community, a sign that promises a fresh start not just for farmers but for everyone who shares in the joys the new yam brings.

Best Places to for... Digging For Fossils Big Questions & Answers nobel ultimate top list Why... answers to scientific questions

30 FRIDAY EXTRA/Best places to find...

August 15, 2014

Main Courses

I have a general rule about travel and restaurants: I don’t have a favourite restaurant; I have favourite dishes at individual restaurants. There’s no better way to get to know a destination than to fall in love with one signature dish everywhere you go. So I’m guilty as charged.

Signature Dishes Appetizers

B

read is something that is usually overlooked by many restaurants, and by customers as well, but not by me. The bread served at A Figueira Rubaiyat in Sao Paulo, Brazil, is nothing short of xtraordinary. The food at this restaurant is great, but the bread is the best.

It’s a chewy, rich interpretation of piio de queijo, Brazil’s famous cheese bread.

How many times have you been warned by your mother (or a close friend) not to “fill up” on bread and ruin your appetite?

This Brazilian restaurant is the exception to that rule ignore the admonition, and

please fill up. For me, Indian food is all about the naan and the appetizers.

We’re talking about something called chaat, or savory Indian street snacks. In Cape Town, South Africa, go to the Bombay Brasserie inside the Taj Hotel. Don’t worry about the entrees. Ask for the bhalla chaat, which is made of soft lentil dumplings in yogurt with sweet mango relish.

In Washington, DC, Rasika serves the best garlic naan with herbs, and its signature dish is palak chaat-crispy baby spinach, sweet yogurt, tamarind, and date chutney. And if you don’t order seconds

(my bet is that you will), then move on to a main dish 0 tandoori salmon, made with organic Scottish salmon, cinnamon, and black pepper.

The best tapas can be found in a place called El Carajo, located in a decidedly unsexy part of Miami. This place looks like 7-Eleve merged with a liquor store and a gas station. In fact, it is a wine store and, yes, you can also buy motor oil and a spare battery. But you really go there for the tapas. Try the coquetas de bacalao (codfish croquettes) or the amazing pulpo a la gallega (octopus Galician style from northwest Spain).

Like a hearty breakfast with every single possible option? Then try Hash House a Go Go in Las Vegas. It’s not on the Strip, and it will take you a little while by cab to get there. It’s also not open 24 hours a day, which is a rarity in Sin City. Breakfast is served starting at 7:30 a.m. As its name implies, this place is hash and more hash, ranging from roasted chicken hash to corned beef hash to smoked salmon hash to japalefio hash. And don’t forget its signature griddled meat loaf with smoked mozzarella. The portions, I should caution you, are huge.

The best steak tartare is in Paris, of course. And the best steak tartare in Paris can be found at a egendary place that hasn’t changed in more than a hundred years: Brasserie Lipp, on boulevard Saint-Germain (walking distance to the Musee d’Orsay). This is the classic preparation, made tableside in the most traditional manner yr Nw.ila-chateau.comllipp. When you think of pizza, about the very last place you’d imagine finding the best is in Switzerland. But that’s where it is, in the Engadin region-more specifically, St. Moritz. What mountains! What lakes! What pizza! Head up the mountain (Corviglia) on the ski lift to the top. When you get to 8,000 feet, that’s where you’ll find Mathis Food Affairs. It looks like any other mountaintop ski restaurant, but owner Reto Mathis, who is a legend in the region, disabuses you of that notion the minute you sit down. It’s okay to look at the menu, which boasts contemporary alpine cuisine, but only order the pizza. Important note: It’s not called pizza; it’s actually a tarte flambee, or a flammkueche, an old Alsatian specialty. It’s made with an extremely thin and crispy dough, topped with fromage blanc (ricotta), and then layered with raw onion rings, bacon strips, Brie, and coarsely grated Fontina. It’s baked very hot, at 300 degrees Celsius (!) for about 2 minutes. Then Reto adds shaved truffles and truffle oil. I always order two, and if a friend goes with me, I order three. I won’t share.

When it comes to food and wine, stop.

Do not pass Go. Head directly to an airport and fly to Cape Town, South Africa, and the tasting room at Le Quartier Francais in Franschhoek. Owner Sus an Huxter has a menu that you can only dream about (after you leave and, of course, before your return visit). The wine pairings are phenomenal, and there is no one best dish. Surrender your plans and have Susan order for you.

Argentina is a beef-oriented country. The dollar is still king there, which means you can dine like one and walk out of the restaurant with your wallet as full as your stomach.

When dining in a Buenos Aires steakhouse, don’t expect to get out before midnight-and only after dining on platter after platter of top-quality cuts of meat, to the point that you might wonder if you just ate a whole cow. Skirt steak, in particular, comes from the belly of the cow. It’s an inexpensive cut, tougher than many other cuts, which makes it prime for lllarinating and braising.

The old saying that “success breeds success” has something to it. It’s that feeling of confidence that can banish negativity and procrastination and get you going the right way. Donald Trump, American business magnate, author and TV personality

FRIDAY EXTRA 31

August 15, 2014

Street Food

PORTLAND The Pacific Northwest is home to high-quality local ingredients, and Portland is a food-obsessed city. The result? A glut of specialty food carts selling everything from Cuban fare to crepes.

What sets these vendors apart from other cities is that they tend to stay in one place in rented spaces, with more than two dozen lots scattered throughout the city. Just keep in mind that due to the weather, many carts close up for the winter. Your best bet is to check for the latest news in food carts throughout Portland.

Join the late-night scene at Hawthorne and SE 12th, where Whiffies serves up fried pies, both savory and sweet, from barbecue beef brisket to a Mounds bar-inspired confection with coconut cream and chocolate chips.

The Mississippi Marketplace, at North Mississippi and Skid more

Seafood

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ever underestimate the quality and inventiveness of the menu at small American strip mall restaurants. In Juno Beach, Florida, I found one that serves the best tuna on the planet and in the most inventive way. The place is called Captain Charlie’s Reef Grill, and it’s located in a strip mall so tiny that it’s easy to miss (drive on Highway 1 and look for an interior design store and a fire station). Folks (myself included) will drive more than an hour to get there, just to stand in line for 45 minutes waiting for a table. What’s even more amazing is the menu-handwritten and photocopied each day on three legal-size pages.

The entree and appetizer creations number in the dozens, and how they manage this menu in such a small place is still baffling.

But one thing on that menu stands out and is a local favorite: peppered tuna medallions with blueberry teri- yaki sauce. Doesn’t sound great, until you put it in your mouth and find yourself unabashedly ordering seconds.

How about the best grouper in the world?

Desserts

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irinda sutlac is a creamy rice dish from Istanbul that is vastly different (most say superior) from American rice pudding. It dates back to royal kitchens of the Ottoman Empire and can be found in pudding shops and restaurants all over Turkey. The best rice pudding in Istanbul is in a small restaurant called Tarihi Subasi Lokantas, near the famed covered bazaar.

When you get to the covered bazaar main entrance, do not go inside; instead, turn right and walk to the end of the block.

You’ll find the restaurant on your right.

The word tarihi means historic, and this rice pudding, which is torched on the top (much like the better creme brulees) is epic. I don’t go to Istanbul without stopping there. Twice.

For chocolate mousse, there is absolutely no comparison. I travel at least once a year for my chocolate mousse fix at a little restaurant in Lisbon called Papa Acorda, in the Alfama District. Make sure your hotel concierge gets you an exact address for the place and a map, because many cab drivers don’t even know about it. And be prepared to eat a lot of chocolate mousse.

It’s at Laurel’s Restaurant and Bar in St. Lucia. Here, there are only about six tables and a small bar. Talk about the catch of the day: It’s great every day. The shrimp and the chicken are also excellent, but when you order the grouper, they throw it in the pan and make culinary magic right in front of you, since the kitchen is about 5 feet away.

The restaurant isn’t easy to find in the Bois d’Orange section of Quarter of Gros-Isletthere are no street signs or lights. So get them on the phone and have them direct the cab driver.

My pick for the best sushi might surprise a lot of my sushi-snob friends. I’m not picking Nobu in New York (although their black cod is amazing). There are two great sushi experiences: The first are the sushi stalls right next to the Central Fish Market in Tokyo. Go to the fish auction there around 4:30 a.m. each day. The auction ends just before 6 a.m., and that’s when you walk about a hundred feet to anyone of a half dozen or so sushi stalls with the freshest fish ever.

Strange as it may seem, nothing beats incredible eel rolls at 6:15 in the morning.

At Papa Acorda, it’s not just how good the mousse is, but how much there is. You won’t be served in a small pudding dish or an even smaller champagne glass. At Papa Acorda, the server brings an empty dinner plate to your table. Soon after, a waiter appears behind you with a very large bowl and an oversize serving spoon, and simply holds the bowl while you dig deep and serve yourself as much as you want. Okay, you’ve been warned!

Lebanese hanefi is dessert is made of a layer of shredded dough and a layer of cheese stuffed inside a dough with sesame seeds. You can find it all over Lebanon.

But a little closer to home, you can find an outstanding version of it at Tanoreen Restaurant in Brooklyn’s Bay Ridge neighborhood. Knafeh, as they spell it, is their signature dessert. The shredded dough is stuffed with two kinds of sweet cheese, topped with pistachios and homemade syrup flavored with orange and rose water. It takes 15 minutes to make, and it’s served fresh and hot. (While you’re there, be sure to try chef-owner Rawia Bishara’s eggplant dishes for which she’s renowned.)

Street in North Portland, has 10,000 square feet of space loaded with carts, including the Big Egg, which focuses entirely on break-fast using cage-free, organic eggs.

On SE 43rd and Belmont, the Good Food Here hosts nearly 20 carts, including a local favorite, the Sugar Cube where chef-owner Kir Jensen makes every gourmet cupcake, milkshake, and smoothie inside her 8- by 14-foot cart.

LOS ANGELES Street food has long been a part of Los Angeles’s food culture in the form oftaco trucks. But the concept of gourmet trucks went mainstream in LA with the Kogi barbecue to-go truck, which brought Korean-Mexican fusion to the streets. From there was an explosion of gourmet eats. The Grilled Cheese Truck has one of the best things you can get: the cheesy mac and rib sandwich.

Most Expensive Cuisine

FleurBurger 5000 is a $5,000 burger at Fleur by Hubert Keller restaurant at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. The burger is made with Wagyu beef and topped with foie gras, truffle sauce, and shaved black truffles on a brioche. But that’s not aLL: It’s served with a 1995 Chateau Petrus from Bordeaux in Italian stemware that will be shipped to your home.

Nino’s Positano Pizza in New York can create a caviar pizza for $1,000 (that’s $125 a slice, if you’re counting). The crust is topped with creme fraiche, four different types of caviar, sliced Lobster tail, and salmon roe, and drizzled with wasabi sauce. Not surprisingly, this pizza has to be ordered 24 hours in advance. Norma’s restaurant dares you to choose its Zillion Dollar Lobster Frittata inside Le Parker Meridien Hotel in New York. This supersize dish is made with six eggs, roasted Maine Lobster tail, and 10 ounces of caviar, for a grand total of $1,000.

On the Upper East Side of New York, Serendipity 3’s Frrrozen Haute Chocolate goes for a whopping $25,000. Made with 28 types of cocoa, including some of the most expensive types from South America and South Africa, the hot beverage is infused with 0.2 ounce of edible gold and topped with whipped cream, more edible gold, and shavings of the world’s most expensive chocolate truffle from La Madeline au Truffe. Don’t worry, you won’t be Left empty-handed once the drink is gone. You also get an 18-karat gold bracelet with diamonds and the diamond-encrusted gold goblet and spoon that it’s served in.

The founder of Three Twins Ice Cream, NeaL GottLieb, is so invested in his certified organic ice cream that he’ll personally deliver 100 pints to you (almost) anywhere in the United States for the cool price of $3,333.33. Visit the store at Oxbow Public Market in Napa, California, you’ve got even more options: The World’s Most Expensive Ice Cream Sundae is $3,333.33-a banana split made with syrups from three rare dessert wines (a 1960s vintage port, a Chateau D’Yquem, and a German Trockenbeerenauslese), served with an ice-cream spoon from the 1850s. Order it a day ahead and it will come with a performance by a cellist. If you’ve got $60,000 to spend, go for the World’s More Most Expensive Ice Cream Sundae: It comes with first-class airfare to Tanzania, where you’ll climb Mount Kilimanjaro with Gottlieb and he’ll hand-churn a batch of ice cream made with glacial ice from the summit.

First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.

Epictetus, Greek Stoic Philosopher

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THE ELECTABLES The best among Nigeria’s politicians; the best among those who aspire for political and elective office; the most popular candidates; the traiblazers; Nigeria ‘s most presentable candidates and those who have the vision and sense of mission to lead.

This is a must read!

SEN. BARNABAS GEMADE

DR. RABI’U MUSA KWANKWASO

NURUDEEN ABATEMI - USMAN

DAVID SABO KENTE

SALE SAHABI

Watch Out For The Next Edition...

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SPECIAL PROJECTS PUBLICATION

PROJECT DIRECTOR: ABDULMUMIN S. BALOGUN COPY EDITOR: OSIGBESAN S. LUQMAN CREATIVE MANAGER: CHUKS NWABUEZE

INQUIRIES: 08069727798

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August 15, 2014

THE ELECTABLES DR. RABI’U MUSA KWANKWASO Trust Personified

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Leadership is lifting a person’s vision to high sights, the raising of a person’s performance to a higher standard, the building of a personality beyond its normal limitations. Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.

- Peter Drucker

This is what is portrayed in Kwankwaso and his administration.

This initiative was set since his first administration and because of good intention to lead with sincerity, to translate vision into reality, he kept on, determined to live up to expectation.

The focus of the great achiever and pacesetter’s administration was to give much priority to areas of continuity on physical and human development, sociopolitical development, education, good governance, health, infrastructure, women and youth empowerment.

The vision of Dr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso is for those who seek eternal happiness and the true meaning of life for the people hoping for the emergence of an ideological reformer, a saviour of a well-focused generation that will shape the course of humanity. It must be stated that his achievements are so legendary and unequalled which need all support.

We have seen the importance of a better choice for qualitative leadership. Kano people have made a great choice, which aimed to strive more assertively and dynamically for a better service delivery. People’s confidence in this trait and better choice is now being seen everywhere. He is unique, many people believed that was the best dividends of democracy they had ever enjoyed because there was availability of pipe-borne water in the cities and villages, proper maintenance of infrastructure and good funding of education.

Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso was born in Madobi Local Government Area on October21, 1956.

He started Islamic school at the age of four and later enrolled in a Western education program in 1962. He obtained both his National Diploma and Higher National Diploma in Civil Engineering from Kaduna Polytechnic.

After a stint with the Kano State Government as an artisan craftsman, he went to the United Kingdom for further education in Middlesex Polytechnic from 1982 - 1983, Loughborough University, 1983 - 1985, and University of Nottingham, 1987 - 1991.

Intermittently, he attended some certificate courses at Derby National Water Council in 1982, Derby Water

Industrial Training in 1985 and London Industrial Water Training in 1985.

He bagged a Doctor of Science (Hons) from University of Maiduguri and was awarded a Doctor of Science and International Relations (Honoris Causa) for his contributions to public service by the Crescent University (University of Islamic Mission for Africa), Abeokuta, Nigeria in September 2012.

Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso worked with the Kano State Government for 17 years and rose through the cadres of the civil service to the rank of Principal Engineer.

In 1992, he left the state civil service and vied for election into the House of Representatives and was elected as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. In 1994, he was elected as a delegate to the Constitutional Conference.

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In 1999, he was elected as the Executive Governor of Kano State under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and served a four-year term from 1999 - 2003. He sought re-election and lost to Ibrahim Shekarau of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP).

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Kwankwaso was appointed Minister of Defence for the Federal Republic of Nigeria from 2003 - 2006 and was appointed a Special Adviser to the President on Dafur and Somalia in 2006 - 2007. He was later appointed as the Representative of the North-West geo-political zone in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NNDC) from 2009 - 2010.

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Gov. Kwankwaso staged a come-back eight years after vacating Government House, Kano, with a political ideology known as the Kwankwasiyya Movement, and was massively re-elected as governor of Kano State in 2011.

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To Kwankwaso’s ideology, a politician or public office seeker must have material contentment outside politics, or else he will fall to the temptation of embezzlement and mismanagement of public funds. He respects the following by what is seen in his decisions and actions in government.

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Fully democratic government, one that is of the people, by the people, and for the people.

A government should listen to its citizens, and consults them before taking major decisions.

A government should be open, honest and transparent in its dealings, and provides regular feedbacks to the society.

A government should be fully competent, informed, professional and protective, from top to the lowest staff A government should be stable and secured.

GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS OF KWANKWASO ADMINISTRATION IN THREE YEARS: 1. Transparent and dynamic leadership 2. Budget discipline and avoiding deficit 3. The 75% capital expenditure in the budget of 2013/2014 4. Blocking all ways of corruption and cheating in government system

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The establishment of two universities in Kano State (University of Science and Technology Wudil and the Northwest University Kano) The establishment of craft schools in all the 44 local government areas in Kano State The establishment of schools for Arabic studies in all the 44 local government areas in Kano State The establishment of 24 institutions of learning that will cater for the youths in the state The massive allocation of 10,000.00 Naira to rural women (hundreds of thousands) as capital to engage in small-scale occupation that will alleviate poverty in the state.

The establishment of model governor’s college for the first time in the state and another governor’s college at Jakara area of Kano and.

The First Lady’s college for girls at Magwan area of Kano state The total redesigning of Kano State.

Two international standard flyovers for the first time in metropolitan area of Kano State.

The Jakara drainage system that gulped 8.7 billion Naira (the largest capital project ever within Kano municipality and environs).

The sponsoring of 501 postgraduate students abroad to expand their level of education and expose to the world that Kano State has come of age in terms of western education.

The sponsoring Medical students, Pilots and Marines in different parts of higher institutions of the world The establishment of hundreds of primary and secondary schools in all the locations of Kano State The introduction of feeding to all pupils in our primary schools.

The establishment of ultra-modern new cities in Kano State: Amana, Bandirawo and Kwankwasiyya The establishment of sports complex at K/Naisa The total redesigning and renovation of government house for the first time since 1967 The establishment of Kano Road Traffic Authority (KAROTA) that will be enhancing traffic flow in Kano State The standardizing and stabilizing electricity within Kano and environs for security and beautification The establishment of many new hospitals/clinics across the State The 5km dualised road projects with street lights in all the 44 local government headquarters of the state The provision of free education at all levels in Kano State The bilingual school established in Niger Republic The provision of clean water in Kano city and all the local government areas The establishment of new schools of Nursing and Midwifery in Madobi and Gezawa LGs Another 1.7 km flyover along M/Mohammed way Establishment of an lndependent State electric energy Solving the problems of Almajiri imbroglio in Kano State.

Arranging and sponsoring marriages of more than 2000 divorcees and widows under supervision by State Hisba Board for the first time in the History of Kano.

Expansion of Zaria Road, Gwarzo Road, and Hadejia Road to three lanes.

Completion of Abandoned road projects started by the previous administration (Daula hotel to Hadeja road, Bank Road, Ado Bayero Road by Kwari market).

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Security Training Institute, Driving Institute, Farm Mechanization Institute, Horticulture Institute, Fisheries Institute, Irrigation Institute, Journalism Institute, Entrepreneurship Institute and Reformatory Institutes Institute, among others. The foregoing achievements obviously captured the attention of Senior Staff Union of Colleges of Education in Nigeria to give him a Merit Award in August, 2013 in recognition of his sterling achievements and support to education.

On infrastructural development, three new cities of Kwankwasiyya, Amana and Bandirawo were established with the aim of decongesting the metropolis and providing planned layouts to meet the housing need of the people. The government is also constructing fivekilometre dualised roads with drainages and street lights in each of the 44 local government areas of the state.

Kano’s superimposing flyover built by Kwankwaso at the city centre is a captivating sight. The flyover, which is at about 85 percent completion stage, is the first of its kind in Northern Nigeria. The second flyover, covering more than one kilometer, is already taking shape as construction work takes place day and night.

That Kano State is changing is no longer news. It’s trite.

That Gov. Kwankwaso is working is not only a statement of fact but an understatement. Gov. Kwankwaso is the present day mythical King Midas, who turns around waste to wealth, transforms rubbles to bubbles, theft to thrift, and dysfunctional to functional.

Determination, patriotism and prudence are the linchpins that underpin Kwankwaso’s success, and then draw him accolades from far and near. Predictably, awards come his way, day in day out, in torrents, rings of garlands file everyday on his neck and a deluge of trophies dot every space of his office.

The selection of Gov. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as the co-winner of the Man of the Year award by The Sun newspapers did not come to most of us as a surprise. In view of his unprecedented achievements in the urban and rural renewal, education, healthcare delivery and sports development Gov. Kwankwaso started his second tenure with stopping theft of public funds by canceling the infamous security vote, purging bogus overheads and wedging frivolous expenditure by MDAs. When compared with the monthly recurrent expenditure of the immediate past administration, Kwankwaso saves up to N500 million every month. It was in recognition of his “sound achievements in public financial management, transparency, accountability and respect for the rule of law” that he received an award from MIS Training Institute of Nigeria in May, last year.

Kwankwaso then initiated measures that jerked up the Internally Generated Revenue of the state from N400 million to about N2 billion monthly. In ensuring fiscal discipline, Gov. Kwankwaso was able to make capital expenditure higher than recurrent votes (2012: 63% capital, 37% recurrent; 2013:75% capital, 25% recurrent) and achieved up to 85% budget implementation in 2012 and 2013. He is the first governor to achieve 2:1 ratio in favour of capital vote. This and many other indicators, therefore, prompted the Transparency In Nigeria to select him as Best Governor of the Year in terms of budget discipline.

Education being the focal area of his administration, Kwankwaso ensured that all primary and post-primary schools are renovated, fenced and equipped. He constructed more than 1,600 classrooms and 800 offices.

As a measure to rev up the enrollment level and motivate the pupils, Kwankwaso reintroduced the free feeding and distribution of free sets of uniform for all primary school pupils. The workaholic governor also introduced the establishment of boarding primary schools in each of the Senatorial Zones of the state, converted some abandoned public buildings into standard secondary schools (Governor’s College, GGSS Janbaki and First Lady’s College). No wonder, the National Union of Teachers crowned him Governor of the Year at its 82nd Founders Day in July, 2013.

On tertiary education, he established the first and second state-owned universities; that is the Kano University of Technology, Wudil (in his first tenure) and the North West University in his second tenure.

On foreign scholarships, he has so far sponsored over 2000 students to universities across the world to study Medicine, Nursing, Piloting, Aeronautical Engineering, Pharmacy, and Marine Engineering, etc. Additionally, Gov. Kwankwaso established 23 new training institutes for vocational training and professional development.

They include Film Academy, Sports Institute Corporate

THE ELECTABLES Kwankwaso is being appraised not only for his achievements but for recognizing and acknowledging the inviolable right of the people to access information about the activities and operations of his government with an unparalled accountability and unprecedented consistency.

When a nation that is agonizingly soused in predatory leadership hallows a leader with a messianic potential, it is a way of showing GOD, that we can be appreciative, in case the problem we have as a nation is the pilatic persecution of leaders who could have saved us in the past from our national rot

As obtained in developed climes, pedestrians in Kano walk smoothly by the road as neatly laid interlocking tiles adorn the sidewalk of the roads. Street lights were installed and rehabilitated, ditto the traffic lights on all the major roads to reduce accidents and enhance security of lives and property. Perhaps, the foregoing effectuation prompted the Project Light-Up Nigeria to award him the “Governor with Highest Number of Streetlights” in its Annual Light-Up Awards in 2012.

The Jakara-Kwarin Gogau river, which hitherto served as breeding grounds for vectors and haven for criminals, will no longer bear its features as a standard gauge road with accompanying infrastructure is being constructed atop. Kwankwaso also initiated a 35 Megawatts Independent Power project at Challawa and Tiga Dams and initiated the construction of a metro-line (light train) across the city. Both projects will commence in earnest. These and many more perhaps captured the attention of the National Conference of American Black Mayors to give him an award at its 39th sitting in Atlanta, Georgia, US. Under the present administration, over 620,000 indigenes of Kano were either trained and empowered or sourced employment for. This will positively impact on the lives of estimated three million people. As part of his effort to create jobs and boost economic prosperity, Kwankwaso established 44 Garment industries, one in each of the 44 LGAs of the state. They are currently being constructed alongside 44 Micro Finance Banks in the 44 LGAs of the state to support small and medium scale industries with loans. Gov. Kwankwaso also provided a N1 billion commercial agriculture facility to support commercial farmers and also provide N2 billion loan facility in collaboration with Bank of Industry to support Small Scale Enterprises with soft loans. Therefore, the Award of Excellence in Recognition of his contributions to poverty alleviation and youth empowerment initiative by the Central Bank of Nigeria in 2012 was as deserving as the “Most Outstanding Life Time Achievement Award” for contributions to agriculture, youth and women empowerment, education and socio-economic development by the Nigerian Youth Consultative Forum in June, 2013.

Both lists of the awards and projects are seemingly infinite. Kwankwaso achieves his goals with finesse and governs with passion, stamina and discipline. I believe that if the art of good governance would be co-opted into Ballon d’Or or Grammy Awards, Christiano Ronaldo or Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Bruno Mars and the like may hardly realize their dreams.

Prototype of pedestrian under pass at Gadon Kaya (work in progress)

One of the new fly-overs springing up all over Kano

Luxury Taxis

Every week, this administration publishes in the newspapers the Minutes of its EXCO meetings thus indulging the public with an insight into government operations and decisions on certain issues, projects, programmes and policies. This has been done since inception.

Kwankwaso’s recent identification and alignment with the All Progressives Congress (APC) is not sufficient enough to dismiss the case of identity riddle against him.

His incredible leadership humility and submissiveness is a very strong evidence to show that he is a very strange leader in this nation. It may seem invidious to single out Kwankwaso from the many progressive leaders of worthy exploits.

Prototype of Kwankwasiya City (work in progress).

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THE ELECTABLES SENATOR BARNABAS GEMADE An Icon of Practical Development

in Highways and Transport, and became a member of the Institute of Highways and Transport of the United Kingdom, chartered engineer in 1979 and a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers in 1989 respectively.

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t is an indisputable fact that some people are born great, many achieve greatness while others have greatness thrust on them. And to the minds of most Nigerians, Distinguished Senator Barnabas Gemade, without argument, ranks to the category of those who achieved greatness through hard work propelled by a firm determination to excel naturally. He is a consummate personality that is crowned with the chieftaincy title of the ‘Nom Iyange U Tiv’ literally meaning, the rising Sun of the Tiv nation.

Born at a settlement area of Mkar near Gboko town on 4th September, 1948, Senator Barnabas Andyar Iyorher Gemade hails from Mbawar district of Gaav in Konshisha local government area of Benue State. He attended the then Mkar Demonstration School in 1957 and obtained the First School Leaving Certificate in 1963. The pragmatic Senator Gemade was in 1964 admitted into the prestigious Williams Michael Bristow Secondary School, Gboko, and obtained the West African School Certificate Examination in flying colours. After graduation, he proceeded to Government College, Keffi, where he obtained a Higher School certificate between 1969 and 1970.

Determined to attain greatness, Gemade gained admission into the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1971 to study Civil Engineering and graduated in 1974. He spent the mandatory one year for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Ibadan with the Western Nigeria Housing Corporation as graduate engineer, in 1975.

Gemade studied at the City University, London in 1977 from where he bagged a Masters of Science Degree in Engineering with specialisation

Senator Barnabas Gemade’s working experience began with Etteh Aro and Partners, an engineering consulting firm as senior manager in Jos and Kaduna offices in 1978 to 1979. He served as site engineer with Carl Ploetner Nigeria Limited from 1979 to 1980, then left and co- founded Sam Barns and Partners, a firm of consulting engineers with head office in Jos. It was here that Gemade was invited to take up appointment as Deputy Managing Director of Benue Cement Company, Gboko, and in 1987, due to his display of high quality managerial skills, he was promoted to Managing Director and Chief Executive of the company, thus becoming its first indigenous Managing Director.

Confirming the wise saying that gold fish has no hiding place, Gemade’s impeccable credentials attracted the then military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida to appoint him as Minister of Works and Housing. He later served in the short-lived Ernest Shonekan interim national government as secretary of the same ministry in 1993.

His Political Towering Profile The political glare of the astute Senator Gemade came to the fore when he proved his worth having been an outstanding delegate to the national constitutional conference of 1994. He was among those who founded Congress for National Consensus (CNC) in 1996 and was the first national treasurer of the party and later its national chairman in 1997. Gemade was among the political bigwigs that formed the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and has remained a member of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the party since 1998 till date. He was a member of the presidential policy advisory committee to President Olusegun Obasanjo and chairman, social infrastructure sub-committee in 1999.

In 1999 , Chief Barnabas Gemade was elected National Chairman of the PDP and in 2003, he sought the party’s presidential ticket which he lost to the then incumbent President Obasanjo.

He was elected to the National Political Reform

Conference in 2005 and was made chairman of the editorial committee.

Chief Gemade contested the Senate seat of the Benue North-East in 2011 and won the juicy political position in a landslide. At the National Assembly, he is the Chairman, Senate Committee on National Planning, Economic Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, member Senate Committee on Environment, that of Works and Police affairs, as well as Committee on Privatization and Constitutional Review Committee. He has sponsored several bills and motions on the floor of the National Assembly.

Senator Gemade has worked tremendously in transforming the lives of the people within the zone and has completed the construction of modern classroom blocks with VIP toilets in the various local governments of the senatorial district. He has donated computers to schools and has within three years disbursed scholarships to over 500 students of Benue North East senatorial district origin and other parts of the state, boosted the health care delivery system by equipping general hospitals within the zone with modern health facilities worth millions of naira, and has supplied electrical transformers to more than 16 communities within the zone.

Through his water scheme, ranging from motorized boreholes, solar boreholes and hand pump boreholes, Gemade has provided water in about 52 communities. He has constructed several urban and rural roads and recently led the Minister of Works, Arc. Mike Onolememen to flag-off the construction of Manyam-UshongoLessel-Lobi Kartyo-Agberagba-Oju-Agila Roads, with rehabilitation of Vandeikya-Tsar-Obudu road.

He has also initiated the annual Senator Gemade sports competition within the zone to discover new talents and promote them, just as he has enhanced employment of several Benue indigenes within and outside the country.

What Next For this Development Impactful Senator?

It is an empirical fact that a house built on a mountain top has no hiding place and by every parameter to gauge the enhancement of practical development, there is no doubt that Senator Barnabas Gemade is bigger than building bridges where there are no streams. As the saying goes that one good turn deserves another, constituents of the Benue North-East senatorial district are unanimous in their own view that Senator Gemade be re-elected for a second term to continue with his brilliant and effective representation come 2015

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THE ELECTABLES SEN. NURUDEEN ABATEMI - USMAN (DEEN) Reliable, Tested, Trusted And Accepted

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My life; my all are for my people’s development”

Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, London (2011), CPA Conference, Livingstone, Zambia (2009) and WHO Conference, Addis Ababa, Ethopia (2008). He was sworn in October, 2011 as a member of Pan African Parliament (PAP), the legislative arm of the African Union (AU), four months after his inauguration as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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he humble, likeable, generous and very forward looking patriot - Senator Nurudeen Abatemi-Usman representing Kogi Central Senatorial District is an excellent example of how the new breed leader and younger generation can use capacity to develop Nigeria.

An accomplished professional with a wide range of experience in engineering, agriculture and management consultancy Abatemi-Usman spent most of his career implementing and achieving complex development projects in the private sector.

How he became a senator has become a source of inspiration to his kinsmen and the youth everywhere. He resigned as a Special Assistant to Dimeji Bankole, ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives in December 2010 to join the race for Kogi Central seat in the Red Chamber. Many thought the altruism was misplaced. They were proved wrong!

Born on May 6, 1971 to the late Alhaji Umar Abatemi-Usman, one-time deputy governor of old Kwara State and Hajia Safiya Abatemi-Usman, Deen, as he is fondly called by family and friends, attended St. Louis Nursery and Primary School in Kano between 1975 and 1982 where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate. He proceeded to Government Secondary School, Ilorin (GSS Ilorin) in 1982 to obtain his Secondary School Certificate. He has a Bachelors in Engineering degree in Agricultural Engineering from the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife and his Master’s degree in Water (Hydro and hydraulic) Engineering from the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria is at thesis stage.

He has undertaken several professional courses including high-level legislative training at the International Law Institute, Washington DC, USA and Akademie Fur Welthandel, Germany.

He is widely travelled and actively engages in philanthropy.

Abatemi-Usman was a delegate at the 57th

With many awards in his kitty including the National Youths Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Achievers Award (June 2010) and PDP Kogi Central Women Forum Merit Award (2011), Abatemi-Usman possesses wide experience as the Vice Chairman of Senate Committee on Niger Delta; Member, Senate Committees on Power & Steel, Senate Services, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Women Affairs & Youth Development.

His mission in politics is to use his wealth of experience and contacts in the political and business arena to uplift the people of Kogi Central Constituency by influencing projects and stimulating industrialization through legislation.

Dean vowed to put an end to youth restiveness; encourage education; drive the establishment of cottage industries; make available potable water and other basic necessities and Improve the quality of life for all citizens in Ebiraland. Today he is proud of his achievements as a messenger of peace and an emissary of progress. The Senator likewise came with a vision to help fashion out and establish a system that will consistently and constantly churn out new ideas and develop new, vibrant leaders and patriots.

The announcement that he was victorious at the polls and had emerged Senator representing Kogi Central was greeted with great joy and enchantment from the people. In fact, his total acceptance by the people was shown by the way Okene, the zonal headquarters of the senatorial district, erupted into wild street jubilation and celebration, when he was declared winner of the NASS election for Kogi Central in 2011. The Ebira people were of the belief that his victory against all odds opened up a new vista and era that promised dynamic and robust representation for the district. Three years down the tough road of leadership analysts and power brokers have said loudly that Deen has been a proper investment for Kogi Central senatorial district.

Deen, the youngest Senator in the Upper Chamber of the current National Assembly is evidently living up to the expectations of the people. Since the inauguration of the seventh federal parliament on June 6, 2011, the vibrant,

ebullient, eloquent and soft-spoken Senator has always been in the news on account of his laudable contributions on the floor of the Senate and his activities in the constituency.

Without the slightest ado he immediately kicked off the struggle for the completion of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL), a project which has been heedlessly abandoned by successive governments, despite its significance to the growth and development of Nigeria’s economy.

During his visit to ASCL and National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO), Itakpe, as part of the visitation programme, two months after he assumed office, Abatemi-Usman, who has become a global champion for steel development in Nigeria, did not mince words on his pronouncement about the Ajaokuta Steel Project.

He stated in clear terms that he would leave no stone unturned to push for the completion of Ajaokuta Steel Company and the full operation of NIOMCO while in office.

Though fund is yet to be released for the completion of Ajaokuta Steel Company, Deen’s effort yielded fruits. He pushed through the Senate Committee on Power and Steel for the disbandment of the Interim Management Committee, IMC which was constituted to work for six months, but ended up spending years causing more damage to the steel plant.

The Senator has a number of people-oriented bills to his credit. Prominent among these bills are: the bill seeking financial autonomy for Local Government Council as the third tiers of government in Nigeria; the bill for an act to ensure full integration of persons with disabilities into the society and establish a national commission for persons with disabilities to cater for their education, healthcare and protection of their social, economic and civil rights; and a bill for an act to enact the Law of Property and Conveyancing as applicable in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja and provide for improvement in the Law relating to Conveyancing and Law of Property and for other matters connected therewith. The disability bill has been passed by the Senate and only awaiting the assent of President Goodluck Jonathan.

As a courageous, steadfast man with tenacity of purpose, Deen has continued to put smiles on the faces of the people of his constituency, working round the clock to fulfill his campaign promises thereby justifying the mandate given to him.

Deen is the leader and friend worthy of being elected to serve. He will never disappoint you BY: FRIENDS OF NURUDEEN ABATEMI-USMAN

08098433411

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August 15, 2014

THE ELECTABLES Special Edition

SALE SAHABI

... a symbol of hope for Nigerlites

A

lhaji Sale Sahabi, Garkuwan Darangi was born in Darangi, Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State on the 15th June, 1970.

As a young boy, Alhaji Sale was enrolled into Army Childrens School , Kontagora and graduated in 1982, from where he got admission into Federal Government College Odogblolu, Ogun State .

excellence, and fine one in all regards, this is what prompted him to acquire more knowledge in that field at the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs and the Johnson Institute for Responsible Leadership, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA in 2010. As if that was not enough he went ahead to become a global citizen when he attended again in 2012, the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs and the Johnson Institute for Responsible Leadership, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. His passion for knowledge has also led him to Annual Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) by Association of National Accountants from 2006 to date.

An experienced, tested and trusted administrator, Alhaji Sahabi was Technical His quest for knowledge has seen him go through colleges and universities for various Adviser, Office of the Senior Special Adviser on Economic Matters and presently in certificate and degree programmes, first the same capacity to the Special Adviser, at the nation’s capital-University of Abuja where he studied Accounting and graduated Investments to the Hon. Minister, FCT a position he held since October, 2007. in flying colours. He also attended the Sale Sahabi is also a career staff as well as Nigerian College of Accountancy Jos, a Professional Accountant with Federal Plateau State, where he bagged a post graduate degree and thereafter obtained his Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

Masters Degree in Business Administration Sale Sahabi is a philanthropists who (MBA) from University of Abuja. He got initiated the educational foundation in his another Master’s Degree on Leadership Specialization, University of Liverpool, UK. own community because he knows that the best legacy for children is to equipped them Alhaji Sale Sahabi is an administrator par

with sound education, hence the Education Foundation and Garkuwan Darangi Youth Forum came about. Both initiatives have since been footing the fees of primary school pupils, secondary school students as well as giving scholarships to university and polytechnic students of less privileged Nigerlites and other Nigerians.

Garkuwan Darangi Youth Forum is also involved in philanthropic activities. It has been able to secure jobs to Nigerlites and Non Nigerlites alike in the Armed Forces, Federal Government Organization - particularly the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), visits to hospitals and clinics to offer assistance in monetary terms and supply of medical equipment to accident victims and sick patients.

Among other activities, it has boosted the businesses of petty traders, especially widows, by increasing their capitals.

All these have been going on since 1995 and have not stopped. He is a major contributor to the development and propagation of Islam and Christian religions.

Charity they say begin at home. All these efforts have been followed with awards - though his actions were not targeted at praises. Some of the award he received include: awards from Masjid in Abuja , Izalatil Biddia Waikamatus Sunnah Headquarters Abuja, Rijau Local Government, Yoruba Community Council, Niger State Chapter (Award of Excellence, Peace Ambassador).

Alhaji Sale Sahabi is a family man with children.

Garkuwan Darangi is a man that has passion for positive change in his immediate environment and state, if given the opportunity to serve he will deliver beyond the expectations and yearnings of the people.

Alhaji Sahabi is no doubt a an electable by every standard , who can take Niger state to a great heights

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August 15, 2014

THE ELECTABLES DAVID SABO KENTE (DSK) The Governor Taraba Needs

WHO IS DSK? avid Sabo Kente was born in Kente town in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State on March 3, 1965. He started his education at the local education authority primary school, Kente from 1972 to 1978 and obtained a first school leaving certificate. He then proceeded to Mbiya Government Secondary School, Takum, Taraba State from 1978 to 1983 and obtained the West African School Certificate (WASC).

D

In his quest to acquire further knowledge, Chief David Sabo Kente proceeded to the School of Basic Studies (SBS) Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, Kaduna State, for the basic studies programme of the Iterim Joint Matriculation Board Examination between 1984 to 1985. He passed the examination with flying colours and enroled for a degree programme in the same university where he obtained a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) degree in Accounting in 1988. He served Nigeria in the mandatory national youth service corps (NYSC) programme in Kebbi LGA Secretariat in the old Sokoto State.

After his completion of the NYSC programme, he then joined the service of the then Gongola State Ministry of Agriculture as an accountant under the manpower reserved scheme from June to September 1989. He was later absorbed into full state civil service as Accountant, Expenditure in the ministry of agriculture and seconded to the then Gongola Agricultural Development (GADP) headquarters, Yola in July 1990. He was later promoted to the position of financial accountant in the same ministyr and worked between January and March, 1991. He was later promoted to Zonal Accountant, Mubi zone.

With the creation of Taraba State in 1991, David Sabo Kente was deployed to the new state and was made Zonal Accountant for Wukari/Takum zone of Taraba Agricultural Development Programme (TADP). In February 1992 he was transferred to Gembu as the Zonal Accountant of TADP. Between 1994 to 1996, David Sabo Kente gained admission into Nigeria College of Accountancy Jos and passed the professional examination for the membership of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN). He further attended the Federal University of Technology Yola (FUTY), where he studied for a Masters Degree in Business Administration in 2012.

Chief David Sabo Kente also served as Accountant in charge of computer support service in TADP Headquarters in Jalingo. He held this position from 1994 to 1997. He became the Deputy Head of Finance in the ministry of agriculture and cooperative headquarters in Jalingo, between December 1997 and March 1998. He was appointed the Programme Accountant Taraba State Rural Water Supply and Environmental Sanitation Programme (UNICEF founded project) between January and June 1998.

He enrolled on a parttime practice with Stephen Onukongu and Co as a certificate national accountant from January 1, 1998 to 2002. He also offered part-time consultancy services to several private companies between 1998 and 2005.

Due to his hard work, dedication and commitment, the federal government accepted his transfer of service from Taraba State. He served as Assistant Director, Finance and Head, Audit division of the National Assembly in May 2005 and September 2005.

He became Assistant Director of finance, central play of the Senate Account and also doubled as Head, Legislatives Account from September 1, 2005 to July 13, 2010. He was promoted to the position of Deputy Director of finance and legislative aides account division, National Assembly in 2010, the position he new holds.

Apart from his professional and academic pursuits, Chief Kente also attended many seminars and workshops at home and abroad, these are: • Resource person: training head of finance, audit and installation of new accounting manualNational Primary Education Board, Jalingo, Taraba State.

• Goods and equipment procurement course, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Programme Administration (GIMPA) Accra, Ghana (2007).

• Tax management and administration workshop for executive, Duke University, Durham, USA (2008).

• Finance forecasting for senior executives at Management School, London (1997) • Finance management for senior executives, London School of Management (1997) ADHOC POSITIONS HELD • Secretary, social committee of Nigeria Accounting Students Association ABU, Zaria, chapter in September 1987.

• Finance Secretary Gongola State Students Union, ABU, Zaria from September 1987 to August, 1998.

• Patron Rotaract Club, Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, Gongola state from July 1991 to January 1992.

• He was a Government appointed Ward Secretary for the care-taker committee, Social Democratic Party (SDP), Kente ward in Wukari local Government, Taraba State between 1992 and 1993.

• He served as Public Relation Officer, Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) Taraba State chapter between 2000 and 2003.

• He served as member in the of World Bank Assisted Committee on Review of Accounting System in Nigeria in 2001.

• Currently, he has been the patron of Taraba State Indigenes Forum in the National Assembly service since June 2005 as well as a Member of Technical Committee in the National Assembly Service Reforms.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP • Fellow of Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) • Nigeria Institute of Internal Auditors of Nigeria

• • • • •

(NIIAN) Senior Fellow of the Association of Internal Auditors Africa (AIAA) Council of Association of Internal Auditors of Africa (AIAA) Senior Fellows, Institute of Internal Auditors of Nigeria (IIAN) Associate Member Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Trustees, Nigeria (ICTN).

AWARD OF HONOURS • Certificate of merit by the Gongola State Students Union.

• The best corps member during his NYSC in Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of the old Sokoto State.

• The beacon of hope by the Ussa Youth Forum in Lissam, Ussa Local Government Area, Taraba State.

• Youth Ambassador award by the University Peace Federation.

• Media Friendly/Peace Ambassador award by Tiv media foundation.

• Integrity, Excellence and Achiever Merit Award

by National Association of Wukari Student (NAWUS), Taraba State.

• The Outstanding Leader and Youth Role Model of our time award by the National Association of Nigeria Student (NANS).

• Humanitarian of the Year award by Global Time Magazine.

• Ambassador of Peace award by NYSC/National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

• Award of Merit for exceptional humanitarian and philanthropic service by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Taraba State chapter.

• Award of Humanitarian and Selfless service by rotary International District 9125.

• 2014 African Achiever Award for Excellence in public service.

• Beacon of Empowerment of the North East Region.

RESEARCH WORK • Indoor Management Rule: A protection of third parties.

• Financial Ratio as Tool For Business Growth – a case study of two companies.

• E-business As a Tool For Business Growth – a case study of selected banks in Taraba and Adamawa States.

CHIEFTAINCY TITLES • Atavon Ekpan Nyifon • Ikhen Uten of Kente • Mule-u Tiv by the Tiv in Taraba • The Okadeya of Yala National • Mijidachin Wurkum • Uhwa Kyauten of Nyimui PHILANTHROPIC ACTIVITIES Chief David Sabo Kente is the President/Founder of David Sabo Kente (DSK) FOUNDATION FAMILY DSK is married to beautiful Esther and the union is blessed with six children namely: Cynthia, Emochumsisi, Paul, Mercy, Sinayia-Emu and EbonEmu. HOBBIES Reading, Travelling, Swimming and playing Badminton

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August 15, 2014

PLATEAU STATE UNIVERSITY, BOKKOS P.M.B. 2012, JOS.

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE GOVERNOR OF PLATEAU STATE, DA DR JONAH DAVID JANG ON MAL-ADMINISTRATION AND DICTATORIAL TENDACIES OF PROFESSOR SAM O. ALE, PRO-CHANCELLOR AND CHAIRMAN OF COUNCIL OF THE PLATEAU STATE UNIVERSITY, BOKKOS. His Excellency, Da (Dr) Jonah D. Jang, Governor of Plateau State, Government House, Rayfield, Jos.

the interest of Plateau State at heart.

3.

Your Excellency, We the undersigned and concerned stake holders in the Plateau State University write to present issues of urgent concern about happenings in the institution for your fatherly intervention.

We acknowledge the good desire of the Governor to see to the development of Plateau State University, Bokkos as embedded in your 10 Points Agenda. In other to actualize this you graciously appointed the Governing Council Chaired by Professor Sam. O. Ale, OFR, mni (the immediate past Director-General/ Chief Executive of the National Mathematical Center, Abuja) in line with extant regulations for good University administration in terms of policy formulation and advisory issues for the smooth operations of the University. We had hoped that his appointment will help consolidate on the achievements of past Councils. We recall with nostalgia the trials and tribulations this great University went through in its early period of formation as a result of mischief and bad advice by its adversaries, which caused a terrible setback to its growth and development.

4.

We however have certain concerns about the ways and manner the Council has been administered to date under Professor Ale as Chairman of Council as the following would indicate: 1.

2.

The sole responsibility of the Governing Council of a University is to formulate Policies and ensure smooth running of the University on a day-to-day basis, with a Vice-Chancellor as Chief Executive.

But the present leadership of the Council has abandoned its responsibilities and concentrated on “hijacking and administering” the University directly. For example, the Pro chancellor of the University undertook to sign the appointment letters of all principal officers instead of the Vice-Chancellor. This is gross usurpation of the powers of the Vice-Chancellor, which has even created insubordination to the Vice Chancellor by some of the principal officers whose total allegiance is to the Pro-chancellor instead of the Vice Chancellor who they are supposed to be directly accountable to. This is a very dangerous development and threat to the corporate existence of the University. Furthermore, in his divide and rule tactics, the Pro-chancellor often by-pass the Vice-Chancellor and deals directly with the Registrar in summoning meetings and preparation of the agenda for such meetings.

He also jettisons the decisions of Management and in grand conspiracy with the Registrar they cause manipulation of Minutes of Council meetings in the pursuit of his baseless exercise of power and personal interests in the University.

Embarrassingly, this is incongruous with norms of University administration and unacceptable.

The Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of Council carries himself as an “Ultimate Commander” in the University, in spite of his acclaimed long years of service and knowledge of the University system where at one point he rose to be a Deputy Vice-Chancellor in one of the Nigerian Universities. For example, he has a penchant for “consultations” with unknown persons and clique outside of the University’s Governing Council, even in instances where Council had taken decisions. Worst still and morally shameful in terms of wasting University resources, he computes bills as “sitting allowances” for such “consultative meetings” and passes such bills to the University Authorities to pay to him directly.

This is a misnomer and must stop. He imposes the results of such consultations on the Council.

This act renders redundant the resourceful and well-meaning members of the Council who have

5.

6.

One of the primary functions of a University Governing Council is to attract funds to the University. It is however sad that since its inception the Council has not attracted any project or fund to the University. On the contrary, the University’s meager finances, which we believe the Governor expects to see it being prudently utilized are over stretched with numerous Council meetings that the Council Chairman uses to make a show of “assumed and limitless powers”. For example, going by the Law, the Council is supposed to meet quarterly, i.e. four (4) times in a year, except for emergencies, but by the end of July 2014, there have been eight (8) Council meetings apart from numerous Council sub committees meetings unnecessarily summoned by the Chairman, with virtually no meaningful results and/or assertive and passionate pursuit of dividends from the government to the University.

7.

In view of the above, the Council Chairman should pay attention to ensuring the growth of the University. If he truly cares about our dear State and the University, then he should discard personal interest and selfishness and be more committed, instead of creating negative opinions about others, which could mislead the Government in ensuring sound support for positive growth of the University.

In conclusion, Your Excellency, in line with your passion concerning education, we wish to passionately appeal for your intervention by immediately calling to order the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council of Plateau State University, Bokkos who has made himself an “Administrator”. He should be respectful of constituted authority and extant Law, Rules and Regulations of the Institution. This will help in promoting the Unity and growth of not just the University but Plateau State and Nigeria in general.

We sincerely thank you in anticipation of doing the needful.

Indeed, the Council under his leadership has not attracted meaningful funds to the University, except dissipating so much energy on how to preside over Tenders Board and “chop” TETfund allocated funds! It is also disheartening to note that, instead of focusing on such a crucial issue the Council Chairman is busy canvassing irrelevant issues emanating from anonymous petition containing spurious allegations which is illegal and unacceptable within the context of both administrative and extant Law establishing the University.

Yours obediently, Concerned Staff, Students and patriots, Israel M. Josiah

...............................

Nentawe Genesis

...............................

Shaibu U. Yakubu

...............................

Kaneng Bot Gwom

...............................

It is alarming to note that with the critical deadline of the remaining three (3) months to graduation of the first set of students of the University none of the academic programmes of the University has been accredited and it does not seem to bother him. This is despite the fact that the academic staff and the Senate of the University have tirelessly worked towards the accreditation by critically assessing the state of facilities in the University, accreditation needs and their financial implications and forwarded same to the Management of the University, which has in turn transmitted same to the Council.

Timzing N Nanfa

...............................

Pankwal P. Bello

...............................

Adeyemi O. Babtunde

...............................

Ajang A. Atsen

...............................

Henry N. Nwosu

...............................

Danzaki I. Madaki

...............................

Mallo John Ishyaku

...............................

Governor Sir, We appreciate your untiring efforts to see to the development of the University. For instance, your generous approval of two (2) billion Naira and subsequent release of one (1) billion Naira to the University for Infrastructural Development of the Institution is still fresh in our minds and the public. We are also happy that you will, by the grace of God be the first to graduate the present set of students under accredited programmes, but we wish to stress the dire consequences of the failure to secure accreditation for all the academic programmes of the University. These include:

Elizabeth Q. Habakuk

...............................

(a)

The University’s graduates and their certificates will not be recognized and therefore useless and untenable for securing any meaningful employment and admissions for further studies as laid down

by National Universities Commissions (NUC).

(b)

Failure of accreditation entails suspension of the University programmes by the NUC, which will bring Plateau State down in terms of skills and man power development and its concomitant effects on the growth of the State for which you are passionate.

(c)

Lack of accreditation will create restiveness of both students and staff in the University community and further create distrust among prospective applicants to the programmes of the University.

CC: 1.

-National Universities Commission (NUC), Abuja.

2.

-Director-General, Bureau for Public Procurement.

3.

-Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund).

4.

-Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Plateau State.

5.

-Chairman and Members, Committee of Prochancellors of State-owned Universities.

6.

-Pro-chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Plateau State University, Bokkos 7.

-All Council Members, Plateau State University, Bokkos.

8.

-Vice Chancellor, Plateau State University, Bokkos.

9.

-Speaker and Members, Plateau State House of Assembly 10. -Director SSS, Force Headquarters Abuja.

11. -Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Chapter.

12. -News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Plateau State Chapter.

13. -Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Plateau State.

14. -All National Assembly Members (Senate & House of Reps), Plateau State.

15. -President, Students Union Government (SUG), PLASU, Bokkos 16. -President, National Association of Plateau State Students (NAPSS) 17. -Chairman, Plateau State Youth Council.

August 15, 2014

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August 15, 2014

CONCERNED SOKOTO YOUTH FORUM BECKONS

WAMAKKO TO SERVE AGAIN

The name Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko rings a bell in the minds of many Nigerians particularly in Sokoto state and the North-West geopolitical zone. This piece of discourse by our group Concerned Sokoto Youth Forum, is aimed at acknowledging the tremendous achievements of Alhaji Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko (Sarkin Yamman Sakkwato) as Governor of Sokoto state during his two-year tenure. The piece is mainly to persuade Wamakko not to relent in his zeal for service to humanity by coming forward to serve us in another way, preferably at the national assembly.

Your leadership courage, competence and enthusiasm can hardly be matched with any aspiring candidate vying for any political post in the political arena of Nigerian society especially your constituency-the Sokoto state. People’s representation at any level requires someone with purposeful leadership qualities as exemplified in Wamakko’s stewardship of Sokoto state. Your ability to translate your mission statements into reality on assumption of office in 2007 indeed endeared our desire to prevail on you to serve us the more. Such mission statements if we could recall, include: operating a government whose ideals capture people’s emotions, values, goals and aspirations capable of repositioning our state to greatness. We could also recall your salient pronouncement of operating a government with listening ears; a government which speaks for those who have no voice; the government which adequately responds to the yearnings and aspirations of the governed. All these are actualized in your two-tenure stewardship of Sokoto state. We are bold to state without any fear of contradiction that Aliyu Wamakko is the most intelligent, enduring, popular, patient and courageous governor Sokoto has ever produced. This can be attested to going by his travails, first as deputy governor on the outset of the current political dispensation (1999 to 2006) and particularly the hurdles with numerous election litigations which threatened his position as governor, coupled with state governance. You are the only governor in Nigeria’s political history whose position was truncated twice and winning your seat back each time without any shaking!

Despite all these, you remained committed and resolute to executing numerous and valuable people-oriented projects and social welfare services for your dear state. Such numerous threats from the opposition did not deter you from translating your government’s mission into reality. You are a governor whose strong belief in the Supreme Being sustained your commitment and success in whatever direction you take in the interest of your people. You should not be carried away by the wrong perception of the very few who view it as a setback when a governor goes to the senate to represent a fraction of the state which he ruled for years. You should note that your counterparts who were there and those who

are still going there will not be doing so in vain.

Our reasons for prevailing on you to, at this juncture, go to the Senate are simple. Firstly, the experience you accumulated over the years as a trained teacher, administrator and politician will go a long way in enhancing your proper representation of Sokoto people because, we are optimistic that no candidate from any political party in Sokoto state can match you.

Secondly, your personality speaks volume, hence, your interest and sympathetic tendencies to your people will motivate you the more in the struggles at the national assembly to bring home a lot of democratic dividends to the people who were hither to under-represented at the Senate.

Thirdly, we are also optimistic that your mission there if at all you agree to go, is not to amass wealth or seek relevance but to discharge the responsibilities for which you are sent.

Fourthly, your emergence as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from Sokoto state after serving as governor, will give you greater opportunities to properly participate in charting a better course for the country’s democratic ideals which you have been preaching.

It is a well-known fact that during your tenure as Sokoto state governor, no sector is left un touched by your government. It is no more news that Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko initiated and established a befitting university The Sokoto State University for our teeming youths to pursue tertiary education at the university level. Apart from that, Wamakko’s administration also established and built School of Agriculture at Wurno, School of Midwifery, Tambuwal, School of Developmental Studies, in Sokoto as well as constructed the long-awaited main campus of the School of Legal Studies, Sokoto in Wamakko town. We are proud to state unequivocally that these feats will remain indelible as Magatakarda’s life achievements as a person and the success of his government. We and indeed, people of the state are witnesses to numerous road projects at the urban, rural and trans-border levels by the Wamakko administration. The health sector, agriculture, youths and women empowerment, civil service, social welfare, education, sponsorship of hundreds of youths for higher studies at various universities around the world are all contents of the Wamakko-led government’s achievements.

Specifically, in the health sector, the government built many hospitals across the state, upgraded smaller ones and provided all with man-power, equipment and ambulances. Magatakarda’s government also established the befitting Wamakko Orthopaedic Hospital to salvage the pressing challenges of Sokoto people from travelling long distances outside the state in search for bone therapy. His government also initiated and carried out grassroots (house-tohouse) health care services to patients with medical and surgical ailments who were being

treated free by teams of doctors and nurses. The government also executed many water projects across the state, enhancement of small and medium scale enterprises, promotion of Islamic religious activities in the areas of massive construction of mosques and Islamiyya schools, zakkat and endowment, pilgrims welfare services, support to the destitute and the less-privileged, are among the very many development projects that go into the records of achievements of the Wamakko’s government. Another notable feat of the government was its ability to give due regard to traditional institutions through reviewing wages and allowances of traditional rulers in addition to improved working relationship between them and the government. Wamakko’s administration also initiated the provision of incentives to Imams and their deputies as well as Islamic scholars manning various Koran schools. In the information sector, the administration of Governor Wamakko reactivated the dilapidated Rima Radio Broadcasting House at Tudunwada, Sokoto and Sokoto Newspaper Company. The state media organisations were provided with some vital working equipment as well as sponsor media staff to undergo training at time intervals.

In the area of sports, the government totally reactivated the Giginya Memorial Stadium and provided sporting equipment to the complex as well as supporting various sporting activities in the state.

It is hoped that you will not allow these and many other good works of your government to go on the memory lane by simply going home to rest on the expiration of your tenure as Sokoto state governor.

Aliyu Magatakarda’s government will always be remembered by people of Sokoto state for his ability to create impression on them that, a governor is a human being like any other citizen of the state who should be easily accessible to his subjects.

We wish to again emphasise that you should please come forward and sustain your services to the people of Sokoto state who you cherish and hold in high esteem by coming to serve them as Senator for the Sokoto Central Senatorial district. By so doing, you will Insha’Allah, lead the next set of members of the national assembly from Sokoto state to pursue a common goal of bringing home, the state’s share of democratic dividends from the centre as well as adequately discharge the services for which you are sent.

It is worthy to note that, we deem it feet to embark on this persuasion of Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko as a person as well as highlight his government’s achievements based on the fact that Sokoto youths who contributed a lot to the success of Wamakko’s administration, were among the highest beneficiaries from its activities.

Garba M.B. Mullela (garbadg@gmail.com), For, and on behalf of the Concerned Sokoto Youth Forum

KANNYWOOD trends

By Al-Amin Ciroma

August 15, 2014

email: alaminciroma@gmail.com. GSM: 08033225331 (sms only)

Piracy Scourge: I Am Close To Throwing In The Towel – Uzee Usman A. Adeyemi, popularly known as Uzee is a native of Kwara, who was born and raised in Kaduna. The graduate of political science from the University of Abuja ventured into the motion picture industry in 2002 and has gradually become one of the Kanobased industry’s most promising film makers.

Although he started as a screenwriter and earned his stripes, Adeyemi decided to further his reach by enrolling in a film business school in South Africa, in order to acquire more professional skills in film-related activities.

Adeyemi does agree that he has come a long way, but his constant headache, just like that of every movie-maker, is pirates. Adeyemi upholds that the activities of pirates are crippling productivity among film makers and other stakeholders in the industry.

As difficult as it is to believe, Adeyemi is yet to make up his mind about shooting more movies, for fear of pirates. Adeyemi believes that piracy is silently killing the film business in Nigeria, especially in Kannywood. His wonder, though, is that the movie industry is yet to take any proactive step to check the scourge.

“I feel bad about piracy. The pirates are having a field day here and if that continues, I bet you, we will be left with no other option than to quit. I can’t imagine a producer shooting a movie which amounts to N5m, but can hardly make N1.5m from it in profit.

It’s quite difficult to imagine but it is reality,” he lamented.

Adeyemi, who stormed Kannywood with a block-buster, Oga Abuja (a movie which took film-making to a new level and set the pace in the Hausa genre movie industry), not only made it possible for many Kannywood movie-makers to get actors from other movie industries to star in their movies, it also took movie-making in the industry a notch higher.

For Adeyemi, an actor is supposed to be an all-weather guru, someone who can showcase his skills wherever and whenever a director asks him to. He

succeeded in getting Nollywood comedian, John Okafor, to star in Oga Abuja.

That singular act turned the industry around and gave other actors the privilege to step out of their comfort zones to star in other movie genres.

Prior to shooting, Adeyemi bragged, saying “This movie is going to be spellbinding. I have invited John Okafor (Mr Ibu) from Lagos to star alongside popular comedian, Rabilu Musa Danlasan (Ibro) from Kano, in order to bring a bi-cultural flavour into it.

Also, I am optimistic the movie will be exceptional.”

True to his words, when Oga Abuja was released, it went on to win several awards, both locally and internationally. However, Adeyemi did note that although filmmakers still lack some degree of creativity.

“They are very hardworking, only that they encounter some impediments that affect their productivity.

We are seriously lacking investment and that is one bend that is really putting us behind. Most of the movies produced in Nigeria are done by independent producers, who invest the little they have on profits. If the government invests seriously, the industry can grow more than the oil sector and that means job opportunities will be available,” he said.

The award-winning film-maker is warming up for yet another international blockbuster. According to him the N16m movie project will star Ghana’s most prolific actors.

“I am preparing to shoot another multi-million naira movie in which top Ghanaian actors like Majeed Michael and Nadia Buari will work sideby-side with prominent Kannywood stars. I bet you, it’s going to be the first of its kind in Kannywood,” Adeyemi announced with evident pride, recently.

So far, Adeyemi has enough flicks to his credit, including Wata Shariah, Oga Abuja, Majaa, Mai Farin Jini, Habeeb, Har Da Mijina and Hassana Da Hussaina (for which shooting has just been concluded).

Uzee with a renown Nollywood actress, Halima Abubakar on set in Lagos

Ali Nuhu, Davido, Others Join President Jonathan For Nigeria: Our Heritage Project In US

The stars flagged off the ‘Nigeria: Our Heritage Project’, an evening of entertainment centred on Nigeria’s centenary celebrations, which took place at the Concert Kannywood’s Ali Nuhu and singer Hall of the John F. Kennedy CenDavid were among Nigerian celeb- tre for Performing Arts, in Washrities who accompanied President ington D.C. Goodluck Jonathan to the United The event was organised by the Federal Ministry of Tourism, CulStates/African Leaders Summit. ture and National Orientation.

Stars To Watch...

After nearly three decades, Kannywood has continued to debut stars that, indeed, dazzle.

Recently, all eyes are on these promising actresses who have showed so much promise and good script interpretation and are ready to give the world’s most talented stars a good run for their money.

Watch...

Halima Atete

Hadiza Gabon

Rahama Sadau

First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.

Epictetus, Greek Stoic Philosopher

Aisha Aliyu Tsamiya

44 FRIDAY SPECIAL/BOOKS & ARTS

August 15, 2014

With Chikelu Chinelo & Onukogu Kanayo Jubal

The Underrated Warlike Intelligence of Kipling’s ‘Stalky & Co’

Implications Of Dearth Of Theatre, Culture In Nigerian Embassies

For those whose first encounter with the English writer Rudyard Kipling (and familiar with some of his famous works) is through The Jungle Book, which has been franchised into a movie and cartoons, ‘Stalky and Co’ might not ring a bell. Indeed, it was published in 1899, four years after the former and has been overshadowed and understated. However, it is one of the most brilliantly intelligent books any reader can invest his/her time in. Kipling’s good command of the English language, focus on character, plots to highlight theme of wisdom, enhance continuity and humor in the 272-paged, nine short-story collection.

Stalky & Co. tells of the college life of ‘Number Five Study’ trio – Stalky, M’Turkey and Beetle – as they out-smart and manoeuver heads of houses, prefects and colleagues in their struggle for survival in school and during adulthood.

For the younger generation, especially to those whom English is not a native language, it takes careful and painstaking reading and attention to understand, since some of the words and verbs abbreviations are out-of-date.

Although, it is a good means of developing readers’ vocabulary since most of the words are not much changed in meaning. Kipling’s use of descriptive words in the conveyance and visualization of characters is one of his best qualities of the work.

His singular focus on character and devices, in highlighting the dominant theme of Wilyness displays his knowledge and appreciation of military and analytical ‘strategems’. The stories strike one as ingenious especially when the inconsequential details build up to a climactic plot which the trio with guilty innocence manipulate to their advantage.

An Unsavoury Interlude, and The Last Term shows the best of studious and ever rumpled Beetle, deploying his inquisitive and ordinary nature to accomplish ‘Number Five’s’ goal that of unsettling the vengeful Head of House, King for his unwanted nosiness and stuck-up attitude towards students and other house ‘biznai’. But then, the cake goes to Stalky, master strategist and executor, treasurer and leader of the trio, whose hand is traceable in all plans. Stalky, brilliant enough to incite the anger of Rabbits Eggs, against King for turning ‘Number Five’ trio out of their study leading to the destruction of King’s own study. His hatching to terror-moralize the two sixth form boys that terrorized, the fag, Stewer and even to think of getting even with Head of School, Bates Sahib, who was the only one unto their tricks.

The author wields continuity into the stories by way of flash backs, foresight and reminisces kept the stories fresh, providing insight to characters, character development, time and background to the stories. Moral Reformers reveals the bullied past of Beetle as a fag, tie-ins between The Impressionists and Moral Reformers is created with opening paragraph of the later, “There was no disguising defeat.

The victory was to Prout, but they grudged it not” while An Unsavory Interlude suffuses into The Impressionist by the simple introduction of the outsmarted Head of Houses’ parley with the School Chaplain.

Above all, Kipling crowns each story with humor. No matter how long it takes and how beastly the tales get, the reader is bound to laugh-out-loud in helpless mirth. Stalky & Co. is definitely a keeper for the old and young, as it celebrates the youthful days of the old and relates to the present experiences of the young.

Even Enid Blyton’s, Mallory Tower series and Dike Chukwumerije’s Urichindere can’t elicit a better reaction.

At the opening of the Arojah Royal Theatre (ART) theatrical season, artistic director and producer, Jerry Adesewo, revealed the state of theatre in Nigeria and how it has greatly impaired global image of Nigeria.

Beginning its theatre season with four play productions, ART’s current productions of Swedish playwright August Strindberg’s Dance of Death 1 and upcoming adaptations of Ahmed Yerima’s Tutti, Onukaba Adinoyi Ojo’s Ssoommaalliiyyaa and Spencer Okoroafor’s Of Wits and Will, as well as an adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s Arrow of God is a cultural diplomacy initiative designed to promote international understanding and peaceful co-existence, in collaboration with or independent of interested diplomatic missions in Nigeria.

With its first production Dance of Death 1, the theatre outfit is doing its part to promote foreign culture in Nigeria with the aim of creating better understanding of it and heighten commonality of societal issues to induce relations between both countries.

This was hardly easy to achieve in view of the incapacitated theatre culture in the country.

Although the parlour production provided a quaint and non-ordinary charm to the setting, the decided lack of stage for performance cannot be easily overlooked.

That said, this lack can be blamed on the

lack of proper theatre houses in the Federal Capital Territory. With one in Lagos and the Muson Centre now a hall for a variety of performances, the dwindling number of theatre practitioners and low patronage has stemmed the growth of the industry.

Adesewo explained that offshoots of the above mentioned issues range from cultural groups and institutions’ inability to financially thrive and promote theatre (an essential arm of our culture), to a lack of financial stability in the profession arising from the premeditated professional migration from creative to white collar jobs and businesses. “We have no less than two thousand theatre graduates each year. A great number of them never get to the stage, because the country is certificate-oriented.

As long as you are a graduate, you can work anywhere. Thus, the required zeal for stage acting is difficult to come by,” Adesewo explained.

Although this has culminated in initiatives such as the ART, whereby die-hard theatre lovers get to practice their profession, it has also greatly limited chances for variety and excitement, especially when an audience sees a rotation of resident and trainee artistes and slight chance of upcoming ones to nab breakout roles, since the resident and/or earlier practitioners get right of first refusal.

Next is the economic factor. A lot of people figure that since embassies are involved in events, it is guaranteed to pay extremely well. But Adesewo debunks such impressions. “Most of the embassies do not have money and, in most cases, have no cultural diplomacy development partnership with Nigeria and can only offer artistic materials or a skill for such events, just as the Swedish Embassy has done, by providing venue for the production.

Theatre thrives on patronage and most organisations in the country such as giant telecommunications companies refuse to invest or sponsor theatre productions.”

It would seem that these same problems plague cultural representatives, as regards the promotion of our own culture in their countries. In a recent interview with Sweden’s ambassador to Nigeria, Svante Kilander, his response to what Nigeria is doing to promote her culture in Sweden was, at best, unsatisfactory, since all Swedes ever know about Nigeria is the literature of Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe and Chimamanda Adichie. Fewer still have these books; it is their reference material to the culture of a nation having more than 250 ethnic groups and varied cultural heritage. ➔ TO BE CONTI UED NEXT WEEK

Remembering The Past With Fondness Title: It’s Fun to Remember: Autobiography of Herbert Maurie Adebola Onitiri Author: Professor H.M.A. Onitiri Year of Publication: 2014 Reviewer: Professor Eghosa Osagie This important autobiography starts as a tale of two remarkably peace-loving and accommodating metropolitan cities – Lagos and Ibadan. It would have remained limited to these roots of the author but for the opportunities opened up by solid academic attainments early in his remarkably eventful life. It is evident that events that conditioned the author’s achievements later in life were, among others, the love and sacrifice of the parents, his curiosity listening (uninvited) to arguments of trade unionist colleagues of his father, exposure to the liberal arts, in particular, political history and history of political ideas, and guidance of his major mentor at the London School of Economics – Professor J.E. Meade. These distinct influences nurtured in him a sense of history and social justice, attributes he judiciously employed during important official assignments at home and in the global comity of nations.

This book may be considered as made up of three parts. First is the personal and family life; second is the academic and professional career; and third involve glimpses of his policy perspectives which, themselves, were influenced by family background, academic preparation, and a caring empathy for such vulnerable groups as women, children and rural dwellers.

The author’s family life, as presented in the early chapters, exposed him to relations who were genuinely committed to community development through the benefits of quality education. His father was ever ready to provide additional textbooks and guarded against his promising son being pampered by his moth-

er when he was a student at Ibadan Grammar School. At Ibadan, his maternal uncle, Pa Adegbola (our late friend Laide’s father) ran an open house, advising neighbours on their children’s education to ensure that brilliant youths were not denied opportunity for formal educations. His “unofficial” listening to Fabian – oriented and socialist argument in his father’s garden in Railway staff quarters, Lagos, exposed him for the first time to such economic ideas as inflation, price control, and negotiations between employers and employees. In spite of this early exposure to socialism, it is intriguing that the author never joined the band of socialists at the University of Ibadan. The reasons for this are his perception of the nature of economic problems confronting Nigeria and economic perspective based on social justice, rigorous econom-

ic analysis and pragmatism whose aim was not dogma but concrete economic welfare.

The narrative of the author’s appointment as the first Nigerian Director of NISER speaks volumes of the nature of the Civil Service during the First Republic. Apparently, the politicians left the organisation of the appointment process and procedure to the Civil Servants. It appeared that the successful candidate was expected to be an expert on a rather complex aspect of International Economics, the Balance of Payments. It also appeared that those who applied did not specialise in this area. At this time, the author who was the obvious expert, did not apply for the job. It was then left to the Secretary to the Federal Government, Mr. S.O. Wey, to personally write to the author to apply for the job “by telegram” as he was then engaged in Vienna by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) as Consultant. Without the intervention of Mr. S.O. Wey, a public servant endowed with deep insight and wisdom, the author may have become a full-time staff of UNCTAD, and the subsequent life of the author may have taken a major turning point that would have deprived Nigeria of the benefits of his professional contributions as economic adviser, policy analyst, and member of key Government Boards and Commissions.

This book, which starts as a tale of two cities – Lagos and Ibadan – ends as a gift to Nigeria, ECOWAS, the African Union, UNCTAD and UNDP. Lagos and Ibadan provided a solid foundation to a blooming tree whose fruits have been enjoyed by the global comity of nations. It is a must read for Economists, other Social Scientists, policy makers, and citizens who are desirous of obtaining relevant knowledge about the performance of the Nigerian economy and the global economic system.

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TATTLES

Ray J’s ‘Interesting’ Gift to KimUnless And Thief Kanye Kardashians Refuse To Continue Filming Is Caught Kim, Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian are refusing to film season 10 of their reality show unless the person stealing their money and jewelry is caught. Family sources told TMZ [that] the girls are convinced [that] whoever has stolen tens of thousands of dollars from them works for the TV show. All three thefts – $4,000 taken from Kourtney’s Hampton’s rental, $50,000 stolen from Kourtney’s Calabasas home and $250,000 worth of jewelry taken from Khloe’s house – appear to be inside jobs, with no signs of forced entry. The three women say they’ve done everything they’ve been asked to do to thwart the thieves; hiring additional security, installing more surveillance cameras and rotating staff, all to no avail.

‘No, Thanks’: George Clooney's Fiancée Turns Down UN Job

It has emerged that George Clooney’s fiancée, Amal Alamuddin, recently turned down the United Nation’s offer to put her on a commission to examine possible war crimes in Gaza because she says she’s simply too busy. Alamuddin, who is an international lawyer, says she’s got eight cases on the front burner and can’t accept the role to become a part of the three-member

commission.

“I am horrified by the situation in the occupied Gaza Strip, particularly the civilian casualties that have been caused and strongly believe that there should be an independent investigation and accountability for crimes that have been committed,” she said. It’s no shock that the lawyer turned down the offer, as planning a wedding where the groom is George Clooney could be considered very important!

9ice Eyes Federal House of Representatives We’ve heard [and seen, in some cases] at various times, that Kate Henshaw, Desmond Elliot, Julius Agwu and Dan D’Humourous have all made their political ambitions known. Afro-pop singer 9ice has joined the fray. In January, it was widely reported that he will contest for a political post by representing his state, Oyo. He later refuted the reports, claiming he was on the set of a music video and a member of his team posted the image and the caption declaring his political interest.

It is August and the Gongo Aso singer has had a change of heart; he is now hatching plans to be part of the affairs in Oyo State.

He even shared a picture of him on a white seat with his followers, stating that he wants a seat in the Federal House of Representatives for Ogbomosho North/Ogbomosho South/Orire Federal Constituency in 2015.

Tunde Kelani Shoots Short Film On Ebola Virus With a view to sensitising the country on the spread of the Ebola virus, film-maker Tunde Kelani is currently shooting a short film aimed at creating more awareness about the virus. Reports say Kelani was contacted by a UK-based health organisation to shoot the campaign. One of the actors on the set, Halima Abubakar, who plays Aisha in the short film, expressed confidence that the film will sensitise the public about the virus and the need to seek professional medical attention instead of self-medicating. Other actors involved in the project are Yomi Fash Lanso, Kunle Afolayan, Toyin Aimakhu Johnson and Funky Mallam. Look out for this film, people.

Ruggedman Speaks On WizKid, Davido ‘Beef’ He may have retired (according to him), but no one will forget in a hurry the number of ‘beefs’ he had and master-minded.

True, Ruggedman has had a fair share of beef and controversies.

He has been around for a long time and his views on matters regarding the entertainment industry are often respected.

However, while speaking with tabloid NET, he said the perceived ‘on-line’ spat which Davido and Whizkid are currently embroiled in can, in no way, affect the image of the industry.

“The real actions I believe will affect the image of the music industry is crime committed by an artist. What they feel for each other only affects their image,” he said.

When asked which one of them is his favourite, the rapper could not pitch his tent. “It’s difficult to choose. I can’t pick one. I love the talent, great songs and drive they both have. If they choose to have a little friendly competition thing going, it’s cool.

August 15, 2014

Apparently, the late Robin Williams committed suicide by hanging himself inside his home, sources familiar with the situation told TMZ. Robin had been struggling with a deep depression that he had to visit rehab last month.

People familiar with his condition say he seemed almost too far gone back then.

Rihanna wants nothing to do with Chris Brown who is now literally begging her to take him back.

A source close to the pop star told entertainment site Urban Islandz that Chris called up Rihanna, begging to see her but she shut him down. “He has been texting her nonstop,” the source said.

TiSPY

Which musician is set to become a politician?

You Have To Forego Lots Of Things To Be Successful – Mercy Johnson She is widely admired by Nigerian movie lovers, but the brand she has come to be known as did not come without some sacrifice.

During an interview recently, Mercy Johnson revealed that she did sacrifice a lot to get to her present level. ‘’Success is hard, it’s never easy. It takes more than luck to make the right decisions and the right choices.

A lot of people have actually been acting before me, but they are just nowhere close. It’s not because I am better, it’s grace; but, really, success is hard. It takes a lot of hard work. At the point when my mates were carrying designer bags, I didn’t know what designer bags were. At the point at which they were wearing Brazilian hair, I didn’t know what Brazilian hair was. I was kind of laid-back. I was a step or two behind, because I was working so hard. I didn’t take vacations; I didn’t have time for all of that. I just wanted to be on location, so I could sell what I had. I wanted people to see what I could do. So, [at] every point in time, I was busy.

I was so excited to work at every time. So, it’s like success is hard. You really have to work hard; you really have to sweat to achieve what you want. It’s

The Things

They Said

“I laugh at people trying to calculate how much my wedding cost. Just leave it, you have no idea” –Dr Sid “My knuckles have always been dark from birth” –Sean Tizzle refuting claims that he bleached his skin

FLiRT “I wish I were still a virgin” ALERT –Drummer, Ara

GOT A CELEB GIST? GET IN TOUCH!

August 15, 2014

TATTLES with Abisola Alawode

OUR EAR-ON-GROUND

Can’t Be Humble?

Be Professional: The 2Face Example Humility is a virtue. It is a trait that amplifies greatness and commands admiration. A balance of achievements and humility attracts people and commands their admiration – sometimes, even love.

In the Nigerian music industry, 2Face Idibia is one musician who commands respect; not only because of his music, but because of his humility. Meet 2Face anywhere and his humility stands out. This is a trait which more than a few up-and-coming artistes can learn. In this light, TATTLES chose to share with our readers an article written by Efe Omorogbe (CEO of Now Muzik).

For artistes and sports personalities whose earning power and market position is determined by the quality of performance and level of popularity, it is essential to maintain a clear head and one’s sense of humility.

(As) essential as it is, humility is not an easy trait to maintain, particularly in showbiz. Success can quite easily become an intoxicant. As a practitioner becomes more successful, there’s the temptation to literally start believing one’s own hype. Great artistic performances cause mass hysteria and earn praise. Praise is usually followed by patronage and patronage delivers income, sometimes beyond the wildest dreams of the newbie star.

More often than not, success, the very prize that fueled years of grueling preparation and huge sacrifice, ironically becomes the undoing of the artiste. This phenomenon is by no means limited to the business of entertainment but it is within the confines of this industry that I have garnered work experience and studied closely how the inability to manage success, most times painfully limited success, has damaged a good number of pretty bright talents with otherwise great prospects.

PUBLiC DiSPLAY

What humility does for you Though usually perceived in an artiste’s interaction with and attested to by others, the artiste is the primary beneficiary of the fruits of humility.

I’m talking about genuine humility here and not some false ‘eye-serviceniceness’ crap. Humility allows the artiste to have a fairly objective view of the quality of his work and his place amongst his contemporaries or the competition. At no risk to his selfconfidence, a humble artiste is able to clearly assess his position in the market and acknowledge the strengths of others in the running. He is even able to go one better by admiring deserving competition and adopting particular work strategies that have proven helpful to others.

Humility compels one to respect other people. This is a powerful ingredient for success in showbiz. A star who respects others tend to work better with a wellmeaning management to deliver top quality service to the public. He is respectful of his fans and it shows in the way he applies himself in preparation and delivery of performances. He is usually a delight for promoters, agency and brand personnel to work with and, therefore, enjoys patronage time and again.

You don’t have to be Humble. Being Professional will do Like I pointed out earlier, humility isn’t the commonest trait to have, nor the easiest virtue to cultivate. A lot of people do not have the capacity to be humble and, please, don’t confuse niceness with humility. For a myriad of reasons, ranging from psychological inadequacies to a lack of understanding of the true dynamics of life and living, certain people are unable to cultivate a mind and heart where achievements and humility can co-exist. To this group, my recommendation is thus: “Don’t Be

“Armed robbers can never rob me, they respect me” –Daddy Showkey

COLUMNS /47

Chris Attoh recently proposed to his girlfriend Damilola Adegbite in New York .

The couple, who are both actors, have been together for a year an d are expecting their fir st child together. Congra ts to them!

Actor and model IK Ogbonna is in love and he wants the world to know it. He stepped out with his Colombian girlfriend, Sonia Moralez, at the Encomium Black & White Party which held at the Ruby Garden, Lekki, over the weekend.

Apparently IK is poised to marry his senorita!

Tonto Dikeh recently denied reports that she referred to Genevieve Nnaji as being “eternally single” during an interview. Well, when the story broke, she denied it all. According to her, she does not give “soft-sell interviews”. Worse, the actress could not wrap her head around the reason why someone “will write such a false story”.

Humble. Be Professional”.

I often tell my clients and friends that nobody does stardom for a living. At least, nobody I know. As a star artiste, what you do for a living is offer recording, performance and appearance services through your label/management to the public – basically. The buzz, money, attention, admiration and the groupies are but perks for performing your basic duty satisfactorily. Be professional. Focus on delivering on your task satisfactorily and the perks will keep coming.

Juliet Ibrahim is upset with on-air personalities (OAPs) who have been joking about the Ebola virus on air. The actress wondered how much sense it makes when people who are supposed to pass information across to the masses joke about such an important issue! Well said Juliet, well said.

TiP FOR “It’s not the years in your life that count; it’s the life in your years.”

THE TOP –Abraham Lincoln

Call Bisola on 08126995258 Or e-mail at friday@leadership.ng

48/

TATTLES

August 15, 2014

Diary

Razak’s

Relationships For You, By Me

co s y raz z y @ ya h o o. co m

I’m an impulsive guy with an insatiable thirst for adventure. This is all about my dalliances & escapades.

Coming To A Head “Hello, dude!” I looked up from the document I was reading and there was Bose. For a couple of weeks there, I had thought she had gone on leave. Honestly, Diary, I have been avoiding her as best as I can and now here she is.

“Ah… you,” I said with a smile that masked my horror.

My heart beat faster. I remember my dalliance with her, how…she was and how unpredictable my behaviour around her always is.

“You don’t look very happy to see me,” she said, settling her Kim-Kardashian-like rear on my desk. Haba, I said to myself. “What did I do to deserve all this?” Yes, even Bhaira had it and I was grateful for it, but…I’m a man (I’m sorry I blurted that out).

“Ol’ boy, I’m here talking to you. Are you lost? She asked, wriggling as she sat on my desk. I looked away.

“I’m not lost, just trying to get some things MD ordered to be done before the close of work,” I managed.

“Alright, I’ll just get back to work, then,” she said, getting up.

I heaved a sigh of relief.

She had gone some distance, making a huge ragabowm-bowm as she went. I swallowed hard and cursed myself.

She turned abruptly, touching her rear and, as if reading my mind, said: “Razzky, see how your desk stained my skirt”. She even went ahead to make some dirt-wiping move on what she called her skirt, then asked, looking up; “won’t you help me?”

I moved towards her, glad to help out. At least, if anyone came in and saw us, we’ld just be two dirt-wiping colleagues. I wiped and wiped, enjoying the rubbery feel of the material she was wearing and the evil vibrations it was causing.

She stopped me suddenly.

“That’ll do now. Razzky, why are your eyes dilating?

Hmm.” “Well, roommates, it’s my turn.” Etim’s voice. What a timely interruption.

I cursed and became human all again.

As for the temptress, she was gone just as coyly as she came.

Etim sat down without preambles and looked me hard in the eyes. I tried to return the stare in my own way, but all I got in return was embarrassed laughter. “Abeg, don’t fix those your eyeballs on me; they are as huge as those of a goat abi na cow,” he laughed.

His laughter vanished as quickly as it had come.

“Ol’boy…” he started.

“Wait,” I interrupted, “why is everyone calling me ol’boy?”

“See, before you start with your foolishness, let me say that it is a pally-pally term. That said, I have been hearing some shameful whispers around the office. It is being whispered that Ehis has been whumping Shades. Have you heard the rumours too?”

“Whumping abi humping? Rumours? Ehis?”

“Stop acting dense. You don’t even look it,” he was getting really hot.

“You know Shade does not even talk to me. She won’t even answer my hellos. I won’t even go near her, you know that.” I was making a lame attempt at ignorance. Worse,

SHARE

Etim wasn’t buying it.

“Are you saying, my man, that all these ladies who come here for you to help them dust their skirts do not whisper anything?”

“Nah, mehn,”I said. Another lame attempt.

He shook his head.

“See, if I knew, I would be the first to tell you and she’ll come after me. You know how it is, bro.”

He shook his head again, his eyes never leaving my face.

“See, Razak, I love Shade with her razor tongue and all and, yes, I do a two-rig behind her back – Nurse Titi has not lost her flavour – and all that, but even she claims to know that I love her. But how can she do this to me?”

I couldn’t believe the degree of innocent selfrighteousness on display. Somehow, I could see things coming to a head for both of them. I was even happy for him. Worse, I could see myself in Etim.

“Men, this is going to kill me,” he continued.

“Have you talked it over with her?” I asked.

“The only time I get to talk with Shades (I don’t even know why he calls her that) and not get blind-sided is when we are in bed. Other times, it just turns out to be a shouting match. I guess you know all that…”

I nodded.

“Just imagine how talking about this with her is going to be…”

I tried to imagine, but I couldn’t. Why wasn’t I feeling any sympathy for them? Was it because of my no-love for Shade or the bromance with Etim, my guy? Was it because I knew the truth?

“E.T, guy, you two have to talk about it sometime.

Somehow, she knows you have been digging into Nurse Titi. You two have to talk about it, come clean, decide on what to do and heal-up. These things are never easy.”

“Now,” he said, straightening up, “you have not answered my question. Did you or did you not know about it?”

“Em, E.T slow down, man. See, em, em…” I’m always bad at this.

“See, say something fast before I start acting insane.”

Etim was already up on his feet. He looked like Shrek.

I was silent. What would I do? Should I tell Etim the truth for our friendship’s sake, as a matter of honour or as a way to get back at Shade?

“See,” he started, pulling out his cellphone, “Someone in this office, I don’t know who, forwarded me a video. Watch it…” With that, he tossed the cellphone at me. Trust me, I caught it.

It was a very short video. The person must have been recording his take on Shade conveniently, until I got there.

Somehow, I was caught on video snooping around the ‘exercise’ point, until I stumbled and fell. At that point, the person must have panicked and ran, but I was right there at the scene.

Just as I finished, we heard the koi, koi, koi of a female’s shoe as she walked towards my office. I quickly handed it over to Etim’s waiting hands. That ugly look was still fixed on me when the person stopped at the door.

“I knew you would be here, love. Can I talk to you for a moment? What are you doing here anyways?” It was Shade.

I’ve always wondered why people say such things.

It’s always been a thing I consider to be an issue. How can one who has a heart, who hasn’t murdered innocent children or released the Ebola virus unto the world, consider themselves undeserving of love?

Love is such a beautiful thing. It’s a rather tasking beautiful thing, sometimes, but it can be the best thing to happen to you – if you let it. Its rather cliché, but love really does make the world go round. I have witnessed love shown to helpless children and dying people, so how can one think they don’t deserve that kind of thing?

It’s funny, but you get to hear most men say that, because a real woman knows she needs and wants love no matter what. Now, why should anyone say this or give this as as a reason to not be happy?

Here are a few possible causes: He, probably, has never experienced real love.

It’s very possible that from his upbringing real love was never shown to him. Perhaps, he is the product of a strict household where he always had to ‘be the man’ and had to be ‘strong for everyone’ else except himself. People like this can’t fathom love or its expression, because there was no room for love, only order.

Broken a heart Some men feel [that] they don’t deserve to be happy ever, because they’ve broken the heart of someone they valued most.

I’ll understand why anyone would feel this. It’s like killing the one flower in your garden that blossomed, despite the odds… and it was all your fault. It’s a very hard thing to get over.

Guilt Some people feel [that] they don’t deserve love because they’ll feel guilty for being happy when someone they loved died and they never had the chance to show love or let the other person know how much they loved that person.

Inferiority complex Some people think so low of themselves that they don’t even understand why anyone will want to love them. They ask themselves ‘what do I have to offer?’ ‘There’s nothing amazing about me, why would she want me?’ Insecurity contributed to this.

Love doesn’t exist There are people out there who, genuinely, don’t believe unconditional love exists, so the very idea of showing someone love is a lie they will have no part in.

When I meet such people, the woman in me wants to say ‘Run for the hills, this is not your problem!’ But the other side of me advises me to take the following steps: Take it slow It’s not easy having one state of mind and someone comes from nowhere, making attempts to change it. Most of these feelings stem from a lack of trust in the past. You need to show that you are loyal and trustworthy. It’s sad but it’s when he/she messes up, that’s a test to see if you can stand the rain, to see if you can handle them. It won’t be easy.

Patience If the person doesn’t want to open up as fast as you want them to, give them time. Eventually, they will but you have to be very patient. You can try talking about your life and trying to involve them in the conversation to see if they have had similar experiences, by giving them that space for them to talk about anything.

Help them love themselves. I know it seems like hard work but people do stupid things in the name of love. Show the person that they are loved, no matter what. It takes a selfless person to focus all on someone else. Show that person that he or she matters. It’s really about the small things and not Gucci shoes or Blackberry phones. A randomly sent text saying “you mean the world to me” during the day can make a difference.

The fear Thing is, in some situations, when someone says “I don’t deserve you” it’s usually a red flag. The person might be a. trying to break up with you. b. Has been bad in the relationship c. Has found someone else they’d rather be with. It’s best to learn how to read the signs.

“I don’t deserve you” and “I don’t deserve love” are two different things. Pay attention.

Love isn’t easy but, I promise you, no matter how bad the situation is, we all deserve love.

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Children are the reward of life.

‘I Don’t Deserve Love’

— African proverb

www.miseducationofmimi.blogspot.com Mimidoo Achineku is a PR consultant in the SME, TV & Film industry.

She is a blogger, fabulous, old, depending on who you ask and she isn’t lonely!

August 15, 2014

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August 15, 2014

Hauwa Booth WOMAN ON THE LOOSE

Ff:@ofastupidwoman: Read @ www.diaryofastupidwoman.com The Islamic State Of Gwoza?

Gwoza has fallen to Boko Haram.They have hoisted their flag, installed their Emir and a socio-judicial system. This is not a joking matter but sometimes irony serves to relay a message.

Armed thieves stopped a bus and asked the passengers to make two lines; females and males. As the leader surveyed the lines, he noticed a man in the female line and said to him rather angrily, “Are you not a man, what are you doing in the female line?” The man answered, “No! You are the men!”

That’s is what we are seeing in the take-over of Gwoza; not only the take-over but the sacking of the army! As we slowly head towards the Iraq situation, what is the game-plan from our government and the army that is to protect us from internal and external threats (we have passed the level of threat now; just to push the point home once more)?

So what is next for us? Let us not fool ourselves that the threat of incursion is limited to the North, most especially Borno. They have tasted blood and been able to execute their agenda; that’s a feather in their cap and that will only embolden them. Let us also remember that ISIS/IS/ISF, the wealthiest terror group in the world earning $3m a day from the seized oil wells, is following their progress. This should speak volumes to us.

Happy Salt Day! When I started seeing updates on people’s statuses about a certain ‘Salt bath’, I was completely lost. Then I started hearing complaints of being woken up at odd hours, with attempts at harassment to get them give their entire households a saline bath before they left their houses.

Now I want to express my profound joy at the fact that not one person called with this bit of advice. This is why. The amount of people who actually believed this was astonishing. Are we as Nigerians actually this (I really restrained myself from saying what I wanted to say)...? Are we actually this gullible? Why is our default response to things like this ‘voodoo’ in remedy? I’m even more upset that a lot of the people

From Ekiti To Osun who bought into this are supposed to be educated. It is also unfortunate that our Ministry of Health was not immediately responsive when the outbreak was first reported in Guinea, being in West Africa and all. It should have been our first line of correct information. For the ‘educated’ among us they might have been spared the agony of the saline bath or the solution.

I shudder to think how much more profit Dangote made!

I was still reeling from this salt silliness, when a certain preacher announced that there is a muddy body of water that cures all. You need to see the footage of Nigerians trooping to bath in this muddy water. What is all this?

Kudos to the voters in Osun, they have voted for the person and party they want to represent them. Good. I just wish our politicians will be less dramatic and childish in their approach to victories and losses, especially, as most of them are of ‘grandpa’ and ‘grandma’ status. Someone has to win, someone has to lose. They are not setting a good example in good sportsmanship at all (well, when have they ever set a good example?). We are imbibing that and that is what is resonating within the voters too. Ekiti chose who they wanted, so has Osun. Can we all respect the decisions of these states and move on? Too much unnecessary gloating [going on].

There is an awful lot of work to be done ahead of 2015. If both elections could be turned to a security emergency to ensure that the elections are conducted, what is the country going to become, come the 2015 Presidential election? Do we even have enough troops sef based on the recent deployments we saw in these states? Let us pray and stay positive [that] there is a country that will vote come 2015.

Oh, Robin!

Robin Williams was one of those American actors who resonated with us and captured our hearts in the film Mrs. Doubtfire. He made us laugh and…who doesn’t like to laugh? I still find it surprising that he would commit suicide, and at 63! I mean, he was already on the way out of this world. He even made a statement, hung himself with a belt and slit his wrist. I am sure you are wondering why I am talking about a random Hollywood actor. It is the lesson his death

WEEKEND

BiTES

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH THOSE ON THE SAME MISSION AS YOU.

ought to teach us. Again. But we won’t learn. There is a void in us that fame, money, sex, drugs and alcohol cannot fill; even a good working Government [can’t do that]! These things cannot feed our souls, neither can they make us happy.

Find yourself.

There is this touching sense of outrage and emotion expressed at the Gaza situation by Nigerians. I was hoping we would express the same sense of outrage and emotion at the Iraqi situation....

FEEDBACK: LET’S HEAR FROM YOU

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August 15, 2014

Stanley Nkwocha

The Familiar Song Coming From Iraq's al-Maliki

Our Eye On Power And Politics

Feedback: stanleyn@leadership.ng

08038011382 (text only)

Ebola: Just Last Week I warned Chime

Last Monday in Baghdad, Iraqi President Fuad Massoum chose Dr. Haider al-Abadi as Prime Ministerdesignate of the nation, charging him with the task of building a strong nation after the near collapse of his government. No thanks to the threats by ISIS. As has become recalcitrant of leaders in this part of the world, out of favor Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki has, however, countered announcing that he would not leave office.

Maliki has remained defiant and in usual show of force has increased security forces in the streets of Baghdad, adding that the military will wade in if he was forcefully removed. He claims that the Iraqi constitution was on his side.

President Massoum is a Kurdish Sunni Muslim and the Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament Salim al-Jubouri is Sunni Muslim. With the selection of Abadi who is a Shi’ite Muslim, a unified Iraqi government where Shi’ite, Sunnis and Kurds share in the future growth of the country gets possible.

It is believed that this arrangement will bring in the much needed peace in the country and of course bring the cruelty being adopted by the ISIS - bent on overrunning the government, to a halt.

But as synonymous with power in developing nations, Maliki has refused to step down. He prefers to die on the throne. And I just wonder why they won’t learn.

Where is Saddam Hussein? Where is Muammar Ghaddaffi ? Where is Hosni Mubarak? These men never learn!

When last week I called on governors to relax on their politicking and pay attention to the Ebola virus that is on rampage, not a few took me serious. Particularly, I had called on Governor Sullivan Chime to soft pedal on the impeachment of his deputy S u n d a y Onyebuchi and redirect his

energy to Ebola prevention but to no avail.

Here we are, like a soothsayer, Ebola has caught Enugu unawares. And same Chime, came to the Presidential Villa last Wednesday to tell the President that , “we shall box Ebola into a corner”. Some folk think governance is child’s play especially those fed with silver spoons. I just hope other governors are watching.

Stan’s Memo

Be thankful for what you have; you will end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough - Oprah Winfrey

Re: Soldiers Demoralization

By Their Wives On Tuesday, the Nigerian Defence Headquarters chastised the wives of some soldiers over what it called the ‘demoralization of the soldiers’ by them. This followed the refusalthrough blockade that wives of soldiers at the Maiduguri barracks formed against their husbands deployment to Gwoza, where their husbands were to go engage the Boko Haram insurgents who had taken over Gwoza.

The military has frowned at the actions of the women, describing it as demoralizing. But the thing is would it have been honorable for their husbands to be put on the slaughter slab just for the sake of it?

Whether we like it or not, these women have raised germaine and fundamental issues that their husbands, as a result of ethics cannot raise. It was the Borno governor, who told us the blatant truth when he spoke of the ill-equipping and non motivation of our dear soldiers.

Although the Presidency attacked him for what it termed a lie, but here we are; his remarks has come round

i

Musings Wonder how the collapse of the Enugu deputy governor Sunday Onyebuchi before the impeachment panel set to investigate him would help his case. If he thought he would get reprieve from the panel as as result of that, then he had better re-advise himself. In this business called politics, it’s Sun Tzu’s art of war oapproach all the way. It’s called ‘operation no mercy’.

Osun: Time For APC To Rev Up

360. Need anyone argue on this again with the straight statement made by these women? It is just time for the Nigerian government to get serious with the military and it’s personnel. If the dictates of the time does not suggest thus, I wonder what else would.

Like a wild storm ripping through the sands of the Sahara, Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State has gotten Senator Iyiola Omisore of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) humbled. This was after defeating the controversial Senator in last Saturday’s governorship elections.

I am however, amazed at the conduct of the APC before and during the elections.

The sort of provocative statements the party churned out before the election was bemusing. It even got worse in the middle of the election when Ogbeni himself began issuing threats of war. It is just that the SSS was quiet on those who attempted a 14million naira bribe on it, perhaps we would have known who did what.

I love to see the sort of opposition between the Republicans and Democrats in the United States, as no winner in any election is usually guaranteed. I, however, dislike the war chants and threats of blood spilling when the APC loses elections. No matter the flaws of our electoral system, I refuse to subscribe that wars and human lives must set in to correct such anomalies, more so when the children of these war mongers are not in the country!

Power Play: Tukur Vs Ribadu The ouster of former governor Murtala Nyako seems to be all that was needed for the power play in Adamawa State to be taken to the next level by the various other stakeholders.

Nyako is out and the power play is on.

The ambitions of Awwal

Tukur, son of former PDP chairman Bamanga Tukur and that of erstwhile anticorruption czar Nuhu Ribadu has clashed and the fangs are therefore out. Since the breaking of the news that Awwal Tukur had agreed to step down for Ribadu, the

Tukur family has gone bonkers describing such report as malicious as in their opinion it can’t and is not true.

I seem to be at home with Adamawa politics to a large extent. Like Imo State, the initial front runners and ‘noisemakers’ never get to

smell the Governmnet House.

I can almost emphatically say that at the end of this power tussle, it would have been muscles flexed in futility as neither Awwal nor Ribadu would get to Dogari House, Yola. I stand to be corrected in the future

Not every movement is progress; Some movements are just a way of burning fats! ― Israelmore Ayivor

52

W men In Politics

August 15, 2014

ANALYSIS

INTERVIEWS

DISCOURSE

‘Adamawa Needs An Honest Man As Governor’

Grace Folashade Bent, CON, represented Adamawa South in the Sixth Senate. In this interview with ONUKOGU KANAYO JUBAL, she talks about the recent political occurrences in the state, her ambition to return to the National Assembly and other important issues.

Since 2011, when your bid to return to the senate failed, a lot has happened in Adamawa State; most notably the back-and-forth bickering between the Presidency and Nyako, which culminated in the impeachment of Nyako and his replacement by the speaker of the state legislature, Umar Fintiri. As a stakeholder, what is your take on all the political drama?

It is, to be candid, an interesting, intriguing story. Since we brought in the former governor in 2007, it has been a turbulent, devastating, woefilled experience for the people of Adamawa State. Our greatest undoing as a people was letting Vice Admiral Nyako into Government House Adamawa. It was only after electing him that we discovered, to our dismay, that he didn’t have the capacity to run the state. He lacked charisma and the ability to focus on people-oriented development. Matter-of-fact, he was far below average. He ran a government that took care of his family and cronies and, in the end, the people suffered for it. He was the major problem of the governors’ forum; he sowed discord amongst them using some gullible governors who didn’t know his person and when it did not favour him, he went out of control. He got them all fighting for his cause (he really wanted the party to be back at his beck and call). Nyako ran the state aground; salaries could hardly be paid and a number of other things couldn’t be accomplished. In a nutshell, it is good riddance to bad rubbish.

But some say his problems were master-minded by ‘the powers that be’…

(Cuts in) No, I do not think it was as a result of any form of manipulation from anywhere. True, he may have had his own issues with these ‘powers’, but, to the best of my knowledge, the state has had issues since 2007 when he was voted into office. He lacked the capacity to govern; he was absolutely incompetent. Remember that, before him, there was Boni Haruna (who had his own issues) and these problems

were not there. In Haruna’s case, you could see that a governor was in-charge.

Also, it is not as if the state is poor; there was money, but it was going to the wrong places.

The acting governor has now inaugurated an investigating council to investigate some of the activities of Nyako’s government and how, till date, that government has not been able to account for about N80bn which Adamawa is allocated from the federal level. Something has been going fundamentally wrong [in the state] and I do not think that it is as a result of any form of witch-hunting.

Acting Governor Fintiri is, according to the constitution, to ensure that a new governor emerges within 90 days.

Considering the pool of contestants who want to occupy Government House Adamawa, what qualities do the people desire of the man who will be governor?

It will be biased of me to say that a particular person can be trusted to be the governor at this stage. It amounts to undue favouritism. This is democracy and all we need at this critical time is a level playing ground, so as to guarantee the emergence of a credible candidate.

Having tried Nyako and got our fingers burnt, we must now ensure that the right thing is done by voting in a man worthy of the office.

The candidate must be a man or woman of the people; an individual who has identified with the yearnings and aspirations of the people in the past.

We do not want an emergency aspirant.

This person must have space for the electorate in his or her programme.

Also, the individual must have a good name. In fact, Adamawa State needs an honest man as governor.

There are indicators that the acting governor is interested in running for governor…

(Cuts in) I am not aware that he is interested in the position. I consider myself a stakeholder in the state and, to the best of my knowledge, I have not been informed. I know that A. A.

Bent

Gulak, Gen Mohammed Marwa (Rtd), Aliu Idi Hong and a few others want to run, but I am not aware that Fintiri (the acting governor) wants to run. We are grassroots mobilisers and whoever wants to run will always get to us first.

As acting governor, Fintiri is saddled with ensuring that a governor emerges within 90 days, as stipulated by the constitution. As lawmakers, therefore, we are not supposed to circumvent the constitution for a candidate to emerge.

We are waiting for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to release the time-table, so that proper activity can begin.

For all I know, anyone who wants to emerge must present himself or herself to the people and election must be held within 90 days.

You still have your eyes fixed on elective office. What is it that you didn’t do then that you so desire to get done now?

First off, it is not about me; it is about my people. That said, I am into very intense consultations with my people and when I am through, I will declare at the appropriate time. The time is ripe for me to run again and I will be gunning for the senate.

As for what I am interested in, I just want to consolidate on what I have done before. My records speak for me. My constituency is the largest in Adamawa State, with nine local governments and more than 24 ethnic groups. During my tenure, I touched almost every aspect of the existence of my people’s lives – education, healthcare delivery, as well as youth and women empowerment. My returning, therefore, is timely, because my people have been demanding my

return for long; they want me back, I am not bragging about it. Since my people desire my return, who am I to refuse them?

I think they enjoyed my tenure and they want more of it. It’s going to be a new beginning again and I will ensure that the people will get the feel of proper representation. No opposition is too strong for me, so I am not thinking about them.

It is very clear that the people of Adamawa State have been on the losing end of the whole political drama in the state. Does any politician in the state, including you, really care for the people like they profess to?

This is a question, we, as politicians in Adamawa State, should be asking ourselves. What is our intention? Do we want the people to experience true leadership or do we want to get into office for self-aggrandisement? These are pertinent questions which very few politicians ask themselves or have answers to, unfortunately.

Politicians believe that if they have money they can buy the electorate.

Unfortunately for us, that belief is beginning to change. The people deserve better and I can speak for myself that I do care for them. I do want good things for them and I am ready to work to ensure that they get it. The aspirants have to answer the question when they find themselves in the presence of the people. They need to convince the people beyond reasonable doubt that they mean well for them. If the wrong person is presented by any party and he claims to have won, we will protest using placards, ballot boxes and petitions.

paliamentrychat

August 15, 2014

2015: Those Kicking Against Sambo Are Enemies of Northern Nigeria – Barde Hon. Yakubu Umar Barde, a member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency of Kaduna State. In this interview with MIDAT JOSEPH, Barde bares his mind on the position of politicians in the north who are kicking against Vicepresident Namadi Sambo ahead of the 2015 elections.

As a lawmaker who has been in the House of Representatives since 2003, what do you think of the state of the nation?

For the past few years, insecurity has been the major concern of the country today. I think that it is unfortunate that the menace has lived with us for a couple of years. I strongly believe [that] we would have long nipped the situation in the bud if we had acted real fast back when it all started. I am privileged to have watched a video where the former leader of the Boko Haram, Yusuf Muhammad, threatened the nation when one of his members was killed.

Back then, he said they would revenge and make no one took them seriously.

Today, it has come back to haunt the nation.

Back then, no one thought he could have some international connection. If the leaders at that time had seriously considered giving serious thought to the activities of the Boko Haram, the group’s activities would have been easily curtailed.

That said, the security situation is very unfortunate; it has hindered development in the Northern part of the country, especially in the Northeast. Sadly, this situation has taken the north back a few years.

When the World Economic Forum was held in Nigeria to persuade foreign investors, we were invariably wooing these investors to the Southern part of the country, because no right-thinking investor will want to come to the Northern part of the country. So, are we helping our region or drawing our region back? The North is one part of the country that has a high rate of poverty and we are deterring people who have money to invest from doing so, because of the level of insecurity. We are not yet talking about the level of illiteracy in the region. The Boko Haram is solely against anything emanating from the Western world. This is a part of the nation that has the highest number of illiterates, yet a group is against Western education. When do we want to catch up with the other part of the country? It is really a pity that we find ourselves in this situation.

In the budget, there are lots of projects which have been ear-marked to be constructed in the North-east, but nobody wants to go there. The minister of

works has told us that contractor don’t want to bid for projects in the region; nobody wants to go there. So, who do you blame for lack of development in the North-east? I blame the northern people for not putting heads together to fight the insurgents.

What do you think of the president’s attention and performance in the region?

For me, he has done well. Look at the almajiri schools and many other road projects [which have been constructed] in the region. Sometimes, I tell people that the north should be grateful to President Jonathan, because the almajiri school was a favour to the region.

This is even more evident when you consider that the children of the fishermen in the South who do not have the privilege of going to conventional schools also need such schools [but do not have them] . There are also children of farmers the South-west and the North-central who do not have such privileges. So, I consider the president’s building of an almajirai school in the North to be a huge favour to the region.

So, we should appreciate Jonathan and Sambo for that favour, because it is something that has been created to make up for inability to send our children to school.

Do you think Jonathan should run in 2015?

For me, the Jonathan/Sambo ticket is the only ticket we know, considering what he has done and his dream and ambition for Nigeria. Our foremost achievement today in Nigeria is the harmonious relationship between the president and the vice-president.

Considering the president’s inability to handle the security challenge in the country, do you think Nigerians will trust him with their votes a second time?

I have no doubt that he will emerge victorious in 2015, because those of us who know what he has done have a duty to preach him to the people. The insecurity did not begin today; it has grown out of proportion to get to this stage. It is left for us to join hands with the international community to ensure that nobody in Nigeria practices terrorism. Jonathan/Sambo is a very formidable ticket. It is true that

Barde

the insecurity has blinded the eyes of the people to see the achievement that has been recorded by the present government.

Shouldn’t the PDP be worried about the growing acceptance which the All Progressives Congress (APC) is enjoying?

The APC is made up of strange bird fellows; people who are myopic and selfish.

Some northerners have fingered Vice President Namadi Sambo as the problem of the North. Do you think so?

I think that it’s only a section of the North who considers him the problem, because of their selfish interest. They want to impose a vice president on the president and it is never done that way. The president will like to have his second-in-command – a man who has a cordial working relationship with the president, a man who is loyal and able to key into his transformation agenda – from the North.

We are aware that the Alhaji Tanko Yakasai-led Northern Elders Group has already endorsed Jonathan/Sambo for 2015 and they strongly believe it. Sambo is the best running-mate for President Jonathan in 2015. The region has gotten a lot through the vice-president’s influence. So, anybody kicking against Sambo is just enemy of the North. Instead of castigating the vice-president, this is a time to offer solutions.

The Jonathan/Sambo ticket is one that will make democracy thrive in Nigeria. Sambo is a blessing to the north and the president will do well to ensure that no one induces him to dump Sambo.

The PDP caucus at the House of Representatives recently endorsed President Jonathanto run in 201. Why did you take that decision?

We wasted no time in endorsing the

Even the colors of a chameleon are for survival not beauty.―African Proverb.

president because of his mode of governing the country. Good leaders allow people to criticise them and they also take correction. President Jonathan is one of such leaders; for that reason, he is the most mocked leader Nigeria has ever had. President Jonathan has done so much for the country and we need to allow him complete what he started.

Just before the delegates of the National Conference went on recess, they okayed the creation of 18 more states. What is the position on the issue?

To be truthful, I am for it. I will not only vote for it, I will contribute financially to ensure that the people of Southern Kaduna get Gurara State. I believe [that the] creation of additional states will fast-track development in Nigeria. Gurara State is long over-due. I strongly support that Section 8 of the constitution be amended for the purpose of creating these states as recommended by the National Conference delegates. I do not think that we have to go round the states houses of assembly to get their approval, because the issue of economic viability precede sentiments.

Derivation also proved to be a touchy issue…

(Cuts in) Any right-thinking Nigerian should know that the resources of this country belong to all Nigerians. The exploration of oil in the Niger-delta was done with the money from agriculture which was the main-stay of the economy; so, why would somebody think that the Northerners are beggars? This is wrong and must not be tolerated. It is not ideal to fence the resources into one part of the country and let the others suffer. The 13 per cent derivation for the oil-producing states is okay. We know how much was budgeted for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Niger Delta Ministry.

In the end, the problem of the [Nigerdelta] region is corruption is the corruption of its leaders.

54 / ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE

August 15, 2014

Ustaz Abubakr Siddeeq Muhammad Focus On Faith

T

08076760011 (sms only) www.abubakrsiddeeq.com, email: deedat@gmail.com

he National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has developed an evolving system of evaluating the services that Umrah pilgrims get from tour operators. NAHCON inspectors were seen in accommodation sites in both Madeenah and Makkah, engaging pilgrims, and giving them questionnaires for proper assessment of standard of services rendered them by their Umrah agents.

The inspection team, for instance, met the Umrah contingent of my company at the façade of Madinah Hilton on its way to ziyaarah as part of rituals for the visit to the City of the Prophet (SAW). Members of NAHCON inspection team were welcomed to our VIP buses; they made few introductory remarks on their assignment before administering the questionnaires to about five or so volunteers, who filled and returned the forms to them.

Another set of inspectors visited our place of accommodation in Makkah also – Movenpick Hajar Towers, and Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal Tower – where they repeated, with more pilgrims filling their questionnaires, the process they did in Madeenah.

As the questionnaires were not meant for tour operators, I was not able to read the entire contents. However, this Umrah evaluation exercise by NAHCON is commendable. I am convinced that through it, the Nigerian Umrah pilgrim will be protected as to the payment he makes, and the standard of service he receives from his tour operator. As I have had cause to mention severally, the Hajj Commission is getting many things right, and we should acknowledge it and commend them.

I suggest that NAHCON should also be interested in the actual name and standard of the hotels on the packages sold to the pilgrims.

Asking for ‘Proximity to Haram’ is not enough.

Let the Commission delve deep into the rating of the hotel – three, four or five star – and whether or not the tour company maintains the same hotels advertised on its brochure for the Umrah package (assuming there is a brochure to begin with).

Many Umrah service providers do not state exact accommodation of pilgrims in the holy cities. Honest arrangements have nothing to do with vague descriptions like ‘Our places accommodation in Madinah and Makkah are close to the Haram.’ If it is true, name the hotel. In this era of Google, the pilgrims can easily know the actual location of the hotel. My staff often show the prospective pilgrim the exact location of any hotel we are using through Google Maps. Where the reference is vague, pilgrim beware!

Feeding is another area that should interest NAHCON. Since we are speaking about Ramadan, they should demand to know if the packages were sold with Iftar or Suhur, or both, and if the pilgrims have been so served by the company. Four and five star hotels sell packages with Iftar only (half board) or Iftar and Suhur (full board), and the rates vary. So, let no pilgrim be charged for full board and be denied Suhur at the end of the day. Let the questionnaires seek these details from the respondents.

A complete Umrah package must not neglect the spiritual side of the pilgrimage. NAHCON’s interests should cover the extent of arrangement by the Umrah company for ziyaarah in Madeenah for the pilgrims, and the presence of a Muslim scholar to give guidance and admonish the group.

I am pleased to see that NAHCON is keen to know if pilgrims were made to pay additional

Umrah Visa Traffickers (2) money to tour operators after arriving into Saudi Arabia. Yes, Umrah companies incur extra expenses during operations, and even on Hajj exercise, but that is part of the job. No pilgrim should be made to pay any money for whatever reason in Saudi Arabia. Any situation that may warrant incurring extra cost should have been factored into pricing ab initio, rather than gambling with the pilgrims and the company’s hard-earned goodwill.

If there is failure to secure accommodation in the advertised hotel on the package, it is the responsibility of the tour operator to get an alternative place equal in standard to the former one or even higher at no extra cost to the pilgrim. The pilgrim is not made to pay for the mistake of the Umrah Company or that of its Saudi partners. As soon as the pilgrims pay for the Umrah package they are entitled to whatever such package entails, they are not liable to paying additional costs that may arise due to fluctuation of hotel rates or other services. The Umrah company’s contingency plan should bear that, and not the pilgrims.

Another protection to be ensured for the Umrah pilgrims by NAHCON is in the last 10 days of Ramadan package in, especially, Makkan hotels. Whenever Saudi Arabia will complete Ramadan fast to thirty days, the hotels insist on people checking out of their rooms on the 29th of Ramadan because that marks the end of the tenth day, according to the package.

Otherwise, guests must pay for an additional night if they are to celebrate Eid in Makkah.

In any case, the Umrah company must pay for the extension without charging the pilgrims anything in that regard. The pilgrims have paid for a complete package, which covers the last 10 days of Ramadan, whether the fast will be for 29 or 30 days.

Through visa-only pilgrims, NAHCON could discover the source of such shady deals as may exist between Umrah visa racketeers and Saudi Embassy staff. The inspection team can ask people at random concerning the source of their visa. Alternatively, a section could be added on the questionnaires for Umrah visa and how it was obtained. Of course, this has nothing to do with those pilgrims who paid for a complete Umrah package through an organised tour operator.

Most of these visa-only pilgrims are within the four and five star hotel axis. They are the bane of Umrah operations in Nigeria. Most of them are people of means and highly placed government officials who do not mind paying anything for visa-only arrangement. This attitude of I-canpay is what makes the cost of Umrah visa less affordable to the average Muslim who has no access to public funds. These Nigerian VIPs can pay N500, 000 per passport on visa-only for 20 or 30 people plus payment of suites and rooms in Saudia, and upon check in distribute SAR,5000 (225, 000) or so, to each and every person at the Reception desk of the hotel in Makkah or Madeenah. No wonder then, that a manager would leave his office to receive such VIPs at the airport upon arrival into the Kingdom. I witness this every Umrah and Hajj operation. One who earns halaal cannot be so extravagant!

I am aware of people getting Saudi entry visas for amounts from USD 4,500 to as much as USD

10,000 which they use to gain entry into the KSA and perform Umrah and Hajj.

Let NAHCON devise a means of getting information from visa-only pilgrims on the tour operator that secured their visa. Once established, such tour operator should expose his collaborators within the Saudi Embassy.

At times, this fraud is facilitated with the connivance of people in the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, through what they call ‘note verbale’, where a document is sent to the Saudi Arabian Embassy requesting for visa for some government officials. This is valid in normal diplomatic engagements, but it is extremely abused when it comes to Hajj or Umrah visas. The list on the ‘note verbale’ may not have a single government official. In such a case, one cannot but be fair to the Saudi Arabian Embassy, as there is no way the embassy could ascertain who is a Nigerian government official and who is not.

Apart from the above example of note verbale, the Saudi Embassy could hardly be absolved of complicity in visa racketeering at a time when the Umrah portal is closed for MoFA numbers. This is just conjecture, by the way. NAHCON could assist in examining this issue and sanctioning the erring tour operators or even seeing to their defenestration from the Umrah and Hajj industry.

On Ebola Nigerians are some of the most accomplished rumour-mongers I know. We pass on a lot of unverified information daily to people; sometimes correct, sometimes exaggerated and most times completely false. In Nigeria, everyone knows who stole Nigeria’s billions and they will point at buildings the so-called thieves bought or built with the proceeds. When you ask the accusers to substantiate the accusation, they get angry and turn on you, accusing you of being a collaborator of the thief. That is how things are done to a large extent here. It is a wonder there are not many cases of libel suits.

You see Nigerians at their rumour-mongering worst when in times of crisis. A brilliant opportunity just presented itself with the outbreak of the deadly Ebola disease. I have even heard (forgive the pun) that some people claimed that Nigeria has been banned from airlifting pilgrims for Hajj! Subhaanallah! This is completely false.

In fact, the officials of the National Hajj

Nigerians are some of the most accomplished rumourmongers I know. We pass on a lot of unverified information daily to people; sometimes correct, sometimes exaggerated

Commission that went to sign airlift agreements with the Saudi government just returned to Nigeria this week. NAHCON has issued a statement debunking this claim as mere rumour but Nigerians have persisted in spreading it.

How will the Saudi government ban Nigeria from conducting Hajj airlifts and still be signing agreements and issuing guidelines after the said ban? This illustrates what I was explaining about how Nigerians spread baseless information.

I personally have intending pilgrims who have withdrawn from this year’s Hajj, citing Ebola concerns. This is sad and unwarranted. You also hear of people bathing in hot water and salt or eating copious amounts of bitter kola to stop or cure the disease, depending on the rumour that got to them.

We swim in drinking water and cry of thirst. There is an ocean of free, authoritative information on the disease but only a few are bothering to read up anything, instead, we wait for the latest rumour and work ourselves into a frenzy. As I write this, getting a hand sanitizer in any pharmacy is looking like lifelong adventure.

A friend’s friend once wrote that ignorance scares him; it scares me too. Ignorance gives birth to many terrible children, panic being one of the senior ones. Imagine people with access to news on television and the internet swallowing that kind of junk information. Just ask one of them where they got the report and you will be amazed at how the Nigerian mind works.

Nigerians should know that Ebola is not an epidemic in Nigeria by any stretch of imagination yet. There have been a total of 10 confirmed cases nationwide and less than 200 people are under surveillance. As at Tuesday, 11th August, 39 out of that number have been cleared after the stipulated 21-day observation period, the rest are still under watch.

About 1400 years ago, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught us what modern medicine has just started doing; quarantine. We are told in Saheeh Bukhaariy by ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amir bin Rabi’a that ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab left for Sham (the region that is known today as Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Palestine), and when he reached a placed called Sargh, he came to know that there was an outbreak of an epidemic (of plague) in Sham.

Then ‘AbdurRahman bin ‘Auf told him that Allah’s Apostle (PBUH) said, “If you hear the news of an outbreak of an epidemic (plague) in a certain place, do not enter that place: and if the epidemic falls in a place while you are present in it, do not leave that place to escape from the epidemic.” So ‘Umar returned from Sargh. (Book #86, Hadith #103).

We hear and we obey instructions from the Messenger of Allah. Besides, it is a mercy for the believers as our Mother, Aisha (RA) said in another hadeeth: Narrated ‘Aisha: (the wife of the Prophet) that she asked Allah’s Apostle about plague, and Allah’s Apostle informed her saying, “plague was a punishment which Allah used to send on whom He wished, but Allah made it a blessing for the believers. None (among the believers) remains patient in a land in which plague has broken out and considers that nothing will befall him except what Allah has ordained for him, but that Allah will grant him a reward similar to that of a martyr.” (Book #71, Hadith #630) I advise everyone to be calm and cautious and to ascertain information before spreading it. I hope to write on how a Muslim should look at Ebola and other calamities soon, inshaa Allah.

The subsistence mentality of a person is a prison in which his personal joy is detained. If you want to live in joy, you don’t live for yourself alone. Live for others too! ― Israelmore Ayivor

ISLAM / 55

August 15, 2014

Discourse with Sheikh Muhammad Mahmud Turi turimuhd@yahoo.com 07038199475 (text only)

Zaria Massacre: As The World Cries Earnestly For Justice!

In the name of Allah who states “Deem not that Allah is heedless of what the iniquitous do; He is only deferring them to a day when eyes shall stare”. Q14:42.

Peace and blessings of Allah be upon His noble servant, our master Muhammad and his oppressed progeny.

It is very interesting to see the diverse nature of people trooping to condole the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky (H) over the cold blooded murder of his sons and 33 members of the movement after the peaceful Quds day procession in solidarity with the oppressed Palestinians on Friday, 25th July, 2014.

While extending the same through various means, countries, organizations and prominent individuals continue to call on Nigerian government and the International community on the urgent need for the perpetrators of this atrocity to be squarely brought to justice.

And thanks to Allah for exposing the magnitude of the brutality to world’s recognition despite government’s silence for about a week from the brutality until after a press conference held by the sheikh: “I am surprised that 33 people were killed and nobody from government is saying anything. My sons and some of the victims were tortured to death. They were taken alive to Basawa Barrack and tortured to death because there were signs of electric shocks on some of the corpses according to doctors. We have confirmed that (an officer) personally killed some of the victims including my sons”.

The sheikh continued, it would surprise you to know that there was even a roadside beggar among those that were killed. There was even one Mr. Nyanwu, about 68 year old who was also killed because he simply cautioned them on how they were killing innocent people.

Because of that they shot him to death.

So it is not Shiites-soldiers clash but killing armless and defenseless people”.

For quite sometimes, the military has kept mute. However, after about a week from the massacre, the Nigerian defense headquarters spokesman, Maj. General Olukolade speaking over the incidence at a speech and prize giving ceremony of the Nigerian Military School (NMS), Zaria, said soldiers were not murderers, but people who are out to protect Nigerians. He added: we don’t want speak until we know all that is involved, the headquarters was concerned because of the fact that we always cherish good relationship with the Nigerian public and particularly Zaria being a home for the military in forms of training and interaction.

We didn’t expect this degree of problem.

That is why we must find out what really happened”.

But a response to his statement made available to the press, signed by Dr. Abdullahi Danladi on behalf of resource forum of the movement reads “Olukolade’s statement

that the troops not being out to attack innocent citizens is not true. Your troops have killed 33 armless and defenseless people in one day, some of them cold bloodedly murdered by various forms of torture and electrocution” The statement added “So far 33 Muslims have been killed, three of whom are Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky’s sons, and a Christian old man Julius Anyanwu, 68, was also killed when he challenged the army on why they were killing armless and peaceful protesters.

Another lady, Chibozor Levechi, who came to assist Anyanwu was also shot and is currently receiving medical attention”. Daily Trust, Friday 1, 2014.

In another quote by Premium Newspaper, Sheikh Zakzaky has recently said “Thirty five members of our organization were murdered by the military. It was a peaceful procession but they shot at our members unprovoked. But in spite of the tragedy, we will remain peaceful.

Islam is a religion of peace. And we are organized, we are matured and nobody can provoke us into violence. We will never lose focus. Why should we be provoked? We don’t attack, we only talk about faith and what we stand for. We are a peaceful people and no one can accuse us of instigating violence” In addition to the sampled commiseration, praises and calls for judicial redress by local and International organizations, such messages flow continuously to the Sheikh (H), most unusual father for the incredible restrain, sacrifice and reliance on Allah and the respected mother, Malama Zeenatuddeen, who demonstrated great faith, patience and perseverance over the most saddening event witnessed in our life!

BRITAIN The Islamic Human Rights Commission held vigil at the Nigerian High Commission in London protesting the killing of 35 members of the Islamic movement, in Nigeria by the military after the peaceful International Quds day protest on the 25th of July, 2014 at Zaria. The participants that comprised of male, female and children raised placards reading: Nigeria Stop Doing Israel’s Dirty Work; Nigeria In Cooperation With Israel; Prosecute The Murderers Of The Peaceful Protesters In Nigeria’ among others.

In a similar development, the British first and only Muslim in the parliament, Baroness Saeeda Warsi heaped pressure on the Prime Minister to take a harder line against Israel for its senseless action against Palestinians.

She finally resigned her position over what she described as the government’s morally indefensible policy on Gaza. The labour leader, Ed Miliband, on the other hand said “the government needs to send a much clearer message to Israel that its action on Gaza are unacceptable and unjustifiable”, according to AFP. PAKISTAN Maulana Mufti Muhammad Rafi Uthmany, director of the Darul Uluum and a trustee of the country’s Arabic institutions in Karachi

has led amrally of the Pakistani Sunni Muslim scholars in protest of the merciless murder of the members of the Islamic Movement

by Nigerian military on Friday, 1st August in Karachi, Pakistan. They called on the Nigerian government and the international community to ensure justice is made on time.

INDONESIA A Prominent organization ‘VOICE OF PALESTINE’ has in the strongest termscondemned the massacre of the peaceful protesters on the International Quds day by Nigerian military. They described the day as that of the oppressed Palestinians who are diverse in nature calling for justice on the murderers of innocent sympathizers.

They sent their deepest condolence to all the families that lost their loved ones especially the leader of the Islamic movement, Sheikh Zakzaky who lost three of his sons.

SOUTH AFRICA The Ahlul-bait Foundation in South Africa has totally condemned the military massacre of defenseless and peaceful Quds day protesters in Zaria, Nigeria. A statement by its National coordinator, Syed Aftab Haider made available to the press on the 26th day of July read “Ahlul-bait foundation of South Africa condemns in strongest terms the brutal attack and aggression by Nigerian security forces on peaceful demonstration of Al - Quds day in Zaria, Nigeria. The Foundation finally condoled with the sheikh Zakzaky, leader of the movement and the entire family members of the martyrs.

IRAN The Iranian government has condemned the murder of peaceful protesters on the 25th July, by military in Zaria. A statement by its foreign ministry spokeswoman, Marzieh Afkham read “The Islamic Republic of Iran regards the armed attack on the Quds day rallies in Zaria in Nigeria as unacceptable and totally inhuman”. She further said “pro-Palestinian demonstrators in Nigeria had been mercilessly targeted just like the defenseless residents of the Gaza strip which has been the scene of the bloody Israeli offensive over the past 20 days”. The statement finally called for prosecution of those responsible for the murder of the peaceful protesters.

AUSTRALIA The Ahlul - bait world assembly of Sydney sent its heartfelt sympathy signed by its secretary Syed Hadi Sadeghi on 28th July, 2014, we were deeply saddened to hear the news about the criminal event that happened during the demonstration of the world day of Quds in Nigeria which caused the martyrdom of 33 followers of the Ahlul – bait including your three sons”.

THE HUMAN RIGHTS MONITOR The group responded to the instituted military inquiry. “We are also of the view that since the army is one of the parties to the conflict and serious allegations have been made against some of its officers, they cannot be then investigator and Judge in their own cause”. The group, headed by

Barrister Festus Okoye, concluded that only a transparent judicial process will assuage the feelings of all, adding that present inquiry being conducted by the defense headquarters will not instill confidence in the parties involved.

AHLUL - BAIT WORLD ASSEMBLY In its letter dated 26th July, 2014 signed by its General Secretary, Muhammad Hasan Akhtary states “the news of the death of your children together with some people who offered their lives for the sake of Allah and for the support of the Palestinian course in a peaceful procession answering the call of late Imam Khomeini (Qs) and Imam Khamne’i has reached us in deep sorrow and anguish”. The statement concluded: “we call on Nigerian government to arrest those responsible for the aggression and prosecute them according to law in order to console the families of the martyrs as well as the general public”.

THE AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL The Amnesty’s report on the Zaria killings said “the heavy – handed behavior of the military also caused shock waves in Kaduna state in July. Twelve people from a mostly Shia sect led by Sheikh Zakzaky appear to have been killed in custody by Nigerian military. They were arrested after taking part in an apparently peaceful protest, in which 21 other protesters including two children were also killed after the military opened fire on them”. In response, the military spokesman Gen. Olukolade, in a statement said in addition to its Joint Investigation Team, they have set up a committee “of senior officers, legal and forensic experts to study the video footage and the resultant allegations of infractions in order to ascertain the veracity of the claims with a view to identifying those behind such acts”.

However, it is unscientific and unacceptable to be an investigator and judge at a time.

For more on the general activities of the Islamic movement including the murderous video footage, visit the official website of the Islamic movement@www.islamicmovement. org or @www.harkarmusulunci.org. Same information is easily accessible from The Pointer Express and Al-mizan, the bi - weekly and weekly papers of the Islamic movement.

The Islamic movement appreciates the sympathetic concern of numerous countries, Islamic organizations, Christian Association of Nigeria, other Christian groups, Kaduna and Katsina states governments, civil liberties organizations, human rights groups, Journalists, prominent individuals and the general public at local and International levels over the loss of its sons and daughters beside over sixty that sustained various degrees of injury.

The Nigerian government must know and take necessary measures to ensure justice at the right time as justice delayed is justice denied. And injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere, to visit the popular words of Martin Luther King.

Wassalamu alaikum warahmatullah!

Food gained by fraud tastes sweet to a man, but he ends up with gravel in his mouth.

― African proverb

Naerls forum

August 15, 2014

National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services, ABU Zaria Contact: Dr M.K Othman - 08065571637. mkothman@gmail.com

Review Of Research-Extension-Farmer-Inputs-Linkage System (REFILS) In Nigeria And The Roles Of NAERLS Similarly, in the case of extension oriented research focus is on finding solution to farmers most pressing problem. As mentioned regular and continuous training on skill developments and upgrading knowledge on scientific developments in agriculture are the pillars of training and visit system. the basic training session are the forth nightly training (FNT) and monthly Technology Review Meetings (MTRN), which serve as avenue or forum for bringing actual farmers problems to researchers and identifying relevant recommendations to solve specific and pressing problems.

Another important feature of T and V system is linkages with Research Centres, extension depends on research for technical recommendations suitable for specific problems and local situation. Thus, the condition necessary for T and V system to make visible impact, it must be supported

by Research Centres and the centres must coordinate with extension units to address farmers productions constraints. Therefore, operating T and V system as a effective extension approach requires taking appropriate decision to set priorities, concentration of efforts in a few but identifiable goals at a time and showing/exhibiting commitment to professionalism. Playing down any of the essential features may make it the weakest link of the chain thereby causing the system ineffective.

REFILS is a backbone of T and V system for effective impacts in its operation. It is the interplay of research, farmers and input supply agencies in a cost effective manner aimed at rapidly increasing agricultural production and productivity of “resource poor” farmers (Adebowale and Amusat, 2005) REFILS is a complete linkage system with a robust structure comprising the peasant farmer, field staff, researcher, administrator, inputs developer/supplier and policy makers. Thus, REFILS is a linkage of a complete cycle with roles and activities assigned to each stakeholder within the cycle.

The linkages in the National Agricultural Research and Extension System were initiated by the World Bank-assisted National Agricultural Research Project (NARP).

Research-Extension-Farmer-InputLinkage-System (REFILS)

Structure of refils in nigeria REFILS structure is robust with the rel-

NAERLS Administrative block

evant players grouped to discuss and exchange information aimed at solving problem, increase performance (enhancing production) and making inputs to policy makers. The components of the structure are: 1. Monthly Technology Review Meeting (MTRM): it is a forum where researchers, extension personnel, inputs agencies and farmers interact to review the outcome of previous recommendations, input supply and market situations. MTRM is supposed to be conducted on a monthly basis in each ADP of the 36 states and FCTs, sometimes, a field visit (Pre-MTRM) is conducted on the first day especially during the farming season.

2. Zonal Steering Committee Meeting (ZSCM): ZSC comprises a number of ADPs and research centres located in same Agrogeological region/zone. Membership of

ZSC is made up of the Directors and extension in the ADPs of the Zone, Research Centres, inputs suppliers and Faculties of Agriculture in the Universities within the Zone. The issues for discussion at the forum are field problems, research results, situation of inputs, weather, production constraints, progress/results of collaborative researches/projects and other extension activities. Resolutions and communiqués are issued at the end of the meeting Steering Committee Meetings. the meetings are held quarterly and the venue is rotated among the ADPs within the zone.

3. Zonal Technical Committee Meeting (ZTCM): Similar to Zonal Steering Committee Meeting, it is a forum supposed to be held twice in a years at the REFILS coordinating NARI. However, Zonal Technical Committee is at a higher level compared to Zonal Steering Committee because its membership comprises the PMs and MDs of the ADPs in the Zone, Zonal Directors of the Research Centres and the Executive Directors of the coordinating NARIs serves as the chairman of the Zonal Technical Committee. The forum discusses the outputs of the previous Zonal Steering Committee Meetings. Communiqués and resolutions are also made for submission to the States Governments, through the Commissioners of Agriculture. ➔ TO BE CONTI UED NEXT WEEK

Terrorism: How Not To Be President (2) From Salisu Mohammed

That is the trend. And that is the way to go.

But not exactly for Nigeria. I write this looking at an advertorial in a national newspaper of last Sunday, Aug. 3, 2014 wherein the advert sponsor, one Movement for New Nigeria, sought to incite Nigerians against their government, which they freely elected to lead them at the last general election.

The advert sponsor made dramatic allusions, suggesting that the reality of terror attacks on Nigeria was because PDP is government at the center. The group, faceless or real, also suggested that the incumbent President was incapable of stemming the tide of terror attacks in the country without actually relaying the dynamics of terror to his audience.

Sadly, Nigerians are being made to think, and believe, using warped narratives, that President Goodluck Jonathan was the architect of terror in their country. Those selling this misleading narrative forgot that in the midst of such terror actions, USA had a presidential election which brought in Obama; China also had an election which brought Xi Jinping and that even a totally dysfunctional state like Syria, with a three-year old civil war, still was able to hold an election which gave Al-Assad another seven-year tenure. Also, even in the midst of a mean-

ingless war, Sudan was still able to go for a referendum that gave birth to South Sudan.

The lie that most Nigerians have been fed so far is that PDP has failed in taming terror.

But ask; how come those telling this sort of narrative always want Nigerians to remember that Jonathan is not fighting terror the way it should be (their way), but don’t ever want Nigerians to recall that prior to the 2011 general elections, some notable voices in a particular section of the country were vehemently categorical in their promise to make Nigeria ungovernable if a Jonathan won the presidential election? How come same narrators want us all to forget that another veteran presidential candidate, in his quest to become president -at all cost- told Nigerians that those who refuse him becoming president will not know peace when he reminded that “those who make peaceful change impossible make violent change inevitable”? Is it also an oversight that the same persons who want us all to look at PDP as harbingers of terror, refuse to remind us of yet another presidential candidate’s call on northerners to use all they can lay hands on to protect their votes?

But, must anyone with workable solution to the Boko Haram challenge wait till he or she becomes president to execute same? If it will take such a person the next 50 years to achieve the ambition, would it mean that

he will wait till all is dead before Boko Haram is stopped? See the patriotism of those who want to lead us? In other words, they say to us, we have the means to stop Boko Haram but won’t do it until you make us president? So, should the office of President of the Federal Republic be traded for Boko Haram? As had been said, patriotism entails working for common good. Not selfish ambition. Those who think that nothing good would come Nigeria’s way unless they become president better realise that no nation ever stopped on the ambition of one man.

Therefore, the Movement for New Nigeria, as far as I am concerned, no longer have questions to answer; having painstakingly chosen those headlines as topic for a campaign against PDP and President Jonathan. With that, they do now confirm to all sceptics, and openly too, that Boko Haram was created to destabilise Nigeria, demonise PDP, distract and weaken President Jonathan? They also suggest that Boko Haram was created as a tool for political office bargain? Also, they confirm, in no hidden terms, that those who seek to rule Nigeria seek so only on a platform of violence, as they had promised. In no country with terrorist realities, has it been so openly confirmed. I will rather say a huge thank you to the Movement for a New Nigeria, than castigate it, for letting the cat out of the bag.

Thanks folks, Nigerians now know better.

In other climes where terrorists have suffered serious setbacks, it was mainly due to the patriotic fervour and unalloyed loyalty displayed by the people to put an end to monster that had already metamorphosed into a clear and present danger. If those behind the clearly invidious attacks against the Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria have an answer to fighting the Boko Haram, they should pay a visit to the Presidential Villa and join hands with the security forces to save Nigeria from the devils trying to set it ablaze. And if they have no idea about the best way to confront the monster, they should stop stoking the embers of bloodletting. There is nowhere in the world where a presidential ticket is dashed to those who hold to a suspicious capacity to fight terror whilst the nation burns. Nigerians cannot and should not allow the 2015 election to be negotiated on this vortex of violence against our humanity. Those bereft of any idea about the danger confronting this country should, at least, keep quiet and allow Jonathan focus on tackling the menace.

They owe us this as a people and we demand nothing less!

Mohammed, a public affairs commentator, wrote from Abuja. ➔ concluded

NEWS NATIONAL / 57

August 15, 2014

FG Amends Charge Against Pipeline Vandals

By Olugbenga Soyele, Lagos

LR: Co-ordinator, North-Central, James BNC, National Secretary, Gomez Iloh and National Co-ordinator, Ejiofor Onwuaso ,during a courtesy visit of the Dynamic Professionals for Good Leadership Foundation to the Corporate Head Office of the LEADERSHIP Group in Abuja, yesterday.. PHOTO PATRICK EBI AMANAMA..

2015: Police Avert Clash Over Jonathan, Yero Endorsements In Southern Kaduna

By Midat Joseph, Kaduna

What could have led to a violent clash between political office holders in Southern Kaduna and the youths was yesterday averted by men and officers of the Nigerian Police.

The senator representing the zone, Senator Nenadi Esther Usman had amidst tight security led all elected and appointed political office holders from Southern Kaduna to endorse President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Mukhtar Ramalan

Yero as their only candidates for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the presidential and governorship elections in 2015.

Angered by the decision of the politicians amid the continued security challenges in the zone, the youths in their hundreds stormed the venue of the press conference rejecting the decision of the lawmakers.

Though, the youths were denied entrance into the conference hall where the endorsement was taking place by

heavily armed Mobile Policemen, leader of the protesters, Comrade Nathaniel Yashim, told journalists that “The good people of Southern Kaduna will never be soiled by the money of Yero and Nenadi.

Yero and Nenadi will never get our vote, because they have done nothing for Southern Kaduna to deserve our votes”.

The protesters stressed that the elected and appointed officials of PDP from Southern Kaduna are entirely on their own, adding that “They do not speak for the three million people of Southern Kaduna.”

Suspend Strike Before It Is Too Late, Aji Tells NMA

By Igho Oyoyo, Abuja

The outgoing Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Alhaji Bukar Aji has appealed to the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) to suspend the ongoing strike before it is too late, because, Nigerians may decide to rise up against them.

Aji, who made this appeal at the launching of a book titled: “Bukar Goni Aji, A Quintessential Civil Servant” in Abuja, in his honour as he leaves office as the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, said that he has been

supportive of the Nigerian Medical Association and the Joint Health Workers sector, but that since there is a national emergency the strike needs to be suspended.

According to Aji, the mood of the nation does not call for the NMA strike, saying that Nigerians may be pushed to rise against the medical sector if the strike is not called off immediately.

“Look at the issue, the Ebola virus is negative, but it has united everybody more than when Nigeria is playing football with another country. Even in this period, NMA is even

trying to sustain the strike. I think the answer is getting very clear to Nigerians, that Nigerians now know who are actually Nigerians and who is really ready to stand for the nation at the time of needs.

“I will like to use this medium, as I bow out of office, to appeal to the NMA to reconsider their stand and resume back to work, before it is too late. Because, from the conversation that I have been hearing, Nigerian society might react against this situation, because, they cannot be held to ransom, that does not happen.”

corruption the current administration has sufficiently proven that it has the political will to curb corruption.

Director of Public Communications and Strategy of TAN, Dr. Udenta O. Udenta, who stated this yesterday at a press conference, also said the pro-Jonathan group is targeting three million members nationwide to join in showcasing the massive developmental strides of the Goodluck Jon-

athan administration.

He also stated that the organisation plans to hold an inaugural rally that will take place at the popular Ekwueme Square, Awka, Anambra State in a blaze of fun-fare.

Responding to a question on corruption Udenta, said “It is possible to create an anti-corruption court with different time lines in terms of executions, even though justices will frown at it.”

TAN Canvasses Creation Of Anti-corruption Courts

By Chibuzo Ukaibe, Abuja

Transformation Agenda of Nigeria (TAN) has canvassed for the strengthening of anti-corruption institutions as well as the establishment of special courts to battle corruption in the country.

It however emphasised that in the face of the weakness of the institutions charged with responsibilities of fighting graft or

Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever Walt Disney, founder and CEO of the Walt Disney Company

The federal government yesterday amended the charge against 12 suspected pipeline vandals, who are standing trial before the Federal High Court in Lagos for illegally scooping petroleum products and kerosene from an oil pipeline in Gberefu area of Badagry.

The accused persons, who were first arraigned before Justice Okon Abang on a five count charge of conspiracy and pipeline vandalism were ordered to be remanded in prison pending the determination of their bail applications.

The accused are Poahude Ferdinand, Dunie Atika, Zoula Isaac, Awhansuha Rapheal, Hunpatin Friday and Loko Tosen.

Others are Kouhonou Nanani, Kouhonou Kokou, Hunpati Fatai, Hunpati Sule, Ahonsu Meda and Agbofia Jeremy.

At the resumed hearing of the matter yesterday, the prosecutor, Awodun Adedayo informed the court that the case was fixed for trial, but due to a mistake he discovered in the previous charge he has amended the charge.

According to him, the error had to do with the date of the commission of the alleged crime, and that there was the need for the new charge to be read over again to the accused persons.

The development irked the judge, who said having wasted the precious judicial time of the court, he would not be able to again entertain the reading of the amended charge to the accused persons.

OOU Students Protest Reduction Of School Fees

By Gbenga Adeboye, Abeokuta

Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, was besieged yesterday by students of Olabisi Onabanjo University(OOU), Ago-Iwoye who came in large numbers to protest against the reduction in school fees announced by the state government on Tuesday.

The protesters led by the Student Union Government, SUG, president, Olusegun Ifade caused heavy traffic along the road leading to the Governor’s Office and other major roads in the town. They were armed with placards with various inscriptions and leaves.

The students argued that the fees reduction by the government was a “political reduction” which is not in favour of majority of the students and parents.

The protesters maintained that, the said reduction approved by Governor Ibikunle Amosun should have been approved to take effect from 2013/2014 session, rather than effective from 2014/2015 session as announced by the state government.

Some of the inscription reads, “No reduction in 2013/2014 no vote”, “Amosun reduce our school fees”, “SIA must obey now”, “Bring down our fees”.

However, LEADERSHIP observed that the protesters were adequately monitored by policemen, to avoid any outbreak of law and order.

58 / NEWS NATIONAL

August 15, 2014

Aregbesola’s Victory, A Result Of Determination To Develop Osun – Akere

By JOSHUA DADA, Osogbo

L-R: Chairman of the Quantum Petrochemical Complex, Mr Jim Ovia, President Goodluck Jonathan, Minister of Petroleum Resources, Deziani Alison-Madueke, Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio and his wife Ekaete, during the ground breaking ceremony of the Quantum Petrochemical Complex, at the Ibeno Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, yesterday. PHOTO BY REMI AKUNLEYAN.

Jonathan Wants More Petrochemical Industries In Nigeria

By Bernard Tolani Dada, Uyo

President Goodluck Jonathan has stressed the need for the establishment of more petrochemical industries in the country to create wealth and boost the country’s foreign exchange earnings.

Jonathan, who stated this yesterday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State when he performed the ground-breaking ceremony of a $1.5billion Methanol Industry, hinted that the industry was the second in the country, the first being the one sited in

Port Harcourt.

He thanked the host community for providing land for the project, pointing out that the country needs more of such project meant to provide direct and indirect jobs for the teeming populace and reduce poverty.

Also speaking, Governor Godswill Akpabio described President Jonathan as a transformational leader, noting that he has touched all sectors of the economy.

Akpabio lauded Jim Ovia for his vision in coming to site the project in the riverine area of the state, pointing out that he did so

of his own volition without being lobbied.

He described the project as laudable as it would positively affect the future of the state and transform the economy of the state and the nation.

The chairman, Quantum Petro-Chemical Company, Jim Ovia said the president’s visit to the area was a further demonstration of his industrialisation policy.

Ovia said the project is important to the manufacturing industry, adding that it would produce fertiliser, tyres, shovels, clothes and plastic bottles, among others.

Adamawa Female Rep Distributes N12m Free Fertilisers To Farmers Bymohammed ismail Yola

A member of the House of Representatives from Adamawa State, Hajiya Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed Binani, representing Yola North/ Yola South/ Girei Federal Constituency, has distributed free fertilisers worth N12million to peasant farmers in her constituency.

Binani, who gave out 2,400 bags of fertilisers yesterday, said the items were her personal contribution towards supporting

the less privileged members of the society, especially the peasant farmers.

She added: “The free distribution of fertilisers is in addition to my primary responsibility in the House. I believe that the way to peace and development in a society is agriculture. Once a society can feed itself, it will have less social problems.

“I have been giving out free fertilisers to our farmers since I was elected into the House in 2011. We are gathered here for

the 2014 edition of the same programme, the 4th time since my election into the House of Representatives.

“As a representative of our people, I will continue to do whatever is humanly possible to assist in every way I can to alleviate the difficulties our people go through on daily basis.

“That is the only way our people can have dividends of democracy, which is the principal goal of party politics.”

Kidnapping: Nigerians Pick Up Personal Locator Beacons

By Bukola Idowu, Lagos

More Nigerians are registering their Personal Locator Beacons (PLB) with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Nigerian Mission Control Centre (NIMCC) as the fear of kidnapping continues to rise in the country.

According to NIMCC, close to 200 Nigerians have registered their PLBs with

the centre and NEMA. The PLB is a device worn on the body that sends out a distress call in case of accident or kidnapping, which once activated, prompts a rescue mission by NEMA. Speaking at a sensitisation and awareness forum for COSPAS-SARSAT Beacon users in Lagos yesterday, head of NIMCC, Commander Micheal Igwe said “many people are now coming up to reg-

ister their PLB with us. We have more than 130 people who have actually registered with us. It is a security issue but I can assure you that in this era of terrorism and kidnapping, PLBs have become very important because if you have it, anywhere you are, once you activate it, we would be able to know where you are and send a search and rescue team after you.

Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever Walt Disney, founder and CEO of the Walt Disney Company

It has been revealed that Osun State governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola became victorious in the August 9 gubernatorial election because he came to the state with an open mind to develop it and move it forward.

The commissioner for information and strategy, Hon Sunday Akere stated this yesterday in Osogbo during a programme organised to appreciate God and celebrate the victory of Ogbeni Aregbesola in the election.

Akere, who also attributed the victory to the grace of God, assured that the administration will not unjustly treat anyone for any reason at all.

While appreciating the people of the state for their support, Hon Akere called on them to immediately get down to work to develop the state as the state belongs to everybody.

He appreciated the members of staff of his ministry for believing in the Ogbeni Aregbesola administration and for supporting the re-election of the governor for a second term.

The commissioner who charged the ministry staff to show more commitment to their duties stressed that Ogbeni Aregbesola is planning to use the second term to build on the good foundation which has been laid for development in the first term.

Ex-Militants Differ On FG’s Amnesty Programmes

By Patrick Ochoga, Benin City

Repentant ex-militant leaders in Edo State under the Phase 3 Amnesty Programme of the federal government yesterday dissociated themselves from the alleged exclusion of some militants from the programme and declared their support to the programme.

Some aggrieved ex-militants, through their counsel, Mr Ugha Kurumah, had protested to the special adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Niger Delta and chairman, Presidential Amnesty Committee, Mr Kingsley Kuku.

They claimed that the militants who were not captured in the amnesty were scattered in two camps of Edo and Delta states and alleged that some cronies of some political appointees who were not registered in the programme were benefitting from the exercise at the expense of “real militants”.

But the 16 leaders of the Edo Phase 3 ex-militants, represented by General Godstime Ogidigba and General Edwin Ojujoh, who claimed to be the genuine militants, refuted the claims by one General Roland Abanara, saying they voluntarily dropped their arms and ammunition with the State Security Service.

They commended Mr Kingsley Kuku for the smooth running of the programme since he took over the affairs of the intervention agency even as they expressed satisfaction with the way he has continued to champion the interest of the South/South people.

NEWS NATIONAL / 59

August 15, 2014

AUN President Laments High Number Of Out-Of-School Children

By Abah Adah, Abuja President of American University of Nigeria (AUN), Margee Ensign, has expressed worry over the number of Nigerian children who are out-of-school and asserted that it is a problem that must not be taken lightly.

She made this assertion during a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the LEADERSHIP Newspapers in Abuja recently and explained that Nigeria has more children out of school than any country in the world. According to her, “You have children out of school than any country in the world. And many of them are almajiri children.”

Ensign said that to ameliorate this trend and save her future, especially as Nigeria is expected to become one of the most populous countries in the world by 2045, urgent steps are needed to be taken.

“You need 300,000 primary school teachers today and another 200,000 by next year,” she said.

The AUN president continued, “Having seen the enormous responsibility before the country, ours being a development university is using technology to ensure that every Nigerian child gets educated.

Our mission demands that we must use technology very wisely. So, we are writing apps, we are writing books.

So we really want to begin educating these children on the streets. It’s a big challenge but I think it’s one the country has to face”.

Highlighting some of its achievements so far, Ensign stated, “We have free eight-week courses – two sets of them – that are open to everyone and the community leaders have identified with them; and we are ending up hiring quite a few of them after training. So this year alone, we’ve trained 4,200 young kids in the community. And it’s amazing to meet these young people.

They’ve gone from not having anything to do at all today to being motivated and energised.”

L-R: Group Executive Director, LEADERSHIP Newspapers, Michael Okpere listening to the President of American University of Nigeria (AUN) Margee Ensign, when the latter paid a courtesy visit to LEADERSHIP Headquarter in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY OGOH JOSEPH

Nigeria Records Only 5 Cases Of Polio In 1 Year – NPHCDA

By Winifred Ogbebo, Abuja

The federal government has stated that its determination and efforts to stamp out the wild polio virus by the end of 2014 , is yielding fruits, saying that the country has only recorded five cases of the virus within the past one year.

Speaking yesterday at the 10th meeting of the Presidential Taskforce on Polio Eradication, the executive director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency(NPHCDA), Dr Ado Mohammed, said, “We are making progress. So far, we have only recorded five cases in Nigeria.

One in Yobe and four in Kano and if you compare it with other countries, Nigeria has made most progress than any other country in the world and you heard what Bill Gates said in one of his interactions somewhere, that he’s proud of Nigeria’s programme and that the progress that has been made in the programme by Nigeria, if its sustained, by next year, we’re going to exit the polio endemic country.”

Secondly, he added that the spread of the virus itself has reduced to only five local government areas out of the 774 local government areas .

According to him, “ The last case that

we’ve seen was in May this year, about 10 weeks ago. And when you also look at the type of wild polio virus that we have, Nigeria has not seen a single case of wild polio virus type 3 in the last 23 months.

The quality of the wild polio eradication effort has improved to about 84 per cent in about 80 per cent of the polio endemic LGAs in the country.

“What this means is that all the signs a country would show in the eradication of polio are there now. It’s not as if our surveillance system is not working. In fact, our surveillance system is working and working very well.”

Guns Cannot Guarantee Peace – Gov Yero

By Isaiah Benjamin, Kaduna

Kaduna State governor, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero has said that there was no amount of guns that can bring desired peace, unless Nigerians regardless of their religion, tribe, and ethnic affiliations resolve to live in peace and shun all forms of violence.

Governor Yero stated this yesterday during this year’s World Population Day held in the state with the theme, “Investing in

young people”, organised by the state Ministry of Economic Planning in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Kaduna. He said the responsibility to ensure peace was not the only the responsibility of the government but that of all.

Represented by his chief of staff, Alhaji Yahaya Aminu, the governor urged Nigerians to strive hard each day towards ensuring peaceful cohabitation with one an-

other without attaching any political or religious sentiments, noting that God has created people to live together.

According to the governor, “No amount of guns can ensure peace in Nigeria. God has created us to be together and not by ourselves. So if that is the situation, where we were born, where we live, we should learn to live together in peace with one another. We all have the privilege to worship God in the religion we have chosen.

Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever Walt Disney, founder and CEO of the Walt Disney Company

Tribunal: PDP Lines Up 35 Witnesses

By Alo Abiola, Ado Ekiti

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State is set to present 35 witnesses at the Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Ado Ekiti in the case brought against it by the All Progressives Congress(APC) over the June 21 governorship election won by its candidate, Mr Ayodele Fayose.

The APC had approached the Election Tribunal to challenge the emergence of Fayose as the winner of the poll.

PDP in its preliminary objection deposed by its lead counsel Yusuf Ali (SAN) and filed by its state legal adviser, Mr Kolapo Kolade, prayed the tribunal to strike out the case based on what it called non-joinder and mis-joinder of parties in the case.

Kolade who spoke on the foregoing, said, “The APC is claiming that Fayose did not score the highest number of votes and that his election should be nullified and Governor Kayode Fayemi, who was not joined as a petitioner should be declared winner. This is a case of non-joinder.

“Then what is the reason behind the joining of the Chief of Defence Staff as a respondent in this case? Because Military did not partake in the electoral process and this is a clear case of mis-joinder”, he declared.

The PDP also wants the petition struck out because some of the issues, particularly the contention over the Higher National Diploma Certificate paraded by Fayose , which is now being contested by APC in its petition, was contrary to the principle of estoppels.

CJN To Chair Launch Of Book On Corruption, Human Rights Law

BY MILLIE IBE, Abuja

The chief justice of Nigeria(CJN), Justice Mariam Mukhtar will on Monday 18 August 2014 chair the launching of the book “Corruption and Human Rights Law in Africa.”

The book was written by Dr. Kolawole Olaniyan of Amnesty International in London.

Also expected at the book presentation are the Ekiti State governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi who will also be the chief launcher, the executive director of the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA), Abdul Tijan-Cole and the chief registrar of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Dr Robert Eno. Also expected at the launching is the Oba of Lagos, Riliwanu Akiolu who will be the Royal Father of the day.

Other dignitaries expected at the event are the chairman Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), Ekpo Nta, Professor Akin Oyebode of the Faculty of Law of University of Lagos, Mr Femi Falana, SAN, Lagos State Solicitor General, Lawal Pedro, the director-general Consumer Protection Council, Mrs Dupe Atoki, and former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC), Nuhu Ribadu.

60 / OPINION

August 15, 2014

The Triumph Of Nasarawa Anti-impeachment Protests

By Mohammed Inuwa

Reason prevailed; and democracy as well as the rule of law triumphed Tuesday, when a probe panel ended almost a month-old altercation between the Nasarawa State Governor, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura and the members of the state house of assembly.

The “not guilty” verdict by the seven wise men of the law was the balm the state needed to ease the mounting tension created by the action of our dear “honourable” members.

For putting out the raging flame intended not only to consume Al-Makura, but the entire state and its peace loving people, the panel showed wisdom and justice.

It speaks the mind of the people of the state, who had earlier revolted against the unpopular actions of the Assembly members. So the verdict is a victory for the masses of the state.

The governor is a product of the people; they literally brought him to power. They stood by him when elements within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who think they own the state, denied him ticket to serve the people on its platform.

The people, not Al-Makura, triumphed in the end by throwing out the old-order, when they voted overwhelmingly for the incumbent. And in reciprocation, Al-Makura ensure that every of his deed as governor was cen-

tred around the people.

Three years on, Lafia has ceded its decades old status as a glorified local government headquarters to that of an enviable state capital.

So the people would rise; and they did rose when their so called representatives at the state assembly dared them by raising the impeachment axe against their own. They took to major streets in Lafia, Karu, Akwanga, Keffi, Nassrawa, Wamba, Keana, Awe, Doma, Obi, Kokona among others.

The protest attracted the leaderships and members of Association of Market Women (AMW), Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), student union bodies, Keffi Traders Association (KTF), National Association of Transport Owners (NATO), National Union of Roads Transport Workers (NURTW), religious leaders, as well as political groups.

They raised placards, with various inscriptions including “Impeach Our Governor, Get Recall,” Impeachment Not In Nasarawa,” “N50 million Is Paid To Each Member,” “Lawmakers Are Lawbreakers,” and so on.

The number of protesters grew by the day, while the protest lasted, with the people insisting it was time to commence a recall of the lawmakers.

Yes! The people are angry because the very people, who pledged to represent them are

working against them, so what is the need keeping them at the assembly any way?

What is more, the members did not deem it necessary to consult their constituencies before decision on matter as serious as the recall of the governor was taken. Who then are they representing? Themselves apparently! And so the people set motion for their recall them back home.

The people are angry because even the resolutions and motions so far initiated by the so-called representatives are anti-people.

They denied the youth employment by the removal of appropriation for empowerment programme that would take the jobless from the street. The members shoot themselves in the foot, when the youth empowerment matter was advertised in the newspapers along with other issues in the impeachment notice.

“Imagine that our own lawmakers will raise impeachment notice against a governor for recruiting our teaming unemployed youths.

Do they prefer our youths continue to roam the streets,” queried Bisallah Adamus, who said his group has commenced modalities at mobilizing Nasarawa people to begin a recall process against the lawmakers.

Apart from the youth empowerment issue, the members also see the introduction of minimum wage, which would have cushion the suffering of civil servants in the state as illegal. It also ordered the stoppage of laud-

able programme such as Biometric exercise and digitalization of land matters by the state government. Then there is also the issue of the controversial law prescribing one year tenure for local government chairmen, when the assembly overrides Governor UmaruTanko Al-Makura to pass into law, the state Local Government Amendment Bill 2013 despite rationalization by stakeholders that it treads with caution.

The governor had written to the house to reconsider their stand intimating them of the implication of their decision. He told them that apart from the fact chairmen and councilors so elected would hardly settle down to work before their tenure expires under the new law, it would be wasteful on the part of government to conduct election into the council every year.

Tenable as the governor’s intervention is, the assembly went ahead to override him by passing the bill into law in a manner described by those who should know as an abuse of legislative process and anti-masses. The members by that singular action show that the relationship between it and the governor is frosty, but in getting at him, they choose the wrong weapon and the casualty as it were, are the very people who elected them in the first place.

—Inuwa wrote in from Akwanga, Nasarawa State.

Tribute

Bamidele Aturu: Another Senior Advocate Of The Masses

By Yushau A. Shuaib

“No religion condones injustice as the Holy Scriptures abhor oppressors and condemn injustice. Check your Holy Book for guidance.”

– Bamidele Aturu.

That was a direct quotation from the late anti-corruption, anti-impunity and an honest human rights advocate, Barrister Bamidele Aturu while responding to my initial disposition to leaving oppressors to the judgement of Almighty God. To him, powerful elements in the society would rather wish to be taken to the courtyard of God than be sued in the court of law because of their arrogance and power intoxication.

As a legal practitioner who was familiar with Sharia legal system, even though a Christian and pastor at that, Aturu quoted copiously from the Holy Quran, and some sayings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), known as Hadith to convince me to go to Court since I am a Muslim.

In his attempt to persuade me to take the right course, he offered to defend my case free of charge in prosecuting a legal battle against my powerful opponents (individual and institutions) who would later hire Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) to defend them in the case.

He personally took responsibility for his flight tickets, accommodation and transportation and occasionally that of lawyers that he assigned to attend to my case in Abuja, before he later assigned a dedicated young lawyer to pursue the case on his behalf. Despite

his tight schedule, he always took time to call and give me updates on the case.

It is undeniable the fact that impunity and injustice trigger corrupt practices, nepotism, terrorism, robbery, kidnapping and other criminalities. Those who encourage such negative vices and oppressions should face the legal consequences of their actions which will be lessons in humility and justice.

The satisfaction of going to the court afterward was indeed an eye-opener. It exposes the hypocrisy in the civil service and mediocrity in the public office. In fact from documents tendered and other revelations since made, I now know that those who should protect your interest are the very ones who always work against you. In that process some leaders that should be adequately advised are unconscionably misled to take irrational decisions based on frivolous innuendoes and accusations. There are many stories for another day.

As one of the beneficiaries of his philanthropic legal service, the death of Bamidel Aturu came to me as a rude shock. Few days before his demise, the gentleman informed me that my case had been further adjourned to October 2014. There was never a premonition he would die soon. The last time we met in his Abuja hotel room, he was so vibrant, energetic and always eloquent in his delivery. A leading authority on labour laws in Nigeria and author of law books, we discussed media and publishing venture which we were both passionate about. In fact while going through my recent initiatives in the publica-

tion of Spokesperson’s Digest and Emergency Manager’s Digest magazines, we mooted the idea of publishing The Lawyer’s Digest focusing on activities of legal practitioners.

Before his legal representation on my case, I had had memorable encounters with him at several workshops/conferences towards promulgation of laws on transparency and accountability in government, especially those organised by Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) as well as Media Right Agenda (MRA). At such fora, he provided legal insight towards the establishment of some institutions like NEITI, BPP and FOI. Since his death on July 9, 2014, many tributes have been written eulogising his uncanny humility, courageous posture, fearless mien, exemplary conducts and above all his excessive generosity as the voice for the voiceless and defender of defenceless across the Niger.

Born in October 1964, Bamidele Francis Aturu was reported to have abandoned a career in the military to train as a scientist before he became a lawyer. As a brilliant student, he came out in flying colours in all his academic pursuits, carting awards at every stage as best graduating student. He did same at University of Ife and Nigerian Law School. During National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, Aturu refused an award of the best corps member of the NYSC 1987/88 batch because he didn’t want to shake hands of the military administrator of Niger State, Lawan Gwadabe, in protest against military rule.

A small house will hold a hundred friends. ― African proverb

The late Aturu

He was later to become one of the fearless leaders that mounted campaign against military dictators, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and Sani Abacha. He frequently was harassed and detained by security agencies.

A son of policeman who was regularly transferred around the country, Aturu understood the complexity of Nigeria and therefore, developed a better understanding of various cultures, tribes and religion of the people. Beneficiaries of his benevolence can be found among Nigerians of different backgrounds, religions and tribes. It is no wonder that he was regarded as another Senior Advocate of the Masses (SAM) like the late legal luminary, Chief Gani Fawehinmi.

—Shuaib wrote from Abuja and can be reached at yashuaib@yahoo.com

photo news / 61

August 15, 2014

L-R: National Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC) Dr John-Odigie Oyegun, Senator Chris Ngige, Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola and the celebrant, former Bayelsa State governor, Timipre Sylva, during the 50th birthday celebration of Timipre Sylva in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY OYEDELE OMOKAGBO.

Former national chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC) Chief Bisi Akande (left) in a warm embrace with Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola during the governor’s visit to Akande at his residence, Ila-Orangun, Osun State, yesterday. PHOTO BY GOVERNMENT HOUSE.

Acting IGP, Suleiman Abba welcoming the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Andrew Pocock, to his office during the High Commissioner’s visit, in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY NAN. Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever Walt Disney, founder and CEO of the Walt Disney Company

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August 15, 2014

why?

... answers to everyday scientific questions

the atom?

The atom is worth splitting because it has the highest energy density of any fuel available.

Burning 1 kg (2.2 lb) of coal can power a 100-watt light bulb ( for about four days, and 1 kg (2.2Ib) of uranium can power the light bulb for just over 140 years. This means that, kilogramme for kilogramme, uranium provides 16,000 times more electricity than coal. Another way of saying this is that the energy density of uranium is 16,000 times higher than coal.

The reason that uranium has such a high energy density is because it is relatively easy to split an atom of uranium with a process known as nuclear fission. When an atom of uranium-235 splits into an atom of barium and an atom of krypton, a minute part of the original uranium atom is converted into energy.

Einstein’s famous E=mc2 equation tells us that even a tiny bit of mass equals a colossal amount of energy.

Splitting the atom releases so much energy that from a single gramme of uranium it is possible to make one megawatt of energy per day. You would have to burn three tonnes of coal or 600 gallons of oil to get the same amount of energy.

The enormous energy density of uranium has important

consequences for the environment and energy security. Because fission produces no direct emissions (carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, etc.), nuclear energy does not add to greenhouse gases. It does produce some radioactive waste, which poses its own special problems, but the amount of waste produced is relatively tiny. The waste per kilowatt-hour of electricity produced by a nuclear power plant is around 3 g (0.11 oz); for natural gas the figure is 181 kg (399.04Ib), and for coal a staggering 1,064 kg (1.06 tonnes).

Also, because so little uranium fuel is needed to keep a nuclear plant running, it is easy for a country to get enough to supply most of its energy needs. Only 200 tonnes of milled uranium are needed to keep a 1,000-megawatt nuclear reactor going for a year, so a single warehouse can hold enough fuel to guarantee the energy security of an entire country for years. Since one of the main causes of warfare, conflict and terrorism in the world is control of energy supplies, specifically oil, switching to nuclear could make the world a much safer place.

The other reason to split the atom is to produce incredibly powerful and destructive weapons. The

Nuclear future Some countries rely heavily on nuclear power. Worldwide, nuclear power through fission supplied about 13.5 per cent of the world’s electricity production in 2010, but in some countries the figure is much higher.

France gets 77 per cent of its energy from nuclear. atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945 was 2,000 times more powerful than the biggest bomb ever used up until then. The largest nuclear weapon ever created, the

Soviet Tsar Bomba of 1961, was 10 times more powerful than all of the explosives used in World War II put together.

Culled from Why?: Answers to everyday scientific questions

Success is not obtained overnight. It comes in installments; you get a little bit today, a little bit tomorrow until the whole package is given out. The day you procrastinate, you lose that day’s success. ― Israelmore Ayivor

64 / FRIDAY EXTRA

August 15, 2014

ultimate top list 10 food myths debunked

1

FAST FOOD IS BAD A very wise man once said, “all things in moderation.” This ancient phrase applies to most things in life, including fast food. A moderate amount of fast food is no worse for you than a moderate amount of home-cooked meat and vegetables. A constant diet of nothing but fast food may not be the healthiest choice you can make, but then again, eating macaroni and cheese every night is not very healthy either. Variety and moderation are the keys to good eating and health. If you feel like a cheeseburger, eat one.

SALT INCREASES BLOOD PRESSURE This is a myth that originated in the 1940s when a professor used salt reduction to treat people with high blood pressure. Science has since found out there is no reason for a person with normal blood pressure to restrict their salt intake.

However, if you already have high blood pressure, you may become salt-sensitive, in which case you should reduce salt or increase your potassium intake, as it is the balance of the two that really matters.

Furthermore, people who suffer from hypertension should be careful with salt as it can have an impact there. Ultimately, eating more potassium is probably more important than reducing salt. Potassium-rich foods are spinach, broccoli, bananas, white potatoes, and most types of beans.

2

3

STARK CRAVING MADNESS When we get a craving for certain foods, such as fruit juice, we often think it is because of a lack in our body of a certain nutrient.

Interestingly, scientists who put this idea to the test found out it wasn’t true at all. In the study, a person who craved chocolate was given a cocktail of chemicals that contained all of the essential components (minus taste) of chocolate, and another cocktail containing chocolate flavour but no components of chocolate. The craving was satisfied when they took the chocolate-flavoured cocktail, but not the essentially flavourless chocolate. This strongly suggests cravings are simply emotional. We crave certain foods because of the memories and emotions relating to that food in our lives.

4

DECAF HAS NO CAFFEINE International standards require decaf to be 97 per cent caffeine free (EU standards are a little stricter at 99.9 per cent). The process of removing caffeine is a long one and it also means that many other chemicals (up to 400, in fact) essential to the taste of coffee are lost. If you have an allergy to caffeine, you should probably keep away from all forms of coffee, the decaf included. But for those who can cope with caffeine, unless you really can’t stand the slight ‘high’ produced by it, you will have a nicer tasting drink if you just opt for regular coffee.

And if that hasn’t convinced you, the chemical often used in decaffeinating coffee beans (dichloromethane) is also used as a paint stripper.

Celery

5

CELERY HAS NEGATIVE CALORIES This one is so popular even Snopes believes it – and it is rare for Snopes to be wrong. But the problem is, the numbers don’t add up. One stick of celery contains around six calories. A female weighing 150 pounds, age thirty-five, and five-feet-five-inches tall burns 30 calories per hour eating while sitting. In the interests of science I ate a stick of celery (which is no mean feat considering I hate raw celery) to see how long it would take: two minutes and fourteen seconds. If the female described above takes as long as I do, that means she can eat just under thirty sticks of celery in one hour, totaling 180 calories. That leaves an excess of 150 calories still not burned. Granted, there is some calorie burning involved in the digestive process as well, but there is no way these numbers allow for negative calories; on average you burn 62 calories an hour just existing (this includes digestion).

That still leaves an excess calorie count of 88.

No matter which way you look at it, celery does not result in negative calories.

6

SIX MINI MEALS ARE BETTER THAN THREE First off, this can be okay, but only if you are extremely good at controlling your portion sizes; it is all too easy to turn six small meals into six large meals. This myth again comes down to the whole “calories per day” rule. If your three large meals contain as many calories as your six small meals, there is no difference at all. For the majority of people it is easier to put the time aside for three meals, so this is still the best choice for most. The time of day that you eat does not have a bearing on weight gain or loss.

7

FRESH FRUIT IS BEST This myth is true in only one regard: if you are looking for vitamin C, then fresh fruit is best, but other than that, dried fruit contains just as many nutrients and sugar for energy as fresh fruit. If you subscribe to the notion that you should eat five fruits a day, then you only need one tablespoon of dried fruit per portion, so five tablespoons of dried fruit fulfill your daily need. The same is true of canned or frozen fruit. Fruit juice can also be used as a daily fruit portion but only one should be made up of juice only.

8

PROTEIN POWER According to the Mayo Clinic, 10 to 35 percent of your daily dietary intake should be protein, whether trying to gain weight, lose weight, or maintain weight. Most of this comes from our regular food and we seldom need to take protein supplements. Even more damning for this myth are two recent studies by independent sport medicine journals in which various people (including body-builders) were given varying extra quantities of protein each day; summing one study up, Dr. Richard Krieder from the University of Memphis said: “Although it is important for athletes to get an adequate amount of protein ... consuming additional amounts of protein does not appear to promote muscle growth.”

9

EAT THE SALAD A 2005 report by the Independent said: “ An investigation of the food sold by the ‘big four’-McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC and Pizza Hut-found that five out of eight of the salads used as ‘evidence’ of their embrace of healthy eating had ‘high’ salt or fat content.” It is all too common to see dieters who crave a little something naughty, ordering salads or other “healthy choices” from fast food joints, but what they usually don’t realize is the salads can be as bad as the regular food and they would be more content if they just ate a Big Mac. For the sake of comparison, one Big Mac has 540 calories and 1 040 mg of salt; one Premium Southwest Salad with crispy chicken and dressing has 530 calories and 1260 mg of salt. The Mac is healthier.

FAT FREE-LOSE WEIGHT This is a very common myth, so common that food manufacturers market to it. The misconception that fat-free is better is the reason so many products are labeled “fat free,” “low in fat,” “fat reduced,” etc. So many people who want to lose weight will chow down on all of these “low-fat” foods thinking they are going to lose weight; even worse, they often tend to eat more of the low-fat food than they would have if it were full-fat. What really matters when trying to reduce weight is calorieseat fewer calories than you burn and you will lose weight. When fat is removed from food a lot of the flavour is removed as well; consequently, extra sugars and chemicals are often added to give back the flavour.

Fat-free food can, therefore, be far worse and fattening for you than regular full-fat food.

10

Culled from the book ‘Ultimate top 10 list’

Compassion is a lifetime business. You can’t say something like, “I will have compassion on Monday, Thursdays and Fridays only. But for the rest, I will be cruel”. That is hypocrisy. ― Israelmore Ayivor

65

August 15, 2014

Solomon Dalung Dialogue With Dalung

08037877267

A

s the struggle for Government House Rayffield in 2015 heats up on the Plateau, many power capturing strategies have been evolved to manipulate the process.

As usual many politicians had suddenly turn born again Christians with newly acquired Bibles in their arm pits intending to mislead innocent electorates with religious and ethnic sentiments.Of course, this is a familiar political antics of deceptive political elements capitalising on the religious dispositions of the people to ripped them of good electoral judgement. These group politicians are quite vicious and deceitful because they employed religious sentiments not only to blackmail opponents but also create panic and insecurity to score cheap political advantages.

They portrayed themselves as Saints capable of addressing security and social crisis within months but in the real sense, they are nepotistic, selfish and parochial armed with ethnic manifesto.

While seeking for political power they look like angels but acquiring it they

gbalong@yahoo.com

The Cap Can Fit Even The Devil Or Mad Man

metamorphose into clanish ambassadors converting democratic dividends to family largesse.

While campaigning, they promised infrastructural development and food security to the people but today they are not distinguishable from working corpses sleeping in displaced camps with only one eye closed. Every permutations on ground has betrayed the yearnings and common aspirations of the people as survival is a question of privilege. Only associates and family members of people in power are confident of getting justice and fair play.

Even road construction is limited only to native homes of chief executives with the educational sector characterised by incessant industrial strikes.

Our health care delivery system is in state of shambles with hospitals as mere transit camps to mortuary. Poverty and hunger inflicts excruciating trauma on the people as result of corrupt management of public resources.

While the public service has been reconfigured to protect clandestine nuclear interest of public officials. This state of anomie on the Plateau is sus-

tained by Hitler styled propaganda machine which indoctrinated the people with hate campaigns thereby polarizing them into social compartment. Any dissident voice against these state of affairs is profiled and tagged “enemy of the state”, However the Holy Bible is clear about the test of good leadership, “when the wicked Are in power, the people mourns but when the righteous rules the people rejoice”. Therefore, we do not require an Oracle to determine the caliber of people in power, the litmus test is the faces of common Plateau people. To me the huge mourning in the land is evidential. Therefore, enough of these hypocrisy perpetuated against our own very people.

As we approach another election in 2015, another deceitful jingle of “he who the cap fits” is in the air. Anyway, leadership we must realised is serious business that requires both mental capacity with moral authority to produce effective direction and development. The antecedents of the leader is a major component that shape his personality. It

cannot be accident of history or opportunity where the metaphor of cap fitting is employed.

Anybody seeking to govern Plateau State in 2015 must not be elected on the platter of mundane sentiments again.

He must be a leader with talents that has unprecedented guts to confront contemporary challenges of the State.

His lifestyle must be transparent but not shrouded in maradonic antics. The state need a charismatic leader with milk of human kindness but firm and armed with justice. A father to all but certainly not a family head of his clan.

He must possess diplomatic traits capable of repositioning the image of the state. Plateau requires an agile man with the personality charm of mobilising the confidence of younger generations. He must be a perfect bridge builder to reconcile local and larger interests. His capacity to carry every body along and heal the wounds inflicted by the principles of divided and rule must be beyond bounds. Such a leader cannot be “he who the cap fits” because it may be another devil.

news feature

How NYSC Produces ‘Ghost Corpers’- HURIWA

BY Chinelo Chikelu

A pro-transparency Non-Governmental organization- Human Rights Writers Association Of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised alarm that there may exist a well entrenched racket within the management of the National Youth Service Corps scheme (NYSC) that has perfected mechanism for fleecing the country of huge resources annually through manipulation of the list of participants of the national service scheme and corrupt procurement practices.

The Rights group said it has been inundated with considerable volume of calls by concerned insiders who have also fingered officials of the Federal Budget Office and the relevant committees with oversight powers over the NYSC in the National Assembly in the huge swindle which may have gone on since 2010 costing Nigeria nearly N90 billion.

In a statement to the media and signed jointly by the National Coordinator Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko and the National Media Affairs Director Miss.

Zainab Yusuf, HURIWA and obtained through an online medium, Pointblank news, the group will soon approach the offices of the Honorable Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister in charge of the Nigerian Economy Dr. [Mrs.]

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related matters commission [ICPC] to demand that an independent forensic audit is carried out to unravel the veracity or otherwise of these worrying allegations of fraud of humongous proportion within the NYSC. HURIWA said it was aware that the current minister of Finance has done so much to check the existence of ghost workers in the federal civil service but lamented that the NYSC was overlooked apparently because the participants in the scheme annually are not permanent employees of the Nigerian state.

“There is every indication that several Billions of Naira is being fleeced Nigeria yearly through the NYSC scheme. For the past three years, the scheme claim in its yearly budget to mobilize 250,000 corps members whereas the actual mobilized figures are allegedly far short of these figures.

A cursory look at these figures shows that budgetary allocations and release of corps members allowance is 98% for corps members monthly allowance”, HURIWA alleged.

The Rights group further averred thus; “The question is what happens to several billions of Naira of released corpers

allowance from the Federal Government?

For instance, for 2012 and 2013, the total difference of released monthly corpers allowance which NYSC ought to return to the Federal coffers is reportedly N13,583,808 billion. And for 2014 Batch ‘A’ while NYSC received money for about 100,000 corps members which it claimed it was mobilizing, only 51,000 corpers were allegedly mobilized whereas the allowance of 49,000 unmobilized corpers amounting to slightly above N10.3 billion Naira may be unaccounted for if action is not adopted by the Finance ministry to recoup the difference”.

The group also stated that it gathered from information and materials at its disposal that “The above stated figures of expenditures are aside other allowances like N1,500 transport allowance to camp and N1,500 transport back home at the end of the service year as well as N1,000 local transport allowance which everyone of the supposed 250,000 is said to have been collected by NYSC management”.

“Another angle to this alleged massive looting of the nation’s treasury is that while government appropriates/releases N500 for feeding each corps member per day for 21 days in camp only N300 is actually said to be released to states secretariats for this. We hereby call on the relevant bodies

The grasshopper which is always near its mother eats the best food. ― Ghanaian Proverb

to commence investigation to ascertain if these damaging allegations are anything to go by so as to save the nation the much needed resources at these trying periods and to restore human dignity in the feeding regime applicable for participants of the national service scheme”, HURIWA stressed.

The group also stated that; “We learnt from reliable sources also, that yearly Billions of Naira are released for clothing kits (uniforms) for the supposed 250,000 corps members. How come for over four years the figure of 250,000 corpers has been constant?”.

“Nigerians need to also ask why has government not been paying corps members monthly allowance direct to them just like they do with workers. Are they saying there are no ghost corpers?”

“There is need to stop this massive looting now. The Billions of Naira being looted into private pockets can as well be used to provide education and jobs for the youths whose name is being used to loot.

A forensic examination of the financial books will reveal that the above is just a tip of the ice berg in the colossal looting of the country’s commonwealth. This is a wakeup call to all Nigerians to ask where are the Billions going to, who is in possession of this money?” HURIWA averred.

66

August 15, 2014

SCHOOLS, EDUCATION, & FAITH PLATFORM

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF

SPECIALISED CLASSIFIEDS PAGES AL-KISWA ISLAMIC FOUNDATION The general public is hereby notified that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under part C of the companies and allied matters Act No. 1 Of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Ibrahim Muhammad Duguri - Chairman 2. Aminu Ibrahim Duguri 3. Daiyabu Muhammad Duguri 4. Affan Abubakar Abuya - Secretary 5. Ibrahim Abubakar Duguri AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To promote Islamic virtues among Muslims 2. To preach peace and unity and support charitable causes.

3. To empower the youth.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general, corperate affairs commission, plot 420 tigris crescent, off aguiyi ironsi street, maitama, abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

HEART OF CHRIST SOLUTION AND DELIVERANCE MINISTRY

OJUMA HEALTH DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

The general public is hereby notified that the above named MINISTRY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under part C of the companies and allied matters Act No. 1 Of 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named INITIATIVE has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under part C of the companies and allied matters Act No. 1 Of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mrs. Sarah Itila 2. Mr. Itila Stephen 3. Barr. Jegede Oarhe 4. Akogun Sunday 5. Adolphus Godstime

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Denise Igoche 2. Ewa Igoche 3. Angela Ameh 4. Paulina Oduson

- Chairperson - Treasurer - Secretary - Member - Member

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To preach the world of God to all nations.

2. To teach the Christian doctrines with integrity and faith.

3. To establish bible schools, missionary schools and seminary schools for the propagation of the gospel.

4. to conduct deliverance services for yoke breaking, liberation from forces of darkness.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general, corperate affairs commission, plot 420 tigris crescent, off aguiyi ironsi street, maitama, abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To promote health through health education and community recreation.

2. To promote family planning awareness among the vulnerable members of the community.

3. To promote on the need to maintain good and healthy environment.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general, corperate affairs commission, plot 420 tigris crescent, off aguiyi ironsi street, maitama, abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: BARR. AMUTA U.K (08068163182)

Signed: SECRETARY

OGBIA WOMEN ASSOCIATION

WE ARE ONE FOR UNITY AND PEACE INITIATIVE

STEWARTON BIBLE SCHOOL SCOTLAND NIGERIA COMMUNITY OF SABBATHDAY OBSERVERS

The general public is here by notify that, the above name ASSOCIATION has applied to corporate affairs commission, Abuja for registration under part ‘C’ of companies and allied matters act No.1 of 1990

The general public is here by notify that, the above name INITIATIVE has applied to corporate affairs commission, Abuja for registration under part ‘C’ of companies and allied matters act No.1 of 1990

The general public is hereby notified that the above named INITIATIVE has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under part ‘‘C’’ of the companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mrs. Isivi Bob Isiki 2. Mrs. Dangosu Kande Esther 3. Mrs. Awala Daughter Ewunonam 4. Mrs. Girabtamu Grace Lambert 5. Mrs. Omagbemi Julie Suekume 6. Mrs. Joy Meni Oji 7. Mrs. Iyanabo Edward-Fle-Rebagha 8. Barr. (Mrs.) Pretty Paunoni Adolphus Ekpe

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Hon. Mrs. Anthonia Nwadi Okoli 2. Dr. Mrs. Patricia Itohan Aina 3. Hajia Aisha Ahmadu 4. Chief (Lady) Jumai Kwanashie 5. Hajia Binta Ibrahim 6. Her Excellency, Dame Pauline Tallen 7. Amb. Nkem Wadibia-Anyanwu

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Elder Emmanuel Okoli 2. Osita Ugochukwu Okoli 3. Enyosim Cornelius Onyema 4. Apostle Cajetan Unachukwu 5. Anurika Loveline Olisa 6. Onyebuchi Okoli 7. Chike Okoli 8. Chinasa Okoli 9. Dr. Frank Echika Odili 10. Evang. Mrs. Emmanuel Mary Ozo Emeni

- President - Vice President - Assist. Secretary - Secretary - Treasurer - Welfare/Social Secretary - Financial Secretary - Legal Adviser

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To come together under an identity as Ogbia daughters.

2. To protect the interest of membes.

3. To reach out to the grassroots, envourage them in various technical and vocationsl training and empowerment.

4. To preserve the cultural heritage of Ogbia among the women.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To show love among members both in word and in actions.

2. To promote peaceful co-existence and development in Nigeria.

3. To promote peace and justice.

4. To promote dignity and fullness in human life through the facilitation of community participation towards the attainment of human needs.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general, Corperate Affairs Commission, plot 420 tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general, Corperate Affairs Commission, plot 420 tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: BARR. OSHIE TOM 08066056601

SIGNED: BAR. UDOKA AMAKA EZENWA-OBIHAN (MRS)

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To preach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and also to use Bible as our sword to the nation in General.

2. To proclaim the most neglected part of the everlasting Gospel; the truth about God-Yaweh and His Sabbath Observers.

3. The needs to expose Satan’s clever counterfeit, the dreaded mark of the Beast.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general, Corperate Affairs Commission, plot 420 tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Singed: BAR UDOKA AMAKA EZENWA-OBIHAN (MRS)

IRUOBIELI KA ANA DINMA BROTHERLY UNION ENUGWU AGIDI

THE MISKEEN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

PROPHETIC CITY AND TOWERS INT’L CHURCH

The general public is hereby notified that the above named UNION has applied with the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, Under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria cac for registration under part ‘‘c’’ of the companies and allied matters act 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named CHURCH has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for change of trustees under part C of the companies and allied matters Act No. 1 Of 1990.

THE Trustees are: 1. Ichie Eze Builo Udekwu 2. Emeka Nelson Nwankwo 3. Sunday Nnatu 4. Ichie (Sir) Amaechi Martins 5. Tony Ikebudu 6. Dr. (Sir) Osita Anameze 7. Ichie Obiora Udekwu 8. Pharm Emma Ilozor 9. Ichie Ralph Udeozor

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Alh. Elias Aderemi Sulu 2. Mr. Ajibola Burian Abudu 3. Mal. Yahaya Maibe 4. Mr. Olayinka Sanni 5. Mr. Tajudeen Banuso

- Chairman - Vice Chairman - Secretary

Aims and objectives are: 1. To foster goodwill and brotherly love among the indigenes of the community.

2. To promote social economic and educational development of the community.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: OBY ONWUKEME ESQ 08059119691

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To encourage the development of vocational skills and expertise for deprived and underprivileged person especially but not exclusively through vocational training programmes.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within –twenty eight (28) days from the date of this publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor Obong Olivefield 2. Pastor Mrs. Iniobong Olivefield 3. Mr. Nelson Balogun 4. Elder Nwamana Julius 5. Hon. Fredrick Umoren 6. Mr. Paul Igwebuike 7. Sis Jessica Etuk

- Retained - Retained - Retained - Removed - Removed - Removed - Removed

THE NEW TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor Funmi Aliyu - Appointed 2. Elder Abraham Abraham - Appointed AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME Any objection to this change should be forwarded to the registrar general, corperate affairs commission, plot 420 tigris crescent, off aguiyi ironsi street, maitama, abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

ROBERT AGONOR FOUNDATION

GRASSROOTS INITIATIVE FOR PROMOTION OF PEACE, LOVE, UNITY AND ETHICS

WINGS OF HOPE FOUNDATION

The general public is hereby notified that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The general public is hereby informed that the above named INITIATIVE has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters Act 1 of 1990.

The general public is hereby informed that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters Act 1 of 1990.

The Trustees are: 1. James Agonor 2. Love Dinchi Agonor 3. Paul Audu Okhimhe 4. Michael Etokhana

- Chairman - Secretary

Aims and objective 1. Positioning the youth on the path of taking delivery of the values of the pospel of Christ.

2. Get the youth to know the principles of the gospel of Christ for successful living and giving hope to the hopeless.

3. Expounding the principle of gospel for the realization of destiny through seminars and workshops.

4. Identifying with those who have no means of furthering educational career through value-based counseling and financial aids.

5. Contributing to the joy of the aged, widows, single parents and orphans.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

> HENRY UBIMAGO 08068640944

- Member - Chairman - Secretary - Patron - Vice Chairman - Legal Adviser - Treasurer - Member - Member - Assistant Legal Adviser

Aims And Objective 1. To create social awareness among the grassroots.

2. To promote, create and empowerment to the grassroots.

3. To promote job creation, self reliance, global health scheme to the grassroots.

4. To promote, secure and peaceful co-existence among Nigeria.

5. To promote and protect the ethics and values of Nigeria.

6. To promote peace, love, unity of Nigeria.

7. To protect the interest of members.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar-general, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: BARR. OSHIE TDM (08066056601)

SIGNED: BARR. PAUL AUDU

For booking or inquiry call

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Salihu Ibrahim Kindo 2. Ngozi Anene 3. Abraham Ojie Afekoyin 4. Hon. Titsi Ganama 5. Abbah Emmanuel 6. Anthony Agbonlahor 7. Hajia Asabe Musa 8. Chief Edime Amade 9. Hon. Joseph Tumba Kwatri 10. Barr. Oshie Ugbor Thomas

> augustine 08061602706

> GLORIA OKwUM 08038722368

> ABIGAIL SAMBO 08064382438

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Juliana Asipita Okino 2. Elizabeth Ovayoza Abaeze 3. Regina Usman 4. Remi Okino 5. Sarah Okino 6. Josephine Medupin 7. Aishat Isma 8. Sefiya Abubakar 9. Kemi Usman 10. Ramat Irene Okino Aims And Objective 1. To support the orphans and the less privileged in the society.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrargeneral, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: BARR. LEO (07068044750)

> GLORIA RAPHAEL 08061356519

> GLORIA ODIO 08034285851

> GRACE OJO 08035054444

67

August 15, 2014 BEREAM FAITH GOSPEL CHURCH

ISLAMIC SUCCESS AND GUIDANCE ASSEMBLY

LEGAL NOTICE

The general public is hereby notified that the above named CHURCH has applied with the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, Under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above mentioned ASSEMBLY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration in accordance with Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act LFN (cap 20)

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

THE Trustees are: 1. Ajeshola John Folorunsho - Chairman 2. Dadaoba Patrick Datunji 3. Alatise S. James 4. Adedeji Moses 5. Adeoye Segun John - Secretary 6. Ayeshola Duwafemi Bolorunduro 7. Abida Teusday 8. Ajesola Sunday Joseph

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1. Engr. AJANI Olalekan Emeka Sulaiman 2. Barr. OMOTOSHO Adebayo Waheed 3. Prince SALAM Surajudeen Oyelola 4. Engr. NASIR Sikiru Gbadegesin 5. Engr. OYEDEKO Kamilu Folorunsho 6. Alhaji AGBAJE Hassan Adigun AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To propagate the tenets and ideals of Islam.

2. To promote the spiritual development of members.

3. To promote the religious, moral, economic and social advancement of members.

Aims and objectives are: 1. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

Any objection should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Irosi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication

Whereas the person/persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the person(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of administration be granted to such person(s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT” the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE Deceased name and address Applicant for grant Adekeye Iyabo Adekeye Ayodeji Federal Ministry Education, Abuja 20 Ogunnaike Street, Shangisha Who died on the 27th February,2013. Magodo Lagos State Dated at Abuja this 14th August, 2014.

The son of the said deceased.

Signed: Barr Hafsat Sadiq For: Probate Registrar

Signed: Secretary

Bread Kwali LGA The Sons of the said deceased.

Signed: Barr Hafsat Sadiq For: Probate Registrar

LEGAL NOTICE

Aims & Objectives: 1. To promote peace, love and unity among members.

Dated at Abuja this 14th August, 2014.

Signed: A W Omotosho, Esq. ‘Bayo Omotosho & Co., Solicitors, 19 Bode Thomas Road, Onipanu, Lagos

AGBEGILOWO BUYERS ASSOCIATION

The trustees are: 1. Afolabi David Onaolapo 2. Tijani Muhamed Hadi Maradesa 3. Quadri Wasiu Adebayo Fatimo 4. Adejumobi Nesimot Omobolanle 5. Yusuf Rasaki Alajo 6. Fabunmi Timothy Adeseun

Whereas the person/persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the person(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of administration be granted to such person(s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT” the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE Deceased name and address Applicant for grant Abdullahi Saidu Ewan Mohammed Saidu Ewan and LEA Kwali Musa Saidu Ewan Who died on the 3rd April,2014.

Kwaita Hausa Opp. Zumuta

RUG AND CARPET DEALERS AND RETAILERS ASSOCIATION OF OYO STATE The general public is hereby informed that the above named association has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.SOLOMON FESTUS ADEDEJI 2.SOLOMON OPE AKINSANYA 3.AKINLABAYO ISHOLA OKUNOLA 4.RAJI AKINTAYO RASHEED 5.AFONJA AZEEZ ADEPOJU 5.SUNDAY OYEDEPO THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO FOSTER PEACE AND UNITY AMONG ITS MEMBERS. 2.TO CATER FOR THE WELFARE OF THE MEMBERS. 3.TO PROTECT THE COMMON INTEREST OF THE MEMBERS Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrargeneral, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed TRUSTEES

LEGAL NOTICE

YOUTH ARISE EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

The general public is hereby notified that the above mentioned INITIATIVE has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration in accordance with Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act LFN (cap 20)

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

Whereas the person/persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the person(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of administration be granted to such person(s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT” the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE Deceased name and address Applicant for grant Sale Yusuf Bello Nasiru P.W Nigeria Limited, Abuja P.W Quarry Opposite Barrack Who died on the 7th April,2014.

Mpape, Abuja

The nephew of the said deceased.

Dated at Abuja this 14th August, 2014.

Signed: Barr Hafsat Sadiq For: Probate Registrar

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1. REV. (MRS) ELIZABETH ODION ADEWOLE 2. MISS ARINOLA AJIBIKE ADEWOLE 3 MR. ADEDAPO ADEGBOYEGA ADEWOLE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1 Awake youths consciousness to skill acquisition.

2 Source financial empowerment for empowerment for youths 3. Empower youths with vocational skills.

4. Foster/create a desire in youths to become mentally progressive.

5 Counseling youths in becoming a better person.

6. Counsel youths to aim for a better future devour of corruptive mindset.

Any objection should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Irosi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: TRUSTEES

MAGODO RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION C A C/I T|NO./0559

Winning faith chapel international

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Initiative has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Addition and Removal of Trustees under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above name has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration in accordance with Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act LFN (cap 20)

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ALHAJI L.A. ADEBIYI 2. CHIEF S. ADE AJAYI (JP) 3. PRINCE KAYODE TAIWO 4. PROFESSOR A.F. OGUNYE 5. MR. P.E NWOKOLO 6. MRS R.O PITAN 7. DR. FATAI ANIMASHAUN

The trustees are 1 Pastor Ola David Oluwarotimi Chairman 2 Pastor Mrs. Ola Favour Oluwatoyin Secretary 3 Pastor Monday Cliford Treasurer 4 Pastor Edegware Edafe Gentle Member

-RETAINED -RETAINED -REMOVED -RETAINED -RETAINED - RETAINED -REMOVED

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME Any objection to the Application should be forwarded to the registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

SIGNED: BARR. IYAJI PATRICK OJEKA

SALAMI

I formerly known and addressed as MISS MUHAMMED TOYIN now wish to be known and addressed as MRS SALAMI BILIKISU TOYIN. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

FEMI-ADEWUYI

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OYEYEMI FOLAKEMI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS FEMI-ADEWUYI FOLAKEMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

AYIWOZA

I formerly known and addressed as MISS USMAN FELIX AYIWOZA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. EMMANUEL AYIWOZA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

JOY

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ABA JOY PRECIOUS now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. JOY PRECIOUS ONUAHA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

Northstar foundation The general public is hereby notified that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration in accordance with Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act LFN (cap 20) The trustees are 1. Atiati Emmanuel 2. ACHE ILLAH MUSTAPHA

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To worship our lord jesus christ our sarviour 2. To preach the gospel of our lord jesus christ.

3. To act and live by the word of god we preach.

NEWLY APOINTED TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PROF. ADETOKUNBO DENLOYE 2. MRS. PATRICIA AHONSI 3. CHIEF STEPHEN OWOJORI 4. MR OLURANTI SOKUNBI

Whereas the person/persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the person(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of administration be granted to such person(s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT” the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE Deceased name and address Applicant for grant Icheme Benson Naomi Juliet Amamchukwu and Opposite Old NEPA office Kuchigoro Happiness Nelson Icheme O p p o s i t e O l d N E PA o f f i c e Airtport Road Abuja Kuchigoro Who died on the14th July,2014.

Airtport Road Abuja Dated at Abuja this 14th August, 2014. The sister and brother of the said deceased.

Signed: Barr Hafsat Sadiq For: Probate Registrar

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To help the less priviledge in the soceity.

Any objection should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Irosi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Any objection should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Irosi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

Signed: SECRETARY

ABDULLAHI

I formerly known and addressed as ABDULLAHI MAHMUD RAJI now wish to be known and addressed as ABDULLAHI MOHAMMED RAJI. All former documents remain valid.

WAEC, NECO and the general public should take note.

VICTOR

I formerly known and addressed as VICTOR UCHECHUKWU ONWUEGBUZIE now wish to be known and addressed as VICTOR UCHECHUKWU OSADUME. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

ABDULLAHI

I formerly known and addressed as MISS MARY MUSA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. MARY GODWIN ADOJA. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and the general public should take note.

MUSA

I formerly known and addressed as MUSA USMAN MAMMAN now wish to be known and addressed as MUSA DALA MAMMAN. All former documents remain valid. Uni-Abuja Teaching Hospital and the general public should take note.

RAKIYA

I formerly known and addressed as MISS CARPENTER ALIYU RAKIYA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ABUBAKAR KAOJE RAKIYA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

UGOCHUKWU

I formerly known and addressed as UGOCHUKWU NKEMDILIM NWAOZOR now wish to be known and addressed as UGOCHUKWU NKEMDILIM UZOKA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

KANTA

I formerly known and addressed as UMAR KANTA HASSAN now wish to be known and addressed as KANTA UMAR. All former documents remain valid. First Bank of Nig. Plc Daura Branch and the general public should take note.

ZAINAB

I formerly known and addressed as ZAINAB MAHMOUD NDAYAKO now wish to be known and addressed as ZAINAB USMAN NDAYAKO. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

68

August 15, 2014

LIFE OF LIGHT GLOBAL EVANGELICAL CHURCH

LEGAL NOTICE

ILONAH FOUNDATION

The general public is hereby notified that the above mentioned CHURCH has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration in accordance with Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act LFN (cap 20)

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

The general public is hereby informed that the above named foundation has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1. PASTOR ADEBISI OLADEPO STEPHEN 2. MR. OGUNKOWADE OLABODE AMOS 3 DNS OLADEPO OLUWATOYIN MARIA 4 FALUYI JACOB BABAWALE 5 ENGR. AKANBI OLUWAFEMI MATHEW 6 ENGR. SOYEBI SAMSON OLUKAYODE 7 DR. (MRS) OLOGUNDE ADEDOYIN OLUSOLA AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1 To win souls to the kingdom of God 2 To set the captive free through the power of prayer and assistance of God 3 To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ 4 To equip the saints for the work of ministry 5 To run Christian and Bible schools Any objection should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Irosi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Whereas the person/persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the person(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of administration be granted to such person(s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT” the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE Deceased name and address Applicant for grant Okolie J.Ndubisi Ijeoma S. Okolie and Alexander Federal Capital Territory Adminstration C. Okolie Who died on the 27th July,2014.

59 Lome Crescent Zone 7 Wuse Dated at Abuja this 14th August, 2014.

1 Abuja The widow and daughter of the said deceased.

Signed: Barr Hafsat Sadiq For: Probate Registrar

Signed: TRUSTEES

PAINTED COMMERCIAL TAXI DRIVERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

FROM OLD: PAINTED COMMERCIAL TAXI DRIVERS ASSOCIATION, ABUJA TO NEW: PAINTED COMMERCIAL TAXI DRIVERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA The general public is hereby informed that the above named Association has applied to the corporate affairs commission for change of incorporated trustee name (IT) FROM PAINTED COMMERCIAL TAXI DRIVERS ASSOCIATION, ABUJA TO PAINTED COMMERCIAL TAXI DRIVERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA, Removal of trustees and appointment of new trustees under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

Abuja The mother and daughter of the Signed:said deceased.

Dated at Abuja this 14th August, 2014.

Barr Hafsat Sadiq For: Probate Registrar

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MALLAM SHEHU SHUGABA - RETAINED 2. IDOWU OLUWATOYIN AKEEM - RETAINED 3. PRINCE NNAMDI EPUNAH - RETAINED 4. ABDUL ABDUL

- RETAINED 5. SOLADEM DAVID

- RETAINED 6. MR.AGGAR IHENACHO -REMOVED 7. EMMANUEL JESUS

-REMOVED 8. ACHIOKO HENRY MRULHTER -REMOVED 9. MR SUNDAY ANYIN

-REMOVED 10. AZODOH OBUMNEKE CHARLES -REMOVED THE NEW TRUSTEES ARE: 6. JOSEPH CHUKWUKELU 7. TAHIR ALIYU

8. CHIEF SADIQ ABUBAKAR 9. SAMUEL ONYEMEJI 10. KABIRU YERIMA

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO ESTABLISH A CHARITY FOUNDATION FOR THE ILONAH FAMILY MEMBERS TO THEREWITH ENGAGE IN CHARITY WORK AND EMPOWER THE LESS PRIVILEGED IN THE SOCIETY 2. TO ESTABLISH,ENCOURAGE AND PROMOTE WELFARE SUPPORT SCHEMES AND TO CREATE SKILL ACQUISITION CENTRES TO EMPOWER YOUTHS IN THE SOCIETY 3. TO SUPPORT,NURTURE AND MENTOR STUDENTS BY IMBIBING IN THEM CORRECT SOCIETAL VIRTUES. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar-general, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: SAL TERRAE SOLICITORS

LEGAL NOTICE Whereas the person/persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the person(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of administration be granted to such person(s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT” the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE Deceased name and address Applicant for grant Cecilia Reuben Janet Tsughum Angela Andotan A. guardian to Presidency, Income and Salary Bridget Tsughum Who died on the 2nd January,2014.

LEA Primary School, Nyanya,

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MRS. ABENI HILDA ILONAH 2. IDOKO KINGSLEY ILONAH 3. ELEOJO KELVIN ILONAH 4. MRS. IYE IBE ILONAH 5. ACHILE KELVIN ILONAH

BEAUTIFIED LIFE FELLOWSHIP The general public is hereby informed that the above named body has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PASTOR BRIGHT ONWA KALU UKARIWE 2. REV. MRS.UGONMA BRIGHT 3. PASTOR MRS. ELIZABETH CHINEDU 4. MR.VICTOR EKUMA 5. PROF. WILSON FASHEK UGWUMBA THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. TO GLORIFY GOD 2. TO PRACTICE HOSPITALITY 3. TO BRING GOD’S WOMEN TOGETHER IN A FELLOWSHIP OF LOVE AND MUTUAL TRUST. 4. TO TRAIN MEN/WOMEN TO PLAY THEIR GOD GIVEN ROLES IN THE FAMILY, CHURCH AND SOCIETY.

– NEWLY APPOINTED - NEWLY APPOINTED – NEWLY APPOINTED - NEWLY APPOINTED - NEWLY APPOINTED

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME Any objection to the above should be forwarded to the registrar-general, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: BARR.AKEEM OLUWATOYIN

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar-general, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Barr(Mrs)Chinonye Emeka 08065374140

Cornelia Connelly College Alumni Association

LANDLORDS ASSOCIATION OF NDIOMA ESTATE, OJOTO

LEGAL NOTICE

The general public is hereby informed that the above named association has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

The general public is hereby informed that the above named association has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Tukubok Edeke 2. Emem Etuknwa 3. Iniobong louisa usoro 4. Philomena arit henshaw 5. Hannah Essien 6. Julien cookey-gam 7. Louisa ini ubong 8 . patience Akpan-obong 9. Aniefiok John okure 10. Sekerema ikan Assiak

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1, NZE MARTIN UMEH 2. MR, CHUKWUEMEKA EZEKIEL 3. MR. JOSEPH UMEH 4. DR. ISAAC UMEH 5. DR. TOCHUKWU EZE 6. MR, CHIGOZIEM NKEMAKONAM 7. MR, NWACHUKWU INNOCENT

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To care for the welfare of its members

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. TO FOSTER UNITY AND PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE AMONG MEMBERS

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar-general, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrargeneral, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed

Signed: secretary

secretary

BENJAMIN BISSAN SHEHKARI ON FOUNDATION THE GENERAL PUPLIC IS HERE BY NOTIFIED THAT THE THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR THE CHANGE OF NAME AND OBJECTIVES UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPNIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE NEW TRUSTEE ARE; 1. ISHAKU K. SHEKARI, 2. SUNDAY MARSHALL KATUNG. 3. RIFKATU I. SHEKARI 4. CALEB AYUBA BYAT 5. DINAH GADOH 6. ABEL MAICHIBI. 7. CHINEDUM AGIRIGA. 8. DR. JOSEPH M. MAIGARI NEW NAME; BENJAMIN BISSAN SHEKARI LIVES ON FOUNDATION NEW OBJECTIVES a} To fight the menace of drugs/substance abuse, alchoholism, and hiv/aids. b} Increase the level of awareness on the dangers of substance abuse, alchoholism and hiv/aids c) To empower young people so that they can be responsible and productive members of the society. d) To assist parents, institution, organization community leaders, and government to control drog/ subtance abuse, alchoholism, and hiv/aids in their domain. e) To collaborate with other sister organization and stakeholders towards achieving the for going goals. f ) To rehabilitate drug/subtance abuses, alchoholics and people living with hiv/aids in our society. g) To give adequate support to the youth and educate them on issues relating to sexual and productive health. h) To educate the youth and society at large on issues relating to safe water system, malaria prevention and treatment. i) To educate the youth on the dangers of violence.

Any objection to this change should be forwarded to the registrar general, corporate affairs commission plot 420 tigris screcent off aguyi ironsi street maitama P.M.B 198, garki Abuja within the 28 days ofr this publication.

Sign secretary

2X2 SPACE FOR SALE

Whereas the person/persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the person(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of administration be granted to such person(s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT” the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE Deceased name and address Applicant for grant Dr Chudi Nwike Mrs Jane Nwike and Chudi 673 Cassava Street Wuye, Abuja Nwike (JNR) Who died on the 7th April,2013.

673 Cassava Street Wuse, Abuja Dated at Abuja this 14th August, 2014.

The widow and son of the said deceased.

Signed: Barr Hafsat Sadiq For: Probate Registrar

LOSS OF OF DOCUMENT DOCUMENT LOSS loss of document

LOSS of OF document DOCUMENT LOSS loss OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public that the document issued by Lagos State Government, the original certificate of occupancy dated 4th August, 1988 issued to Abacus Finance Limited (now Abacus Investment Limited) of 95, Broad Street, Lagos registered as 92/92/1988C covering a land situate at Lekki measuring 3662.45sq meters, is missing and all efforts to find same has so far proved abortive.

By this publication, the general public, government and other bodies are being notified.

Abacus Investment Limited

This is to inform the general public of the loss of original official reciept from NUDB, site plan and sale of land agreement size 0.374ha located at Angwan Doka new Nyanya Nasarawa State belonging to Okeowo Emmanuel Olusoye was missing. All efforts made to trace the said documents proved abortive. If found, please contact the nearest police station. General public should take note.

Oluwatosin

I formerly known as Oluwatosin Mofoluwasho MARTINS now wishes to be known and addressed as Oluwatosin Mofoluwasho OGUNPOLU. All former documents remain valid. General public to please note.

HAJARA

I formerly known and addressed as AGABI HAJARA YUSUF now wish to be known and addressed as AGABI HAJARA ABDULLAHI. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

2X2 SPACE FOR SALE

KOGBE

GRACE

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ADENIRAN BASIRATU SADE now wish to be known and addressed as mrs KOGBE BASIRATU SADE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I formerly known as Miss INISE TAMUNOTONYE now wishes to be known and addressed as Mrs GRACE INISE EMEKENE. All former documents remain valid. General public to please note.

I formerly known and addressed as miss binta margaret audu now wish to be known and addressed as mrs binta margaret audu-onyibe. All former documents remain valid. Kaduna State Government and the general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OKUNOLA FUNKE MERCY now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADEGOKE FUNKE MERCY. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

margaret

1X1 SPACE FOR SALE

ADEGOKE

JANET

I formerly known and addressed as MISS JANET CLEMENT now wish to be known and addressed as MRS BOBAI S. JANET. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

sports PREVIEWS AND NIGERIANS ABROAD August 15, 2014

Ebola: Nigeria’s Withdrawal From Youth Olympics Best Decision – Are

By ONJEWU DICKSON, Abuja

The Ebola Viral Disease (EVD) that was imported into Nigeria

by Liberian-American, Patrick Sawyer has yet affected the country negatively, as Team Nigeria owning to discrimination from organisers of the Games in China, opted to withdraw from the competition.

LEADERSHIP Friday Sports gathered that Team Nigeria was quarantined by the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Games despite testing negative to the deadly virus that has ravaged West Africa, leading to over 1,000 deaths.

In a phone interview yesterday, Deputy Director, Grassroots Sports Development, National Sports Commission (NSC), Dr. Ademola Are explained that the

Team Nigeria

decision to withdraw was taken in good faith and in the best interest of the country.

“Yes we had to withdraw from the Games because the

organisers isolated our athletes despite that none tested positive to Ebola. They acted wrongly and we cannot participate under such conditions,” he explained.

federation were not carried along in the preparation and every arrangement for the Nigerian shooters participation in the Commonwealth Games.

“As a technical director of the federation, I want to say clearly that I was not in the picture of the training and arrangement for shooters’ equipment and the scandal that happened in Glasgow Games.

“I was kept in the dark and most members were also in the dark of the arrangement. Those who knew of the arrangement were only the president and secretary and maybe one other person which I am sure did not know much about the arrangement that led to this scandal and international embarrassment to the nation.

It was a big embarrassment and similar to what happened in Egypt, February this year when we went for African Sport Shooting Championship. It took my ingenuity having taken the Nigerian team to World Youth Shooting Champion in 2010 and World Shooting Championship in 2011 in Brazil where 2016 Olympic Games is going to take place without hitches. And we have hitches now when I am involved.

I feel seriously embarrassed. The Egypt case was similar because we could not go with our weapons due

to high handedness of the two officials that handled the issue.”

According to him, the federation will soon put its house in order to ensure that Nigerian shooters bounce-back to winning ways.

“The board has resolved to put its house in order and if the President who is now incommunicado still refuses to talk to us or sit with the board to iron things out, then, the board will come out with a resolution that will please the country.

“The board regrets the embarrassment caused Nigeria, though it is not the fault of all the board members, but we still take the blame and want to cement the issue. We want the Sports Commission and the general public to look into our grievance and allow us to work.”

“We should be allowed to do our job and we are going to make sure that we have our meeting and if the President is ready to attend the meeting fine. For now he is incommunicado and it is difficult to get him but we are set for the meeting and the outcome of the meeting will be made known to the whole world.

We will tell the world in details how we are going to succeed and bounce back to our winning ways,” he stated.

Shooting Federation Begs Nigerians Over C/wealth Games Scandal

By Salifu usman, Abuja

The Nigeria Shooting Federation has apologised to Nigerians for the embarrassment it caused the nation during the recently concluded Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. The nation’s shooters went to the Glasgow Games without participating owing to not hitting Glasgow with shooting equipment and could not feature in the event.

Speaking to the media yesterday, the technical director of Shooting Federation, General Lonsdale Adeoye (rtd) who apologised to Nigerians advised them not to see the federation as a body of irresponsible people. “I want to inform the whole world and apologise on behave of the board for what happened at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow where Nigerian shooters could not take part in shooting event.

“This is not to say that the board is irresponsible. The board is very responsive to its duty. We have been trying to take care of the problem. No problem stays forever and lying would not last forever; the truth must surely come out.

The board was embarrassed and regret for what happened,” he said.

He said most of the board members including him, who is the technical director of the

2014 World Cup Superstars: Andrea Pirlo (Italy)

NAME: Andrea Pirlo Date of Birth: May 19, 1979 Place of Birth: Flero Club: Juventus World Cups: 3 APPS : 11 Goals:1

Pirlo is a deep-lying playmaker, picking up the ball in his own half and choosing the pass that will begin his team’s next attack, there is still probably no player in the world who is in quite in the same class as Andrea Pirlo.

He will be 35 years old by the time Italy meet England in their first match of this year’s finals, but he remains the linchpin of this Azzurri team.

His qualities as a defensive player are questionable, and Italy always require at least one other midfielder to protect him, but as an orchestrator, he remains, as they say, ‘peerless: He is also one of the deadliest exponents of the set piece.

Pirlo won his 100th cap at the 2013 Confederations Cup - and celebrated by scoring direct from a free kick.

For the world, a talent that does not diminish with age.

But his unique abilities present a problem for Cesare Prandelli: there is no natural

Pirlo

replacement for Pirlo, and if the playmaker isn’t available, It means that his system has to change. This they find difficult to accomplish, as became apparent at the last Wor ld Cup. Pirlo had featured in all seven games when Italy won in 2006, but was absent through injury in 2010 and only played the last half hour of the final group game. The Azzurri had already drawn their first two matches and Pirlo’s return came too late to prevent the defeat that sent them home.

Maigari Returns As NFF president

By ONJEWU DICKSON, Abuja

The last has not been heard about the suspension of embattled NFF President, as FIFA, yesterday ordered his reinstatement as the president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

FIFA made its stand known in a letter mailed to NFF SecretaryGeneral, Musa Amadu, signed by the Deputy Secretary-General of FIFA, Markus Kattner, which insisted that status quo must remain as it was at the Nigerian Football Federation before the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

This development makes an interesting review of the suspension of Chris Green and Ahmed Yusuf Fresh, purportedly suspended

Maigari

by the Mike Umeh-led executive committee for ‘anti-board’ activities are to return to office till August 26 when the elective congress would hold for a fresh board.

Willingness to change is a strength, even if it is means plunging part of the company into total confusion for a while.

Chairman and CEO of General Electric

Jack Welch,

70 / SPORT

August 15, 2014

Falconets Qualify For Q/final With Eyes On Trophy Stories By ONJEWU DICKSON, Abuja

Nigeria U-20 Women Team the Falconets, have beaten England 2-1 in their World Cup last group match to qualify for the quarter final with eyes fixed on the trophy.

Falconets now place top in Group C with seven points and will face New Zealand on Sunday for a place in the semis. Loveth Ayinla, Yetunde Adeboyejo and Courtney Dike say the mistakes in the game served as a momentum builder. “We are very happy to have beaten England, we will intensify our training as we set our eyes on the trophy. When they scored first we felt bad, but later we played as a team like one that has not conceive a goal, and it paid off”.

Head coach, Peter Dedevbo said the girls played their best match so far in the tournament. “The girls played their best in the match. I am so happy and must commend them. At first I was like what is happening, but knowing my team’s performance I knew they will come from behind to win.

What lay ahead now is the quarter finals and I will continue to focus on goal scoring “.

Leader of delegation, board member and vice chairman technical and development committee of the NFF chief Felix Anyansi Agwu expressed happiness with the team.

“NFF has provided the team with all that

Falconets

is needed to make them comfortable. We shall continue to support you. They have made Nigeria proud”.

Nigerians in Edmonton treated the

Nigeria Rise To 33rd On FIFA Ranking

Nigeria moved a place up to the 33rd place in the FIFA rankings released yesterday, courtesy of the Super Eagles’ second round finish at the World Cup in Brazil.

The Eagles are now the third-ranked African side behind Algeria and Cote d’Ivoire who finished in the 24th and 25th positions.

Reigning world champions Germany remain at the summit of the ranking table with 1736 points while World Cup runners up Argentina remain unmoved in the second position with 1604 points.

The Netherlands who won bronze at the World Cup and rose twelve places in the last ranking are third with 1507 while Colombia maintain their fourth place position in the world.

In Africa, Ghana climbed two places up to finish in 36th place and fourth in Africa with Egypt holding onto the 38th spot and fifth in the region.

Cameroon moved a place down to 54th in the world and eight in Africa. team to a diner where there was much to Lesotho are the highest mover on the eat. Representatives of Nigerian High continent after climbing 26 places up Commission in Canada watched the to rank 29th in Africa and 105th place game and were present at the diner. in the world.

Umeh Tasks Flying Eagles, Falconets Acting President of Nigeria Football Federation, Chief Mike Umeh has called on players and officials of the U-20 National Team, Flying Eagles, and the U-20 Women National Team, Falconets, to guard against complacency in important international matches this weekend.

The U-20 boys host their counterparts from Lesotho in a 2015 African Youth Championship qualifying series final round, first leg encounter at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium on Saturday, while the girls lock horns with New Zealand in the quarter finals of the 7th FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finals in Canada. “It is important that our U-20 boys and girls approach their different matches with utmost seriousness. I mean that they should banish the temptation to under –rate their opponents,” Umeh, himself a one –time Team

Umeh

Manager of the Senior National Team, said in Abuja yesterday.

Lesotho has a far smaller name in African football than Nigeria and there will definitely be the temptation to under –rate the visitors. “But football is no longer that way and any so-called big team that takes the opposition for granted could leave itself open for a sucker punch.”

The delegation of the Junior Crocodiles is scheduled to arrive in Abuja today, before heading to Kaduna. It would be recalled that Lesotho defeated better – fancied Angola home and away in the previous round of the qualifying series. However, the Flying Eagles, loaded with record fourth FIFA U-17 Cup winners in United Arab Emirates last year, also dismissed Tanzania home and away in the previous round. Umeh also told the U-20 girls, Falconets, not to look down on their quarter final opponents, New Zealand. “It is true that our girls have been improving steadily with each match and I am happy about that. But they should not under –estimate the New Zealand girls, who defeated Paraguay and won handsomely against Costa Rica to reach this stage.”

Nigeria’s Falconets drew 1-1 with Mexico in their first match but won 2-1 against Korea Republic and England, arguably playing better each time. Sunday’s clash at the Moncton Stadium in Moncton is only the second –ever meeting between Nigeria and New Zealand at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. On November 19, 2008 in Coquimbo, Chile, goals by Sarah Michael, Ogonna Chukwudi and Rita Chikwelu steered the Falconets to a 3-2 win over the New Zealanders in a group phase match.

Victory in Saturday’s match will stand

Nigeria’s athletes

Nigeria Tops Table As Africa Senior Championships Ends In Morocco

Team Nigeria put up brilliant performance to finish tops at the Africa Senior Championships which ended in Marrakech, Morocco, yesterday.

Golden girl Blessing Okagbare gave Nigeria the first gold medal on Day-2 of the championship from 100m.

Day three was more successful, as Nigeria’s athletes claimed five gold medals, showing superiority in athletics in the African continent.

Nigeria’s 110m hurdlers made a clean sweep of the medals in the event on Wednesday night, leaving their Algerian, South African and Malianrivals trailing in their wake on Day-four of the competition.

National champion, Tyron Akins confirmed his status as the athlete to beat as he claimed his first African title in his de-

The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.

Henry ford, founder and president of the Ford Motor Company

but outing at the championships, and only his second for Nigeria, with 13.57s. This follows his participation at the Commonwealth Games where he just missed out on the finals.

Speaking to LEADERSHIP Friday Sports on phone, Deputy Director, Grassroots Sports Development, National Sports Commission (NSC), Dr. Ademola Are praised the team for making the country proud.

“We are happy with the performance. This goes a long way in showing that President Goodluck Jonathan’s investment in sports through the NSC is yielding fruits.

“The Minister of Sports, Tammy Danagogo and the Direcor General NSC, Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye have promised Nigerians that there would be more impact of Nigeria’s athletes felt the world over,” he added.

SPORT / 71

August 15, 2014

Chelsea Can Dominate Premier League For 10-yrs – Mourinho

Suarez

Ban Upheld But Suarez Allowed To Train Luis Suarez’s four-month ban for biting a World Cup opponent has been upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

But the Uruguay striker, 27, can now train and play in friendly matches, with new club Barcelona confirming: “He will join the first team’s training session, scheduled for Friday.

“The public presentation of Suarez as a new Barcelona player will be held on Monday at the Camp Nou.” It is not known if he will play in Monday’s game with Mexico’s Club Leon.

A full explanation of the Cas ruling, which still prevents him from playing “organised” matches but now allows him to take part in all “footballrelated activities”, will be published at a later date. He will still have to serve the remaining eight games of his record nine-match ban in competitive international games, while his competitive Barcelona debut is likely

to be at Real Madrid on 26 October in El Clasico.

But Suarez will now be available for Uruguay’s friendlies against Japan and South Korea in September and Saudi Arabia the following month.

Suarez’s lawyers argued that world governing body Fifa’s decision to suspend him from all football-related activity for biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini during Uruguay’s 2014 World Cup group match in Brazil in June was too strong a punishment.

Switzerland-based Cas - an independent body whose rulings are accepted by most sporting organisations - said: “The sanctions imposed on the player by Fifa have been generally confirmed.”

But it said preventing Suarez from taking part in any football activity was “excessive”, as not allowing him to train would have an impact on the player after the suspension had ended.

Jose Mourinho has warned his title rivals that Chelsea can dominate the Premier League for the next decade.

The Blues have acted swiftly and decisively in the summer transfer window, recruiting Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas, Filipe Luis and Didier Drogba for nearly €90 million ahead of the new season, leading Mourinho to claim that he is finally content with the personnel at his disposal.

And, having repeatedly written off his “little horses” in 2013-14, he has now insisted that he can build a dynasty at Stamford Bridge, given the potential in his squad.

“We have the squad that we want to have,’ he told reporters. “It is a squad for tomorrow, for next season and also a squad with big possibilities for the next

five or 10 years with so many young people.

“So, I like my squad very much. There is no manager in the world that has the perfect squad. No manager that says ‘My squad is perfect’ or couldn’t improve in certain positions.

“The only thing I can say is that I like very much the squad. The club was fantastic because it gave me the three targets I was asking, in the left-back, a midfield player and a striker.

“In fact, it gave me two strikers because Didier is also back. So we have the squad that we want to have, we don’t say it’s perfect, we don’t say it’s the best, we say we like very much our squad.”

Chelsea finished third in 2013-14 and kick off the new season with a trip to newly-promoted Burnley on Monday.

Pellegrini Defends Lack Of English Players

Pellegrini

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has defended his decision to omit English players from his line-up for the Community Shield defeat by Arsenal.

Four English players made the City bench at Wembley on Sunday but an allforeign starting XI reflected Pellegrini’s recent transfer deals.

Of all Pellegrini’s summer signings, only Frank Lampard hails from England.

“In every competitive squad, it’s difficult for all the players to have a chance in the XI,” Pellegrini said.

England midfielder Jack Rodwell left City for Sunderland last week, lamenting a lack of first-team opportunities in the two years since his £12m move from Everton.

Into City’s midfield this summer has come Argentina’s Bruno Zuculini and Brazil’s Fernando, although Lampard’s arrival on a loan deal from New York City until January maintains an English presence.

City’s England goalkeeper Joe Hart, meanwhile, has come under threat from the arrival of Argentine goalkeeper Willy Caballero, who started on Sunday, while Pellegrini has added French duo Eliaquim Mangala and Bacary Sagna to his defensive ranks.

But the Chilean boss has defended his right to select whatever team he wants.

Mourinho

Kenya’s Marathon Gold Medallist Dies Deaflympic marathon gold medallist Edwin Kipkosgei Kipchumba has died after collapsing while on a training run.

The Kenyan was reportedly running with a group including 2014 Boston Marathon silver medallist Wilson Chebet and Isaac Maiyo in a 20 kilometre session yesterday morning.

Kipchumba, the first Kenyan to win Deaflympic marathon gold at Melbourne 2005, was running along Eldoret-Kimumu road.

Professional Association of Athletes of Kenya secretary general Gilbert Kiplom said Kipchumba was in the leading pack until the 12km mark.

“He then moved to the road side and collapsed,” he added.

“We are used to his jovial joke and

The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.

Henry ford, founder and president of the Ford Motor Company

persistent positive spirit he had towards bringing change in athletics, and we will surely miss him.

“The association is now planning for a fundraising towards his burial arrangement.”

The 31-year-old athlete also won three bronze medals at the Melbourne 2005 Deaflympics, in the 800 metres, 5,000m and 3,000m steeplechase.

He won World Deaf Athletics Championships bronze in the 3,000m steeplechase at Izmir 2008.

Kenya Sports Federation of the Deaf (KSFD) chairman Peter Kalae said: “On behalf of KSFD, I would like to send my hearty condolence to the family, relatives and friends of the late Edwin Kipchumba.

“May the good Lord rest his soul into eternal peace.”

AMUSEMENT PARK

Real difficulties can be overcome, it is only the imaginary ones that are unconquerable — Theodore N. Vail

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY c

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NIGERIA'S FIRST FRIDAY NEWSPAPER

No. 65

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Who Will Save The Class Of 2014?

L

ast year when UNESCO published a report that 10.5 million Nigerian children were out of school, it seemed that the race to the bottom couldn’t get worse. Nigeria was lumped together with Pakistan, Yemen, Mali, Niger and co as countries with the highest number of outof-school children.

But even last year when we were still scratching our heads about how we became the child’s misery capital, the West African Senior School Certificate Examination result was not looking this bad; it seemed, in fact, to be recovering from the shambles of the previous years.

This year, however, 70 per cent of the 1.7million students who sat for the last WASSCE exam failed to get five credits, including credits in English and Maths. This is twice the number that failed last year. And now it seems that apart from having the largest number of children out of school, we’ll also be producing the largest number of secondary school failures in the sub-region.

No statements have been issued yet. The minister of education, Ibrahim Shekarau, has maintained a loud silence. It’s convenient for him to excuse himself that he assumed office a few months ago, but how can he justify keeping quiet in the face of such a shameful result? Obviously following his lead, the ministry and the schools board do not think it is something to worry about. The teacher unions and the PTAs, too, are so used to poor results that they have become the new normal. As for the press, expect to read nothing again about this year’s mass failure until it happens again next year.

The only things that seem to get our bile flowing are mass murders

by Boko Haram, the testosterone of politicians on the eve of an election or Ebola. We have become a nation where nothing moves us

The best efforts to fix the public secondary school system in the last 10 years have been like Solomon Grundy – born on Monday, buried on Sunday until it becomes life-threatening and millions, if not billions of naira, would have to be shelled out for a national emergency.

We conveniently forget that the dropouts, the failures, and the never-do-wells that we create along the way feed the fire of Boko Haram, electoral violence, Ebola or whatever becomes our collective hell.

How did we get to the point where 10.5million children, equivalent of the population of Benin Republic are out of school and seven out of every 10 students who took their final secondary school exam failed?

Last August when the head of the national office for WAEC in Nigeria, Charles Eguridu, was asked, he blamed the Ministry of Education and parents. “We’re not the Ministry of Education,” he said. “We don’t run schools. The level of supervision has dropped.

In those days, we had the Open Day, where parents came around and examined the books of their children to know whether they were falling in line or not. But parents today are so busy looking for money. The blame is, on the one hand, with the parents, and on the other with the society, and, of course, the schools.”

You may disagree with Eguridu on whether or not parents still show up at Open Day, but what’s the point? Except if we chose to keep deceiving ourselves, apart from Oby Ezekwesili’s valiant efforts to straighten the system, the best efforts to fix the public secondary school system in the last 10 years have been like Solomon Grundy – born on Monday, buried on Sunday.

We can’t fix the problem from the secondary or tertiary levels.

Any serious attempt to address the problem must start from

the primary school up. Even though the average yearly funds to education have increased, performance across the board has declined.

In an article I wrote on this subject in June 2013, I shared the examples of what Burundi, Madagascar, Mozambique, Tanzania and even Brazil did between 1999 and 2009 with impressive results. They abolished school fees at the basic level, shed powers in the ministries of education at all levels and increased the actual amount spent on the classroom. Brazil went the extra mile to pay serious attention to standards and the quality of teachers.

We need full disclosure by WAEC of the state-by-state performance of public schools at the last exam.

Parents and education watchdogs must also demand to know how much each state spent on its

secondary and primary schools in the last five years and for what.

This will reveal the basket cases and throw light on where the housekeeping must begin.

Parents, teachers and administrators should be more open and willing to share and receive ideas that work and learn from those that fail. It’s a striking irony that we are recording more school failures in an age when knowledge is more widespread.

Change will not come from the oldschool learning toolbox; we must shed some things from the past.

If, as research has shown, people spend more time on social media than they do sleeping, then, we must meet the children at their own playground. We must make education fun, embed more educational games in their Nintendos and Playstations and infuse similar apps in mobile devices.

Parents and teachers are so far behind the modern age and their children so far ahead that the gap in between is breeding a culture of rootlessness, frustration and, not surprisingly, failure. With 60 per cent of the population still under school age, the country must either save itself from the rising tide of school failures or be washed ashore by it.

GHANA MUST GO Jonathan to travel to Zamfara to receive defectors — Amb. Yuguda

Ebola: Neither Salt Nor Pepper Shower Can Save If there’s anything that worries me about this Ebola thing, it’s the danger that some people would probably kill themselves before the virus kills them. What’s the point drowning in salt water, having a pepper shower or eating tons of bitter kola when none of these things is a remedy of any kind? Mayo Clinic, a leading US hospital, recommends the following as precaution against

infection: 1) Avoid areas of known outbreaks 2) Wash/sanitise your hands frequently 3) Avoid contact with infected people 4) Follow infectioncontrol procedures 5) Don’t handle remains of persons who may have died from Ebola infection.

Remember that infection is not an automatic death sentence. Like most diseases, early detection and treatment increases the chances of recovery.

And he cannot travel to Chibok?

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