No. 438
N300
29.06.14
FOR GOD AND COUNTRY
nigeria's most influential newspaper
Nigeria Is A Failed State – Nda-Isaiah
Brazil, Columbia Advance To Quarterfinals
EMAB Blast: Plaza Still Barricaded As Traders Fret Over Reopening
NEWS, PAGE 6
NEWS, PAGE 5
sports, PAGE 70
2015 presidency
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Muslim-Muslim Ticket A Sensitive Issue – Onu 52 Killed In Kaduna, Bauchi, Taraba Attacks Midat Joseph, Kaduna, Obed Minchakpu, Bauchi and Andrew Ojih, Jalingo
Unknown gunmen continued to kill with bombs and rifles yesterday in Kaduna, Bauchi and Taraba. At least 52 people were killed, scores injured and properties running into millions of naira destroyed. In Sanga LGA of Kaduna State, 32 people were killed by gunmen suspected to be Fulani militia in the late hours of Friday. The gunmen carried out the attack on Amber community despite the 24-hour curfew imposed on the local government area following last week’s killing of about 227 people. The local government chairman, Emmanuel Adamu, who confirmed
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Delta State governor Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan (right) in a handshake with Vanguard Newspapers publisher, Mr. Sam AmukaPemu, as Vanguard editor, Mr. Mideno Bayagbon, and others look on during the burial of the mother of the Vanguard publisher at Oviri-Olomu in Ughelli-South local government area of Delta State on Friday. PHOTO VANGUARD NEWSROOM
ramadan timing day 2
abuja - magrib: 6.58/alfijir:4.58
> Moreon Page 7
Chibok DAY Diary 76
‘We Were Divided Into Three Camps In Sambisa’ > Page 2
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Sunday, June 29, 2014
chibok diary 76
DAY
ChIbok TWEETS @JMakamba
Abducted girls still missing in Nigeria, more were taken this week, hashtags are receding, the world has quietly moved on #BringBackOurGirls
@naijama What can we do? Shudders as we contemplate the horror of reaching 100 days without being able to #BringBackOurGirls
@obyezeks You and i should persist in demanding.... FG must hear us and be compelled to take the measures that will #BringBackOurGirls Now & Alive!!!
@elrufai Instead of focusing on #BringBackOurGirls, Jonathanians are investing in propaganda - Nigeria hires PR firm for Boko Haram.
@omojuwa There is no PR as cheap, as effective and as far reaching as getting the job done! #BringBackOurGirls
@RuggedyBaba It’s so sad that our leaders put more energy into elections than moves to #BringBackOurGirls
COMPILED BY MICHAEL OCHE
‘We Were Divided Into Three Camps In Sambisa’, Says Escapee Chibok Girl By KAreem HArUnA, Maiduguri
One of the abducted Chibok schoolgirl who managed to escaped from Boko Haram captivity in Sambisa, said their abdcutors splitted them into three groups as soon as they arrived the thick forest. The girl who spoke to LEADERSHIP Sunday on phone but pleaded not to be named said she was among the eight students that made it back to town. “When we got to the Sambisa forests they decided to divide us into three groups and each group was asked to go to different direction of the forest”, said the girl. We were taking to the camp from where we were able to escape. We never saw the other girls in the other two camps till we managed to run back home”, said the girl. The schoolgirl said none of them was hurt at the time they arrived Sambisa. “Some of them were speaking to us in harsh tone, but others will tell them not to be harsh on us; all of them were holding guns, and many use to cover their faces. They asked us to always sit very close to one another; each time we hear the sound of an aircraft, they would ask us to quickly go under the thick shrubs and trees that no one can spot us there; and the plane will come and go without sighting us”. The girl added that about five of them actually wanted to escape, but the fifth of them was not close by at the time they took their chance to run. “We didn't run in the night”, said the escapee girl. “It was towards evening when we went to fetch water; about five of us planned to run that day, but when the time came one of us was not nearby, so we bolted off and ran until we got to a certain spot where we hid under some thick shrubs. There we waited to see if the fifth girl would join us, but she never did. So we had to wait till when it was very dark before we crept away and ran till day break. We ran into a Fulani nomad who hid us in his house, then later assisted us to escape further by showing us the path we had to take back to Chibok; from there we got to a village, near Chibok and a man who saw us quickly took us into his house and hid us for some times so that the people there would not know we were there, because according to him some of the Boko Haram informants in the village might want to harm us if they found out we were in the village”. The escapee girl who requested that the names of the villages where they were helped should not be mentioned so that the Boko Haram gunmen would not go and harm the people there, said most of them that escaped from Sambisa came from one particular village near Chibok (name withheld) where the people are known for their bravery.
#Bringbackourgirls group in an unrelenting struggle meeting for the quick rescue of abducted Chibok schoolgirls at the Unity Fountain in Abuja. PHOTO BY OYEDELE OMOKAGBO
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our stand Sunday, June 29, 2014
Tackling Corrupt Judges
C
hief justice of Nigeria Mariam Aloma Mukhtar has, again, read the riot act to judges in the country. Speaking at the 2014 induction course for newly appointed judges and Khadis organised by the National Judicial Council (NJI) in Abuja recently, Justice Mukhtar did not mince words on the vexed issue of graft among judges and other judicial officials. Exhorting the judges, she urged them to do their work well and not worry about what people say as they have nothing to fear but a lot to gain. However, she warned that, should they choose the corrupt and dishonourable way or become indolent and unproductive, more of a liability than an asset, they can only have themselves to blame because the consequences will not be pleasing. Justice Mukhtar admonished judicial officials to live up to the tenets of the judiciary, and stressed that any deviation from laid-down rules could be devastating not just for the judges and the judicial official but for
the entire Nigerian judiciary. She maintained that the Nigerian judiciary would no longer condone indolence, ineptitude, corruption or any form of judicial misconduct. We agree with the CJN’s stance on this problem of corruption in the judiciary. Although sleaze is perceived to be rampant in the country, it is a cause for concern that the judiciary, the arbiter and last hope of the common man, has allowed itself to be co-opted into the ignominious practice. A situation where citizens cannot get a fair deal at the temple of justice because judges and other judicial officials are corrupt is frightening to the imagi-
Ag. Editor Auwal Sa’id Mu’azu Deputy Editor Kazeem Akintunde Editorial Board Safiya M. Adamu, Chairman Standards Aniebo Nwamu, Director ’Lara Olugbemi, Assistant Director
nation. The stories flying around about graft in the judiciary is unsettling, to say the least. The judiciary would only invite anarchy to the whole country if it continued to harbour corrupt judges and other dirty judicial officials. While we agree with Justice Mukhtar that corrupt judges and other judicial officials should be eased out of the system, it is also important to note that sack ought not to be the end of the matter. We demand that any judge or judicial official found to be corrupt should not only be sacked from their post, they should also be prosecuted and jailed in accordance with the law of our land. We commend Justice Mukhtar on her efforts to clean the Aegean stable in the judiciary and urge her to do more in this regard. We urge all stakeholders in the judiciary, especially lawyers and the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), to work with her to clean up the justice system and restore the flagging hope Nigerians have in the judiciary. This is imperative now as the 2015 elections beckon.
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 Julianne Omofuma Divisional Directors Abdulmumin Balogun Salisu Alhassan Bichi Iyobosa Uwugiaren Ademola Oladosu General Managers Joy Adekanye Aminu Abubakar Sule Zipporah D. Tanko
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
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!
4 news across the states
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Tinubu, Oshiomhole, Others Honour Amuka-Pemu At Mother’s Burial By Sola Adebayo, Warri
Prominent Nigerians at the weekend honoured the publisher of the Vanguard Newspapers, Mr Sam Amuka-Pemu, at the burial of his mother, Mrs Ariteshoma Abeji Amuka-Pemu (Nee Okoro) in Delta State. Among the guests of the renowned publisher were Delta State governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, his Edo State counterpart, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, former Lagos State governor and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Ogun State governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba and president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor. The burial ceremony also attracted other dignitaries from across the country, including Delta State deputy governor, Prof Amos Utuama; General Ufuoma Obada (rtd), Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo; Senator Roland
Ovie; a member of the House of Representatives, Mr Ndidi Elumelu; a gubernatorial aspirant on the platform of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, Olorugun Kenneth Gbagi; Sen. Francis Nwajei, members of Delta State executive council and the state’s House of Assembly as well as top media practitioners. The remains of the late Vanguard publisher’s mother were laid to rest in Oviri-Olomu, Ughelli South local government area of Delta State. Clerics and guests paid glowing tributes to the deceased . They were unanimous that she lived a worthy life while on earth. Uduaghan praised the deceased for raising a worthy son like the Vanguard publisher, who could attract many prominent personalities from within and outside the country to her interment. To this end, Uduaghan urged parents to be committed to the proper upbringing of their children.
We Are Not Part of VC’s Selection Process – SSANU Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) UNIZIK chapter has denied a media report that the union is supporting the emergence of Prof Joseph E. Ahaneku as vice chancellor of the institution. The union arising from its national executive council (NEC) meeting held at the institution said that SSANU has never been part of the selection of VC since inception and should not be dragged into the politics of selection of the vice chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. In a communiqué made available to journalists and jointly signed by the chairman and the secretary of the union, comrade Njelita Louis and Nwangwu Njideka, the union warned mischief makers not to tarnish the image of SSANU as the purported article did not emanate from the union. The communiqué added that the purported article was the handiwork of mischief markers whose intention was to cause disaffection between SSANU, the management, the governing council and other stakeholders. SSANU said the union was ever ready to work with anyone who emerged from the selection process and cannot be seen as supporting any individual. The communiqué reads in parts, “The attention of SSANU UNIZIK has been drawn to a publication in Sunday Sun Newspapers of June 22, 2014 on page 66 with caption ‘Our full unalloyed support for VC, prof Joseph E. Ahaneku’. “Arising from its NEC meeting held on Monday June 24, 2014, SSANU EXCO frowned at the sinister move by unknown persons to tarnish the image of the union. It therefore resolved as follow: That SSANU has never been part of the selection of vice chancellor since inception. That the article never emanated from SSANU nor did it mandate any one to place an article on its behalf”. By Michael Oche, Abuja
short news KDSG Spends N110m Monthly on Waste Disposal – Commissioner
Kaduna State government spends N110 million monthly on refuse disposal, the commissioner for environment, Alhaji Kasimu Abubakar, has said. Abubakar made the disclosure yesterday while addressing newsmen in Hayin Banki community in Kaduna when he visited the area to inspect the monthly sanitation exercise. He said the government engaged the services of 91 refuse disposal companies to dispose refuse across the state adding that the companies employed 2,700 sanitation workers to dispose refuse. The commissioner said the government was consulting with private organisations and individuals to set up recycling plants.
L-R: The secretary to the government of the federation, Ayim Pius Ayim; PDP women leader Mrs Kema Chikwe, Abia first lady Mercy Odochi Orji and Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State during the funeral service of the late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Oguta, Imo State. PHOTO BY BENEDICT UWALAKA
Maku Advocates Special Fund To Cater For Families Of Deceased Unionists The minister of information, Labaran Maku, has advocated for the creation of a special fund to cater for the needs of families of deceased unionists in the country. Maku made the call in Abuja yesterday at the public presentation of a book in honour of the late Mr Olaitan Oyerinde, a unionist and former principal private secretary to Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State. “The kind of services unionists like Oyerinde and others have offered to society require some form of special care for the families they left behind,” he said. The minister said, the late Oyerinde lived a selfless life, serving Nigeria in different capacities both as a unionist and a public servant which endeared him to many. “At times like this, there is very
little that we can do both in our personal capacities and as government appointees to support the families of our deceased colleagues. “But if there is an established institution where funds are gathered to support the families of our fallen comrades, it makes things much easier,’’ he said. Maku said it was easier to remit a token into a purse for a particular purpose than to occasionally gather people to donate towards the same cause. “What I am saying therefore is for the labour unions to have an established fund from which we can take money from time to time to support the families of our fallen comrades. I think it will go a long way to help this cause,’’ Maku said. The minister said that the creation of a standing fund to cater
for the needs of families of fallen comrades, would give comrades the confidence to do more to improve social justice in the society. Maku attributed the emerging crisis in the country to the dearth of leaders with the true spirit of nationalism, both in public and private organisations. He challenged trade unions and the civil society groups to rise above ethnic and religious bias to check threats against Nigeria’s unity and development. The minister expressed concern that the present crop of leaders in the society was not doing enough to inspire patriotism and unity among Nigerians. He blamed the present security challenges in the country on faulty socio-political orientation passed on to the new generation of leaders.
Tension In Osun Over Alleged Bomb Discovery By JOSHUA DADA, Osogbo
Residents of Ibikunle Estate in the Egbedore Local Government Area of Osun state were gripped with fear and apprehension yesterday over alleged discovery of an explosive device suspected to be bomb in the area. The explosive device which was purportedly discovered around the State Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) was reported to the Police in the early
hours of the day. It was gathered that officers of the state Police command swiftly stormed the area, using bomb detectors and other devices to discover where the explosive device was planted. A source hinted that the efforts of the Police to discover the explosive device did not yield any positive result as at the time of filling this report as no device was discovered by the Police.
The bomb scare it was gathered had caused many residents of the area to abandon their houses while a few that stayed behind kept strictly indoor. However, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the state police command, Mrs Folashade Odoro in her reaction said there was nothing as such in Osun saying: “it was a false alarm, there was nothing like discovery of an explosive device in any part of the state.
Uzodimma Rallies Support For Jonathan In US By Ugochukwu iroka
Chairman, senate committee on aviation, Senator Hope Uzodimma has urged Orlu indigenes in the United States of America and in the diaspora to support the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for the good of Nigerians and the country. Addressing the 2014 convention of the Orlu Regional Assem-
bly (ORA) in New Jersey, USA, last week, Uzodimma informed the assembly that despite the menace of Boko Haram in some northern states, it was encouraging that the federal government under President Jonathan had remained focused as appreciable progress had been made in many sectors. He said that power supply had stabilized tremendously in the country and that more improve-
ments in the sector were expected in the coming months. The senator further said that rail transportation had returned, federal roads massively rehabilitated and new ones being constructed. “Our airports have been vastly transformed and repositioned. Above all, the economy has been rated by the World Bank as the fastest growing in Africa”, he added.
NEWS 5
Sunday, June 29, 2014
LIVING TO BE 100
One health tip daily Greener Grass May Not Be Better Weed killers contain chemicals that are toxic to our nervous systems and have even been confirmed to cause cancer. If you want to live a long life, stop using chemical herbicides and artificial fertilizers on your lawns. Instead, fertilize with organic compost or manure, pull weeds regularly, and reseed areas that are overgrown. Do not cut the grass too short, as this will expose the root system and leave the grass vulnerable to disease. Also avoid lingering on the golf course too long, especially under a hot sun: extreme heat can strengthen herbicides’ noxious effects.
EMAB Blast: Plazas Still Barricaded As Traders Fret Over Reopening By Chika Okeke, Abuja
Since the Wednesday bomb blast at EMAB Plaza in Wuse II, Abuja, the neighbouring plazas like Banex Plaza 1 and 2 are still barricaded and the shops still under lock and key while traders worry over reopening of the plaza. LEADERSHIP Sunday discovered that the spot where the bomb exploded was also cordoned off with red and yellow ribbon with inscription like “Crime Scene, Do Not Cross” while the remaining trash was yet to be cleared as at yesterday evening. It took the combined efforts of security operatives from the Nigeria Police and Nigeria Civil Defence Corps who were on ground to ensure that the traders complied with the “no entry” directive. Meanwhile, a few traders were still seen at the crime scene trying to collect either vital documents or important goods from their shops but not without obtaining permission and accompanied by a policeman to their respective shops. It was also discovered that the cars at the premises of EMAB Plaza at the time of the explosion were yet to be reclaimed by the owners, though a good number of them were in good conditions. Sherrif Plaza, which is adjacent to Banex and Emab plazas, was not barricaded. A few fruit and recharge-card hawkers were still seen running after vehicles to sell their wares. A cross-section of traders that spoke with LEADERSHIP Sunday eulogized the efforts of security operatives deployed to monitor the scene even as they called on the federal government to enlist more Nigerians into the military and other
paramilitary organizations. Chief Stephen Ogbonna, who is the chief security officer at EMAB Plaza, is a property agent that also sells communication and security gadgets. He applauded the efforts of the DPO of Maitama and the security operatives guarding the plaza, saying that traders were complying with the directive: “There is no problem now because the traders are cooperating with policemen. We are very grateful to the DPO of Maitama who though a woman works like a man and we also appreciate the security operatives for guarding the area. The traders have no problem because they have been hearing of explosives but this one that happened is an eye opener; so they are very vigilant now.” On plans by the owner of EMAB to compensate the victims, he said, “The owner of the plaza is a very good man and we have no problem with him. Anytime he comes, things will be better than it used to be.” Chief Ogbonna further admitted that he escaped death by a whisker, stressing that the relatives of his two burnt security boys have claimed their corpses. “I escaped death by a whisker because I was about to climb down from the stair-case when the bomb suddenly exploded. “For the casualties, the relatives of the dead are coming one after the other to claim their corpses. Two of my security boys were burnt and scattered beyond recognition; their families have come around to claim their corpses.” Another trader who pleaded anonymity was seen weeping at the plaza when he came to pick up his vi-
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Muslim-Muslim Ticket A Sensitive Issue – Onu By Reuben buhari, Abuja
Against the backdrop of the debates on the suitability or otherwise of a muslim-muslim presidential ticket in the All Progressive Congress (APC), the first executive governor of Abia State and a chieftain of the party, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu said the issue is a sensitive one that when taken must reflect the feelings of Nigerians and the current mood in the country. Speaking to LEADERSHIP Sunday in Abuja, Onu who said even though the issue has never been formally discussed in the party, however said if it eventually comes up they would look at it based on the sensitivity and peculiarity of the Nigerian populace so that the best combination for the country would be made. He added that the need to handle the matter carefully is further buttressed by the fact that the APC as an opposition party that is desirous of taking over the government from the PDP must be seen to be sensitive to the feelings of Nigerians. The APC leader also revealed yesterday how he singlehandedly initiated the process of merging three political parties that resulted in the formation of the APC. Dr Onu who stated that the emergence of APC has changed the political landscape of Nigeria said he was challenged to pursue the formation of the APC when the PDP made the statement that it will continue ruling Nigeria for the next 60 years. The merger was when three former political parties, All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), as well as groups from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Democrat-
ic People’s Party (DPP) coalesced into the APC. While speaking on a myriad of issues that include the Muslim-muslim ticket, the defection of Mallam Ibrahim Shakarau to the PDP and the outcome of the gubernatorial elections in Ekiti state, he said “on the 12th of December, 2004, the then governor of Lagos state invited me to speak to the house of assembly and that lecture was on the need for opposition parties to come together. The opposition had seven states then. However, i had earlier spoken to the caucus of the APP in the National Assembly on same issue. “I tried to highlight the importance of being together because then the PDP had said they will rule for 60years and it was challenging. So I gave reason why it cannot work. I gave reason why the opposition must come together. As soon as I became national chairman in 2010, I now requested from the leadership of the ACN that we needed to talk and in Lagos House here in Abuja, they invited me and I went there and told them on the need for all of us to work together. By that time, the ACN had only two governors. It was in October that Governor Fayemi was sworn in. It was after that address that we formed a committee,” he said. On the defection of former governor of Kano State Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau to the PDP, the national chairman of the defunct ANPP said he felt really bad when he left despite efforts to make him stay. “I felt very bad when they left because all of them made very important contributions to getting APC to where we are right now. When the party was being formed, we knew that there would be problems. For a political party
that wants to win elections, you should know that there are those who will not be happy with some of the changes. We have our party constitution and manifesto, we talked and I did everything I could within my limit to convince all of them to stay back, but there are certain things that are personal. I feel very concerned.” He also said the formation of the APC has altered the structures of existing parties including the PDP. “The emergence of the APC has done a number of things. PDP has always had crises but the people didn’t have a place to go to. They looked at ANPP for example: we had three states and if they join ANPP, can they help them chase the federal government? When I became chairman, ACN, had only two and, after the election, Ogun and Oyo state came in. Now, if you have problem with the PDP, will you go to a party that has only two states? But when APC was registered against prediction made by so many people, APC had 11 governors and they were so spread that every zone had one and this made it a national party. There was no zone that you could not find APC, which was why it was easy for those with progressive credentials to join them. Even if you were born from the same mother, you cannot have the same values, so those who feel the APC had what they wanted, they came over.” Proffering solution to the current security challenges in the country, he said the solution lies in the country’s security organs improving on their intelligence gathering. By so doing, he said, the country can detect and apprehend the criminals that bomb and kill at will in the country. On the Ekiti election, he said ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
52 Killed In Kaduna, Bauchi And Taraba Attacks ➔ FROM FRONT PAGE the fresh killings to LEADERSHIP Sunday, wondered how the attack was successfully executed without the knowledge of the soldiers and the police drafted to restore normalcy. The national president of Ninzom Progressive Youths, Mr Bezard Wuyah, whose communities were attacked, told our correspondent the attack on Amber village was carried out on Friday afternoon. Mr Wuyah, who spoke to our correspondent from some of the affected villages on phone, said: “Right now, we have been touring some of the villages affected. Last night (Friday), Amber, a village of about 5,000 people, was ransacked. We lost 22 people, and I am told that there are more corpses in the bushes.
“In Paa, a village close to Gwantu, the town was attacked from 10 this morning (Saturday) till this afternoon. Ten people were killed. The town is also burnt down. The villages are now empty. I am now in Gwantu, with Kaduna State commissioner of water resources Mr Audu Dogo. He can testify to what I am saying.” The chairman, Sanga LGA, Mr Emmanuel Adamu, said the gunmen were carrying out what he described as “guerilla killings” on his people Over 110 bodies were given mass burial last week Thursday after many other families took away the corpses of their loves ones for burial. LEADERSHIP SUNDAY gathered that all Ninzom villages, including Gwantu, the LGA, headquarters of Sanga, were deserted as people ran to po-
lice stations, primary and secondary schools in nearby towns and into neighbouring states. The executive secretary of the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, Nuhu Dogo, who is in Sanga lamented that the tense situation in the area was making distribution of relief materials to about 50,000 displaced persons almost impossible. Mr Dogo said: “We are now in the Gwantu police station, because they are now attacking one village called Tarri. We are with the police DPO. And he is mobilizing his people to go there. “The problem is that when there is an attack here, and the security men go, there will be another one somewhere. There is lack of enough personnel.
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6 NEWS
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Nigeria Is A Failed State – Nda-Isaiah BY MIDAT JOSEPH, Kaduna
After taking a critical look at the state of the nation, a presidential aspirant under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Sam Nda-Isaiah, yesterday concluded that Nigeria has collapsed as a result of corruption and bad governance. The presidential hopeful, who spoke as a guest of a Kaduna-based radio station, Liberty FM, however, added that the country’s fortune is not beyond redemption. Nda-Isaiah said: “Our country needs to be rescued quickly, as a matter of fact, and that is the reason I decided to run for president on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). What is happening in Nigeria now is the consequence of corruption. This country has collapsed as a result of corruption and bad governance. We are at a point in this country where our dear country needs to be rescued. “This is not a time that we will lie to ourselves; we are about to lose a country that we all love. And this
EMAB Blast: Plazas Still Barricaded As Traders Fret Over Reopening ➔ FROM PAGE 5 tal documents. He said that one his boys received serious injury at the skull, though he was responding to treatment. Another trader that sells communication gadgets admitted that he escaped death through divine intervention, saying that he was at EMAB garden when the incident occurred. “God really saved me and I will forever remain grateful to him. When I came to work that Wednesday, I was about to enter the complex but a voice just told me to relax at EMAB garden for a few minutes. I was at the garden chilling only for me to hear the sound of a bomb. It was a terrible situation because human parts littered the ground like trash. Another trader who simply identified himself as Goodluck sells communication gadgets at Sheriff Plaza. While sharing his grief over the dead and injured victims, he lamented that since the incident business activities had reduced drastically.
is not a time to play with the sorry state of our country.” Speaking on the eligibility of President Jonathan, the presidential hopeful added that “my own personal view is that the president should contest for the presidency based on his personal record”. On the state of the nation, NdaIsaiah who is the founder of LEADERSHIP newspapers concluded: “I don’t think there will be enough adjectives to qualify what is happening to us now. All of us should be scared of what is happening to us as a nation. “We are tired. It’s like Nigeria has become very hopeless. This is a classical definition of a failed state. The government is incapable of protecting its citizens. “Criminals decide what to do anytime and they do it. This is very sad. Criminals should be treated as terrorists. Children are being kidnapped every day in this country. We are now in serious danger and we need to rescue our country. “The first duty of every president is the security and protec-
tion of the citizens of the country, before we start talking about building roads, state creation and the likes. “It is not true that security is the responsibility of everybody; it is the responsibility of the president. It is the whole duty of the president. Our job as citizens is to report strange happenings around us. “One of the indicators of a failed state is the failure of the government to provide education for its citizens. Our children are not getting proper education, so why won’t we have insecurity if the youths are not properly educated?” But he believed that a failed state like Nigeria is reversible with quality leadership. Baring his mind on the just concluded Ekiti election, the presidential aspirant argued that there was no need for the federal government to stop APC chieftains from visiting Ekiti State. “That act was enough to remove the president from office,” he stated. “He should not be using his
office to infringe on the people’s right. What happened in Ekiti was unnecessary.” On having all elections on the same day, he said: “It is possible, easier and cheaper to conduct elections in one day.” On the issue of state police, which the National Conference has just endorsed, he said he believes that Nigeria is not ripe for it, arguing that “state governors are going to use the police the same way the federal government is using the federal police today”. “And if the governors use the state police the same way the president uses the federal police, then, there would be a civil war between the state and federal police in the states. We are just not ready for state police,” he said. On the recent clampdown on the media, he said, “What is happening is a threat to the survival of our democracy. It still boils down to the incompetence of our leaders.”
52 Killed In Kaduna, Bauchi And Taraba Attacks ➔ FROM PAGE 5 But there is an attack on Tarri going on now,” he said. Bomb blast in Bauchi kills 10, injures 14 A bomb blast occurred on Friday night in the Bayan Gari area of Bauchi, killing 10 people and injuring 14 others. The explosion occurred about 10pm in the area housing brothels and its impact was felt in all parts of Bauchi town. Both the dead and the injured were taken to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi. Minutes after the explosion occurred, security agents cordoned off the area to prevent people from getting access to the site of the explosion. At ATBUTH, medical personnel were seen treating the injured. When contacted for further details, the hospital’s management neither declined comments on the incident nor gave details about casualties.
The police in Bauchi confirmed the incident. Haruna Mohammed, DSP, police public relations officer (PPRO), told LEADERSHIP Sunday that residents of the affected brothels had in the past been advised by the police to vacate the hotels as such areas were prime spots for terror attacks but that those residing there refused to comply with the police directive. When LEADERSHIP Sunday further details, the police spokesman responded: “On the 27/6/2014 at about 21:50 hours, there was an explosion at People’s Brothel at Bayan Gari area of Bauchi where 10 persons were confirmed dead while 14 others sustained various degrees of injuries and were rushed to ATBU Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, for treatment.” 10 killed in Taraba attack – Police The Taraba State police command yesterday in Jalingo said unknown gunmen attacked some people coming from Gar-
ba Chade to Maihula village in Gassol local government area of the state and killed 10 people. ASP Joseph Kwaji, the police public relations officer (PPRO), Taraba police command, who confirmed the incident while speaking to LEADERSHIP Sunday on phone, that the police also recovered three empty shells and some cartridges of double-barrel gun. Kwaji, noted that a detachment of the police and army had been drafted to the area, adding that investigation into the incident was ongoing. Sam Mbata, a resident of Garba Chade who also confirmed the attack to our correspondent, said the unknown gunmen stormed the village about 6pm, attacked and killed 10 persons who were coming from Garba Chade to Maihula village. The PPRO called on the general public to always report any suspected person to the nearest police station in the state.
Muslim-Muslim Ticket A Sensitive Issue – Onu ➔ FROM PAGE 5
he was not only shocked by the outcome of the election but added that contrary to the claim by some, the election was neither free nor fair because fear and intimidation by security agencies had already paved the way to how the election would be conducted. He added that they were even more shocked by the arrest that came before the election, especially of chieftains of the party. He narrated his own personal experience on how he, Audu
Ogbe and others were not allowed to go back through the Akure airport but had to drive through the night by road back to Abuja. However, he said the outcome of the election should be a lesson to the party and how to humbly accept defeat whenever it loses any election in the future. While commenting on the effect of the just concluded national convention of the party and the disenchantment of some leaders like Ikimi and Amaechi, he said there is no way a convention with such high number of people can
be conducted without some ripple effects. “I want you to look at APC from the reality on ground. APC is a young party, even though made up of old politicians who were controlling about 16 states until October 16 of last year. There is no way you can conduct a convention with such a large number of people and you won’t hear such reports, but the two persons you mentioned are very important members of the party, also very prominent Nigerians. When they have misgiving or concern, I be-
lieve that the party is taking it seriously. Everything must be done to ensure that they are happy. It will be the interest of the party to carry all its members along. This journey is not an easy one to defeat an incumbent. We have to start with unity before we can go on. I am very confident that we will be able to solve this problem.” He concluded by saying the problem of Nigeria stems from the quality of leadership it has been getting and that APC, which is “an incoming government,” will correct the defect.
278 Barred Borno Pilgrims Safely Arrive Saudi Arabia Two hundred and seventy-eight pilgrims from Borno and Yobe States who were barred from being airlifted in Maiduguri on Friday, due to what the military said was for security concern, have arrived safely in Saudi Arabia after traveling by road and arriving Kano midnight on Friday where they were airlifted to Saudi Arabia for the lesser hajj. The Managing Director of Skynet limited, Grema Terab, the Umrah operator that chartered a Max airline which the military prevented from air-lifting screenedpilgrims, confirmed yesterday that the pilgrims safely travelled by road through the night and were airlifted in Kano. It would be recalled that the military commands in Borno State on Friday barred the intending pilgrims from taking off from Maiduguri International Airport to perform Umrah. But the military had explained that the restriction on the use of the Maiduguri airport was “purely for security reasons. And that the intention was never to jeopardize the airlifting of pilgrims as has been wrongly portrayed.” In a statement by General Chris Olukolade the military spokesperson said the restrictions followed a security assessment of the situation in Nigeria. The spokesperson said the assessment indicated that a sudden massive air lift could not be permitted in the light of the threats and on-going military operations in the area. Parts of the statement said that: “Apparently, the implications of such massive airlift and traffic from the facility in the light of present security situation was not appreciated early enough by those planning the exercise to enable proper security procedure be installed for the important exercise,” he said adding that the restrictions had no religious or political connotation and that the sensitivity of the security situation in Nigeria calls for due caution from all. He also added that other forms of arrangement have been worked out to make the movement of the pilgrims easy. It could be recalled that , A max airline chartered by a Hajj and Umrah operator, Skynet International Limited, had arrived Maiduguri on Friday afternoon to convey 278 intending pilgrims that had undergone all security checks and were waiting to be boarded into the plane when military issued what many regarded as strange orders, directing the plane to takeoff empty while insisting that the hundreds of pilgrims travel five hours to Kano through the not too secured Maiduguri-Damaturu-Potiskum road to take-off from Kano airport. The military, citing ‘orders from above’ said their action was for security reasons.
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ramadan timing Day 2
L-R: Gombe State governor, Alh Ibrahim Dankwambo; Taraba State governor, Alhaji Garba Umar, and the member representing Kaltungo/Shongom federal constituency, Hon Binta Bello, at the commissioning of Tula development office and constituency empowerment scheme of Hon Bello in Gombe State recently.
Ramadan: Jonathan, Obama, Tambuwal, Others Task Muslims To Pray Against Insecurity By our correspondents
As Ramadan commences, President Goodluck Jonathan, governors and various others have solicited prayers of peace from the Muslim faithful. The President yesterday urged Muslims in the country to use the month of Ramadan fast to pray for peace and security in the land. He said, while the Muslim faithful pray against insecurity, federal government will on its part work relentlessly in ensuring
Obama Calls For peace United States president, Barack Obama also called on Muslims around the world to use the Ramadan season to pray for peace especially as more people around the world continue to suffer He described the Ramadan as “A time of self-reflection and devotion through prayer and fasting, Ramadan is also an occasion when Muslims around the world reaffirm their commitment to helping the less fortunate, including those struggling because of economic hardship and inequality.”
Nigeria will overcome security challenge - Tambuwal Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has urged Muslims to use the period of the Holy month of Ramadan to pray for their country, and to rededicate themselves to the service of God and humanity. In a statement to commemorate the start of the Islamic fasting of Ramadan issued by his Spe-
that insurgency, terrorism and other criminal activities which have plunged parts of the country into a state of insecurity are flushed out. In a statement by his special adviser on media and publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, the president said he was joining “all people of faith in praying that God Almighty will grant Nigeria greater peace, security, unity and national harmony” and wished “the Muslim community a rewarding and spiritually gratifying Ramadan fast”.
He also urged Nigerians “not to succumb to despair but to remain steadfast in the firm conviction that with courage, determination, focus, decisiveness and collective support for the Armed Forces and security agencies, the country will ultimately overcome the evil agents of sectionalism, sectarianism and international terrorism”. Similarly, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged Muslims to use the Ramadan to pray for the nation.
cial Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam, Tambuwal said the with prayers, the country would overcome the current security challenges facing it.
ligions in the country preached peace, unity and love for one another, saying ``we should always strive to maintain these at all times,Without peace and unity, socio-economic development will continue to elude any society.” Similarly the Chairman of Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) and governor of Niger state, Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu has called on Muslim Ummah to use the period of fasting to pray for Allah’s guidance, protection and peaceful coexistence of Nigerians. The Forum Chairman whose position is contained in a statement signed in Minna by his Chief Press Secretary Mr. Israel Ayegba Ebije has said that Nigeria is a great country that must overcome its social, political and economic challenges to attain its position as a nation on the path of development and leadership on the African continent. He therefore urged Muslims to use the period to reflect on the past, evaluate the present and project into the future adding that presently all is not well with Nigeria especially in the area of collective aspiration, socio-political trust and most importantly security of lives and property.
Etsu Nupe, Northern Governors Urge Muslims To Pray For Unity, Peace The Etsu Nupe Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar and the northern governors have urged all Muslim Ummahs to use the fasting period to pray for peace and unity of the nation. In his Ramadan message, the Etsu Nupe, Alh Abubakar, called on Muslims to pray for sustained unity of the country adding that “Fasting is not only for abstaining from drinking and eating but also a time to emulate what Prophet Muhammad was sent by Almighty Allah to come and do, as well as preach.” The royal father who is also the chairman, Niger State Traditional Council added that the month should be used to adhere strictly to the teachings and ways of Prophet Muhammad in terms of honesty, peace and love for one another. He noted that the two major re-
Towns Magrib Alfijr Abuja 6.58 4.55 Aba 6.55 4.58 Abakaliki 6.52 4.57 Abeokuta 7.09 5.16 Akure 7.02 5.06 Ankpa 6.56 5.00 Argungu 7.11 5.04 Auchi 7.01 5.04 Awka 7.02 4.59 Azare 6.49 4.42 Bama 6.38 4.28 Bauchi 6.50 4.47 Benin 7.04 5.05 Bichi 6.57 4.50 Bida 7.04 5.00 Birnin Gwari 7.03 4.58 B/Kebbi Gwandu 7.12 5.04 Biu 6.41 4.35 Calabar 6.49 4.55 Damaturu 6.41 4.34 Daura/Kazaure 6.59 4.35 Dutse 6.51 4.47 Enugu 6.53 4.57 Funtua/Malumfashi 7.01 4.53 Gembu 6.46 4.41 Gombe 6.44 4.39 Gusau 7.00 4.56 Gwadabawa 7.11 4.57 Hadejia 6.49 4.42 Ibadan 7.13 5.09 Ife 7.08 5.06 Ilesha Baruba 7.10 5.05 Ilorin 7.06 5.07 Jalingo 6.41 4.39 Jere/Suleija 6.58 4.54 Jos 6.55 4.48 Kabba 7.03 5.00 Kafanchan 6.57 4.51 Keffi/Nasarawa 6.57 4.51 Kaiama 7.12 5.08 Kafin Maiyaki 6.57 4.48 Kaduna 6.56 4.54 Kano 6.52 4.49 Katsina 7.00 4.51 Kontagora 7.06 5.03 Lafia 6.52 4.51 Lagos 7.11 5.12 Lokoja 6.56 5.03 Maiduguri 6.34 4.32 Makurdi 6.53 4.50 Minna 7.00 5.01 Missau 6.46 4.41 Monguno 6.37 4.24 Mubi 6.36 4.31 Nguru 6.46 4.39 Ningi 6.50 4.46 Okene 7.06 5.01 Ogbomosho 7.11 5.09 Onitsha 6.59 5.04 Oyo 7.13 5.11 Port Harcourt 6.58 5.08 Potiskum 6.44 4.37 Saki 7.05 5.11 Shagamu 7.06 5.17 Sokoto 7.06 5.02 Umuahia 6.57 4.56 Warri 6.56 5.12 Wukari 5.44 4.51 Wurno 7.10 4.57 Yenagoa 6.38 4.34 Yola 6.35 4.34 Zaria 6.57 4.55 Cotonnou-Benin 7.15 5.14 Ndjamena-Chad 6.26 4.21 Niamey-Niger 7.21 5.13 Zinder – Niger 6.58 4.40 Younde-Cameroun 6.39 4.40 Garoua – Cameroun 6.33 4.33
Recommended DU’A for Day 02
“Allahumaj’al Siyaamee feehi Siyaamas-saa-imeen, wa qiyaamee feehi qiyaamal-qaa-imeen, wa nahhinee feehi ‘an-naumatil-ghaafileen, wa hab lee jurmee feehi yaa ilaaHal-‘aalameena Wa’fu ‘annee yaa ‘aafiyan ‘anil-mujrimeen” MEANING: O Allah be pleased with my fasts, in this month, as Thou gives credit to those who (sincerely) observe fasts; and (be pleased with) my special night prayers, in this month, as Thou give credit to those who pray (sincerely) in the night; direct me to be on guard and pay attention to free myself from the lethargy of forgetfulness; O the God of the worlds overlook my wrongdoings, and grant amnesty to me, O He who shows sympathy to the wrongdoers.
Compiled by Al-Amin Ciroma
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Kidnappers Threaten To Cut Off My Mother’s Head – Bayelsa Commissioner By OSA Okhomina, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State commissioner for lands and survey, Surveyor Furuebi Akene, yesterday described as “disconcerting” the continued search for his 78-year-old mother, Madam Patimi Akene, abducted last week by gunmen at the Fonibiri community of Southern Ijaw local government area of the state. According to Akene, though the abductors have reduced the ransom demand from N30 million to N10 million in the last few days, it
is worrisome that the kidnappers threatened to cut off the head of his mother over his refusal to accede to the ransom demand. The Bayelsa commissioner for lands and survey who was speaking during a call on him yesterday by the members of a group of Journalists, Politicians and professionals under the aegis of the Parliament, said though the threat was made over the telephone, he is not going to be intimidated and be apprehensive over the threat. He said, “One of the kidnappers,
who claimed to be the leader of the gang threatened to kill my mother. He said he will cut off her head and deliver it to my house at INEC road and the body at the village. Because of the difficulty at getting me to agree with their demand, they have stopped calling me to discuss ransom.” Akene noted that though the gang of kidnappers have started calling his younger sister with the ransom demand, he reported that the sister pleaded that they should collect N1 million but the kidnap-
pers declined, claiming that such sum was not enough for fuel and feeding of the kidnapped octogenarian. Akene recalled that when the news of the abduction got to him, he abandoned the proposed attendance of the World Surveyors Conference in Malaysia. “When they demanded that I resigned from the present administration as condition for my mother’s release, I told them that I am not a man out to sacrifice his mother for position.” He also confirmed speaking with
his mother as a proof of life when he said, “They allowed me to speak with her twice. The first time, she told me she was okay and I asked her if the kidnappers were Ijaws, she confirmed that they are. On the second occasion, they made my mother cry as a means to convince me of their seriousness. She was crying and begged me to secure her release. “They asked me to pay them their money. I told them I will not pay as I am not owing them. The last text I received was ‘You have lost your mother”.
Group Urges Nigerians To Stand Up Against Terrorism A civil society organisation under the auspices of The Strategic Team (TST) has condemned the bomb blast at Emab Shopping Plaza at Wuse II, Abuja, on Wednesday, which claimed the lives of over 21 people and left 35 others injured. In a statement jointly signed by the director general, Engr Daniel Ohiomoba and director of Diaspora Affair and New Media Initiative, Dr Vincent Okpala, stated that, TST in a meeting with members of the UK chapter of the team at the Europe headquarters in London, United Kingdom, condemned in all totality and ramifications of the bomb blast. According to the statement, the meeting was held in order to fashion out ways to assist the federal government in the fight against terrorism, calling on all peace loving Nigerians to disassociate themselves from the evil perpetrators and join hands with the federal government in fighting insurgency. By Igho Oyoyo, Abuja
Nigerian Elite Urged To Invest In Youths’ Education Prominent and influential Nigerians across the various sectors of the economy have been called upon to invest in the education of the youths by establishing educational endowment and scholarship schemes, especially for the indigent and vulnerable children in the society. A youth leader and philanthropist, Alhaji Mamman Abubakar Yusuf, made the call while receiving the 2014 Kwame Nkrumah Leadership Award on Education Development from the West African Students’ Union (WASU) at the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland in Kogi State. Alhaji Yusuf, while emphasising the importance of education, urged the youths to pursue education with all zeal and valour irrespective of their social status. Yusuf who is also the secretary general, CBN multipurpose Cooperative Society, Abuja, said with good education, the youths would be selfreliant and as such no one can in the name of religion, clan or political alignment mislead them to perBy Chika Okeke, Abuja
Nigeria’s new ambassador to Ireland, Amb Dr Bolere Elizabeth Ketebu right, presenting her credentials to President Michael Higgins of Ireland.
JTF Warns Vessel Owners Over Activities Of Oil Thieves By NAN
The Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta yesterday warned owners of vessels and tankers against allowing the use of their facilities in oil bunkering activities. Commander of the Task Force, Maj-Gen Emmanuel Atewe, who issued the warning, said that henceforth, vessels involved in oil bunkering related activities would be destroyed. Atewe frowned at the activities of some of the vessel and truck owners, whom he said encouraged criminal conducts by renting their facilities to oil thieves for use in stealing crude oil. According to him, it has be-
come necessary to take stiffer measures because vessel owners often claim that they do not know that their facilities are being used to commit crime. “The command is committed to the protection of oil platforms against oil thieves which is in line with its mandate. “Therefore we are advising that vessel owners should always verify the intentions of person or persons before hiring out their vessels to them,” Atewe said. The Commander also said that JTF received reports that armed militants from Ekene community in Southern Ijaw local government area of Bayelsa, allegedly invaded Zion community. “The hoodlums harassed inno-
cent people and extorted money and consumable items from their victims before escaping. “The same gang also intercepted and diverted two passenger boats and abducted passengers on board. Troops of the JTF are currently on the trail of the criminals,” Atewe said. In another development, the JTF has handed over to the EFCC for prosecution, three suspects arrested for illegal oil bunkering. According to him, the suspects were arrested at Ogale Eleme in Rivers State in a truck laden with 45,000 litres of Automated Gas Oil suspected to have been stolen from a vandalised NNPC pipeline.
Nigerian Leaders Need Mentors – Jerry Gana By Michael Oche, Abuja
A call has been made for a re-awakening of a strong and sustainable ethical structure that can grow and nurture a robust purpose-driven leadership-recruitment process where Nigeria’s future leaders are mentored for governance excellence in all segments of the Nigerian society. The call was made in Abuja yesterday by former information minister, Prof Jerry Gana; the political adviser to the president, Prof Ahmed Rufai Alkali and the national coordinator of Vibrant Transfor-
mation Awareness and Leadership Development Initiative (VITALDI), Senator Saidu Umar Kumo. Speaking in Abuja at the inauguration of VITALDI, Prof Gana who is the grand patron of the group observed that the need had come for all true citizens of the country to collaborate urgently and ensure that Nigeria remained on the path of sustainable growth and development. He said, “The current moment in the country belongs to all Nigerians irrespective of race, region or religion, creed or class, male or female, young or old, political party A
or political party B. It is for all Nigerians to rise and ensure that our collective destiny is derailed by a common enemy attempting to seize the moment. It is for all patriotic Nigerians to ensure that they are driven by a common purpose to defeat the common enemy. “Leaders must therefore emerge to lead at every segment of the nation. For such leaders to lead well, there should be a robust leadershiprecruitment process which also emphasizes robust mentorship. This is what I find needful now and which the VITALDI group seeks to achieve. We fully support it,” he said.
FG Sets Up Technical Committee On Social Development The federal government has inaugurated a 19-member technical working committee to develop a national strategy and action plan on social development issues in Nigeria. Members of the committee were drawn from non-governmental organisations (NGOs), ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) and other relevant stakeholders in the social development sector. Inaugurating the committee at the weekend in Abuja, the special adviser to the president on social development and special duties, Mrs Sarah Pane called on members to see their nomination as a rare opportunity to be enlisted into the Nigerian project and bring their expertise to bear on the job. Mrs Pane said the committee would serve as a steering or thinktank committee on all social development activities in the office of the special adviser. “The terms of reference of the committee among other things is to propose policies, programmes and projects on social development for the Special Adviser on social development and special duties. And to fashion out strategies of implementation, including means of funding of the identified policies, programmes and projects. “To identify both international and local donor agencies for effective collaboration,” she stated. By Ruth Choji, Abuja
10 news across the states
Sunday, June 29, 2014
ASUP Resolves To Continue Strike BY ISAIAH BENJAMIN AND ALIYU YUSUF, Kaduna
The national executive council of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has resolved to continue its nine months old strike pending the outcome of its meeting with the senate committee on education on Tuesday. The president of the union, Mr Chibuzor Asumogha, made the statement in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria at the end of ASUP’s 77th national executive council (NEC) meeting in Lagos. He said that a meeting of the committee and some education stakeholders scheduled for June
24 did not hold because no government official came. “That meeting was supposed to be held, resolution reached and agreement signed. It was against this backdrop that we fixed the NEC meeting so that, if we have the resolutions, we will come here and suspend the strike. “Incidentally, none of the government officials came for the meeting and because of that, the meeting did not hold,’’ he said. Asumogha said that the union resolved to continue the strike until the parties would be able to arrive at a mutual understanding and agreement. “This is the position of the
NEC; we are meeting again next Tuesday,” he said. “We have been compromising since 2013. We have continued to agree to suspend the strike but at every point, government always breach the agreement,” he said. He appealed to parents and students to continue to be patient and support the union to achieve it goals. “What we are saying is that government should be committed. When is it going to offset the arrears of the salary scale CONTISS 15 it is owing since 2009?’’ he asked. It could be recalled that ASUP embarked on an indefinite strike in October, 2013 to press home
its demand for improved condition of service and infrastructure in government-owned polytechnics, monotechnics and colleges of technology. It also demands that the federal government should remove dichotomy between HND and degree holders. Other demands include the release of the white paper on the NEEDS assessment of polytechnics and review of the polytechnic Act by the National Assembly, among others. The government has met some of the demands, including inauguration of governing councils and setting up of the NEEDS assessment committees.
The Managing Director of Urban Shelter Ltd, Alh Musa Dangogo Aliyu; the deputy governor of Niger State, Hon Ahmed musa ibeto; the governor of Niger state Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu; the Chief Judge Hon. Fati Lami Abubakar and the Emir of Minna Alh Dr Umar Faruk Bahago during the commissioning of Lawu Estate on the eastern bye-pass Minna yesterday. PHOTO BY HAMISU ABUBAKAR
Abuja Attack: LG Poll: Katsina PDM Berates Electoral Commission Over Fees ‘Insurgents Are issued recently, pegged the cost of a spectively. Becoming Desperate’ BY Muazu Elazeh, Katsina form for the position of vice chairThe PDM, according to ArmayA group, Vibrant Transformation Awareness and Leadership Development Initiative (VITALDI), has described Wednesday’s terror attacks in Abuja and Adamawa State as acts of desperation by the Boko Haram sect. VITALDI’s national coordinator, Senator Saidu Kumo said yesterday that the bombings were sufficient proof that the sect has started feeling the heat from the ongoing global coalition against insurgency in the country. It expressed support for the efforts of the federal government in stemming the tide of terrorism in the country. “The recent attacks have further exposed the desperation of the sect as a result of the ongoing global coalition against insurgency in the country. They are becoming more desperate because they are feeling the heat. We condemn the sect for these acts of wickedness and barbarism. We urge all Nigerians and men of goodwill to continue to rise against this wickedness by the sect,” he said. Sen. Kumo commiserated with families of the victims of the bombings and prayed that God to grant them the fortitude to withstand the agony. By Michael Oche, Abuja
The Katsina State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) has faulted the fees charged by Katsina State Independent Electoral Commission (KTSIEC) ahead of the forthcoming council polls. KTSIEC had fixed council polls in the state for August 2 and announced that candidates for chairmanship position must pay a form fee of N250,000. The electoral body, in a guideline
man and councilors at N150,000 and N100,000 respectively. Speaking to newsmen, the Katsina State PDM chairman, Yushau Armayau said the fees was unrealistic and urged the electoral body to be “reasonable in fixing prices for the forms”. Armayau urged KTSIEC to borrow a leaf from its counterpart in Kano State which fixed the cost of forms for chairmen and councilors at N50,000 and N20,000 re-
OBJ Extols Arisekola’s Virtues Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan
Former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has urged Nigerians to emulate the philanthropist gestures of the late Aare Musulumi of Yoruba land, Alhaji AbdulAzeez Arisekola Alao for the development of mankind. The former president stated this when he paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, at his Basorun Oluwo Kekere residence, Ibadan. He noted that the most important thing in the life of the late Arisekola Alao was that his life was a lesson for all to live by. “What shall we be remembered for after we are dead? What we did
will live after us,” he said. Obasanjo was accompanied by the commissioner for National Population Commission (NPC), Chief Lateef Gbadamosi, former secretary to Oyo State government, Chief Lasisi Olakojo and the former chairman of Ibadan Northeast local government, Olugbenga Adewusi. They were received by Alhaji Abu Arisekola-Alao on behalf of the family. “When the news about his death broke in Ibadan, I was around but I could not believe it because I spoke with him four days before he travelled. “He was a humble man, he was a man of many parts, he was a community leader, he was a state lead-
au, may consider exploring the option of litigation should the KTSIEC not oblige its request to reduce the cost of nomination forms. He said the party would go into the race as contender noting that the PDM has fielded candidates for councilors and chairmen in all the wards and local government areas of the state. “We are confident of victory at the poll. In fact, if there is free and fair election we will capture many local government areas,” he said.
er and a national leader. He appreciated what God gave him in material terms and used it to benefit mankind. He was a philanthropist of note. “Nothing to say about him than to say of his good when he was alive and this still lives after him. He lived a fulfilled life and he was humble to the core. He lived his life to serve the masses and the downtrodden,” Obasanjo said. He said he used part of his material endowment from God to make other human beings happy. According to him, the vacuum Alao left within the community will be very hard to fill. He prayed God to protect all that he left behind and his family to unite.
Nigeria Backs AU Declaration To End Maternal-Child Mortality Nigeria has declared its support for a proposal by the Ethiopian government seeking an African Union (AU) declaration to end preventable maternal and child deaths within a generation in the continent. The declaration which seeks AU member-states to accord higher priority to combating the prevalence of maternal and child mortality in Africa was adopted at the end of the 23rd AU summit in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, on Friday. The minister of foreign affairs, Mr Aminu Wali, in a statement before the executive council of the union, called on African countries to step-up efforts at averting preventable deaths. “As one of the countries hard hit by infant and maternal mortality, Nigeria is working round the clock and is swiftly bringing the menace under control. “The government of Nigeria, through the national strategic health development plan (20102015) and in line with the transformation agenda, has introduced a programme aimed at making maternal health care accessible to the rural populace,’’ he said. According to the minister, the Nigeria government, through this programme, has also demonstrated commitment to prevent premature deaths of children from preventable and curable diseases.
Ramadan: NLC Tasks Traders On Prices Of Commodities As the Ramadan fast kicks off, the Katsina State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged traders across the state to reduce prices of their commodities so as not to compound the challenges confronting Nigerians. Allegations are rife that traders often increase prices of their commodities during the Ramadan, hence the appeal. Speaking yesterday during the distribution of essential commodities to civil servants by the state council of civil service union, NLC chairman Aliyu Matazu urged the traders to resist the temptation of jerking up prices of foodstuffs. “At a time like this, we need to appeal to our brothers who sell essential commodities to consider reducing prices of their goods so as to reap from the bounties of this month”. Earlier in an address, the chairman of Katsina State Council of Nigeria Civil Service Union, Shehu said the union distributed 360 bags of grains to members. “The principal idea behind the union’s gesture is to serve as relief to our members so that they can perform their fasting with relative ease,” he said. He said the gesture was also to avert the skyrocketing prices of essential commodities in the market. By Muazu Elazeh, Katsina
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Sunday, June 29, 2014
The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Aso Rock Villa Three Arms Zone, Abuja. Your Excellency,
A PASSIONATE APPEAL FOR JUSTICE AND YOUR URGENT INTERVENTION TO ORDER FULL INVESTIGATION OF THE GRUESOME MURDERERS OF LATE MR. ARTHUR AGBE, A YOUTH FROM DELTA STATE We are solicitors retained by the family of Mr John Agbe of Agbor, Delta State and on their instructions, we write to you as follows: BACKGROUND: Our clients briefed us that sometime on the 15th of October in 2003, Mr. Arthur Agbe, their beloved son was hired by one Barrister Ikpeazu to assist in clearing his parcel of land at Ikpeazu Avenue/upper Okobi Street in Boji-Boji, Owa, Delta State. On getting to the said parcel of land in conjunction with other artisans hired by Barrister Ikpeazu for the said work, their son and his co-workers were attacked by some men wielding various dangerous weapons ranging from machetes, daggers, iron bars etc. Our clients’ son and various others were beaten to a pulp and while some of them were taken to Owa-Oyibu Police station and detained there, our clients’ son did not survive the attack as he died from the injuries inflicted on him by his assailants who were later identified as members of a popular politician’s killer squad with which he was known to use to settle political, land and communal disputes. Our clients further informed us that based on the petition of Barrister Ikpeazu, their son’s employer for the ill-fated work, the then Inspector – General of Police, Mr. Tafa Balogun directed that investigation be carried out on the complaint thus prompting the police to arrest some members of the popular Politician’s notorious gang of murderers. While they were being detained and interrogated by the Police, the popular politician surreptitiously used undue influence as the incumbent Commissioner for Health in Delta State to get the gang discharged from the Police station and released. His actions since then in the case has been to always pervert the course of Justice and he has used all means at his disposal to thwart and prevent any meaningful investigation of the grievious and tragic events of that day that led to the unlawful killing of the innocent Arthur Agbe whose murder he allegedly instigated and for which he is still yet to be arrested, investigated and prosecuted 10 years later. OUR PLEA: Based on the forgoing, we are passionately appealing for your Excellency‘s urgent intervention by ordering a fresh, unhindered ,impartial and conclusive investigation of the callous and dastardly murder of Mr. Arthur Agbe to the intent that the deceased killers and their sponsors and members of his notorious gang of murderers who are well known to the Police should be brought to justice immediately, because continued delay of justice over this matter will amount to denial of justice to the grieving bereaved family as well as the
The Murdered Mr. Author Agbe
entire Agbor community. Your Excellency, we believe that your gracious directions on the execution of the above will go a long way in bringing back sanity and restoring the confidence of the people of both Agbor and Owa communities in Delta State who have been serially inundated with heinous atrocities carried out by the Popular Politician (a serving senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria) using members of his infamous gang of murderers who as it were seem to have cowed and muffled all well-meaning and decent voices who had hitherto spoken out against his nefarious, villainous, devilish and wicked perpetration of man’s inhumanity against the good and law abiding people of these towns who believe and have fully accepted and supported the uncommon transformation leadership strides being offered to them by your administration. The only hindrance to their full enjoyment of these transformation dividends is the distracting and destructive activities of the popular Politician and his gang. As at today, the members of this killer squad have several cases pending against them at the Nigeria Police Command, Asaba, Delta State. These are as follows: 1. Attack on one Hon. Friday Okoh on the 29th of March 2014 – who was caused serious bodily harm coupled with complete destruction of his Honda Pilot Jeep. 2.
Attack on one Mrs Igbeki – pending matter at Police Area Command Asaba.
3.
Alleged rape of students at Delta State University Abraka – which matter still pending at State CID Asaba.
4.
Illegal demolition of building owned by Mr. Raymond Eneko in 2013 – matter pending at the State CID Asaba.
5.
Attack and destruction of one Mr. Ogbodo’s motorcycle – which was set ablaze in 2012.
6.
2009 – Attack on Barrister Ifeanyi Agholor and his father Barrister J.K. Agholor – the matter pending and currently being suppressed at Police office in Abuja.
7.
2011 – Attack on Ambassador (Chief) Godson Echiegile at Owa Alero during the House of Representatives - Ika constituency election – case pending at State CID, Asaba.
8.
The most recent on 18th May 2014, was the attempted
murder of Mr. Sunday Okonye at Marriere Street Agbor by members of the same killer squad. 9.
Also sometime in 1998, One Mr Lopez was also allegedly killed in Abraka at Kingsley Emu Hostel when he went to collect a debt from Hilary Ibegbulem on behalf of one Rotimi Rotex. The Police and Delta State University declared one suspect wanted and after which he absconded from the university.
With the greatest sense of responsibility your Excellency, none of these cases have been fully investigated, not to talk of prosecution of those involved. The reason adducible is the popular politician’s overbearing negative influence on the entire Nigeria Police Command in Delta State as he uses same to obstruct as well as scuttle any positive step made towards full investigation and prosecution of those cases and the offenders therein. CONCLUSION: Your Excellency, we sincerely believe that you are God-sent to our dearly beloved country to sanitize and transform the entire polity and usher in a new era of peace, justice and equality of all citizens before the law. The Augean stable must be cleaned up by calling to order all those who are lawless and engage in acts of impunity and disrespect to our people – the constituents from whom all great leaders like you, our dear President derive their sovereign authorities. Hence your Excellency, it is premised on the above background brief that we passionately implore you to graciously come to our rescue by directing the appropriate authorities to investigate all the complaints raised in this appeal and prosecute any person found culpable in the commission of the crimes. While thanking your Excellency for your urgent intervention, please accept the assurances of our esteemed regards and prayers. Yours faithfully.
Charles Chimezie Esq
Counsel to the Agbe Family CC: 1. Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria. 2. Senate President, Federal Republic of Nigeria . 3. The Inspector General of Police. 4. The Chairman B.O.T PDP. 5. The National Chairman. Peoples’ Democratic Party. 7. The Executive Governor, Delta State
The attempted murder of Mr. Sunday Okonye Attack on Ambassador Godson Echiegile
12 photo news
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Scenes FROM THE burial of the mother of mr sam amuka-pemu, the publisher of vanguard newspapers
L-R: Delta State governor Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, former Ogun State governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba, and Senator Bode Olajumoke at Sam Amuka-Pemu’s mother’s burial at Oviri-Olomu in UghelliSouth LGA of Delta State, on Friday.
Commissioner for water resources Dr Chris Oghenechovwen (right), DESOPADEC commissioner Chief Chris Obiuwevwi (middle), and Chief Godwin Ogbetuo representing Chief Edwin Clark at the burial on Friday.
Publisher, Vanguard Newspapers, Mr Sam Amuka-Pemu (left) in a handshake with Chief Akin Ricketts, Cross River State commissioner for information representing Governor Liyel Imoke, and Mrs Rita Amuka-Pemu, during the burial at Oviri-Olomu in Ughelli-South LGA of Delta State on Friday.
Editor, Vanguard, Mr Mideno Bayagbon (left) and former Delta State commissioner for information Mr Oma Djeba during the burial of the Vanguard publisher’s mother at Oviri-Olomu in Ughelli-South local government area of Delta State on Friday. PHOTOS BY VANGUARD NEWSROOM
news analysis 13
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Boko Haram attack in Adamwa State. PHOTO BY ????
Incessant Attacks: Is Northern Adamawa Slipping Out Of Control? The reason given for the inclusion of Adamawa State among the states to be affected by emergency rule was the fact that it shares borders with the trouble-spot Borno State. But are the insurgents now finding the place more fun for their nefarious activities than they did before? MOHAMMED ISMAIL, Yola, writes
N The inclusion of Adamawa among the states was to prevent fleeing insurgents from settling in the state, because it shares border with Borno State, which is the hotbed of insurgents’ activities
igerians, especially those of the northern extraction, have continued to show their bewilderment over the inexorably rising insurgency that has bedevilled the north for close to five years, especially as it seems to defy all possible panacea adopted by the federal government aimed at remedying the situation and restore sanity in the region. It is worthy to recall that before the federal government resolved to impose emergency rule in Adamawa State, in the northeast of the country, the intensity and frequency of attacks by the outlawed Boko Haram sect had become minimal and not as coordinated as what was in the offing today. It is also on record that during the pre-emergency rule era, the worst attack launched by the insurgents was on Ganye Local Government which recorded 25 deaths while public
and personal properties of residents were also destroyed. It was as a result of the Ganye attack and other similar ones in some local governments across the state that made the federal government to include Adamawa State among the states on which the emergency rule would be imposed. But out of the three states slammed with the emergency rule, the inclusion of Adamawa State has generated a serious controversy as the government and many residents say the social insecurity bedevilling the state should not warrant its inclusion in the emergency rule as other states were facing worse security challenges than Adamawa State. The controversy generated by the imposition of the emergency rule in Adamawa was against the backdrop of the intractable political rigmarole between Governor Murtala Nyako and some powerful indigenes of the state – including the for-
mer chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur – whom were allegedly said to be the brains behind the inclusion of Adamawa State among the states to be affected by the emergency rule. In an effort to defend its position with regards to Adamawa State, the federal government had said that the inclusion of Adamawa among the states was to prevent fleeing insurgents from settling in the state, because it shares border with Borno State, which is the hotbed of insurgents’ activities. But in a quick riposte, the Adamawa State government debunked the reason as illogical, saying that if border proximity with the two states afflicted by the insurgency was the reason behind the imposition of emergency rule on Adamawa State, other states like Bauchi, Gombe and even Jigawa must be included. Be that as it may, it seems that since the imposition of the emergency rule in the three states, the rate and intensity of the insurgents attacks seem to be on the increase as the insurgents became more daring in their attacks and even seem to be in total control of the situation, especially in Madagali local government area of Adama-
wa State, which shares border with Borno State. In fact, before the imposition of the emergency rule, insurgent attacks were carried out in isolated places, and usually are not as daring as what was obtained after its imposition, but immediately after the imposition of the emergency rule, the insurgents became more sophisticated and impregnable, attacking, killing and maiming people at will without any challenge from the security authorities drafted to curtail them. Disturbed by the new trend, Governor Nyako said he suspected foul play in the whole arrangement where soldiers are withdrawn before most of the insurgent attacks, as he said there was more to the seeming inconsistencies and lapses obtained than meet the eyes. But the extent of the insecurity seemingly reached its crescendo when soldiers caused a stir during one of the visit of Governor Nyako to Shuwa, one of the communities that came under heavy insurgent attacks, resulting in the death of hundreds of residents in parts of Madagali and Michika local government areas. ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
14 news analysis
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Incessant Attacks: Is Northern Adamawa Slipping Out Of Control? ➔ FROM PAGE 13
I stand to tell you that parts of Nigerian state, especially in the three states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states, have been completely annexed by the insurgents, and nobody can change that position for now
After the dust generated by the Shuwa commotion had settled, Governor Nyako narrated that some soldiers who accosted him after he condoled the people of Shuwa told him that Boko Haram members were on their trail, which suggested that the insurgents were more invincible than the soldiers, and seemed to be gradually and subtly occupying parts of the state as some of these places cannot be accessed by even the state governor. It was in consideration of the above scenario that many security observers faulted the approach of the federal government, saying rather than curtail and reduce the rate of insurgency in the northeastern states, the states seemed to be gradually slipping into the hands of the Boko Haram insurgents. According to a public affairs commentator, Comrade Usman Sani Turaki, there is no denial to the fact that parts of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states are gradually falling into the hands of the insurgents, as even the governors of these states cannot access many areas. He cited an example with the recent comments made by Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State, who said his trip to Gwoza to graze the burial ceremony of the slain emir of the town who was unfortunately gunned down by Boko Haram members was one of the most daring dangers he has ever taken in his life. Turaki said the fact that the governor has said the trip was riddled with danger, despite the fact that he took a lot of security personnel with him was a concession that the insurgents are seemingly in control of some parts of the state, because one cannot be in his legitimate house and felt threatened. “You can’t feel threatened when you are in your legitimate house, you can only feel threatened when you intrude into someone’s house,” he contended. When asked for his response over the issue, the director of press and public affairs to Governor Nyako, Malam Ahmed Sajoh, said he was not comfortable with the assumption that the insurgents are occupying Adamawa State, but that the federal government was deliberately relinquishing the territories to the insurgents as a result of the lip service it is paying to the war against insurgency. He hinged his argument on
??????. PHOTO BY ?????
??????. PHOTO BY ?????
the fact that the federal government has failed to improve the morale of the military through providing the necessary infrastructure for sustaining the war against insurgency, adding that the soldiers in many instances are poorly equipped, complaint about nonpayment of their allowances, and have even failed to provide relief for the people that were adversely affected by the insurgency. Sajoh maintained that with the scenario, a discernible mind can only concur with the fact that the federal government was responsible for the current drift that made it possible for the insurgents to assume a larger-than-life disposition as they seems to take over the control of some of the ter-
ritories, so to say. He said had the government been serious about fighting the insurgency, it would have deemed it fit to provide the necessary needs of the military, give the attacked people some relief and provide the necessary infrastructure for the soldiers that will make them have the zeal to fight the insurgents, adding that up till now the Chibok secondary school in which more than 200 schoolgirls were abducted has not been repaired just as the Federal Government College, Buni Yadi remains burnt. Sajoh said such lackadaisical approach by the federal government makes some of the residents to lose confidence in the sincerity of the federal government to protect them,
hence some of them are now moving to neighbouring Cameroun Republic. But as the debate continues to generate more and divergent reactions, many Adamawa villages, especially those on the fringes of Madagali local government area have been completely routed as hundreds of thousands of their residents who were lucky to escape the Boko Haram bullets were completely dispersed, and currently about 114,000 of them are scattered between the various local government areas of the state, as disclosed by the executive secretary, Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA), Malam Haruna Hamman Furo. A political analyst and public commentator in Adamawa State, Malam Adamu Ahmadu, said there is no gainsaying that a place in which hundreds of thousands of its residents are dispersed by insurgents could be termed not occupied, regardless of the semantics one wants to use to defend the situation. He said the primary responsibility of any government is to ensure the security of life and property of its citizens, but in the case of Nigeria, the federal government has not only failed to established security, but has allowed insurgents to take away parts of the territory as the current situation suggests. “Without mincing words, I stand to tell you that parts of Nigerian state, especially in the three states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states, have been completely annexed by the insurgents, and nobody can change that position for now. The position can only change when the federal government decides to stamp its authority, disperse the insurgents, and take back the fleeing residents into their abodes,” he said. A senior political officeholder from Madagali local government area, who wanted anonymity, disclosed that about 10 border villages and towns of Madagali local government area have been routed by the insurgents. “About 10 towns and villages that are located along the major road leading to the capital of Madagali have been deserted by the people,” he said, listing the villages and towns, which have been deserted, as Bakin Dutse, Hyambula, Kafin Hausa, Mildu, Gubla, Magar, Chakawa, Gori, Gatha, Chakurat and Waga. He said most of the villagers have now relocated to places like Gulak, Yola and other places in the state.
feature 15
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Despite N50bn Electricity Subsidy, Nigerians Pay More For Epileptic Service
Recently, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) announced a sharp increase in the price of energy consumption for its customers. In this report, CHIKA OKEKE examines the tariff and reports that despite federal government’s N50bn subsidy for the power sector, Nigerians are compelled to pay more for epileptic service Two years after the federal government provided N50 billion subsidy to enhance electricity distribution in Nigeria, there seems to be deliberate attempts by the power sector to keep Nigerians in darkness. With this anomaly, the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) was unbundled on November 1, 2013 to 18 distribution companies. Despite the assurance and privatisation of the sector, electricity generation barely exceeds 3,000 megawatts and in some cases, it drops drastically. At the wake of hike in electricity tariff in 2012, the NERC commissioner in charge of government and consumer affairs, Mr Abba Ibrahim, admitted that the federal government provided N50 billion for electricity subsidy that would be channelled towards reducing the tariff for rural dwellers and the urban-poor. “The federal government provided N50 billion for the subsidy which is channelled mainly at reducing the tariff of rural dwellers and the urban-poor. They are categorised under the tariff structure R1 (residential category 1) because most of these rural dwellers and urban-poor based on the existing data that we have, consume not more than 50 kilowatt/hour per month, so anybody consuming 50 kilowatt/ hour or less per month will enjoy the subsidy. It is not only the subsidy from the federal government but we have made it in such a way that the rich can also cross-subsidize these group of power consumers. “The new tariff for R1 is N4 per kilowatt/hour which was arrived at based on their social classification. They are not going to pay any fixed charge and we have also abolished PHCN practice of collecting meter maintenance fee. So, if someone on R1 class is prudent in using electricity, the person will eventually pay less than what he’s paying now as long as there is no such practice of leaving lights on in the middle of the afternoon when they don’t need it. “Another is R2 where 80 per cent of Nigerians fall under (residential category 2). In this category, they do not also pay the meter maintenance fee and enjoy some subsidy but not the same amount of subsidy as the R1 class. The new tariff varies from location to location and since we have 11 distribution
companies across the country, each distribution company has its cost profile. You don’t expect the cost of doing business in Sokoto to be the same as Port Harcourt. We used a methodical process in determining the cost of each distribution company. “The variation for the R2 class is not too much because currently in Nigeria, everybody pays N10 but with the new monthly tariff order, the R2 class pays N11 per kilowatt/ hour and in some places, they can pay up to N14 per kilowatt/hour”. The higher class is R3 because some rich people have their own dedicated transformers but they are served under 11 KVA and they have a higher tariff. The highest in the residential category is R4 which is also served with at a dedicated transformer via the 33 KVA line. According to him, due to the federal government subsidy, the residential R1 will not pay any fixed charges; the residential R2 pays N500 fixed charge, the residential R3 pays about N18,000 while R4 pays between N100,000 and N113,000 per month. So, their fixed charges vary. All those operating small businesses like the artisans; hairdressers, welders, barbers; are classified as commercial C1. They also have been subsidized and will pay a minimal fee of N500 as fixed charge and they will also enjoy the element of the cross-subsidy. We also have the larger commercials like the C2 and C3. Many Failed Promises It would be recalled that between 2012 and 2013, the R1 consumers whose fixed charges on electricity consumption and metre maintenance fees were abolished in most states paid through their nose for epileptic services. The distributions of free metres to different households were barely implemented up to 10 per cent across the 36 states including the FCT. While the distribution of free metres was also in progress last year, the distribution companies threatened the consumers to purchase metres if they still want to enjoy steady power supply. Notwithstanding the failure of the DISCOs to meet up with their targets, the chairman of NERC, Dr Sam Amadi approved a review of the multi-year tariff order (MYTO) for energy charge effective from
June 1. He also approved a reduction on fixed service charge for customers in all distribution companies across the states effective June 1, 2014. The reduction ranges from 17 to 50 per cent depending on the number of customers on each distribution company. Consumers’ Fear A cross section of consumers who spoke with LEADERSHIP Sunday appealed to the federal government to devise other strategies aimed at improving power supply in the country rather than increasing the energy rate without proportional power supply. Mr Ikenna Onwe who falls within the R1 category under Enugu Distribution Company lives in Ebonyi State. He is worried that despite federal government’s subsidy on electricity last two years, the regulatory body was yet to guarantee steady power supply to Nigerians. “I am yet to believe that despite the subsidy paid by the federal government to improve power supply in the country last two years, no meaningful achievement was recorded. Even with the unbundling of PHCN, we are yet to witness significant improvement in power supply. Till date, no official from the distribution company comes around to read the metre but they keep increasing the tariff. He added, “I have decided to be paying only N1,000 whenever they come around to disconnect my light while the bill keeps piling. I cannot imagine Enugu DISCO bringing a bill worth N3,000 monthly when they don’t read my metre. The government keeps assuring us that there will reduction in the charges but we are yet to see any reasonable change. My electricity bill have accumulated to over N50, 000 and still counting. “We have so many bills to pay and how much is my salary. My bone of
contention is why somebody that has not used electricity for over one month will be compelled to pay service charge. They are indirectly robbing the masses that they are supposed to protect.” On her part, Madam Lauretta Gabriel, a resident of Karu, a subsurb of the FCT said, “African countries like Ghana and South Africa have steady power supply, yet Nigeria is boasting to be the giant of Africa. How are we the giant when the government at all levels cannot provide the masses with simple and common basic amenities. Gabriel who falls within Abuja DISCO added, “How I wish I was born in the United States where life is relatively cheap. Our greatest problem is corruption because the leaders are not even mindful of the masses they are supposed to protect. My prayer is that one day; God will give us good leaders with good vision that will transform this country. Every month, I recharge for darkness with over N5,000. Sometimes, the light will be low that you can hardly pick a pin on the floor. A Welder at Karimo in Abuja Municipal Area Council, Mr Mohammed Peni acknowledged the efforts of federal government in reviving the power sector but expressed doubt that electricity related issues may never be resolved in this country. At a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, the NLC president, Comrade Abdulwaheed Umar condemned the recent in electricity tariff by NERC despite prevailing poor power supply insisting that NERC failed to carry out adequate consultation before the increase. Reassuring Nigerians, the NERC Boss, Dr Sam Amadi said the power reforms would guarantee consumer protection adding that the industry is viable enough to deliver more and affordable electricity to the consumer.
African countries like Ghana and South Africa have steady power supply, yet Nigeria is boasting to be the giant of Africa
16
sunday interview Sunday, June 29, 2014
Why I Want To Be Governor Of Zamfara State – Sagir Alhaji Sagir Hamisu Gusau is retired as Director of the Federal Capital Territory administration. He joined politics soon after and he is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In this interview with ISAIAH BENJAMIN, he bares his mind on why he wants to govern his home state, Zamfara as the Executive Governor come 2015 The All Progressives Congress (APC) is at the helm of affairs presently in your state, what is your assessment on the journey so far?
If I may be charitable to them, I will advice them to begin to windup because the APC government in Zamfara State have not met any of the promises they made to the people of the state. If you recall, recently they had their educational review nationwide in which they exposed their total neglect of education sector of Zamfara State whereby you will see classroom inhabited by animals, falling roof, no window, no floors. The governor does not know those things are happening, that shows now there is total absence of governance, because the governor would claim publicly that he is not aware of the rot or decay after three years in office, then you should know they have no business in government house in Zamfara State. What about other sectors like health?
In the health sector, there are no doctors presently in Zamfara State, because the enabling environment for them to operate is not there. The facilities are not there, drugs are not there. The filthy environment of the hospitals, the decay in infrastructure are all over the state, so there is no good doctor or nurse who can work there, so you find them in neighbouring states, that can provide those things for them. If you look at water supply even within Gusau metropolis, you will notice for long that people do not know what is called pipe-borne water, only in promises, only money that are budget proposal made for the people to believe that water has been provided, but for the last three years nothing have been provided. Now they will tell you they have provided roads. Go and see some of the roads they call roads. Go and see where vehicles don’t pass and no work going on. Women have been promised to be assisted to establish small businesses. Those promises have not been fulfilled. The feeling by the women there is that they have been deceived, they were given forms that money have been provided but nothing after then. If you see them now, they
are in agony, nothing to do. The youth in Zamfara State, most of them are drug addicts. They have nothing doing. No cottage industries. The government have not provided avenue to checkmate this unemployment that lead to their restiveness. Of course you know with the security challenges now in the country they are ready tools for use. Now the civil servants, you can see general apathy, disenchantment and indolence among them because there is nothing to do. All these are due to lack of total understanding of governance. I don’t know whether you will ask me or not but that is what you are seeing now, top government officials in the state resigning. Because according to them three years they cannot see their governor, nor take any directive. If you have any initiative, you cannot sell it to the governor for the progress of the state. But there is …and that is why even the political appointees cannot hold it any longer and have to resign, to join the PDP because they know that the PDP is the party of true democrats. If you recall recently, the number of children out of school rose to 10.5 million in Nigeria, Believe me, not less than 600,000 will be from Zamfara State, because the schools are not there. And so if you look at it, you wonder whether you really have a government or a leader. In essence what I am saying is that there is total absence of a purposeful and visionary leadership in Zamfara State. That is why I am saying that the APC has no place in government house in Zamfara State come 2015. From what you have said, the APC has not performed. What makes you think that PDP will do any better or make any difference?
The PDP being a democratic party will ensure that credible, visionary leadership emerges in Zamfara State. Secondly, the PDP has a workable and practical manifesto that has connection to the people of this country. It has a well laid programme that will bring about positive development, positive changes to Zamfara State. Let me inform you that Zamfara State is 70 per cent PDP. The people are ready for change. They are
educate the citizen you open up their mind. It is through education that you have good governance. It is through education you will have the doctors and nurses that will work in your hospitals. It is through education you will move the economy of the state. It is through education that you will revolutionise agriculture in the state. It is through education that people will be able to fend for themselves. It is through education that you have enlightened mind and it is through education that you understand the other person. It is through education that you will be able to interface with the world. And so, for me I consider education as my number one priority for Zamfara State. It is in education that you will never come across drug addict that will be a thug for political vandalism or rascality, because when that youth is educated instead of being idle or on the streets waiting for somebody to give him drugs or peanut to cause trouble he will be at his work and you cannot find him. Secondly, when you have educated people they need enabling environment to operate and so you need to have solid infrastructure on ground.
Sagir
ready for new leadership that will emerge and bring about meaningful socio economic development, educational development, youth and women empowerment and transformational agricultural development. Of course, you know Zamfara State is an agrarian state with vast arable land. Almost 50 percent of the state goes to farm. PDP will be the party that will bring about the much needed transformation that the state needed at this time. Don’t forget the present APC government is an off shoot of ANPP government since the inception of this democracy. For the past years that ANPP ruled the state out of the 16 years of this democracy you can see that there has never been significant changes that affect the lives of the citizenry in the state. So I can tell you that the PDP is ready to take over Zamfara State for a positive change. Let’s talk about your person, you want to run for the Governorship position in your state, what blueprint do you have for people of your state?
Thank you very much. Although I may not go into details; but as an over view of what I think that the state needs mostly is education. That is what the state needs; because with education you develop ideas and with ideas you rule the world. Now, Zamfara State, like I told you part of the figures released by the United Nations 10.5 million out of school children almost 600,000 will come from Zamfara State out of the whole country. And so when you
The prevalent challenge the country is facing now is insecurity and northern region is more affected, what do you think is responsible and what is the possible way out?
The little money you supposed to spend to create enabling environment for them to be employed, and be skillful, you will spend them on security
Youth unemployment is a major cause, apathy in some, lack of education, lack of harnessing these youth by giving them skill acquisition and empowerment breeds indolence and idle minds. It now created a pool for a reserve of these youth in the hands of those misguided elements who for one reason have a score to settle among themselves, use them. Those who have score to settle with government, those who have score to settle with the union, they all recruit them and it becomes a challenge. Now that we are practicing democracy, most of these youth are exposed to drugs. A drug addict can do anything reckless. Some of them have no stake in life and so when we begin to get this movement either religion or political in the north, religion in the east or it’s either Igbo hegemony. In the west, the Oduduwa Peoples’ Congress. Anywhere you find insecurity you discover that the partakers are the youth. What Is The Solution?
The solution is for government to invest heavily in infrastructure, skill acquisition and training for the youth.
interview 17
Sunday, June 29, 2014 2015 is around the corner and the level of insecurity is increasing, thereby heightening the fears of some Nigerians that the postulations by the Americans that the country may disintegrate next year may come true. Are you worried about this and do you think that we can conduct election in this state of insecurity?
They know that giving the people their right to decide who will preside over their affairs there will be many upsets and it is only in this system that a credible person who does not have money can win election because his credibility will speak for him
Definitely, any well meaning Nigerian should be seriously worried and concerned about the insecurity in the country and across the country. Worst is the Northeast and the fact that election is on the way and we are going to have election in the next few months, a general election for that matter. I believe that the government and the security agents are doing their best especially as they have extended their hands for external support and assistance, that is the right thing to do. That gives some hopes but with regards to the election, my primary concern is with INEC because in a situation where the country is already restive where many people are not happy and election in Nigeria being more or less a do-or-die affair, the commission can play a major role by ensuring that transparent and credible election is conducted so that the losers can be happy that they lost in an open and credible contest and winners will also know that they owe their victory to the electorate and not to any godfather who was able to manipulate them into office. This will help to check the possibility of rioting and violent protest resulting from the conduct of election that can worsen our already bad situation. It is for this particular reason that the UPP has been in the vanguard of canvassing that the electronic voting system be adopted so that some of the things that lead to election manipulation and unacceptable results will be checkmated and the infrastructure for electronic voting is already in existence. For instance, the voters’ register we are using is electronic voters’ register; the permanent voters’ card which are being issued are electronically generated containing the entire bio-data of all those who have the card including their phone numbers; for those Nigerians who don’t have phone, they are not too many and they are not the ones that actually cause trouble. They can then go to the polling booths to thumbprint on the laptop and the results will be immediately transmitted. Those who have their telephones can vote with their telephones that is their GSM phones without the inconvenience of having to queue at the polling stations and expose themselves to risks of being killed. Those who are not contesting may not have much at stake and may not even bor-
2015: Why UPP Insists On Electronic Voting – Okorie Chief Chekwas Okorie is the founder and national chairman of United Progressive Party (UPP). He spoke to PAUL UWADIMA on how to prevent election crises in Nigeria ahead of the 2015 general elections and other national issues
Okorie
der to come out at all but if they can vote with their cell phone they will not want to be left out of making their choice. So, instead of the present 20, 25 per cent participation that cannot by any means give legitimate result we will be having 80 to 90 per cent participation. It will engender more participation which is what democracy is all about. You will have no need for people to queue; you have no need for ballot boxes and all the costs associated with it. There will be no need for ballot papers and the whole fear of stuffing ballot boxes; there will be no need of massive deployment of security people which sometimes is abused. There will be no need of declaring public holiday on election day with all the attendant opportunity cost. The benefits are immense and this is not something that is happening in developed world only. It is already happening in Ghana, Kenya, India, Indonesia and these are all third world countries; this is what we are recommending. With this, I can bet you that the 2015 will come and pass and there will be no crisis. You were talking about the benefits of electronic voting but there are some logistic challenges which
INEC had been facing in the registration of voters. Don’t you think that it would be a logistic nightmare for INEC to conduct electronic voting for all Nigerians at the same time?
As I said, the infrastructure is already there. INEC has laptops which was supposed to be for direct data capturing and that is exactly what they would use for the election but INEC’s constraint according to them, has been the provision in section 52 of the electoral act that specifically restrained INEC from conducting election by electronic means. Now, once that section is expunged, they say there is nothing stopping them from going ahead. Can’t the National Assembly amend the electoral act?
The National Assembly is currently amending both the electoral act and the constitution. And this one does not require much drafting of law, it is just to expunge that section 52. Nigerians would be educated on it; many Nigerians do electronic banking, send text messages, even half-literate ones now send text messages and the whole idea of voting electronically is by text messages.
From your vintage position, why is it that the major parties are not pushing for electronic voting? Why is it that UPP appears to be the only party in the vanguard of this agitation?
Well, for the other parties smaller than us, they don’t seem to be ready for any election anyway. So, it does not make any difference to them whatever method that is used. But the big parties are the ones benefitting from this flawed system because they have all that it takes to short-change and disenfranchise the Nigerian electorate. I can tell you that the reason the big parties especially the ruling party lacked the political will to support the implementation of electronic voting is because they know that giving the people their right to decide who will preside over their affairs, there will be many upsets and it is only in this system that a credible person who does not have money can win election because his credibility will speak for him. But now your credibility means nothing if you don’t have money or you don’t have a godfather. And if you get into office under such circumstances, who are you going to be accountable to? Of course, to the system that manipulated you into office and yourself. What is the level of preparedness of the UPP for the coming elections as one of the major opposition parties in the country. APC recently had its national convention, what are Nigerians to expect from the UPP as 2015 approaches?
We will definitely have a national convention but because of lack of funds, we are not going to have multiple conventions in one year. So, we are going to have national convention to confirm the election of our national officers and at the same time elect our presidential candidate and that will also be in line with INEC timetable for both congresses and primaries leading to national convention and presidential primaries. All of that we will do at the same time which is between October and November. But we are mobilising membership and we are satisfied with the result of our efforts. We don’t intend to spread our tails thin. This is our first general election but we do not have to contest every office. However, wherever we have a candidate who has the likelihood of winning or who can meet both the requirements of both the party and INEC, we will field such candidate. But we are not just going to put up names and people would go and start getting 100 votes and 1000 votes and things like that. However, one thing I can assure you is that, UPP is going to present an Igbo presidential candidate.
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sunday politics
Politics Editor Weeklies: uchenna awom
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Ekiti Poll As Litmus Test For APC In The South-West The outcome of the June 21 governorship election in Ekiti State has upset things as it were, considering the fact that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was seen as having complete dominance of the politics of the state but lost the poll to the Peoples Democratic Party. OLAOLU OLADIPO in this piece appraises the outcome of the polls with a poser as to whether the result is indicative of a change in the rhythm of politics in the South-western corner of the country
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gents, associates and political associates of all the political parties had assembled at the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) located along Ado Ekiti/Iyin Road to await the outcome of the election held a day earlier. Saturday, June 21, residents of Ekiti State, which prides itself as the FOUNTAIN OF KNOWLEDGE had trooped out in their numbers to elect one of the candidates that presented themselves to be voted for as their governor. Owing to the tension generated in the build up to the polls occassioned by violence resulting in deaths and injuries to members of the major political parties in contention, the federal government had put in place adequate security to guarantee the safety of lives and property. The presence of personnel of the Nigeria Police complemented by the physical presence of the soldiers gave a sense of safety so therefore residents who had in the last few weeks secured their permanent voter cards trooped out to be part of the epoch making event that would determine the fortune or misfortune of the state, at least in the next few weeks. The anxiety generated by the wait soon paled out into insignificance as Peter Ayodele Fayose of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was eventually pronounced
“We knew we were going to win the election, we had no doubt about that but what has begun to baffle us was the margin that was returned in our favour. This is indeed a landslide but we had thought it was going to be marginal.” He said. Since than, series of reactions have continued to trail the outcome from far and wide, from within and outside the country. One of such was from the incumbent Fayemi who in a rare show of sportsmanship gracefully conceded defeat, a feat that is uncommon in the country. Fayemi in a televised address to the people of the state shortly after the declaration of Fayose as the winner minced no word when he stated that “If this is the will of the people of Ekiti State, well we stand in deference to their will.”
Fayose
the winner of the keenly contested polls. With the victory as announced by the electoral umpire, Fayose, a former governor of the state who was impeached on Octoer 19, 2006, defeated the incumbent, John Olukayode Fayemi of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Professor Isaac Azuzu exercising his powers as the Chief Returning Officer announced that Fayose polled 203, 090 of valid votes to beat Fayemi, who scored 120,433. One of the tripod that formed the pivot upon which the build up rested, Bamidele Michael Opeyemi of the Labour Party (LP) scored 18,135 votes to come third. “Ayodele Peter Fayose of PDP having certified the requirement of the law and scored the highest number of votes is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected”, Azuzu said, thus setting in motion wild jubilation within the ranks of the PDP. The first reaction was from the Director-General of the Fayose Campaign Organisation, Chief Dipo Anisulowo who though visibly elated by the outcome of the polls expressed surprise at the margin of the votes recorded by his principal.
We knew we were going to win the election, we had not doubt about that but what has begun to baffle us was the margin that was returned in our favour
INITIAL PERMUTATION AND EVENTUAL OUTCOME Despite a number of political parties that fielded candidates in the election, analysts had tipped the contest to be a three course battle between the candidates of three parties, – the APC, the PDP, and the LP. Those that held this line of thought premised their argument on a set of indices that had to do with their individual pedigree, the viability of their respective platforms as well as their perceived marketability to the people of the state. They all lived to the billing of pundits as their campaigns showed some form of vigour and forcefulness to indicate their readiness to lead the state in the next four years when new elections are due. The frontrunners were actually Fayose and Fayemi who had more formidable platforms to actualise their dreams. Opeyemi was actually perceived as the likely candidate who is at advantage to benefit from any form of unresolved stalemate that could come out of the fight between the two ‘big’ candidates’. For Fayemi, the power of incumbency, his achievements in office as well as the reach and perception of the APC as the offshoot of ‘progressivism’ that the region is noted for. On his part, Fayose was relying on his populist credentials amongst the common folks, ‘Federal might’ as well as perceived utilising perceived lapses and shortcomings in the polices and programmes of the incumbent to ride into power. ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 19
Edo Assembly: Unseen ‘Godfathers’ Flex Muscles Over A Divided House > 20
politics 19
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Ekiti Poll As Litmus Test For APC In The South-West ➔ FROM PAGE 18
In the end, Fayose prevailed, thus setting in motion, a new wave of scholarly debate regarding voter behavioural pattern in the country.
Other Nigerians have joined the fray to praise the two gladiators hoping that their action would open a new vista of political tolerance and maturity in the country
REACTIONS AND NEW FOUND POLITICAL ETIQUETTE With the conclusion of the governorship polls, a new chapter of tolerance seems to have commenced in the nation’s political landscape with both the losers and the eventual winners displaying love and spirit of brotherhood, a clear departure from the norm, which is nurtured by ill-feeling and acrimony. Credit must and should be given to the outgoing governor, Fayemi who broke away from the norm, which dictated outcome of elections are not only rejected but that such usually end up polarising the political space as wide gulf of confidence between camps are not only entrenched but are even widened the more thus stunting societal progress and growth. Fayemi in his immediate reaction told a stunned nation that he believes that the will of the people of Ekiti State has been made manifest at the ballot and that it transcends his political ambition to earn a second term in office. This is a clear departure from the steps he took when he lost in 2007. Fayemi contested the outcome of the polls that threw up the immediate past governor of the state, Engineer Segun Oni at the law courts culminating in a judicial pronouncement that brought him to power on October 19, 2006. In a statement he issued, which was followed up by a television broadcast to the people of the state, Fayemi said, “If indeed this is the will of the Ekiti People, I stand in deference to your will. If the result of the elections is an expression of the voice of our people, we must all heed your voice.” To demonstrate his commitment to peace, he said: “I have just spoken with my brother, Mr Peter Ayodele Fayose, congratulating him on his victory. In a few hours from now, I would be meeting the Governor-elect to discuss the future of our dear state and how we would work together to institute a smooth transition programme.” Waxing emotional, he added that the process had been hard fought and that a lot of issues relating to what he termed ‘unsavoury episodes’ occurred during the electioneering amongst the gladiators but stated that “Despite our diverse party affiliations, and regardless of which way we voted on Saturday, we must remember that we are all sons and daughters of Ekiti State. Ekiti is ours to build together.” While admitting that indeed a new sociology of the Ekiti people may have evolved, he noted that the task of understanding how the outcome of the election had defined the people would be that of scholars, “For us as an administration and a cadre of political lead-
ers in Ekiti State, we have fought a good fight, and we have kept faith.” While thanking the media for their support, he prayed for God’s blessing on Ekiti State, known as the land of honour, and the entire country. He pledged to work with the new governor to build the state. A visibly surprised Fayose was soon to reciprocate the gesture when he too promised to work with not only Fayemi but all other contestants including the candidate of the Labour Party, Honourable Opeyemi Bamidele to move the state forward. “To Governor Kayode Fayemi, my brother Opeyemi Bamidele and others that we contested together, that have conceded and accepted me as their governor-elect, I want to thank them too; I want to assure them that I will work with all of them. The government belongs to all of us. “Four years is a very short time in the life of any administration; I want to let them know that it will be four years of all of us in government. There is no winner, no loser.” He said, adding that “I salute Fayemi’s courage for accepting me and his readiness to allow peace and love reign in our state. I am assuring you that this is Ayo Fayose who is older, wiser and ready to work with everybody.” Hardly had the show of newfound love ended than torrent of accolades began to pour in from every direction of the nation’s broad political spectrum, all unanimous that the gesture is rather uncommon in the country. A Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere Renewal Group in a statement issued in Lagos congratulated the people of Ekiti State for voting in a peaceful and credible election. The statement endorsed by its Publicity Secretary, Mr Kunle Famoriyo, expressed hope that the election has set precedence in the country that electioneering need not be a do or die affair but reflection of democratic choice. Specifically, the group applauded Fayemi, and the governor-elect, for what it termed ‘rare show of sportsmanship displayed during the election and after the result was announced. “We thank Governor Fayemi for courageously accepting the wish of the people of Ekiti whom he has served diligently and fervently in the last four years. ARG is convinced that if we must develop our land, we need an administration like that of Governor Fayemi,” the statement said. “We also thank the governorelect, Mr Fayose for his magnanimity in victory and the promise he has made to continue building on the foundation laid by Dr Fayemi. On its part, the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the platform upon which Fayose contested and won the polls, described the outgoing governor as a true democrat. The party in a statement endorsed by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh stat-
ed that Fayemi displayed a rare show of patriotism and sportsmanship in conceding defeat just as it also congratulated Fayose, saying Fayemi’s action has earned him respect and admiration of Nigerians as a man of honour, a true democrat and a patriot. Apart from the two, other Nigerians have joined the fray to praise the two gladiators hoping that their action would open a new vista of political tolerance and maturity in the country. ISSUES THAT INFLUENCED OUTCOME OF THE POLL A lot of reasons has been adduced as having contributed to the outcome of the polls. One major factor is his much touted popularity amongst the common folks in the state which many believe is infectious. Many credit him with the ability to relate with less privileged and the downtrodden as he is said to live and act like them. “Fayose is an unusual personality in and out of government. He is reputed to eat roadside meals and ride on commercial motorcycles, a feat that have endeared him to the common man,” says an aide, Lere Olayinka in a chat with LEADERSHIP Sunday. Though, this attribute has drawn to him much flake from his opponents who have come to query the rationale behind it, saying he was only doing it for political motive and not out of love for the people. Another factor that possibly worked against the governor were the series of reforms he tried to institute in his bid to put the state in a proper stead. Fayemi had majorly tried to shore up the revenue base using taxation as the avenue. In the process of achieving this goal, he incurred the wrath of indigenes and residents alike who felt that the efforts went too far by reducing their economic power in a state that is primarily agrarian and civil service. For Fayemi, the need to develop the state dictated the need to raise the internally generated revenue and taxation held the key for sourcing for funds for developmental purposes but in the end, he ran into trouble with the highly influential civil servants. Allied to that was the attempted educational reforms that prompted his government to devise a means to gauge the competency level of personnel in the educational system, owing to several factors of inability of government to explain the merits of the policy, it failed woefully and the opposition party lashed in on it to claim that it (the policy) was designed to reduce teaching staff in the state. Those who should know also accused the outgoing government of aiding capital flight from the state to other parts of the South West zone owing to the habit of government to award contracts to companies outside the state. “The thing got so bad that all the contracts in the state had been cor-
nered by contractors mostly from Lagos, leaving local and competent ones to wallow in penury, especially in the last four years,” a PDP chieftain who does not want his name in print said. THE IMPLICATION OF THE ELECTION OUTCOME ON SOUTH WEST POLITICS Prior to the victory of Fayose, pundits within and outside had thought that the election was going to be a walk over for the incumbent until results begun to trickle suggesting otherwise. Speaking to journalists after the results were announced by INEC, Fayose said “I thank God and the good people of the state for this opportunity to serve them once again and I promise not to disappoint them.” The celebrations have not been limited to Ekiti and South West alone, the national leadership of the PDP and the Presidency have joined in the fray. President Goodluck Jonathan led the pack when he congratulated Fayose. A statement was issued on his behalf last Sunday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati. In it, the president was careful not to add partisan slant to the statement as he urged the governor-elect to rededicate himself to the service of the people of the state. The president alongside his vice, Architect Namadi Sambo, National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu and scores of other chieftains held a private celebration in the inner recess of the Presidential Villa to toast to the victory. Similar other congratulatory messages followed with chieftains being careful not to over dramatise the achievements but sources within the party said the leadership is elated on the outcome and that the joy could be seen from two dimensions which are; that it was possible to dismantle the structure erected by the APC Leader, Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the zone. Those who should know told our correspondent that “We are happy that we won the state without any form of contribution from former President Olusegun Obasanjo and that we have proven that Tinubu could be demystified.” According to the source, “What we want to do is to draw from the success and the lessons learnt with a view to winning the other states come 2015.” How far the PDP will go in the process of wresting the control of the region from the grip of the APC remain to be seen but sources state that South West remains significant in the electoral calculations of the president who is seeking re-election. What is however certain is that a renewed yet re-invigorated move is being made to challenge the dominance of the APC in the region. But lately, the APC, through its National Working Committee have vowed to challenge the outcome of the June 21 governorship election.
20 politics
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Edo Assembly: Unseen ‘Godfathers’ Flex Muscles Over A Divided House The crisis in the Edo State House of Assembly is still raging. The house is deadlocked, with the combatants not conceding an inch to each other. Analysts have attributed the situation to some powerful political forces that are determined to undo one another, a development that has paralysed legislative activities. PATRICK OCHOGA writes
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or over three weeks now, the Edo State House of Assembly has turned to a war zone of some sort following the show of power between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers, a development which has grounded legislative activities completely as the warring sides go for each other’s jugular. The imbroglio, as expected, would have been settled amicably among the members but investigations indicated that the lawmakers are remotely controlled by powerful political forces. Analysts are of the view that they have somehow become pawns in the political chessboard that is being manipulated by unseen “godfathers” who are now fiercely engaged in a battle for the soul of Edo State ahead of the 2015 general elections and 2016 governorship election and are determined not to shift ground. It could be recalled that the crisis started with the defection of four members of the APC to the opposition PDP, which consequently swelled the members of the PDP in the 24-member House of Assembly from four to eight. However, the subsequent suspension of the decamped and the dragging of the House to court to prevent any plot to declare their seats vacant sparked the current row. The leadership of the House had adduced reasons for their suspension on the ground that the resort to court action contravened Order 38 rule 3 of the House rule. The section barred any member from dragging the House to court. So, since that incidence, the House has known no peace. Angered by their suspension, the four suspended lawmakers in company of five other lawmakers of PDP, broke into the hallowed chambers of the House armed with alleged fake mace and suspended the speaker, Hon Uyi Igbe, Majority leaders, Hon Phillip Shaibu and others. It was a counter-action that of course ignited fracas, when lawmakers loyal to Governor Oshiomhole armed with a restraining court order insisted that the suspended lawmakers lacked the moral ground to attend plenary. They instead advised them to approach the court to
challenge their suspension. As expected, they declined and described the court order as “kangaroo”. They rebuffed several attempts by the court bailiff and the contempt of court order served them. Well, as the crisis continues unabated, political watchers opined that the fight would have been put to an end had leaders of the two opposing parties like Chief Tony Anenih, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and Captain Hosa Okunbor on one side and Governor Adams Oshiomhole on the other side called their loyalists in the House to order. Nonetheless, Governor Oshiomhole had opened up on the crisis rocking the House when he insisted that the only way peace could return to the House is when the suspended lawmakers obey the court order. According to him, “Like I said before, the institutions of state are still weak. The House of Assembly got a court injunction from a Federal High Court restraining them from suspending or declaring the seats of four members vacant. The court also ruled that the power of the House to suspend their members based on the rules of the House, the court will not freeze those powers. Therefore, the court vacated that aspect of the order. “Based on the court ruling, the House as a law making institution and therefore a law abiding institution decided to suspend these four members. But they decided that they will not accept the court order and they got the Police to force them into the House. At the federal level, members have been suspended. I think in Plateau State, they just suspended a member of the House. If you believe that your suspension is illegal, the only open door for you is to go to court. Now they used the police to force them into the House. Continuing he added, “The House of Assembly then decided to go to court to restrain the four suspended members from going to the House until the issues surrounding their suspension are resolved and the court granted their prayer and they were represented in court. Now having restrained them, they decided that they will disobey the court order. “I heard them say they are not going to obey the court order. How could you live on making laws and
Oshiomhole
then arrogantly dismiss the court? They went to file for contempt against the four lawmakers. They attempted to serve the contempt paper on the suspended deputy speaker and he insulted the Court Bailiff, calling the Bailiff unprintable names calling the court order fake and cheap. “Now they got an order from the court preventing the speaker from declaring their seats vacant. They got protection from the court but when they got another order asking them to obey their House, they dismissed the court. You can’t eat your cake and have it. The solution is that law and order must be obeyed. However, the crisis took a dangerous twist when the deputy speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon Festus Ebea, the minority leader, Hon Emma Okoduwa and Hon Patrick Iluobe escaped death by the whiskers last Sunday when their official vehicles were reportedly attacked by gunmen suspected to be assassins along the Benin-Asaba expressway. LEADERSHIP Sunday gathered that the incident at Abudu, the headquarters of Orhionmwon local government area of Edo State, was bloody as one of the suspected assassins was shot dead by an orderly attached to Okoduwa. Another was said to have been shot and seriously injured while about 10 others escaped in an operation, which according to sources lasted close to 45 minutes on the busy road. Confirming the incident, Ebea who was visibly shaking, said the attackers were prepared, going by their dressing and weapons. He said, “Their mission was to kill and they blocked the road and were searching all the vehicles one by one”. He also said that but for the vigilance of the police orderlies and their driver, the story would have been different, adding that the matter has been reported to the state police commissioner. But the Edo State Police commissioner, Folusho Adebanjo however, ruled out assassination attempts and described the incident as robbery attack on the lawmakers. A member of the Edo State House of Assembly representing Akoko Edo 1 Constituency, Hon Kabiru Adjoto, who was alleged by
He insisted that the only way peace could return to the House was when the suspended lawmakers obey the court order
Hon Patrick Iluobe to have masterminded the said attack has demanded for a retraction and an apology from Iluobe for accusing him of plotting to assassinate him. Adjoto is demanding a N500 million damage, a retraction letter within seven days through his solicitors, Dele Igbinedion Chambers, or risk the initiation of civil proceedings against him for defamation of character in the High Court of Justice. Iluobe had on Monday accused Adjoto of threats to murder him, confronting the lawmaker with further accusations of master-minding an armed attack on Iluobe and three other lawmakers at Abudu, along Benin-Asaba expressway in which a hoodlum was killed in a shoot-out. He had also allegedly granted interviews to media houses which aired the accusations. Commenting on the gridlock, Dr Benson Osadolor, associate professor of History, University of Benin, opined that the lawmakers may have lost touch with the fundamental reason of their being elected into the House and are now putting interests other than the peoples’ in their actions. He told LEADERSHIP Sunday that, “They are yet to understand the true meaning of democracy. They are also yet to understand the true meaning of elective representation which is the key to understanding one’s role in a democracy.” Osadolor described the crisis as, “Some kind of political manipulation. I don’t know who is manipulating who and I don’t know where it is coming from. The fact that some members were suspended in the first instance was in bad faith. The fact that they also went to court and court orders not obeyed is also in bad faith because that was total disregard for the laws of the land. The fact that crisis erupted over the interpretation of these two actions; suspension and disobedience of a court order clearly displayed the immaturity of the lawmakers and it is sad. These members are elected representatives of the people which demonstrates to a great extent that democracy begins from the grassroots and that at the grassroots, people are represented at the different levels, one of which is giving the mandate to the lawmakers who will represent them in one arm of government that will perform its check and balances on the executive. “They are doing what they are doing because of personal interest and divisions. It means that they don’t have the interest of their constituencies in mind and secondly, they have no national interest or the state interest in mind. There are no issues that cannot be resolved that is why it is a parliament. On his part, Dr Osaretin Idahosa of the department of Political Science, University of Benin believed the governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole is responsible for the crisis who according to him, like many other governors, wants his party to have total control of the House. “In every democracy, you have contractions, contradictions, hiccups; there is no perfect democracy anywhere in the world. However, what is happening in the state House of Assembly is a reflection of a disjointed and convoluted form of democracy,” he said.
Abuja
29.06.2014
A-Z all that’s trending
“abuja is Convenient” Zainab Abdulmajeed lecturer
After Work Hours in Abuja
WhAT’s UP? Muslim Media Ramadan lecture P30
Where’s BUZZING? Denis Hotel P31
WhAT To BUy • • • •
Trendy Cabinet Beauty In Blinds Luxury Time Piece Light In The Box P49
LIsTINGs • Dental Clinics
• Bus Terminals • Automobiles • Gwarinpa Shopping Plaza P52
sPoTLIGhT • • • •
Gifty’s Daughter Jabi Lake Boat Ride Juice Place II Kwik Chow Chinese P51
22 ABUJA A-Z/ WHAT’S UP?
City SIGHTINGS
Sunday, June 29, 2014
What’s Up?
upcoming events
Muslim Media ramadan lecture
It is the ninth Ramadan lecture of the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) on peace and leadership. Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State is slated as the chairman, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, Minister of State, Defence will be the father of the day and Mohammed Abubakar, Inspector-General of Police as Special Guest of Honour. Other guests expected at the lecture are the FCT Minister, Sen. Bala Mohammed as Chief Host, while Prof .Ishaq Oloyede, Secretary-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) will be the Spiritual father of the day. 11am. National Mosque Hall, Central Business District. Sunday June 29
BBa star
Former Big Brother Africa housemate, Melvin Oduah made an appearance at a fashion show at Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Zone 4. He looked smart and elegant in a white shirt, black waistcoat, army green pants and black shoes.
WWW
This is the biggest music concert Abuja has been waiting for. It is Worship Works Wonders (WWW) season 1.A time of quality and anointed music, comedy, drama and dance from the very best and anointed artistes. 4PM. FAITHVILLE ASSEMBLY, ANNON PLAZA, APO, GUDU DISTRICT. Sunday June 29
Make A Move
tV Pioneer
Nollywood legend, Joke Silva was spotted at a wedding at Gwarinpa. Dressed in an elegant, baby pink lace iro and buba with a matching gele, she lit up the place with her 100 watts smile and warm reception as she helped around the place.
Beauty Queen
A-Z
Advanced research Methods, Data Analysis & software Training
The workshop is highly interactive, reflective, and relevant to specific needs of academics postgraduate students and professional researchers whose research thinking, design, methodology, and software-enabled data. 9AM. NATIONAL MATHEMATICAL CENTRE, ABUJA-LOKOJA EXPRESSWAY, KWALI-SHEDA. Monday June 30
Armoured Vehicles exhibition
The Armoured Vehicles West Africa, organised by the IQPC Worldwide. The conference will cover areas like Demonstrate to regional forces that you take their challenges and requirements seriously enough to attend or support this event in order to learn more at the time to get involved.9AM-4PM. SHERATON HOTEL. LADI KWALI WAY, ZONE 4. Monday June 30
how to Train your Dragon 2
When Hiccup and Toothless discover an ice cave that is home to hundreds of new wild dragons and the mysterious Dragon Rider, the two friends find themselves at the centre of a battle to protect the peace. 5:50PM. SILVERBIRD ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE, MEMORIAL DRIVE, CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT. Tuesday July 1
Isabella Ayuk, Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria 2012 was seen at a fashion show at Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Zone 4. She was dressed very differently from what she was used to wearing. She traded in her elegant dresses for a n black boyfriend jacket, distressed blue denim pants, a white top and a pair of high heeled pumps.
Abuja
Make A Move is tagged Healing through Art and follows the story of Ivie’s character. It is a story of self belief, doubt and a fight against an unfavourable environment. 2:50PM. CEDDI PLAZA, TAFAWA BALEWA WAY, CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT. Sunday June 29
The yard sale
The Yard Sale where everything goes for N4,000 or less. All things must go. 10AM. CITY PARK, WUSE 2. Saturday July 12
old school
They say there is no school like the old school. Listen to music from the 60s-00s. Get the nostalgia back up. 5PM. WE 106.3 FM. Sunday July 2
group eDITor rePorTers DesIGN
Amina Alhassan Ahman Zanswat Bowsan, Uche Uduma, Chalya Dul IgweNgerem Michael
ACTING EDITOR Auwal Sa'id Mu'azu
FOUNDER Sam Nda-Isaiah CHAIRMAN Hajiya Ireti Kingibe GRP MANAGING DIRECTOR Azubuike Ishiekwene GRP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS Michael Okpere, Dr. Kazeem Durodoye
Abuja A-Z is published as an insert in LEADERSHIP Sunday. every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of these listiings. however please contact venues to confirm details
Where’s BUZZING/ ABUJA A-Z 23
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Where’s buzzing?
Dental Clinics, Bus Terminals
Denis Hotel At Denis Hotel you are guaranteed that everyone in your party will leave satisfied and happy if you do need to work while you’re there or plan hosting an event, do so in one of the hotel’s meeting room/ halls. At Sam’s Pastry Shop, you will find the perfect place to gather with co-workers, family and friends to cool off after work stress. Special sit out at the pool comes up fortnightly on Wednesday showcasing local African Delicacies like Nkwobi, Isi Ewu, peppered Snail, fresh cat Fish Pepper Soup and lost more. At Denis Hotel, they are mindful of drivers and how important they are to your business; hence the hospitality has been extended by providing a complimentary fully air conditioned drivers lodge. Denis Hotel is the only hotel in Abuja that has a drivers lodge. Plot 910 Njamena Street, Off Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse 2
Dental Clinics Bethel Dental Clinic, Bethel Dental Clinic, was set up in 2006 by a group of young, dynamic dental surgeons and therapist who offer services in surgical, restorative and preventive and orthodontic dentistry to private and corporate patients. Their facilities is carefully structured to meet the growing dental awareness, while keeping track of the ever-changing medical technology and standards worldwide. Their services include oral surgery treatment, restorative treatment prosthetic treatment and orthodontic treatment are competitively priced. The clinic is registered with Private Health Establishment’s Registration and Monitoring Committee (PHERMC) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). Nwaora Plaza, No 3, Dar Salaam Street, off Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja Nigerian Turkish Nizamiye Hospital Nigerian Turkish Nizamiye Hospital, is one of the most important constituents of Abuja health care system. The hospital provides a high quality health care service in all medical specialties including dental care. The hospital was established in 2013. Since then, it has dedicated itself to serve its patients with the most advanced diagnostic and
treatment methods. Its services include tartar cleaning, dental cleaning, root treatment, embedded teeth operations, filling, and porcelain and crowns treatment, filling of milk teeth, dental X-ray, Fissure cover application and post care application. Plot 113 Sector S. Cadastral Zone, Lifecamp Abuja Kings Care Hospital At King’s Care Dental Clinic, a full range of personalized, quality dental services is delivered in a pleasing, hygienic and relaxing environment primed to meet your every dental need. The clinic offers up-to-date dental services, both as private dentistry and as NHIS. Their comprehensive dental services include dental examination and diagnosis with intra-oral camera and X-ray. The clinic also offers scaling and polishing, dental whitening, pediatric dentistry and advanced dentistry implant. Most importantly, these services are expertly handled by well trained professionals in a hygienic and aesthetically pleasing environment. Their services are available Mondays to Fridays from 8am to 8pm and on Saturdays from 9am to 2pm. Plot 2181 Ibb Way Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja Capital Zankli clininc Zankli Medical Centre is one of the leading private hospitals in Abuja with a vision
to renders the best healthcare services, which can compete with any first class rated hospital anywhere in the world. The hospital which is located in Utako district of Abuja in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria was established in Abuja in 1997. The hospital provides excellent care in various specialties of Medicine and Surgery including dentistry. It has approximately 180 members of staff committed to delivering high-quality clinical care using systems and procedures that are safe and effective, both for staff and patients. Plot 1021, B5 Shehu Yar’adua Way, Opp Federal Ministry of Works, Utako Smile Dental Clinic Smile Dental Group offers comprehensive dental and laboratory services. The clinic was first clinic opened in 1989, in Kaduna and since then, it has risen to establish other well equipped clinics in various sites in Abuja, Nigeria. Some of their services include implantsinhabitational sedation, digital radiography, and oral surgery. Their consultants are specialists in their fields with decades of current and relevant experience. Each of their associate dentists have clocked several years’ experience, and all their staff are also engaged in continuous professional development Suite C2 [Ground Floor] Orji Uzor Kalu House 1st Avenue Central Business District Abuja – Nigeria
24 ABUJA A-Z/ WHERE’S BUZZING
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Pastry Shoppe Upon entering through Pastry Shoppes door your hit by an aroma of deliciousness, the air is filled with the scent of freshly baked bread, specially carved pastries, buns, and cakes, with coffee in the air. With over 20 different varieties of cakes and pastries to choose from. A cake
that would go great with a cup of tea, preferably Earl Grey. Dine in or take out, whichever suits your fancy. Everything on the menu is tempting, the look alone has mouth salivating. 124 Aminu Crescent, Opposite GLO, Wuse 2
BUS TERMINALS
Good is Good Motors
Cross Country Limited
Ifesinachi Motors
Good is Good Motors God is Good Motors aspires to be a leader in land transportation, and truly become the most preferred transport Company in Nigeria by the year 2015. The company is committed to technology advancements, safety, and exceptional customer satisfaction. The transport company believes in surpassing its competitors not just in service but in safety too. Their dedicated safety department routinely runs motor vehicle reports on their drivers and performs criminal background checks prior to employment. Their job is to screen and train every driver, as well as to implement the procedures that keep you safe. Their dedication to training is rooted in the God Is Good vision for how a transportation company should operate. With the goal of exceeding their customers’ expectations, their Human Resources Department guides their entire workforce in customized skills programs. God is Good has parks in different parts on Nigeria including Abuja. Plot 133, Utako District, FCT Abuja Cross Country Limited Cross Country Limited is incorporated on May 2, 2001. The company commenced operations of intercity and intracity transportations in December 2002 with fleet of 132 vehicles. Apart from its inter and intra city transportation services, Cross Country Limited also offers car rental services, haulage services, courier Services, hotel reservations, warehousing of the goods carried and accommodation for passengers on transit
and persons intending to passengers. The transport company has terminals in different parts of the country including Abuja. Okotie Eboh street, Utako District
otherwise use air service. The operations within and outside Nigeria are carried out in ultra-modern terminals, with comfortable lounges in various cities like Abuja, Ghana and Lagos. ABC buses are dubbed with the company’s trademark, ‘the Reindeer’. Ifesinachi Motors For the company›s Ifesinachi Motors is one of the remarkable achievement big transport companies in in transportation, ABC Nigeria, which is particular Transport was adjudged the about their customers’ safety Best Transporter in Nigeria and comfort. Travelers enjoy by the Chartered Institute of comfort and experience Transport, Nigeria and has the pleasure of travelling since then consistently won by road with the transport the National Bus Operator company. Ifesinachi has of the Year Award along with numerous travel points other accolades by renowned across Nigeria, and ensures bodies. that its bus parks are in No. 36, Ekukinam Street, Utako every major city to provide Abuja their customers with the excellent service, which their long term customers have Chisco identified with since 1972. Chisco Transport Company The buses are scheduled to aims to be the best leave the parks on time and transport and logistics they ensure that passenger organisation in the African get to your destination continent, rendering without delay. Ifesinachi the highest quality and Transport Company is innovative customerequipped with heavy duty focused services. The equipment and vehicles to company was established handle your shipment across in 1978 by Chief Dr. Chidi the country. No matter the Anyaegbu (MFR). The size or logistics involved. Its company evolved from haulage Service is outfitted a small firm selling auto to satisfy your need and parts, through a micro offer you the confidence transporter transporting needed to deliver your passengers with one bus shipment at your location of from Lagos to Eastern choice. Nigeria into a Global No. 22 Ekukinam Street, Utako, Company and Brand diversified to deliver Abuja, FCT, Nigeria excellence in end-to-end. Transportation/Integrated ABC Terminals Logistics and associated ABC Transport Plc commenced services. Their key focus operation in road passenger is transportation and transportation on February Integrated logistics. This is 13, 1993 as an off-shoot all that they do, and they of Rapido Ventures with a strive to do it right. It is view to running a modern this commitment that sets road transportation system them apart as the leading in Nigeria. ABC Transport indigenous transport/ operates luxury bus services integrated logistics firm according to accepted in Nigeria. With over 500 international standards fleet, they are visible in all of road transportation. the states of Nigeria and Its services are specially the West Coast of Africa. designed for distinguishing Ekukinam Street, Utako Abuja travelers who would
WHERE TO BUY/ ABUJA A-Z 49
Sunday, June 29, 2014
What to buy Tired of of your old kitchen look and feel? You can bring your kitchen back to life by adding kitchen fixtures and equipment that will make your kitchen look absolutely amazing! In this edition, we bring you a little list of items that can revamp your kitchen.
Editor’s Picks
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1. TRENDY CABINET- One of the fastest ways of
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transforming your kitchen is to change the cabinet. Kitchen cabinets can be the most striking feature in your kitchen, so you can choose a pattern that suits your interior style. If you’re ready to take your kitchen cabinetry to the next level, you can check Pedini Floor 01 Transcorp Hilton Hotel Opposite Arik airline Abuja. 2. BEAUTY IN BLINDS- lovely blinds add beauty to every space in your home, be it your sitting room, your bathroom or your kitchen. You can enhance your kitchen with lovely blinds that will make every one that visits you marvel at the beauty of your kitchen. You can get a new blind that suits your kitchen interior at Wuse Market. 3. LUXURY TIME PIECE- Looking for the perfect sophisticated touch for your kitchen room? A luxury wall clock may just be the answer. Apart from its use in timi an excellent addition to any kitchen. Luxury time pieces come in different styles materials. You can get nice time pieces at Home Bargains Nigeria Limited. Shop 202a DBM plaza Nouakchott Street off Olusegun Obasanjo Way Wuse Zone 1 Abuja 4. LIGHT ING THE BOX- You can light up your
kitchen with lovely flower light fixtures. There are very inexpensive light designs, in different sizes and colours that can add a new look to your kitchen. Beautiful flower lights are available at Exclusive Stores, Wuse 2 Abuja. 5. UNIQUE TOWELS - Apart from their obvious use of kitchen towels, they can be used to enhance the décor of your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for unique designs that will suit your taste or plain colours that can add beauty to your kitchen, make sure they are safe, strong and stylish. Available at Shoprite Plot 232 Murtala Mohammed Express, Along Apo Mechanic Village Apo 6. FLOWER VASES – Flower vases, bowls and flowers were designed to make your everyday happier and inspire your own creativity. You can improve the looks of the kitchen by filling your flower vases with beautiful flowers or you can just let the bowls and vases stand on their own. Available at Spar Park and Shop 740, Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja
50 ABUJA A-Z
Sunday, June 29, 2014
After Work Hours in Abuja STORY: UCHE UDUMA
Fruit stalls at Wuse market
Raw food section of the market
Rush hour in Abuja is characterized with traffic jam and bustling night life in the major streets in the city. The rush hour begins at 4pm with heavy hold up building up along the major axis, such as Aminu Kano Crescent /Bannex/Mabushi road, FRSC /Wuye junction, AYA/Nyanya Mararaba road and Gwarinpa/ Kubwa road. Though not everyone looks forward to the rush hour due to the explosion in automobiles in the city, which has left the residents struggling to keep up with heavy traffic, however, more than a few people look forward to the rush hour because it marks the beginning of night life in the city, and when some businesses particularly bars, gardens and restaurants come alive. As the evening progresses, some of the area in city, which are mainly used for office purposes, wind down. Hordes of people who are normally seen around the business areas gradually begin to disappear, while the bus stops get cramped with people queueing up to get a space in the “El-Rufai” buses going to their destination. At this time, the garden, bars and relaxation centres begin to come alive and the cars which formed traffic along the major roads, gradually disappear from the roads, to form clusters in the various relaxation centers. For many, the rush hour is time to unwind after a hard day’s work however for Hassan Aliyu, after work hours is the peak of his business. The 22 old year old man who sells shoe racks and wall clocks, along Arab junction, reveals “The evening rush hour helps me to sell my goods. The traffic which builds up in the evening allows me to make sales. When there is no traffic, we struggle to sell our goods but when there is traffic it is easier for people stuck in the traffic to have a good look at our wares and buy it.” Hassan is not the only one who benefits
from the traffic build up. Yunusa Mohammed also makes a living during the rush hour by cleaning car windscreens. The boy who was seen at Arab Junction with his bottle of soap and local wiper reveals. “It is hard to clean the cars in the afternoon because the cars are always in motion. But in the evenings, there is usually traffic at this junction and it allows us to make money. For Frankline Mmadu, a private auditor living in one of the satellite towns in Abuja, he looks forward to the after work hours, as it gives him the opportunity to unwind after a hard day at work. He revealed, “I normally stay back in town to meet some of my clients after work hours. That is when you can discuss business in a relaxed environment without the tension and edginess felt in the offices during business hours. I make out time every evening to hang out, unwind, and chat with my associates in a relaxed environment while I wait for the traffic to go down.” Not everyone finds after work hours interesting as the find the rush hour traffic unbearable. Jamilu Zubairo an Aviator is one of the people that detests the Abuja rush-hour traffic like a leper. He reveals, “I usually leave my office before 4pm in order to beat the gridlock.” Although, leaving early works for Jamilu it does not exempt him from being held in the traffic once in a while. “There are some days I am lucky and beat the traffic but when I meet the traffic I stay back in the office til about 11pm when the road will be free.”Rekiya Bello a business woman who sells Asun, a local Yoruba delicacy, after work hours is the peak time for her business. According to her “it is when we sell the most. I don’t bother opening my shop in the morning, but I dare not keep it closed after 4pm. That is when we make our sales.”
MY ABuJA
Zainab Abdulmajeed lecturer
I moved to Abuja after my first degree like most people, in search of greener pastures. Coming from Zaria and having served in Enugu the first obvious breath taking scenery were the roads linking places and boy were they massive! And impressive too… However, it doesn’t end there; I have been able to secure a job, start a business here and make new friends from different parts of the country which is super cool because you get to learn more about Nigeria’s diverse culture. Also, I have grown to love and explore Abuja’s beautiful wellmanicured gardens and parks which I can go with a book if I want a quiet time or in the company of family or friends for nice picnic. Another reason I love Abuja is that you can get almost anything here from variety of foods to and of course books. I love books! And it is the only town in northern Nigeria where you can have a park, gym, supermarket, cinema, hospital and a cool restaurant and within your place of residence, for a price though! But hey, that’s why we work so we can afford the things that really makes us happy and what’s not to love about that
LISTINGS/ABUJA A-Z 51
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Listings AUTOMOBILES
Automobiles
part of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, the automobile company aims to become one of the world’s premier automotive brands. Nearly 1.5 million vehicles a year are produced in its 13 manufacturing and assembly operations in eight countries, which are then sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering 172 countries including Nigeria. Kia Motors Corporation’s brand slogan -“The Power to Surprise” represents the company’s global commitment to surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation. 18 A.E Ekukinam Street, Off Obafemi Awolowo Road, Jabi Express Road
TOYOTA (NIGERIA) LIMITED Toyota Limited is one of the leading automobile brands in Nigeria, which aspires to provide the ultimate auto-brand experience through a strong dealership network, driven by excellent relationship with their stakeholders. Toyota offers Nigerian public high quality products tailor-made to suit the Nigerian climatic and road conditions. Some of the products models offered by Toyota are passenger vehicle models: including the Corolla, Avensis, Camry etc, and commercial vehicle models, including the Hilux pick up, Hiace, KOJO MOTORS LIMITED Coaster, Land cruiser Kojo Motors Limited is a etc. Some of these diversified group of highly models are modified competent sales and to meet specific fleet’s services professionals, special requirements with extensive knowledge and challenges without and expertise in providing compromising set leading edge sales and standards. A great deal services to consumers. of premium is placed Kojo motors started on after sales service business as an automobile support as the company marketing company, by is not only sales oriented 1988 it was incorporated but market driven to as Kojo Motor Limited ensure that we make and evolved to a dealer of our customers partners only Toyota and Nissan for life. One element vehicles and spare parts of trust that Toyota in Nigeria. Over the years, (Nigeria) Limited has they have consistently been able to build been marketing, selling into the mindset of and servicing Toyota its customers is the and Nissan vehicles in availability of genuine Nigeria. And today, they spare parts. This has are clearly ranked as one of helped it bond with its the major Toyota dealers customers, giving the in Nigeria. Their superior brand a competitive edge performance in sales and over other automobile service has served as a products in the market. guarantee of value to Plot 1259 Aminu Kano their present customers. Crescent, Wuse 11, Abuja. Some of their models are modified to meet specific KIA MOTORS fleet’s special requirements Kia Motors is one of the and challenges without successful automobile compromising set companies in Nigeria standards. being led by an Plot 1209 Shehu Yar’Adua Way ambitious and industryMabushi, Abuja focused management team who play a vital ELIZADE MOTORS role in the day-to-day Beautiful structures housing activities of growing gleaming Toyota vehicles the brand in Nigeria. of all shapes, colours Founded in 1944 as
and sizes, that’s Elizade for you. As a Grade A authorized Toyota dealer, the company sells only tropicalised madefor-Nigeria vehicles. It maintains a vast depot of Toyota vehicles so that orders are met promptly and delivery is made without unduly long waiting time. Elizade motors was established in 1971 and over the years, the company has established a relationship of trust and confidence with its loyal customers. Once a vehicle is sold, it is backed up with all their maintenance muscle and experience of over three decades. Whatever model you buy, you can be sure Elizade will always be there to help you achieve pleasant motoring experience all the time. For this, the company has been richly rewarded with customers’ loyalty. Plot 158, Gimbiya Street, Off Ahmadu Bello Way, Area 11, GarkiAbuja, F.C.T. MERCEDES-BENZ At Mercedes-Benz the secret of being the world’s best producer and distributor in automobile is not just about making luxurious and stunning cars, but also bringing smiles to all customers with special care and great services. The company believes that in order to form trust and strong bonds with all Mercedes-Benz owners, the company must be able to deliver complete and continual services to the customers. Weststar associates is the sole distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria and its goal is to expand networks with comprehensive services through dealers that are qualified with abilities to meet the standard of the Mercedes-Benz brand. Plot 735, Cadastral Zone C 16 Idu Industrial Area 1 Abuja
SPOTLIGHT
gifty’s daughter Abuja makeup and beauty lovers can now shop without hassles. One shop that has everything under of one roof is now open in the FCT. Gifty’s Daughter is one of the top makeup stores in Nigeria for amazing makeup and beauty finds in Nigeria, with stores in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Bayelsa, the brand has carved a niche for itself and is indeed a force to reckon with. Gifty’s Daughter stocks high streets brands such as Ben Nye (famous for the Banana powder), Makeup Forever (MUFE), MAC, Fashion Fair, Urban Decay, other brands include NYX, Wet’n’Wild, Smashbox and many more. Suite 301 Bloomsbury Plaza No 1245 Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent Wuse 2
SPOTLIGHT
Jabi lake Boat ride Boat rides are not common in the Federal Capital Territory because of the city’s geographical location. That is why the boat ride at Jabi Lake is kind of a big deal to the residents. It is a great form of relaxation for friends and family. The boats take passengers on a brief cruise from one end of the lake to the other and back. The scenery is beautiful; one can see almost every side of the Jabi district and other surrounding areas. Sunset rides are breathtaking with the cool breeze and the reflection of the sun on the water. It creates a calming effect. Alex Ekwueme Way, Jabi
52 ABUJA A-Z/LISTINGS
SPOTLIGHT
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Listings GWARINPA SHOPPING PLAZA
Juice Place ii The juice place is a health bar and retail store which provides its customers with 100 percent natural products, in a warm and friendly environment. These products range from freshly made juice, smoothies, boosters, and juicers to food supplements, herbal teas and more. They also have in-house food and nutrition consultants, who advise you on their various products and services according to your requirements. We also provide advice on diet and nutrition if the customer requests for it. They are known for providing excellent customer service, quality products and their staff is always ready to help whenever necessary. Shop C22, Valley mall, Opposite Diamond Bank. Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse 2
SPOTLIGHT
Kwik Chow Chinese restaurant and take away. Variety of Chinese recipes on the menu, cozy dining atmosphere. Fresh red and white tablecloths, clean and cozy environment, complete with hot towel to wipe your hands after placing your orders. Attached to the restaurant are a spa and beauty salon along with a barber shop. One thing you will absolutely love about the restaurant is the friendly staff. Hours: 10:00 am from Monday to Saturday and at 12:00 noon on Sundays 2 Euphrates Street, Opposite Regent School, by the Ansarudeen Mosque, Wuse 2
DePeNDABLe PHARMACY This is Dependable Pharmacy is a good combination store for pharmaceutical and household needs. The shop has a professional and qualified pharmacist who is in charge of its pharmaceutical department. The pharmacy offer services such as free blood pressure check, and free blood glucose level check. The pharmacy has one aim, which is to improve the wellbeing of people around Kado Lifecamp. C28, Gwarinpa Modern Market, Kado Lifecamp, Kado, Abuja, Nigeria. UNITeD NIGeRIA CHAPLAINCY United Nigeria Chaplaincy is an organization born out of the need to unite all chaplaincy bodies in the nation irrespective of religious inclinations, and assist law enforcement agencies to identify corrupt practices as well as proffer solutions toward crime prevention. The organization carries out sensitization at grassroots level and secondary schools. They also conduct moral instructions to all forces and Para-Military Organizations as well as care for widows and orphans of deceased service personnel, dialogue with restive groups and carry out peace mission. 3rd floor, Block B, Gwarinpa Shopping Plaza SHOP AND SMILe SUPeR MARKeT Shop and smile is a self-service shop offering a wide variety of food and household products ranging from dairy, and baked goods , as well as various non-food items such as kitchenware, household cleaners, pharmacy products and pet supplies. Some supermarkets also sell a variety of other household products that are consumed regularly, such as alcohol cosmetics and clothes. The shop is open from Monday to Sunday from 7 am in the morning and closes at 9pm. Shop 30 C Gwarinpa Shopping Mall, Kado. COCACOLA MINI DePOT Cocacola is a long standing soft drink Brand in Nigeria driven by creativity, passion and optimism. The soft drink brand has deports spread across the country. In furtherance of it vision to continue achieving sustainable and quality
Gwarinpa Shopping Plaza, Event Planners
growth, a mini depot was set up at Kado to serve the need to people living at Kado/ Lifecamp extension. The depot supplies Coca-Cola products to smaller shops around the area. Different Coca-Cola products are available in the depot at very affordable price. The depot is open Monday to Sunday from 7am to 9pm. Gwarinpa shopping Plaza FIRST BANK OF NIGeRIA First Bank has solidified itself as a brand of fortitude, strength and innovation in the Nigerian financial sector since its inception in 1894. The iconic African elephant with navy blue and ivory colours has been a national symbol of one of the biggest international players in the financial services industry to date. First bank has branches at different parts of Abuja, and recently it opened a branch at Gwarinpa shopping mall. Some of the products and services offered in the branch include savings account banking, current account banking, term deposits, domiciliary accounts, loans, agricultural finance and more. Ground Floor Block B, Gwarinpa Shopping mall Abuja.
and coordination of weddings in Abuja. Mabota party services helps the couple to plan and execute their wedding without stress. Some of their services include rentals – chair, tables, canopies and chaffing dishes. They also offer decorative services such as balloons, fabrics and floral decorations. They also offer indoor and outdoor catering services. Mabota party services work directly with prospective couples and their families to plan special occasions that suits the personal style of the celebrants. Utako Market w/h 65 Abuja
ALFA SHOWeRS Alfa Showers is an events planning company that mainly specializes in the planning of bridal showers and hen nights. They do everything from planning of classy bridal showers to raunchy hen nights and provide venue, food and drinks, tasteful decor, entertainment, party favors and costumes. Their costumes and accessories include customized t-shirts, tiaras, sashes, cowboy hats, bunny ears, masks and whatever their clients’ imagination can conjure. EVENT PLANNERS They also provide catering services for different BMO eVeNTS occasions and events. Alfa MO Event Arena is one of Showers offers a wide range the leading names in event of flexibility in services in management in Abuja. order to satisfy customer Located in the heart of Federal needs. Their services include Capital Territory, the company Bridal showers, Catering offers an unparalleled service services, General events in the event management planning etc. industry. Their “Shasta” No 34 Lake Chad Crescent, Off sits 1,200 people banquet IBB Way, Maitama. Abuja. style and up-to 4,000 people conference style. When ODAK CATeReRS choosing a venue for your Odak foods specializes in event, it is important to make catering hors d’oeuvres, sure that the property allows dinners, company picnics, you to incorporate same on holiday parties, and all other site promotion for your event. special corporate events. BMO Events Center allows From formal events to you the ability to display daily meetings, they are the banners, signage and signs one-stop-shop for all your with limited restrictions. Their corporate catering needs. on hand facility manager is The company offers flexible available to help make your menu options to fit your event a success from inception tastes, dietary restrictions, to completion. Tailored to and budgetary requirements. the needs of our client, our More interestingly, they facilities are perfect for any can create custom catering Weddings, Conferences, menus for those events Banquet, Balls, Meetings, that call for a little culinary Exhibitions, Kiddies Parties, and financial creativity. Beauty Pageant, Award parties Odak Foods offers an and lots more. exclusive service to event Plot 174, Durban Street,River planners, they help event Plate Park, Wuse II, Wuse, Abuja, plan, organize and deliver Nigeria efficiently. We also render outdoor catering services MARBOTA PARTY SeRVICeS and special training. Mabota party services Julius Berger Camp, After Berger specializes in event planning Clinic Gate Lifecamp.
22 ABUJA A-Z/ WHAT’S UP?
City SIGHTINGS
Sunday, June 29, 2014
What’s Up?
upcoming events
Muslim Media Ramadan lecture
It is the ninth Ramadan lecture of the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) on peace and leadership. Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State is slated as the chairman, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, Minister of State, Defence will be the father of the day and Mohammed Abubakar, Inspector-General of Police as Special Guest of Honour. Other guests expected at the lecture are the FCT Minister, Sen. Bala Mohammed as Chief Host, while Prof .Ishaq Oloyede, Secretary-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) will be the Spiritual father of the day. 11am. National Mosque Hall, Central Business District. Sunday June 29
BBA Star
Former Big Brother Africa housemate, Melvin Oduah made an appearance at a fashion show at Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Zone 4. He looked smart and elegant in a white shirt, black waistcoat, army green pants and black shoes.
WWW
This is the biggest music concert Abuja has been waiting for. It is Worship Works Wonders (WWW) season 1.A time of quality and anointed music, comedy, drama and dance from the very best and anointed artistes. 4PM. FAITHVILLE ASSEMBLY, ANNON PLAZA, APO, GUDU DISTRICT. Sunday June 29
Make A Move
TV Pioneer
Nollywood legend, Joke Silva was spotted at a wedding at Gwarinpa. Dressed in an elegant, baby pink lace iro and buba with a matching gele, she lit up the place with her 100 watts smile and warm reception as she helped around the place.
Beauty Queen
A-Z
Advanced Research Methods, Data Analysis & Software Training
The workshop is highly interactive, reflective, and relevant to specific needs of academics postgraduate students and professional researchers whose research thinking, design, methodology, and software-enabled data. 9AM. NATIONAL MATHEMATICAL CENTRE, ABUJA-LOKOJA EXPRESSWAY, KWALI-SHEDA. Monday June 30
Armoured Vehicles Exhibition
The Armoured Vehicles West Africa, organised by the IQPC Worldwide. The conference will cover areas like Demonstrate to regional forces that you take their challenges and requirements seriously enough to attend or support this event in order to learn more at the time to get involved.9AM-4PM. SHERATON HOTEL. LADI KWALI WAY, ZONE 4. Monday June 30
How to Train Your Dragon 2
When Hiccup and Toothless discover an ice cave that is home to hundreds of new wild dragons and the mysterious Dragon Rider, the two friends find themselves at the centre of a battle to protect the peace. 5:50PM. SILVERBIRD ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE, MEMORIAL DRIVE, CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT. Tuesday July 1
Isabella Ayuk, Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria 2012 was seen at a fashion show at Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Zone 4. She was dressed very differently from what she was used to wearing. She traded in her elegant dresses for a n black boyfriend jacket, distressed blue denim pants, a white top and a pair of high heeled pumps.
Abuja
Make A Move is tagged Healing through Art and follows the story of Ivie’s character. It is a story of self belief, doubt and a fight against an unfavourable environment. 2:50PM. CEDDI PLAZA, TAFAWA BALEWA WAY, CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT. Sunday June 29
The Yard Sale
The Yard Sale where everything goes for N4,000 or less. All things must go. 10AM. CITY PARK, WUSE 2. Saturday July 12
Old School
They say there is no school like the old school. Listen to music from the 60s-00s. Get the nostalgia back up. 5PM. WE 106.3 FM. Sunday July 2
group EDITOR REPORTERS DESIGN
Amina Alhassan Ahman Zanswat Bowsan, Uche Uduma, Chalya Dul IgweNgerem Michael
ACTING EDITOR Auwal Sa'id Mu'azu
FOUNDER Sam Nda-Isaiah CHAIRMAN Hajiya Ireti Kingibe GRP MANAGING DIRECTOR Azubuike Ishiekwene GRP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS Michael Okpere, Dr. Kazeem Durodoye
Abuja A-Z is published as an insert in LEADERSHIP Sunday. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of these listiings. However please contact venues to confirm details
Where’s BUZZING/ ABUJA A-Z 23
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Where’s buzzing?
Dental Clinics, Bus Terminals
Denis Hotel At Denis Hotel you are guaranteed that everyone in your party will leave satisfied and happy if you do need to work while you’re there or plan hosting an event, do so in one of the hotel’s meeting room/ halls. At Sam’s Pastry Shop, you will find the perfect place to gather with co-workers, family and friends to cool off after work stress. Special sit out at the pool comes up fortnightly on Wednesday showcasing local African Delicacies like Nkwobi, Isi Ewu, peppered Snail, fresh cat Fish Pepper Soup and lost more. At Denis Hotel, they are mindful of drivers and how important they are to your business; hence the hospitality has been extended by providing a complimentary fully air conditioned drivers lodge. Denis Hotel is the only hotel in Abuja that has a drivers lodge. Plot 910 Njamena Street, Off Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse 2
Dental Clinics Bethel Dental Clinic, Bethel Dental Clinic, was set up in 2006 by a group of young, dynamic dental surgeons and therapist who offer services in surgical, restorative and preventive and orthodontic dentistry to private and corporate patients. Their facilities is carefully structured to meet the growing dental awareness, while keeping track of the ever-changing medical technology and standards worldwide. Their services include oral surgery treatment, restorative treatment prosthetic treatment and orthodontic treatment are competitively priced. The clinic is registered with Private Health Establishment’s Registration and Monitoring Committee (PHERMC) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). Nwaora Plaza, No 3, Dar Salaam Street, off Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja Nigerian Turkish Nizamiye Hospital Nigerian Turkish Nizamiye Hospital, is one of the most important constituents of Abuja health care system. The hospital provides a high quality health care service in all medical specialties including dental care. The hospital was established in 2013. Since then, it has dedicated itself to serve its patients with the most advanced diagnostic and
treatment methods. Its services include tartar cleaning, dental cleaning, root treatment, embedded teeth operations, filling, and porcelain and crowns treatment, filling of milk teeth, dental X-ray, Fissure cover application and post care application. Plot 113 Sector S. Cadastral Zone, Lifecamp Abuja Kings Care Hospital At King’s Care Dental Clinic, a full range of personalized, quality dental services is delivered in a pleasing, hygienic and relaxing environment primed to meet your every dental need. The clinic offers up-to-date dental services, both as private dentistry and as NHIS. Their comprehensive dental services include dental examination and diagnosis with intra-oral camera and X-ray. The clinic also offers scaling and polishing, dental whitening, pediatric dentistry and advanced dentistry implant. Most importantly, these services are expertly handled by well trained professionals in a hygienic and aesthetically pleasing environment. Their services are available Mondays to Fridays from 8am to 8pm and on Saturdays from 9am to 2pm. Plot 2181 Ibb Way Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja Capital Zankli clininc Zankli Medical Centre is one of the leading private hospitals in Abuja with a vision
to renders the best healthcare services, which can compete with any first class rated hospital anywhere in the world. The hospital which is located in Utako district of Abuja in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria was established in Abuja in 1997. The hospital provides excellent care in various specialties of Medicine and Surgery including dentistry. It has approximately 180 members of staff committed to delivering high-quality clinical care using systems and procedures that are safe and effective, both for staff and patients. Plot 1021, B5 Shehu Yar’adua Way, Opp Federal Ministry of Works, Utako Smile Dental Clinic Smile Dental Group offers comprehensive dental and laboratory services. The clinic was first clinic opened in 1989, in Kaduna and since then, it has risen to establish other well equipped clinics in various sites in Abuja, Nigeria. Some of their services include implantsinhabitational sedation, digital radiography, and oral surgery. Their consultants are specialists in their fields with decades of current and relevant experience. Each of their associate dentists have clocked several years’ experience, and all their staff are also engaged in continuous professional development Suite C2 [Ground Floor] Orji Uzor Kalu House 1st Avenue Central Business District Abuja – Nigeria
24 ABUJA A-Z/ WHERE’S BUZZING
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Pastry Shoppe Upon entering through Pastry Shoppes door your hit by an aroma of deliciousness, the air is filled with the scent of freshly baked bread, specially carved pastries, buns, and cakes, with coffee in the air. With over 20 different varieties of cakes and pastries to choose from. A cake
that would go great with a cup of tea, preferably Earl Grey. Dine in or take out, whichever suits your fancy. Everything on the menu is tempting, the look alone has mouth salivating. 124 Aminu Crescent, Opposite GLO, Wuse 2
BUS TERMINALS
Good is Good Motors
Cross Country Limited
Ifesinachi Motors
Good is Good Motors God is Good Motors aspires to be a leader in land transportation, and truly become the most preferred transport Company in Nigeria by the year 2015. The company is committed to technology advancements, safety, and exceptional customer satisfaction. The transport company believes in surpassing its competitors not just in service but in safety too. Their dedicated safety department routinely runs motor vehicle reports on their drivers and performs criminal background checks prior to employment. Their job is to screen and train every driver, as well as to implement the procedures that keep you safe. Their dedication to training is rooted in the God Is Good vision for how a transportation company should operate. With the goal of exceeding their customers’ expectations, their Human Resources Department guides their entire workforce in customized skills programs. God is Good has parks in different parts on Nigeria including Abuja. Plot 133, Utako District, FCT Abuja Cross Country Limited Cross Country Limited is incorporated on May 2, 2001. The company commenced operations of intercity and intracity transportations in December 2002 with fleet of 132 vehicles. Apart from its inter and intra city transportation services, Cross Country Limited also offers car rental services, haulage services, courier Services, hotel reservations, warehousing of the goods carried and accommodation for passengers on transit
and persons intending to passengers. The transport company has terminals in different parts of the country including Abuja. Okotie Eboh street, Utako District
otherwise use air service. The operations within and outside Nigeria are carried out in ultra-modern terminals, with comfortable lounges in various cities like Abuja, Ghana and Lagos. ABC buses are dubbed with the company’s trademark, ‘the Reindeer’. Ifesinachi Motors For the company›s Ifesinachi Motors is one of the remarkable achievement big transport companies in in transportation, ABC Nigeria, which is particular Transport was adjudged the about their customers’ safety Best Transporter in Nigeria and comfort. Travelers enjoy by the Chartered Institute of comfort and experience Transport, Nigeria and has the pleasure of travelling since then consistently won by road with the transport the National Bus Operator company. Ifesinachi has of the Year Award along with numerous travel points other accolades by renowned across Nigeria, and ensures bodies. that its bus parks are in No. 36, Ekukinam Street, Utako every major city to provide Abuja their customers with the excellent service, which their long term customers have Chisco identified with since 1972. Chisco Transport Company The buses are scheduled to aims to be the best leave the parks on time and transport and logistics they ensure that passenger organisation in the African get to your destination continent, rendering without delay. Ifesinachi the highest quality and Transport Company is innovative customerequipped with heavy duty focused services. The equipment and vehicles to company was established handle your shipment across in 1978 by Chief Dr. Chidi the country. No matter the Anyaegbu (MFR). The size or logistics involved. Its company evolved from haulage Service is outfitted a small firm selling auto to satisfy your need and parts, through a micro offer you the confidence transporter transporting needed to deliver your passengers with one bus shipment at your location of from Lagos to Eastern choice. Nigeria into a Global No. 22 Ekukinam Street, Utako, Company and Brand diversified to deliver Abuja, FCT, Nigeria excellence in end-to-end. Transportation/Integrated ABC Terminals Logistics and associated ABC Transport Plc commenced services. Their key focus operation in road passenger is transportation and transportation on February Integrated logistics. This is 13, 1993 as an off-shoot all that they do, and they of Rapido Ventures with a strive to do it right. It is view to running a modern this commitment that sets road transportation system them apart as the leading in Nigeria. ABC Transport indigenous transport/ operates luxury bus services integrated logistics firm according to accepted in Nigeria. With over 500 international standards fleet, they are visible in all of road transportation. the states of Nigeria and Its services are specially the West Coast of Africa. designed for distinguishing Ekukinam Street, Utako Abuja travelers who would
ceoConfidential #118, June 29, 2014
IF YOU’LL BE...
leonardo del vecchio
chairman and founder, Luxottica
>26
>29 OTHER BIZ
Yahoo ceo’S nap inSpireS jokeS on twitter >32 HOUSEKEEPING
famouS entrepreneurS: who theY are and how they were educated (8) >46 TIPOFFS
5 thingS one need to Stop doing to Your emploYeeS right now
• Prateek Shrivastava, co-founder of Beyound Branches InternatIonal
ShrivaStava deepenS acceSS to financial ServiceS
26 CEOConfidential
Sunday, June 29, 2014
in brief ESSENTIALS
10 Questions for...
FOR ENTREPRENEURS
Yunana Elisha CEO, Craftsman Fabrication, Training and Research Company Limited
Read a magazine “Research serves to make building stones out of stumbling blocks” Arthur D. Little, 1863-1935 Chemist at MIT who discovered acetate and was co-founder of Arthur D, an international management consulting firm that focuses on technology research. Most industries have both trade and consumer magazines full of articles by qualified and experienced writers. Do your research and educate yourself about your own industry. Reading magazines can provide you with recent updates on what is happening in your chosen niche as well as the specific technical language needed to do business in your industry. If you are able to talk professionally about your new business, you become all the more credible in the eyes of suppliers and prospects. Your customers and competitors in the industry are reading the same material, so use your new-found knowledge to gain insights, ideas and sales leads.
Create a scalable business “Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning” Benjamin Franklin, 1706-90
Scientist, diplomat and political writer, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America. If you have seen an opportunity to do something better than other people, remember a very important rule: create the solution for everybody, not a product that solves a problem for you alone. If you are developing a product, ensure that you can produce and sell it in sufficient quantity to enable economic production runs. A scalable opportunity is exactly what potential investors in your business are looking for. Scalability implies a vehicle for growth as well as a long-term, profitable exit strategy for investors, which is a reason for them to be involved in the first place.
IF YOU’LL BE... Leonardo del Vecchio chairman and founder, Luxottica Chart the course of your life. Never despair Del Vecchio was one of five children who could not be supported by his widowed mother. He grew up poor and after his father died, his mother sent him to an orphanage at age 7. After growing up in the orphanage, he went to work in a factory making moulds for auto parts and eyeglass frames, where he lost part of his finger. Set up your business. Seize opportunities At 25, Del Vecchio opened his own moulding shop. That eyeglass frame shop expanded to the world’s largest maker of sunglasses and prescription eyeware. Luxottica makes brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley, with 6,000 retail shops like Sunglass Hut and LensCrafters. Now the company manufactures glasses for virtually every luxury brand in the world, including Burberry, Bulgari, Chanel, Coach, DKNY, Dolce & Gabbana, Armani, Prada, Ralph Lauren, Tiffany and Versace. His estimated net worth is now above $10bn. – By Olujide Olusola
TIMELESS TRUTHS Use your intuition “Use your intuition. I define intuition as the way we translate our experience into action. Our experience lets us recognise what is going on) making judgements) and how to react (making decisions). Because our experience enables us to recognise what to do, we don’t deliberately have to think through issues to arrive at good decisions quickly”. Gary Klein, consultant and author, The Power of intuition
2. Which TV or movie character would you like to go into business with? I do not have one in mind at the moment. 3. If you were to start your own political party, what would be the platform? It would be directed towards the industrialisation of the Nigeria state. 4. Whom would you trade places with? Bill Gates, the American business magnate, philanthropist, investor, computer programmer, and inventor. 5. It’s 8 p.m. and you are travelling alone on business. What do you do all night? Review the business meeting to ensure everything is in place. 6. If you could time-travel, where would you be? In the world’s best technological research institute. 7. What have you learnt about yourself as you serve in that organisation? I’ve learnt that I’m very creative and thorough. 8. What have you sacrificed for success? I’ve sacrificed personal pleasure and ample time to spend with my friends. 9. What do you consider your favourite achievement? Being able to set up my company. 10. What is your motto? Wisdom is more desirable than strength. Interview by Daniel Udechukwu
group
ceoConfidential ASST. EDITOR Daniel Udechukwu CORRESPONDENT Salome Anyasodo REPORTER Olusola Olujide GRAPHICS Luke Utomi
1. What business do you not want to start but wish someone else would? Palm oil or groundnut oil production because of the lucrative nature of the business.
ACTING EDITOR Auwal Sa'id Mu'azu
FOUNDER Sam Nda-Isaiah CHAIRMAN Hajiya Ireti Kingibe GRP MANAGING DIRECTOR Azubuike Ishiekwene GRP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS Michael Okpere, Dr. Kazeem Durodoye
A number of the articles here are sourced from diverse sources. Feedback & enquiries ceoconfidential@leadership.ng
CEOConfidential
Sunday, June 29, 2014
27
popular with CEOs Compiled by Salome Anyasodo
The Recommender What are the business quotes for this week that make sense or are just humourous?
A Brief Guide Don’t know what you want to see, hear, smell taste and feel? Don’t worry we did it for you.
SEE The fault in our stars
Cassava, one of Nigeria’s highly farmed produce
Some perishable foods
Food and culture, international pride Agriculture in Nigeria is a major branch of the economy, providing employment for 70% of the population, engaging about 70% of the labour force. Agricultural holdings are generally small and scattered; farming is often of the subsistence variety, characterised by simple tools and shifting cultivation. Nigeria’s diverse climate, from the tropical areas of the coast to the arid zone of the north, make it possible to produce virtually all agricultural products that can be grown in the tropical and semitropical areas of the world. The economic benefits of large-scale agriculture are recognised, and the government favours the formation of cooperative societies and settlements to encourage industrial agriculture. Large-scale agriculture, however, is
Duke
not common. Despite an abundant water supply, a favourable climate, and wide areas of arable land, productivity is restricted owing to low soil fertility in many areas and inefficient methods of cultivation. Agriculture contributed 32% to GDP in 2001. As part of activities to mark one hundred years of food culture and hospitality in Nigeria, a Nigerian Food and Cultural Fair Nigeria was organised, which is a huge step in the right direction where our food and culture can be displayed and expanded through the robust patronage and appreciation of local cuisines. Nigerian states has between twenty-five to forty varieties of food, which makes Nigeria a great country, hence the need for citizens to realise that food is a central part of
Edem Duke, Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, “ The nation’s culture sector would move Nigeria from a monoeconomy, create wealth and generate youth employment.”
BIZ Lingo
Accessibility
Kanayo
Accessibility refers to the ease by which an audience is able to receive, understand and act upon communications and services from businesses, big corporations, agencies, local and central government. Accessibility is a relatively modern concept, becoming increasingly prominent from the late 1900s, especially concerning state services, and particularly for disadvantaged, disabled, or minority groups of people. The concept and central
their culture. Food and Culture stands an important point for both domestic and international tourists to savour the rich array of dishes in Nigerian restaurants in and around the country as well as airline inflight meals, not only will our food become a major plank of the nation’s transformation but will also be accorded global recognition. Food and tourism sector is a critical sector in the nation’s economy. The greatest thing we can collectively do for ourselves and the Country as a whole is as to indigenously develop that which we have and ensure that Nigerians patronise their products. It is worthy to note the fact that our food is our identity and we should more so work towards promoting our food culture to national and international pride.
Kanayo O. Kanayo, Chairman, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), “Nigeria can be expanded through the robust patronage and appreciation of local cuisines.”
principles of accessibility are however very relevant and important for all communicators, on a personal and organisational level. Major factors of accessibility include: language and grammar style, translation (where required), font/print size, typeface/font style, design, technical ease (relating to electronic media), media types/ versions (web, print, audio, video, as required), timings and availability of information, detail and complexity, esoterica, gobbledegook, legalese
One day’s happiness often predicts the nexts day’s creative. leo Terasa amabile,
Hazel and Gus are two teenagers who share an acerbic wit, a disdain for the conventional, and a love that sweeps them on a journey. Their relationship is all the more miraculous given that Hazel’s other constant companion is an oxygen tank, Gus jokes about his prosthetic leg, and they met and fell in love at a cancer support group.
Psychologist
hear Prof Julius Okojie Okojie, OON, Executive Sec, (NUC) at the National Conference of Educators in Banking and Finance in Nigeria. Never hire someone who knows less than you do about what he’s hired to do. Malcolm forbes,
Businessman
Organised by the National Universities Commission in collaboration with The Charted Institute of bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), the conefence themed “Banking and Finane Education in Nigeria: The 21st Century Perspective” holds at Idris Abdulkadir Auditorium, NUC, Abuja, on the 2nd, 3rd July, 2014.
taste Italian Cacio e pepe,
Hardwork never killed anybody, but why take a chance? edgar bergen,
Ventriloquist
Cacio e Pepe is a Roman pasta dish. “Cacio e Pepe” means “cheese and pepper” in several central Italian languages. The ingredients include pepper flakes and gooey, melted cheese as the name implies.
FEEL Costa Rica Kayaking Adventure
a glide through the canals of Tortuguero by kayak, a search for wildlife in the dense green forest canopy, with a view of the beautiful vistas on Lake Arenal in a kayak paddleboarding by oneself.
SMELL A honest man is one who knows that he can’t consume more than he has produced. ayn Rand,
Author
Katy Perry Purr
Developed by Firmenich perfumer house, combining top notes of peach, forbidden apple, gardenia and green bamboo with the heart of jasmine, pink freesia and Bulgarian rose and the base of vanilla orchid, creamy sandalwood, white amber, coconut and musk.
28 CEOConfidential
Sunday, June 29, 2014
The ceoConfidential interview Shrivastava deepens access to financial services
Shrivastava shares his focus on using mobile phone-based technology to help increase access to financial services. INTERVIEW BY ANYASODO SALOME
SHRIVASTAVA IN SHORT Prateek Shrivastava is the cofounder of Beyound Branches International. He bagged an MBA (with distinction), specialising in Microfinance and Mobile Banking Solutions, 2006, Henley Management College (UK); MSc (with distinction), Computing and Information Technology, 1997, University of Western Sydney (Australia); and BSc, Applied Science, Computing, 1996, University of Western Sydney (Australia). During the past 20 years, his theme has been to use technology as the vehicle for making lives easier and to understand the reasons that make businesses and projects successful in different cultural contexts. He has published several papers and journals and is a member of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Microfinance and Financial Inclusion.
I plan my day... I shuffle between the routine of gettingover-jet-lag, skipping meals, staying awake and a life dictated by meeting in various country destinations since I travel about 50 per cent of the time mainly to Asia and Africa and at least twice a year to North America. Regardless of where I have to be in the day, I typically wake up at 6AM, make a cup of tea, check emails. Breakfast time is daddy’s time since I cannot guarantee that I will see my daughter awake at night. Plan my day to have most meetings before 3pm (if possible). Meet with clients or friends for a drink in the evening. I try to be home for dinner every day. Beyound Branches International... The main challenge with mobile banking and payments is customer adoption which is driven by access to services that are easy
to use and accessible (mobile phones, find an agent you can use easily). We help agents begin transacting immediately and feel engaged to provide financial services. The goal is to build a secure, standardised and professional agent network that any bank or financial services provider can use. We are building high quality agents in Nigeria as our first country. My family wants me to succeed. Stopping anything I do will make me feel like I have let my family down... Having a great and open team that continually supports each other with advice and emotion and sharing common very strong vision – makes life easier on the tough road, pushing boulders up mountains every day. Knowing we are all responsible for each other keeps us going. My wife is my biggest cheerleader and
Sunday, June 29, 2014
CEOConfidential
45
SHRIVASTAVA ON FAILURE
The worse that can happen is that one fails; and when one does, he/ she has learnt another way not to go about a particular thing. supporter. She is also my rock. My parents are amazing and they all want me to succeed. Stopping anything I do will make me feel like I have let my family down. This is a big driver. The fundamental reason I left a high profile job was to build services that help increase access to finance. Until I have achieved the goals that I set for myself, I cannot stop. I have good friends too, we support each other. We have great team work. I am passionate about bringing access to financial services... I am passionate about bringing access to financial services for those who can benefit most from it. To make it easy for people to understand what services they have potential access to such as, loans, insurance, transfer of funds without going to the physical bank but also bringing the bank to the people. Further making outlets of the banks around them, inculcating the use of mobile technology to perform simply transactions.
I enjoy cooking – it is my great stress buster – relax with a nice drink. I love and go cycling within and around my neighbourhood. In addition, I love music (listening, going to concerts) and landscape photography. I also read high speed historical and fantasy fiction, travel to at least one new country a year with my family. Helping each other generally makes the world a better place. .. I fundamentally believe we need to help the next person, whoever they are, because if they are happy, the environment is happy and generally makes the world a better place. It is very simply and important building block I have.
Reward people for their commitment... Do no give up on yourself which is your support system. The worse that can happen is that one fails, when one fails, he/she has learnt another way not to go about a particular thing. Keep a laser-focus on your personal aims and ambitions. Trust people. Do not be selfish. Bring people along – It is very difficult support their personal achieving a work, aims and ambitions. family, faith and Reward people for leisure balance... their commitment and It is very difficult doing entice high performance or achieving this. I wish behaviours. Share equity someone could tell me in your firm. If they own how to do it better! But it they will protect it like I try to ensure I spend as their own and help you much time with my wife move forward. Having and daughter as I can. 10% of a mammoth pie To be a part of their lives is better than having and be their support. 70% of a small pie.
CEOConfidential
Sunday, June 29, 2014
initiatives
29
Lere Baale, lerebaale@gmail.com
Leadership Intiative For Excellence (LIFE) Series.
Leadership Is Everyone’s Business(iii) It is about saying hard truths out of compassion for another person face-to-face rather than complaining about them behind their back. It is about calling out the beauty you see. It is about doing the little things flawlessly every… single…time. It is about making others feel larger than life. Go lead today. Do not wait for permission. Leadership is everyone’s business. Words do inspire but only actions transform. As Leaders, we must be taking actions on our words, and be a model for many others around us. In order to enhance the culture of leadership as everyone’s business in any organization, we need to follow the following guidelines: 1. Input from every level of an organization is a key reason industries are known as movers and shaker’s. To stand out and be noticed it takes a “nation”. It isn’t only the people in your company that matter anymore. It is a collaborative view from your inner and outer tribe. (“A tribe is a group of people connected to one another, connected to a leader, and connected to an idea” – “Tribes – We Need You to Lead Us” – Seth Godin) 2. By transferring some of the leadership to the smaller
OTHER BIZ
Mayer
players in your organization you begin to empower them to share their brilliance. Freeing up the creativity in unrelated departments invites participation, new ideas, and ownership of the “project” vision and desired outcome. By creating openings for contribution you enrich as a leader and create people willing to follow dynamically. 3. Your outer clients/ customers have constantly shifting viewpoints, different priorities, and fleeting loyalty. When you are working with a moving target leading becomes more challenging. By engaging the thinkers, the idea people, and the creative artists in your organization, and on your teams, you begin to shift your mind-set and become more open to making the swift changes that make a difference. Invite your follower’s to participate by listening to their input and ideas of how to keep them interested. 4. It is especially important in product driven companies to find the sparks that fire up loyalty. Why are they choosing you and your product over the competition? Hone in on that, take it to your “creative team”, and see how to expand your reach. You might be surprised at the ideas that come from someone in an unrelated part of your inner
“Effective leaders are aware of their emotions and are able to monitor them and then use them in appropriate ways and in the proper context.” or outer organization. 5. Things to ask yourself as you make leadership everyone’s responsibility Am I engaging the brilliance of everyone on my team, or just a few? How am I staying current with the changing dynamics and needs of our customers? How am I preparing the others in my organization or team to lead our outer tribe? What way is social media being utilized by the inner and outer influencers? How do we understand leadership? It has been necessary for humans for thousands of years. Various cultures have attempted to define it, understand it and apply its principles. As humans we take many things for granted. Subconsciously we search for routines and look for mentors within our personal lives or our professions. The challenge is to know what to look for and then allow ourselves to become a great leader. Where does it all start? Does it happen after graduation, with the first job or when a practitioner is promoted to a managerial position? Who are the leaders of today or tomorrow? How are they being prepared, led
or mentored? The question is how do practitioners motivate themselves to enhance leadership abilities in order to become better leaders? Who are the great leaders of the occupational therapy profession today? One might look at the American Occupational Therapy Association leaders, or at an immediate supervisor. How do practitioners look at themselves in terms of leadership? Practitioners need to look in the mirror and reflect upon their leadership abilities. These reflections should include professional interests, possible mentors and initiation of mentor relationships. Leaders that are effective surrounded themselves with role models who were willing to act as mentors. In general people are led and resources are managed!. The distinction between what is considered management and what is considered leadership is analysed in detail by the authors. A manager tends to be more reactive by nature of the job. There are policies and procedures to be followed and processes to be established. A health care leader has more
proactive involvement in developing the organizational culture, and in designing strategic systems. Systems are engineered in order to maximize efficiency, resources, and effectiveness in compliance with each profession’s regulations. Each healthcare provider needs to understand where they fit within the interdisciplinary puzzle. Effective leaders are aware of their emotions and are able to monitor them and then use them in appropriate ways and in the proper context. Positive work environments are created by effective leaders, along with each member of their teams. Leaders who promote leadership as a culture of everyone are mindful, compassionate, hopeful and are skilled in eliciting affiliate and affirmative emotions in others. They are mindful in that they are fully aware of themselves, others and the e environment…They face challenges and opportunities with equanimity and respect the contributions of the people they lead and those who serve. CONtiNueS Next week
Yahoo CEO’s nap inspires jokes on Twitter Twitter account spent a few hours lampooning Marissa Mayer for missing a meeting with ad execs because she overslept. The Internet’s judgement is swift and, sometimes, hilarious. Coming in the wake of Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer’s napping kerfuffle, at least one person took to Twitter and created a parody account with the handle @tiredmarissa. The account, which sprang up, included several tweets making comical reference to reports that the Yahoo YHOO 0.42% head overslept
last week and showed up almost two hours late to a dinner with several media buyers and advertisers in Cannes. The Twitter TWTR 3.12% account, which appeared to have been taken down a few hours after its debut, gained notoriety for a series of comments over the course of several hours, including a message that read: “Still in bed. Watching Judge Judy.” Another post expressed surprise and outrage at the fact that Yahoo’s annual shareholder meeting kicks off at 8 a.m.
PST Wednesday morning. (In an instance of two memes colliding with one another, the account later touched on a major plot point arising from Tuesday’s World Cup match between Italy and Uruguay when it wondered if it could “hire that Suarez dude to bite me every time I nod off in [a] meeting?”) Mayer is likely hoping that mini media storm over her sleeping habits ends up being as brief as the lifespan of @ tiredmarissa.
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Sunday, June 29, 2014
situation reports Compiled by Olujide Olusola
Brand Beginnings Toyota: The car of high performance
T
oyota is a Japanese automotive manufacturer headquartered in Toyota, Aichi, Japan. In 2013 the multinational corporation consisted of 333,498 employees worldwide and, as of January 2014, is the fourteenth-largest company in the world by revenue. The company was founded by Kiichiro Toyoda in 1937 as a spinoff from his father’s company Toyota Industries to create automobiles. Three years earlier, in 1934, while still a department of Toyota Industries, it created its first product, the Type A engine, and, in 1936, its first passenger car, the Toyota AA. Toyota Motor Corporation produces vehicles under 5 brands, including the Toyota brand, Hino, Lexus, Ranz, and Scion. Post-war growth After World War II, Japan experienced extreme economic difficulty. Commercial passenger car production started in 1947 with the model SA. The company was on the brink of bankruptcy by the end of 1949, but the company eventually obtained a loan from a consortium of banks which stipulated an independent sales operation and elimination of “excess manpower”. In June 1950, the company produced only 300 trucks and was on the verge of going out of business. The management announced layoffs and wage reductions, and in response the union went on a strike that lasted two months. The strike was resolved by an agreement that included layoffs and pay reductions but also the resignation of the president at the time, Kiichiro Toyoda. Toyoda was succeeded by Taizo Ishida, who was the chief executive of the Toyoda Automatic Loom company. The first few months of the Korean War resulted in an order of over 5,000 vehicles from the US military, and the company was revived. Ishida was credited for his focus on investment in equipment. One example was the construction of the Motomachi Plant in 1959, which gave Toyota a decisive lead over Nissan during the 1960s. In 1950, a separate sales company, Toyota Motor Sales Co., was established (which lasted until July 1982). In April 1956, the Toyopet dealer chain was established. In 1957, the Crown became the first Japanese car to be exported to the United States and Toyota’s American and Brazilian divisions, Toyota Motor Sales Inc. and Toyota do Brasil S.A., were also established Resilience The resilience of the Toyota brand seems to have closed the chapter on sudden acceleration and helped the carmaker in reclaiming its global leadership position. Toyota’s Prius customers continue to deepen their connection to the
Toyota portfolio. At the same time, the Prius lineup is creating an influx of new customers to the Toyota brand. And thanks to the generous subsidies and reduced taxes on cleaner cars, hybrids are a clear differentiator for Toyota, so the Prius portfolio continues to grow. In addition to showing solid numbers with repeat customers, Toyota is strengthening its appeal with younger consumers. The brand has intensified its incentives push and reduced its fleet sales. This helps customers find a good deal while also holding the line on the resale value of their vehicle. While relying on incentives will undermine the brand, overall spending remains among the lowest in the industry. Europe continues to be a challenge for the brand, but, overall, management will be focused on evolving its messaging and communications while reinventing a maturing brand with more stylish and better-looking vehicles. Global presence Toyota began to expand in the 1960s with a new research and development facility, a presence in Thailand was established, the 10 millionth models was produced, a Deming Prize, and partnerships with Hino Motors and Daihatsu were also established. The first Toyota built outside Japan was in April 1963, at Melbourne, Australia. From 1963 until 1965, Australia was Toyota’s biggest export market. By the end of the decade, Toyota had established a worldwide presence, as the company had exported its onemillionth unit. The first Japanese vehicles to arrive in North America were five Land Cruisers in El Salvador in May 1953. The first Toyotas sent to Europe were two Toyopet Tiaras sent to Finland for evaluation in June 1962, but no sales followed.
Management IDEAS
BPR
Business process reengineering (BPR) was the hot management idea of the 1990s. Enthusiasm for it has cooled, but its underlying principles still make good sense, particularly when applied to bigger, older companies that have become set in their ways. BPR was popularised, if not exactly invented, by Michael Hammer and James Champy in their 1993 book, ‘Reengineering the Corporation’. Hammer liked to say that BPR was about ‘reversing the
Industrial Revolution’. What he meant was that, while customer wants and needs were continually shifting in the new Information Age, the way in which many companies met those needs was fixes in concrete. Processes are pivotal to BPR. Classically, organisations are divided into departments, and processes are divided into tasks that are then distributed across those departments. People must question the old rules and assumptions.
ADVICE
Great Leaders Serve With Great Returns Most of us believe that the best leaders are those who help, support, guide and serve. But what we don’t always realize is that the more we give, the more we help, the more we guide, and the more we serve, the more we get back in return. Great leaders serve with their time The precious resource of time is among the greatest of gifts. When we give freely of our time we get gratitude in return. It’s a reward that can rarely be bought, and it has great value. Great leaders serve with empathy When we think about those who matter to us most, those who have made the biggest difference in our lives, it is not the ones who offered us quick fixes or even the best advice, but it is the ones who listened to us with empathy. When we offer empathy and listening ear, and we are rewarded with learning. Great leaders serve with patience Patience is not learned when everything is going well but is cultivated when everything is falling apart and nothing is going right. Great leaders extend their support, allowing what needs to happen without looking for perfection. In return, we gain new stores of patience for the future. Great leaders serve with recognition When we give recognition to another, we are finding special moments and acknowledging their gifts. It is among the noblest gestures, and in return we receiving the gift of knowing we have helped others grow. Great leaders serve with connection When we care about others, we make it our business to connect with them; when we connect we create
Lolly Daskal, president and founder of Lead From Within
intimacy; when we create intimacy, we feel connected; and connection creates loyalty. When we connect with others we receive alliance. Great leaders serve with forgiveness We all make mistakes and mess up. That means we are risking more, trying more, taking more chances. When we allow the space for forgiveness, in return we receive creativity and innovation. Great leaders serve with mentorship There are many ways to pass on wisdom and skills, and help others learn how to be better in their lives. When we lighting the heart of someone else, in return the our own flame is extended. Great leaders serve with great returns, when we commit to serving, the benefits are exponential. When we are of service to others—when we give, support, guide, mentor— we are really receiving what we need most. Lead From Within Do what great leaders do and be of service to others. Give much and receive much in return.
CEOConfidential
Sunday, June 29, 2014
getting ahead
31
Duncan Bannatyne, Britain’s best-known entrepreneur
Mistakes Businesses Make MISTAKE 37 Over-complication
DiFFeRenTiATe oR Die
“If your business has several income streams, or serves several markets, then try and find the thing that unifies them” What business are you in? The best answer is always a short answer. If you can’t explain what your business does – and most importantly who it’s for – in a sentence, then you don’t really know what your business is. By and large, the simplest businesses are the strongest and if you overcomplicate your business you confuse your customers and make things difficult for your staff. You also risk getting muddled yourself as it’s always difficult to know which project needs your time and concentration. Get some focus A simple business does not, however, mean a business that only does one thing: it means a business that only has one focus. Let me explain. Imagine for a moment that you’re a hotelier in a resort town in Britain. Your hotel is a modest business so, following advice from someone like me, you make the effort to find new revenue streams. You realise that you could also offer a taxi service to pick guests up from the station, or after they’ve had dinner on the seafront. Perhaps you identify eight additional revenue streams. Now, what business are you in? If your answer is that you run
Business icons
a hotel but also operate a taxi service and offer surf lessons, plus there are a few other things on the side, then my first reaction is that you have over-complicated your business. If however, you told me that you were in the holiday business, then suddenly I – and hopefully you – would realise that you only have a single focus, which is making your guests have the best possible time. At the other end of the business spectrum, international oil firm BP has diversified into renewable energy in the past decade. This might seem at first to be contradictory: after all, isn’t one the enemy of the other? However, such a move makes sense when you realise that BP has stopped being exclusively an oil business that started being an energy business. Diversification doesn’t have to mean disintegration if you keep your focus. Simple is better than confused History tells us that when things get too complicated, they fail. The financial crash of 2008 was largely caused because banks had been trading financial instruments so complicated bankers didn’t understand them. Enron, the failed US energy company, started
creating subsidiaries to hide the company’s debt and it got so complicated that few knew where the debt had disappeared to. Woolworths, you could also argue, failed because it expanded its range of goods too far – was it a sweetshop, a record shop, a children’s clothes shop, a DIY shop? – and then couldn’t decide if it was a high-street business, an online retailer or an out-of-town superstore. If your business has several income streams, or serves several markets, then try and find the thing that unifies them. The best way to do this is to think how you serve your customers and work out what business they think you’re in. If you can bring the same focus to your various strands then you make your business more coherent. Crucially, you make it easier to explain to the people who you hope will buy from you. If you can’t find a unifying focus for your business, you might want to think about jettisoning part of your business. You might be able to sell it, or you could start a separate company for it. You might even be better off if you just ditch it: if you gain focus and purpose by losing it, the rest of your business stands to flourish.
Bringing heritage forward But tradition isn’t always enough, says an Associated Press business writer. “Companies of all stripes have spent recent years devising new marketing tactics that blend consumercomforting tradition with the progressiveness that’s crucial to continued success.” Wells Fargo Bank, of Pony Express and stagecoach beginnings could take its original idea and makes it relevant by simply stating, “Fast then. Fast now.” The difference is that today’s stagecoaches travel at the speed of light via advanced computer networks. L.L.Bean jazzes up its catalogue, goes online, and introduces women’s clothing – while carefully maintaining its New England image. Says a spokesman, “You take the classic appeal and you take it to another generation.” The continued success of Tabasco in the pepper sauce business is an example of the balance between honouring your heritage and looking forward. Its advertising strikes traditional themes such as down-home Louisiana bayous and pepper mash aged in oak barrels. But the company also presents itself as with-it and trendy, with Tabasco neck-ties, Cajun-cooking festivals, and new Tabasco-laced drinks that originates in rural Louisiana oyster bars.
Leadership lessons continues from next week
Oprah Winfrey, President, Oprah Winfrey Network
Be real Winfrey can talk about anything to anybody with a sense of respect and integrity and an agenda of educating others. Her effective managerial style comes into play in all of her media ventures, especially her TV show. From pop-culture icons to unknown activists from half a world away, from survivors of childhood abuse to spouse abusers, Winfrey talks to them all as equals, seeing herself as a human being first, trying to make a connection with others. Winfrey has not contributed any money
to political campaign contribution since 1999. Before that, she gave the largest percentage to Democratic candidate, donating $16,000 in 1997, versus $1000 to Republican candidates in the same year. A number of distinctive criticisms have been thrown at Winfrey. Though her influence is largely seen as good for industry, increasing sales of books and products seen on her show, it can also be used to harm industry. Her overwhelming reach once brought the cattle industry to its knees,
for instance. Ranchers claimed a $12m loss after Winfrey swore off hamburgers on her show for fear of mad cow disease. She broadcasted an episode of her show in 1996 about the problems surrounding the outbreak of mad cow disease in Great Britain. The episode, which was labelled ‘dangerous food,’ included a guest who suggested that unless the U.S. banned certain practices, a mad cow disease epidemic in the U.S. would “make AIDS look like the common cold.” concluded
32 CEOConfidential
housekeeping
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Compiled by Olujide Olusola
Famous Entrepreneurs: Who they are and how they were educated (8)
Michael G. Rubin Blake Ross Ross is the co-creator of Firefox, born on June 12, 1985. He attended Gulliver preparatory school before proceeding to Stanford University. He has an estimated $150m.
Evan Spiegel The founder of Snapchat who was born in 1990. He attended Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences and Stanford University. His company is estimated to value $3bn.
A dropout of Villanova University, the founder of Kynetic an e-commerce company also attended Plymouth Whitemarsh High school. He is estimated to worth $2.3bn. He was born in 1972.
Martha Stewart Famous for Martha Stewart Living Omni Media, born in 1941. Stewart attended Nutley high school and Barnard College. She is estimated to worth $300m.
David O. Sacks He is famous for Yammer and was born on May 25, 1972. He attended Memphis University school and Stanford and university of Chicago for his higher education. Yammer is worth $20m.
Jeremy Stoppelman Worth $222m, the co-founder of Yelp was born in November 1977. He attended Langley high school; university of Illinois; Harvard business school, though he left the MBA programme after one year.
Howard Schultz The $2bn founder of Starbucks attended Canarsie high school. He continued his education at the Northern Michigan University. Schultz was born on July 19, 1953.
Ben Silbermann Graduate of Yale University, Silbermann co-founded Pinterest after having attended Theodore Roosevelt high school and Research Science Institute, MIT. Estimated to worth $100m, Silbermann was born in 1982.
Kevin Systrom As co-founder of Instagram, he is estimated to worth $400m. Born in December 30, 1983, Systrom attended Middlesex School and Stanford University.
Bret Taylor He is the founder of Quip (collaborative document editor) and was born in 1979. He attended Acalanes high school and Stanford University. He is estimated to worth $120m.
40
A GIRL’S GUIDE
HOW TO USE AN IPOD
et cetera ...AND OTHER THINGS June 29, 2014
Wish List
Jennifer Nuhu admires emeralds by Tiffany & Co p34
The Twitterati Photo: bodistyles.com
TATTOOS: ARE ThEy WORTh ThE PAIN?
Juliet Ibrahim advices one to spend less time pleasing people p39
34
et cetera
How I feel about... BEING AN ASSISTANT BrANd MANAGEr Funto oni, 24 Beauty is something I’m really passionate about. I love seeing people look and feel beautiful, so that makes me love the Maybelline brand and all it stands for – high fashion, energetic, fun, and adventurous. I also enjoy developing ideas that enhance and showcase the brand’s unique selling points. Because beauty is my passion, that made me the author of Beautified – every woman’s amazing guide to true beauty. I studied Accounting and now I’m a Chartered Accountant. So naturally, I started off my career working as an accountant because I enjoyed working with numbers in school and thought it would be the same in the career world. However, after about 3 years, I got bored and decided to go back to beauty. I had attended a makeup and beauty school before my youth service year and was doing makeup for brides most of which were my friends, while also working freelance for a TV station as a makeup artist. During my period of being bored working with numbers, I got an idea to write a book on beauty that was holistic as I noticed that I had not seen a beauty book that talked about that; all the ones I had read focused only on outward beauty and makeup. Sometime in October 2013, I met the MD of L’Oreal and he was quite impressed with my book. After series of interviews, I was offered a job with L’Oreal, a huge change in career from Accounting to Marketing and Brand Management. There are a couple of things It’s quite tricky to say what I enjoy most, however, I enjoy the fact that it requires a whole lot of creativity. A lot of sleepless nights and weekends working on various projects go into making progress in my job. The only regret I have is not starting earlier. No matter how much I love what I do, I wouldn’t deny there are lots of challenges. From managing difficult suppliers to coming up with highly creative ideas and turning ideas to reality from start to finish. I’ve learnt quite challenges come to make you better and stronger after overcoming them, so I welcome every challenges.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
JennIfer nuhu
WISH LIST
Go to hawaii on vacation. Always been one of my dreams. Louboutin shoes. I want a closet full of Christian Louboutin shoes
The Businesswoman reveals some of her wishes to Zanswat Bowsan
Louis Vuitton bags. The designs are exquisite
emerald earrings by Tiffany & Co. They are beautiful any day
Alexander McQueen dresses. I love the designs
DILEMMA
Mercedes G Class. I want to own a Mercedes G-Class
SHouLD i EnD MY RELAtionSHiP?
In a light-hearted weekly column, we take a wry look at the problems of modern life Dear sir, I grew up in a polygamous family. My step brother and I used to be best friends despite the fact that our mothers were different. Although, my father never helped to make us united, we did not care. My brother and I did everything together, until a girl called Gina came into our lives two years ago. We both fell in love with her and soon started fighting; I
et cetera group
mean physical fights over her. Though I met her first, she fell in love with my bother. Now they will soon be married and I cannot get her out of my head, am so in love with her. It’s so bad that I don’t even talk to my step brother anymore. What do I do? Raphael from Makurdi Dear Raphael, Raphael, if you really want to be happy, then do as I tell you. Prove your love by walking away from your step brother and Gina. The girl does not want you, so please stop
bothering the love birds. If they have decided to get married then you must realise it is not you she loves but your brother. For your own good and that of your family, move on. Trust me you will find another woman to love if you, just open your heart to love. There are more Gina’s out there than you know. Be wise, you can’t force one to love you. Do you have a dilemma that you want help with? Write to blessing. ukemena@leadership.ng
CONTENT Ehinome Osezua, Zanswat Bowsan, Blessing Ukemena DESIGN Igwe-Ngerem Michael ACTING EDITOR Auwal Sa'id Mu'azu FOUNDER Sam Nda-Isaiah CHaIRMaN Hajiya Ireti kingibe GROUP MaNaGING DIRECTOR azubuike Ishiekwene GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS Michael Okpere, Dr kazeem Durodoye FEEDBaCk aND MaIlS Etcetera is published as an insert in LEADERSHIP Sunday. Please do send your pictures, stories, mails and enquiries to osezua.gloria@leadership.ng
et cetera
Sunday, June 29, 2014
PEOPLE TRACKER
35
BLONDIE
Nancy Okam’s blonde hairdo tan skin and blue skirt makes her trendy style rock
BEAUTIFUL
Linda Dunkwu makes an akimbo pose
You can send your pictures to ehiosezua@ymail.com
CALM
Mr Ajodoh looks really calm and never in a hurry when hanging out
BOLD
Jeff Ajueshi takes everything seriously
CHERRY
Ashley Ibrahim poses happily for the camera
CLASSIC
John Enare makes the red carpet an easy task
CHIC
Orler Orbih’s all-white stylish suit stands her out
CHARMING
Ann Obim is cool, calm and collected in her pose
COOLHEADED
EASY
Clement Chukwuemeka plays safe with neutral colours
Tobechukwu Charles Ananti aka DJ TTB plays with colours and style
DREAMING
Phina Inyokwe poses looking into a bright and beautiful future
COOL
Ifeanyi Ike’s white makes the difference any day and any time
36
et cetera
Sunday, June 29, 2014
PEOPLE TRACKER
You can send your pictures to ehiosezua@ymail.com
HANDSOME Melvin Oduah steps out of the norm with a green pair of chinos trousers
et cetera
Sunday, June 29, 2014
EBONY Angel Patrick’s elegant black skin is beautiful
HUMBLE Uti Nwachukwu in a yellow native makes the colour a must-have
PEOPLE TRACKER NOT SHY Joke Fabiyi says she is only calm and quiet not shy in her look
GRAND Mr and Mrs Kenny Agbo steps into the occasion in a superb combo style
ELEGANT Tina Nwoko in a flawless look poses sweetly for the camera
LADY-IN RED Linda Ehikpehale is simply elegant
SHINING Sonia Sam looking bright in a sequence dress
MACHO Mykel Eneduwa is every inch a gentleman in all sense
SIMPLE Enene rocks in her little white dress
OUTSTANDING Eberenwa Christopher stands out in colour and style
ROYALTY Princess Lucci is indeed a princess
QUIET Jennifer Strobl poses shyly for the camera
PROUD MOTHER Bolajoko Oduyebo would not let go of her cute angel
FABULOUSITY Ndonna Okonkwo is having a fabulous time on the red carpet
LADY-INWHITE July Agibor rocks in her white dress with a touch of red
SIDE POSE Uju Peters takes a pose like no other
37
SMOOTH David Bello takes the red carpet pose seriously
38
et cetera
Sunday, June 29, 2014
iNSiDE Story
TATTOOS: ARE ThEy WORTh ThE PAIN? By Zanswat Bowsan, abuja
T
he art of tattoo started as far back as 12,000 years BC. In recorded history, the earliest tattoos can be found in Egypt during the time of the construction of the great pyramids. When the Egyptians expanded their empire, the art of tattooing spread as well. Nollywood actress turned singer and social media controversial personality, Tonto Dikeh is seen to be a tattoo addict. It was alleged that she has about 57 tattoos on her body. The star received a lot of tongue-lashing from the Nigerian community because of the huge tattoo she got on her back. Many have asked what the tattoo signifies; Tonto Dikeh believes she owes no one an explanation for her actions. Instead, the star has grown thick skin and lashed back at her critics. Other Nigerian artistes who have adopted this new art of self expression are Burna Boy who has tattooed the face of the late FelaAnikulapoKuti on his arm. Even as fans expressed their displeasure when he posted a picture he tagged ‘#Artistic representation #FREEDOM’. He has gone a step further, as he performs bare-chested just to show off his body art. Peter Okoye, a member of the duo, PSquare got himself a few too, located on his left shoulder and lower arm. One of the tattoos are rumoured to be ‘Illuminati inspired’. And again, fans reacted to Peter’s tattoo saying, “Peter Okoye should look for something nice to do for younger ones to emulate. Tattoos were introduced during the slave trade although it has always been a part of African art. It was used by the slaves and never the slave traders”. Every now and again,
What they said... Tattoos: Are They Worth The Pain?
celebrities post these pictures on social media to get reactions from their fans, whether good or bad. They believe these tattoos are a representation of their artistry and creativity. Nafisa Atta, a businesswoman speaking with Et Cetera says, “Well, let me start with Islam’s take on tattoos. Tattooing is considered ‘mutilating’ the body, changing Allah’s creation. Therefore in Islam, permanent tattoos are considered haraam, but the Henna (i.e. Lalle) is permissible. Personally, that is looking at it from my own angle, I’m anti-tattoos, for Pete’s sake, our skins aren’t neither Rembrandt nor Pablo Picasso’s canvasses. Why mutilate it with murals like you were competing with the ancient Egyptians. I feel it is ‘I know it all ’or ‘I want to belong’ syndromes that make most Nigerians (especially) have a tattoo. If tattoos were so cool and hype why then do we not go and get the “Ogbomosho Mark”, “The Kalangu”, “The Ancient Lizard drawings seen on our ancestors’ arms”, the designs and marks from across the country. To show that we are truly Nigerians or Africans and we are proud of our heritage.” Elizabeth Angulu, a business developer says, “All things are lawful but not all things are expedient. We do some things sometimes for our self gratification when we really should be more concerned with what God wants us to do at a particular time. Do we honestly think God will be happy with us having a tattoo? I am just saying! Even our earthly fathers will have an issue with it now talk more of your heavenly father. I am coming from a different approach than whether it is right or wrong. The angle I am coming from is, is it expedient? Will it show God in it? Will it encourage other people? Will
“I like and admire tattoos. They are a beautiful art form but I wouldn’t get one for obvious reasons. I have a white collar job that will not condone such... I don’t want to imagine how people can quite make out that obscene look with splash of ink on an old, saggy tummy that once bore a six pack when they were 25 years old." Christopher Iratawa, Banker
it bring souls to the kingdom? Will people be blessed and happy when they see your tattoo? Or will they look at you as someone who has no morals? Et Cetera spoke with Mrs Olatunji, a PR Consultant; she spoke very passionately in support of tattoos. She says, “I love tattoos. I am a tattoo freak. I don’t mind the pain; I can endure it just to get what I want. I have three stars on my wrist which are incomplete, in my opinion. I was planning on getting clusters of smaller stars around the three big ones. Inside the three stars were supposed to be my children’s initials, but then I met my husband who does not like tattoos. So there goes my dream of getting my dream tattoo. I also have a cross on the base of my neck on my back. I really like tattoos, but certain decisions I have taken, have curbed the urge to get more.” Christopher Iratawa, a banker speaks, “I like and admire tattoos. They are a beautiful art form but I wouldn’t get one for obvious reasons. I have a white collar job that will not condone such. If I were to get one, I would get one of those temporary ones just to get a feel of the real thing. I don’t want to imagine how people can quite make out that obscene look with splash of ink on an old, saggy tummy that once bore a six pack when they were 25 years old.” Khadijah Alfa, an interior decorator tells Et Cetera, “Personally, I have no issues with tattoos. We need to read up and enlighten ourselves before being judgemental. Unless you are caught up in the world of white collar jobs, I see no reason why you shouldn’t get one, if you want to. Besides, people have tattoos which are hidden under their clothing. Nigeria is still conservative and
“Personally, I have no issues with tattoos. We need to read up and enlighten ourselves before being judgemental. Unless you are caught up in the world of white collar jobs, I see no reason why you shouldn’t get one, if you want to... Nigeria is still conservative and most people will not condone tattoos.” Khadija Alfa, Interior Decorator
most people will not condone tattoos. I believe all things should be done in moderation. One or two small tattoos are okay. But destroying your skin with over a hundred, I won’t accept that. There are so many things that are worse than tattoos.” Jimmy Tanko is a tattoo artist who gave Et Cetera his opinion on tattoos expresses his opinion and experience of the business. According to him, “Many ask where and how I intimated myself with tattooing and I always say it was mostly my natural attraction to the strange and somewhat curiously intricate processes that led to the acquisition of the knowledge of tattooing; and the enthusiasm which I attach to it, like any other vanquished turned victor, was borne out of respect for both the tattoo artist and his knowledge of the practice by constantly researching and improvising. The process tends to scare people off because of the needles. Well, in practice, it’s a lot more fun, I can assure you. I have over five tattoos and still crave more. It gets better every time and so much more enjoyable so, if you have always desired one, go against the grain and get one, just be
“The process tends to scare people off because of the needles. Well, in practice, it’s a lot more fun, I can assure you. I have over five tattoos and still crave more. It gets better every time and so much more enjoyable so, if you have always desired one, go against the grain and get one, just be decisive about not regretting it shortly after because permanent tattoos are much more expensive to remove”
decisive about not regretting it shortly after because permanent tattoos are much more expensive to remove. “Tattoos are still frowned upon on this side of the globe. Some believe tattoos are a ticket to eternal damnation or an avenue for being tormented by evil spirits. Whatever the case may be, every individual has the freedom to choose. Some are modest; others go overboard by covering their bodies with designs. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the most tattooed man is Australian born Lucky Diamond Rich. The Netherland national is a tattoo freak (not an exaggeration) who has spent over 1,000 hours having his body modified by hundreds of tattoo artists. He began by having a full collection of colourful designs from around the world tattooed over his entire body. But not content with stopping there, Lucky next opted for a 100 per cent covering of black ink, including eyelids, the delicate skin between the toes, down into the ears, and even his gums. He is now being tattooed with white designs on top of the black and coloured designs on top of the white.
“All things are lawful but not all things are expedient. We do some things sometimes our for self gratification when we really should be more concerned with what God wants us to do at a particular time. Do we honestly think God will be happy with us having a tattoo? I am just saying! Even our earthly fathers will have an issue with it, talk more of your heavenly father."
Jimmy Tanko, Tattoo Artist
We want to know what you think about our inside story above. You can have your say by emailing osezua.gloria@leadership.ng
Elizabeth Angulu, Business Developer
et cetera
Sunday, June 29, 2014
39
THE TWITTERATI CATCH UP WITH WHAT CELEBS HAVE BEEN TWEETING ABOUT
@kaluikeagwu Lagos my nurturing ground, Lagos who accommodates everyone from every land and clime. Let us build a Lagos to take us forward. I am #4NL.
@IAmOkocha With Spain, England and Italy’s early exit. Predictions become very difficult. What an exciting tournament. Is this the best FWC ever?
Will Lagos ever change?
Really very interesting
Wednesday, June 25
Wednesday, June 23
@abikedabiri
@julietibrahim You ought to spend a little less time impressing people and you’d see how wonderful your life would turn out to be... Tuesday, June 23
Good advice and those who don’t take it, risk being unhappy forever
The beauty and strength of a woman lies in her ability to accept her weakness and still be strong
June 16
Women are really strong
@TonyOElumelu
It’s why we preach #africapitalism Sustainability of profit + creating social wealth is the only way to ensure the best of capitalism endures
Monday, June 23
@OdemwingieP
The state of OGaM ogam was rejected by the eagles with a higi haga style to avoid a calamitous end that brings odoriferous Saga
Wednesday, June 25
Very funny, please translate
Let the masses benefit too
@BankyW
Been an interesting world cup thus far... like exclusive always says... “This is football. Anything can happen...”
you always become richer for sharing.
Yes, you either win or loose
@DJINEE
Tuesday, June 24
@SundayOOliseh
Please stop complaining about the tactics of Keshi in the second half, in my opinion it was smart to try to hold on to the result!
Sunday, June 22
People must express themselves
@tomiodunsi
Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom. It is the result of long and patient effort in self-control.
Wednesday, April 23 Words of wisdom
@HenshawKate
@IretiolaDoyle
Just wrapped for the day... And dem de ask “wetin actors de do sef??” Stardom = HARD LABOUR!!! Gbam!! [SIC]
Friday, June 6
Leave haters, they are lazy people who wonder at people success
Often when we lose hope and think this is the end, God smiles from above and says, “Relax, sweetheart; it’s just a bend, not the end!”
Wednesday, June 25
Nice words of encouragement
@alexmouth01
You become poor the less you give, and no matter how much you have,
Thursday, June 12
Not in all cases, sometimes you give till you go bankrupt #BringBackOurGirls 230+ girls still missing 71days after and the government sits pretty. Is God punishing us? Is there more to come?
Tuesday, June 24 It’s not God punishing us but our leaders @Basket_Mouth1
Edo and Calabar girls rooting for Italy to win the World Cup, we are getting you... God bless your hustle
Monday, June 23 Explain further
@obyezeks 12m
Dear Lord... The Defender of the Defenceless… Help your people… For our nation is in distress.... You are the Governor among Nations. Help US!
Wednesday, June 25 @FadeOgunro
Listen to the commentator calling the Bosnian names... It’s all nich, sich and vich. Abeg call them by no 8, no 14... #NaijavsBosnia
Saturday, June 21
40
et cetera
Sunday, June 29, 2014
LIFE101
A GIRL’S GUIDE
DON’T REACT UNTIL YOU UNDERSTAND WHY
HOW TO USE AN IPOD An iPod is a player for the MP3 files and is a minicomputer that is able to read the files and convert them to music without bothering you with all the technical wizardry. Music lover will never want to listen to anything else after sampling this sound quality, and, best of all, it’s smaller than pack of cards, and equally addictive.
previous portables plus a lot less fragile. Its huge RAM memory means it is able to store thousands of tracks, say, 15,000 on a full size and slightly less on a mini. Can you even think of that many tunes? You can load all your saved or downloaded MP3s onto your PC, and then send or ‘import’ them to your iPod, usually using iTunes. In other
the web or iTunes and, and compile your own personal soundtrack; a tune for every outfit and a wardrobe of choice the size of your hand. With the success of the iPod, and all the accessories that now go with it, speaker stations, arm bands and so on, it can be hard to keep up. In the past few years it has already changed faster
Because of their huge memory capacity and the speed with which they can read and download tunes, iPods have taken over the marketplace. In their mini or full size, they are hoping to knock CD players off the top spot. And, in a rainbow of colours, they are so cute. An iPod is the chic way of playing music, and is more compact than
words, an iPod can hold a pretty inexhaustible library of music, maybe not a whole megastore, but more than you will ever be able to listen to, so no longer do you need to lug around your entire CD library. Just don’t put too many tunes on or else you will never be able to decide what to listen to. Download your existing CDs, from
than imaginable; first it played songs, the stored your photos, podcasts, videos and now you can do it all on your iPhone too. Loading it up Once you have selected the colour and the size and you have taken your purchase home, it is only a matter of time before you can be dancing to your trendy tracks in your living room. Set aside an evening
Couch Potato
WHAT YOU CAN WATCH ON CABLE TV THIS WEEK
tODAY
10 Things I Hate About You 2:00PM on M-Net Romance
MONDAY
Ring Of Death on 6:00PM on Studio Universal
tUESDAY
Act Of Valour 8:00PM on M-Net Movies
WEDNESDAY
The Assignment 11:15PM on M-Net Movies Family
to load up your favourite tunes and get the little thing up and running. The iPod works with iTunes music software, but don’t worry: a CD of all this comes in the box with your groovy gadget. Despite being an Apple product, iPods do work with both Macs and PCs. All you need to check is that you have a machine that you are able to plug in to the iPad’s USB port and that the cord is connected iPod to computer. But before you get to this dizzying height, don’t skip the basics, plug in and charge the iPod as there is no battery here. If this is your first time, insert the CD into your computer and install the software. Luckily, as this is an Apple product, the instructions are kept, thankfully, simple and concise. Once you have clicked and agreed to all their questions, you can start compiling your own soundtrack. It’s that easy. Importing music from your CD If you already own a CD you can transfer (download) any or all of the songs into your iTunes library. Insert your chosen CD into your computer, and once you are online and the iPod and computer are connected, the CD will automatically be selected and taken to the iTunes option. Then the CD’s listing and track names will appear on the screen. You can select which tunes you want by clicking the check boxes or unselecting as you desire, then it will chug away and before you know it your iPod will have a copy of these songs. Culled from The Girl’s Guide to Almost Everything
tHURSDAY
Teen Mom 9:15PM on MTV
A teacher teaching Maths to a sevenyear-old boy asked him, “If I give you one apple and one apple and one apple, how many apples will you have?” Within a few seconds the little boy replied confidently, “Four!” The dismayed teacher was expecting an effortless correct answer, three. She was disappointed. “Maybe the child did not listen properly,” she thought. She said listen carefully. If I give you one apple and one apple and one apple, how many apples will you have?” The little boy seeing the disappointment on his teacher’s face, calculated again on his fingers. But within him he was also searching for the answer that will make the teacher happy. His search for the answer was not for the correct one, but the one that will make his teacher happy. This time hesitatingly he replied, “Four.” The disappointment stayed on the teacher’s face. She remembered that he liked strawberries. And so she thought maybe he doesn’t like apples and that is making him loose focus. This time with an exaggerated excitement and twinkling in her eyes she asked, “If I give you one strawberry and one strawberry and one strawberry, then how many you will have?” Seeing the teacher happy, the boy calculated on his fingers again. There was no pressure on him, but a little on the teacher. She wanted her new approach to succeed. With a hesitating smile he replied, “Three?” The teacher now had a victorious smile. Her approach had succeeded. She wanted to congratulate herself. But one last thing remained. Once again she asked him, “Now if I give you one apple and one apple and one more apple how many will you have?” Promptly he responded saying, “Four!” By now the teacher was aghast. “How”, she demanded in a little stern and irritated voice. In a voice that was low and hesitating, the little boy replied, “Because I already have one apple in my bag.” Such is the innocence of a little child. Before you get angry at people try understanding why they behave the way they do. Ask questions you never can tell what they have been through or the thoughts that they carry in them. Source - Academictips.com
FRIDAY
Psychic Detectives 6:55PM on Crime + Investigation
SAtURDAY
Car Chasers 8:30AM on Discovery Channel
CEOConfidential
Sunday, June 29, 2014
bottom lines $495,300,000 64 Number of companies that were awarded certificates of membership by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).
IN SHORT Nigeria Ropes Q1 2014 revenue surges by 69.36 per cent Nigeria Ropes surged revenue by 69.63 per cent year-on-year to N99.54m from N58.68m same period in the prior year (Q1 2013) As a result of huge operating cost and hash economic environment, the company posted a loss before tax of N32.49m in the review period. In order to put the company on a growth trajectory, and place it on a global competitive arena, the company has embarked on an aggressive expansion into the Ghana market with a view to forming a joint venture. Despite the challenges befalling the company, it was able to reduce cost-of-sales margin to 64.26 per cent in 2014, from 78.78 per cent in 2013, while gross margin increased to 35.72 per cent in 2014, as against 21.39 per cent in 2013. The company has also created an inspection and specification department for its lifting equipment. The new department contributed over 70 per cent to 2014 revenue. Total assets in the review period fell slightly by 1.81 per cent to N723.71m compared with N737.08m as of Q1 2013. Finance costs surged by 116.1 per cent to N17.2m in Q1 2014, compared with N7.95m as of Q1 2013. The company has a product liability cover of over 80 million, which is yet to be matched by any local competitor. The company’s shares closed at N7.46m on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange recently, while market capitalisation stood at N1.96bn.
COMPANY
SECRETS
Michael Dell, founder and CEO, Dell Inc.
Amount approved by the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors to improve Nigerian farmers’ access to irrigation and drainage services.
BoostiNG Sales
Oasis Insurance ended 2013 with a loss of N71.83m
Chairman, Oasis Group, Chief (Dr.) S.I. Adegbite
Oasis just released its 2013 audited financial statement on the website of the Nigerian Stock Exchange showing it recorded unimpressive results. For the year ended December 2013, Oasis’s gross premium written shrank by 22.5 per cent to N1.24bn from N1.60bn corresponding period of 2012 (FY12). The inability of the insurer in boosting its underwriting capacity led to a 27.41 per cent decline in net premium earned to N1.04bn in FY13, compared with N1.43bn as of FY12. The company posted a loss before tax of N60.65m in FY13, from a profit position of N247.63m in 2012. It should be noted that growth of most insurance companies
Free cell phones aren’t free
operating in Nigeria was stifled by regulatory enforcement of ‘No Premium, No Cover regulation.’ This is a section of the 2003 Insurance Act that stipulates that premiums must be paid for before an insurer can incept cover. This regulation was enforced by the regulator (NAICOM) with effect from January 1, 2013. It also recorded a loss after tax of N71.83m in the review period from a profit position of N16.68m at year end 2012. It total assets were up slightly by 1 per cent to N3.9bn in FY13, compared with N4.0bn as of FY12. Management expenses and provisions for doubtful accounts increased by 4.3 per cent to N758.34m in FY13, as against N792.34m as of FY12. Underwriting profits were down by 28.8 per cent to N633.18m in 2013, from N889.13m as of FY12. Debtors and prepayments were down by 84.27 per cent to N35.02m in FY13, as against N222.70m as of FY12. The company can improve on last year’s performance by introducing product that can penetrate the market as the sector’s contribution to the Nigeria economy in the just rebased exercise was abysmal. Insurance sector contribution to the country’s GDP based on 2013 rebased figures was N453.74bn, which is 0.56 per cent of the total GDP figures. 2013 was a challenging year for firms operating in the insurance sector as they worked assiduously hard to meet the N1.1trn gross income targets by 2017. The company’s share price closed at N0.53 – June 17, 2014, on the floor of the NSE, while market capitalisation was N4.24bn. With the acquisition of 71.2 per cent of its shares by First Bank Nigeria (FBN) Assurance Limited, Oasis has immense synergy to enjoy from the merger.
Repeat after me: My cell phone is just a tool. And: A free phone is not really free. Introducing the ‘upgrade or die’ strategy for business development! Consider these facts: the free cell phone doesn’t do anything for you until you add basic service. The basic service only teases you with all these great features your friends use until you upgrade to include unlimited photos, text messages, and e-mail. And then, once you embrace the great features, you will need an upgraded phone for full enjoyment. Cell phones have become mainstream – a necessity to most. The business model is conditioning the consumer population to allow, embrace, and even appreciate the ‘upgrade or die’ sales strategy, essentially paving the way for other businesses to tap the approach to achieving more sales. Take time to allow this model to spark some creative thinking. It has not been that long since cell phones were only sold in specialty stores. Now you can get a phone and prepaid minutes at all the big box stores.
‘Building the perfect machine’ My parents first sparked my interests in business. We lived in Houston. My mother was a financial advisor and my father an orthodontist. When I was a kid in the 1970s, we’d sit around the dinner table talking about inflation, the oil-crisis – that sort of thing. When I was a second-grader, I started my first business, selling candy. In third grade, I applied in the mail for a
41
high school equivalency degree. I saw this thing in the back of a magazine, and I thought, ‘I will try that.’ A few weeks later, this woman knocked on the door and said, ‘Is Mr Michael dell there?’ and my mother said. ‘What is this in regards to?’ and the woman said, ‘well, he is taking a bath right now, but I will get him.’ So I came out in my little red bathrobe. As soon as the saleswoman saw
me, she decided that that was the end of her sales pitch. A few years after that I created stampauction business. And it was kind of a direct-mail thing, where I was getting people who wanted to consign stamps together with people who wanted to sell stamps, and then getting them to bid on stamps. Why have I survived all these years? First of all, I’m having fun.
42 CEOConfidential
hub
Sunday, June 29, 2014
$4,000,000,000
Compiled by Olujide Olusola
Amount the World Bank will lend Kenya over the next four years, most at below commercial rates, to help finance new infrastructure.
71.6%
Percentage reduction of holdings by domestic investors in the Nigerian stock market between 2007 and 2013.
Managing partner, Unite Consult Ltd, Comrade Gegele Kehinde; general secretary, Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Comrade Bayo Olowoshile; vice chairman, Nigerian Labour Congress, Lagos State chapter, Comrade Okuneye Wasiu; state secretary, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter, Com. Mike Anochirim and NLC chairperson, Lagos State, Com. Princess Olubunmi Abikoye, during PIB interactive enlightenment workshop, held in Lagos recently.
L-R: Head, Corporate and Investment Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Victor Williams; head, Financial Institutions and Trade Transactional Products and Services, Standard Bank, Stephen Meintjes; assistant director, Trade and Exchange Dept, CBN, Apeh Jibril; and head, Sales,Transactional Products and Services, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Inwang Akpan, at a trade and finance forum organised by Stanbic IBTC Bank in Lagos recently.
L-R: Director, Retail Sales, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Charles Ogunwuyi; country manager, Core Group Africa and authorized distributor of Apple products in Nigeria, Mr. Sachin Verma; and head, Devices, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Olayiwola Onafowokan, at the official launch of iPhone 5s on the Etisalat network which held at the Etisalat Experience Centre, Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island, Lagos recently.
L-R: Managing director, Arik Air, Mr. Chris Ndulue; group chief executive officer, Michael Arumemi-Ikhide, and deputy managing director of the airline, Capt Ado Sanusi, during Arik Airline press conference in Lagos recently.
PHOTOS: BENEDICT UWALAKA
Harley Petersen @HarleyPetersen Do not let spacious plans for a new world divert your energies from saving what is left of the old.
Lolly Daskal @LollyDaskal As a leader, knowing how to laugh, especially at yourself, can be a great enable of personal rapport. #leadfromwithin #leadership
fav
Bruce Van Horn @BruceVH T. Kiyosaki tweets Robert Relationships should @theRealKiyosaki always be about 2 The most successful people coming together people in life are the ones to create something who ask questions. They’re greater than the 2 of them. always learning. They’re always Complimenting, not completing. growing. They’re always pushing.
Barbados Yacht Club, Barbados Barbados Yacht Club is the first organization formed to promote sailing in Barbados and it’s located on Carlisle Bay, about one mile south of the capital city of Bridgetown within the historic Garrison area. The club has had an unparalleled record over the years of successfully catering event from beach BBQ to black tie affairs. Whether you are considering a staff party, seminar, wedding or family get together in private rooms, the clubhouse or at the beach our expert team members are available to assist you every step of the way. The bay is blessed with steady trade winds, calm waters and excellent beaches.
The Barbados Yacht Club sponsors a yearly racing programme and is a meeting place for its members and visiting yachtsmen. The Club offers sailing, dining and recreational facilities including bar and restaurant, boatshed and tennis courts. Our facilities are also used for learn-tosail instruction by the Barbados Sailing Association. Members of the Barbados Yacht Club are admitted through a selective balloting procedure. This process takes place on the last Friday in each month. The current membership represents the Barbadian society. At present the club membership is in excess of 900.
net
works
CEOConfidential
Sunday, June 29, 2014
N1,430,000,000,000 Amount recorded as decline in crude oil sales in the 2013 fiscal period according to the Budget Office of the Federation
20%
43
20.9%
Percentage increase in the prices of Percentage of decline of the total credit from the banking cattle as a result of the insurgency on the sector to the Federal Government between March and April Northern part of Nigeria. as revealed by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
YOUR FYI FOR INFORMATION
L-R: General manager/ editor-in-chief, Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye; managing director and chief executive officer, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya; president, Association of Outsourcing Practitioners of Nigeria (AOPN), Dr. Austin Nweze and chairman, Promassidor Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Keith Richards at the 2014 Outsourcing Expo organised by the AOPN in Lagos recently. PHOTO: BENEDICT UWALAKA
Life knowledge For Indians, good or bad health is woven into the whole karmic picture of life – there may well be a deeper reason why you are ill. The cure prescribed will be holistic, taking into account body, mind, and soul, and based on the ancient system of Ayurvedic (life knowledge) medicine, which is still dominant on the subcontinent. Most remedies are herbal, but Ayurveda is one of the few ‘traditional’ forms of medicine to incorporate a sophisticated system, known as salya-chikita.
DoING Business Leadership and status with Polish
Executive director, AIICO Insurance, Mr. Jide Orimolade; deputy chairman, Nigerian Insurance Association (NIA) and MD/CEO, Linkage Assurance Plc, Mr. Gus Wiggle; chairman/chief executive, Brickred Consult Limited and a senatorial aspirant Owerri zone, Dr. Dan Okehi, and MD/CEO, Mansard Insurance, Mrs. Yetunde Ilori, during Okehi’s briefing of members of the insurance industry CEOs on his senatorial ambition in Lagos.PHOTO: GBENGA OLAJOBI
HOW THEY
BLEW IT
Boris Berezovsky
Exile
continueS FROM LAST WEEK
Situated in the extreme south-west of Russia, Chechnya occupies a mountainous region and borders Dagestan, Ingushetia and Georgia. It is a volatile part of the world, and one that has been fought over for centuries. In the 1990s, following the break-up of the Soviet Union, Chechnya went through two devastating wars, with separatists fighting Russian forces. Estimates put the total death toll from the first war (1994-96) at 100,000, and it was double or triple that for the second war (1999-2000). Today the republic is run by Rarnzan Kadyrov, the son of former Chechen president Akhmad Kadyrov. Bomin 1976, the Russian choice ofleader is variously
described as ‘brutal, ruthless and antidemocratic’. Berezovsky admitted that between 1997 and 1999, while he was an adviser to Yeltsin, he had had extensive contacts with Chechen separatist leaders, and that in 1997 he had given $2m of his own money to a Chechen field commander, Shamil Basayev, when Basayev was serving as Chechnya’s prime minister. Basayev died in an explosion in 2006 - the Russians claimed they killed him, the Chechens said he died in an accidental explosion. CONTINUES NEXT WEEK
In Polish history, royals and nobles have figured largely as leaders and organisers. Gentry comprised a high percentage of feudal percentage of feudal society and established a chivalrous, romanticist lifestyle. Honour and revenge are living concepts in the Polish mind, as are grace, nobleness of bearing, personal integrity, fearlessness and gallantry toward women, who still get their hands kissed in Poland. In more recent years, Nazi suppression and 45 years of communism diminished the influence of the leading Polish families. Lech Walesa eventually emerged as a working-class leader of deeply nationalistic convictions. Meritocracy now dominates advancement in Polish society, although nationally the Polish Pope wielded enormous influence. Status is accorded unreservedly to great intellectuals and artist, both past and present, Chopin and Marie Curie being outstanding examples.
44 CEOConfidential
entrepreneur 13bn Worth of damage plastics waste causes marine ecosystem, according to reports by BusinessDay.
SMALL BUSINESS Managing and funding growth
Concluded
HIS STORY
20
Number of companies the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has delisted, according to BusinessDay.
Elizabeth Hinmikaiye
Evolving unique designs
continues from last WEEK
Leveraging your offering may be the gateway to growth. Small businesses often break into new markets by forming alliances with larger companies who are ravenous for breakthrough concepts and technologies. That’s why San Diegobased Mitchell International, Inc, one of the three biggest providers of e-business solutions for the automotive-insurance and collision-repair industries, approached APU Solutions, a small Midwestern company offering a Web-based, real-time way to buy and sell auto parts. APU swapped the use of its real-time estimating software for access to Mitchell’s sophisticated infrastructure and customer reach. David-andGoliath alliances are win-win. The Goliaths get game-changing ideas, technologies, and products, while the Davids gain credibility, market intelligence, and networking opportunities. Growth through acquisition presents another set of challenges. If you plan to acquire other companies: • Expect culture clashes. Buyouts push employees out of their comfort zone, triggering an avalanche of emotions. They fear their jobs are in danger and the new owners could ruin everything. Remedy: Communicate early, often, and with empathy. • Weigh the pros and cons of organic growth. Taking over an existing outfit inserts you instantly into the marketplace. But a lot of companies – especially big boys like Best Buy and Wal-Mart – like to start from scratch. Why? It’s easier to retain complete control and ensure that reputation is built – and employees are trained – the right way.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
When Elizabeth Hinmikaiye, CEO, Marelle Sheek Designs was a child and found herself always drawing and painting, she never thought she was charting a career path for herself. Today, that which started as a mere craft has evolved into a fashion home in the capital city of Abuja. Shedding more light on her sojourn into the fashion world she said, “I have always been artistic. As a child I used to draw and paint a lot. My mother played a great role; she is very skilled in fashion even in her 60s. “When I graduated from the University of Abuja, I enrolled for a 6-month professional sewing course at the Women Development Centre, Area 11, Abuja. I have flair for fashion but the course made me realise I had found my passion. I never thought it would become my career path. I have a sense of fulfilment because it is what I enjoy doing.” As would be expected of every start-up, she was
confronted with some challenges. According to her, “At first, my challenge was getting people to patronise me because they were unsure of my skills. Also, obtaining start-up capital seemed an insurmountable feat. I have been on this for two years with varying challenges at different points in time. The major problem I have now is finding unique and yet affordable materials.” She however explained some of her strategies at overcoming the challenge. “To start up my business, I reached out to my parents and siblings for capital. They have always been very supportive and helpful in every way. “As for getting clients, I made clothes for myself. My friends and family loved my work and then started patronising me. I still haven’t overcome the issue of getting unique fabric at a very affordable price because most times, such fabrics are usually very expensive,” she said. The very creative fashion designer who described her edge in the industry as the uniqueness of her designs revealed that Rachael Zoe is her mentor. Projecting into the future she said, “In five years by God’s grace, I see my company going places; designing clothes for celebrities, both local and international. It would be a dream come true for Marelle Sheek Designs to be featured on the runway shows in Paris, New York and London. I also intend commencing a mentorship programme to groom other entrepreneurs and alleviate unemployment in Nigeria.” For aspiring entrepreneurs she advised: “My advice to young entrepreneurs, considering I am one too, is to work hard to climb the ladder of success. It’s not an easy climbing, but it’s worth the struggle because when you finally get to the top, you will appreciate the hard work, sweat and sleepless nights.” Contact Hinmikaiye on ehinmikaiye@yahoo.com
Adeboye Ajibola, Manager, JSB1218 Corporation How did you get to where you are today? I started in 2007 as a result of my determination which kept my engine running, putting customer value and satisfaction as priority. What have you learnt over the years? I have learnt that innovation and perseverance are key factors for expansion. Also, I learnt that creativity and efficiency appeals to the customers which ensures good turnover.
What were the challenges you faced? I have and had inadequate machinery, and capital base plays big roles in limiting my production. How did you overcome the challenges? Overcoming challenges is a continuous process. But all thanks to God for His mercies. What are your future projections for your business? To be an international clothing/branding company producing high quality and
durable products to suit every customer need. How do you intend achieving these projections? Through sheer determination and a bit of luck because we all need a bit of luck in all. Any advice for younger entrepreneurs? It is vital to develop passion for whatever interests us, from there the branches of growth develop. Contact Ajibola on 070898325109
46 CEOConfidential
tipoffs Compiled by Salome Anyasodo
SECRETS OF LONGETIVITY
Don’t wear toxins
The clothes we wear and our laundry customs can actually shorten our life span. Dyes containing benzidine, which is easily absorbed through the skin are so highly carcinogenic that they are no longer used in the United States. However, the majority of clothes we buy today are imported, and many do contain such dyes. In addition, “noiron” cotton fabrics are treated with formaldehyde resin, which releases fumes that can cause allergies, asthma, cough, headache, restless sleep, fatigue and skin rash. When we clean our clothes with chlorinated laundry detergent and bleach, inhalation can irritate or damage the upper airway and lungs. Bottom line: wear naturally dyed cotton fabric, launder it in baking soda or natural detergent and whiten with borax nonchlorine bleach.
BOOKMARK
The Innovator’s DNA Jeff Dyer, Publisher: 2013 Harvard Business Publishing
In The Innovator’s DNA, Jeff Dyer, Hal Gregersen, and Clayton M. Christensen provide a blueprint for generating the types of ideas that can transform a company and keep it on the cutting edge. The authors reject the theory that some people, such as Apple’s Steve Jobs and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, are just born innovators while everyone else is hopelessly uncreative and un-progressive. Instead, the authors explain how many well-known innovators generate their ideas, a process that involves five key skills that can be learned by almost anyone who is willing to think differently.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
62,000,000 Estimated number of jobs Agriculture can provide according to the Director-General, National Directorate of Employment, Mr. Abubakar Muhammed
80%
Estimated percentage of Nigerian youth that are umemployed according to CBN official
5 things one needs to stop doing to employees right now skills and experiences and expertise. However, when one needs to offer the new guy $10,000 more than a loyal, long-term, hard-working, high performer is making, that is a sign that one should give the long-term employee a big raise. Do not treat current staff poorly because one can.
As the boss, one can do what he/ she wants, right? Well, technically, yes, as long as it is not violating any laws. But just because one can do something, it does not mean one should do something. Here are 5 things one needs to stop doing, even though they are legal. 1. Conducting the background check after bringing someone on board. This seems to be more and more popular. Do not bother about that pesky paperwork; just get someone started. After all, time is money, right? There is a story of some individuals who received two emails from people who accepted new jobs, started those new jobs, and then got fired within the week because they did not pass the reference check. Talk about wasting time and money. One has to pay those people for working, so no money saved. 2. Forcing people to resign. One may think one is being nice in giving an employee the option to
resign, by demanding that she/ he writes a resignation letter. Just stop it. If the person deserves to be fired for a cause, fire her/him. If it is a layoff, or a generic poor-performance termination, or one just does not like the person, one can give the option of resigning, but honestly, just terminate the person, and do not fight unemployment. Recruiters do not look fondly on people who resigned without a new job lined up anyway. One is not helping, and just being a cheapskate who is trying to get out of a bump in unemployment costs. 3. Paying new hires significantly more than the long-term, loyal staff. It is totally true that it is easier to keep an employee than it is to coax someone to leave a job and come to work for one. And it is also true that market rates change, and that it is not required that one should have all staff members doing the same job making exactly the same amount of money. After all, people bring different
4. Giving false performance appraisals. This does not mean that one is forging or plagiarising performance appraisals (although using the copypaste method in which all employees get the same “feedback” needs to stop as well). This refers to reviews in which one can rate someone highly and tell the person she/ he is doing great, and then three months later, one wants the individual fired and blamed on “performance.” Someone who was a star three months previously deserves help. If one wants to fire her/him so that one could hire a relative, say that. If one wants to fire her because a new manager who hates this person is hired, consider why on earth one is getting rid of a trusted employee over a new person who has the maturity of a seventh grader. If it truly is a performance issue, why was the employee commemded as doing great a few months ago? Be honest. Always. 5. Refusing to give copies of documents. If one stands behind what has been previously said in a writeup of the employee, why won’t the employee be given a copy of the document? If one demand a signature “right now!” when the employee says she would like to talk to her attorney first, you are a sleazy, slimy boss. If the document won’t stand up to legal scrutiny, you shouldn’t be asking for a signature.
ECONOMIC THEORIES Moral hazard When an insure sells vehicle insurance, he does not know the manner in which the vehicle is going to be driven, but he still has a set price. The driver knows that the insurer lacks this information, so he’s not worried about his premium rising if he gives dangerously, as long as he does not crash. On top of this, if he does crash, the damage will be paid by the insurer. This
situation, when the owner has more information about how the vehicle is driven and has less of an incentive to drive safely is called ‘moral hazard’. The owner’s driving behaviour changes as a result of him having insurance and this increases risk for the insurer. Even though the vehicle is owned by the driver and he does not want it to be damaged, it is the insurers’ responsibility if
something goes wrong. Similarly, big companies or banks can be incentivised to take risks if they know they would not have to pay for any negative consequences of their actions. For example, is a company is treated as if a company is treated as if it is ‘too big to fail’, and believes the government will bail it out, it can make risky investments without worrying about consequences.
CEOConfidential
Sunday, June 29, 2014
updates
6,000
Number of houses Manchester City owner, Sheikh Mansour, is set to build in Manchester City in a £1bn deal with the council.
Compiled by Dan Udechukwu
Mining
South African miners return to work after wage deal
504,000 Sales rate of new US homes in the month of May, according to the Commerce Department.
$10bn
Thousands of miners at South Africa’s biggest platinum mining firms have returned to work, a day after unions signed a wage deal to end a five-month strike. Employees at Anglo America Platinum, Impala Platinum and Lonmin will have to undergo medical checks and safety training before they begin work again. The firms said it would be “some time” before they resumed full production. The “safety and wellness of employees was paramount”, the companies said. The firms estimate the strike has so far cost them more than 24bn rand ($2.3bn; £1.3bn) while employees have lost about 10.6bn rand in wages.
49%
Percentage stake Abu Dhabi’s state-owned Etihad Airways says it has agreed terms and conditions for its purchase in Italy’s Alitalia.
CWG to support SMEs with e-marketplace launch
Fast growing Africa-focused ICT firm, Computer Warehouse Group (CWG) has launched an online platform, CWG 2.0, which was built to help millions of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) extend market reach by owning online stores. According to CWG CEO, Austin Okere, the CWG 2.0 is a subscription business model with Openshopen, a website that allows small business owners to own their own online stores and visibility influence.
Telecommunication
Econet Wireless considers 5G network launch
Pan-Africa leading telecommunication company, Econet Wireless Zimbabwe is considering the launch of a 5G network service to its customers in a bid to boost connectivity services Worth of sales UK drugs and ease communication. firm Shire has said it The decision to introduce the 5G network came about a year expects to double by after it introduced the 4G network at the United Nations 2020 as it tries to fend World Tourism Organisation general assembly. While the off a $46bn bid from US company intends to expand its current 3G and 4G long-term rival AbbVie. evolution to other parts of the country where the service is yet to be effective, CEO at Econet Wireless group, Mr Douglas Mboweni said “Countries like South Korea are already experimenting with some of these technologies and in Africa we do not have to reinvent the wheel but to look at what is being applied elsewhere.”
JSE-listed resources firm, Exxaro, last Tuesday said it had been forced to writedown the value of its investment in the 12 million tonnes Mayoko Iron Ore Project in the Republic of Congo. Airtel Zambia has revealed it has refunded airtime to over 28,000 subscribers after intervention of the country’s regulatory body Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA).
QUAD-WRANGLE
Transportation
Africa Airlines Association calls on EU to reverse ban on local airlines The African Airlines Association (AAA) called on the European Union (EU) to lift a ban on 140 African airlines currently restricted from the EU airspace, which is mostly related to security and safety of passengers. However AAA secretary-general, Elijah Chingosho told an aviation industry conference Routes Africa in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe last Tuesday that the EU ban on African airlines by EU is stalling development of the industry in Africa.
Energy
Tullow spots new oil site in Kenya
UK-based oil exploration firm, Tullow Oil has recorded further success in their operation in northern Kenya as it made a new find in oil and natural gas deposits, with its partner, Canada’s Africa Oil also discovering gas in a separate site. The British company’s struck oil at the Ngamia–2 well span across a 39-metre range, 1.7 kilometers from the Ngamia-1, where Kenya first found oil in 2012. Gas deposits discovered by Africa Oil however stretches across a 1,000-metre range at the Sala-1 site, although exact amount and viability of the deposit has not been ascertained.
City search
Can you find the ten European cities listed below? No vowels are shown and the remaining letters have been jumbled.
Can you discover the sixteen numbers that match all the clues below? All the numbers are whole numbers. No two numbers are the same and no number has a value less than 1. 1. A1=B3 minus D1. 2. A2=either B4 minus D1 or B4 plus 3. A3=either D1 plus A4 or a third of D1. 4. A4=either 35 or 36. 5. B1=either D2 plus C4 or A1 divided by C4. 6. B2=A4 minus C4. 7. B3=D3 minus B2. 8. B4=B1 plus D1.
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9. C1=either D4 plus B2 or D4 minus B2. 10. C2=either A2 minus B1 or A2 plus B1. 11. C3=either C1 minus D1 or C1 plus D1. 12. C4=a fifth of A4. 13. D1=either B2 plus C4 or B2 minus C4. 14. D2=either C3 minus A3 or C3 minus B2. 15. D3=either A3 minus B2 or A3 plus A4. 16. D4=either A1 minus C4 or A1 plus C4.
Name European cities: 1. S M R T M D 2. T S P B D 3. C L N B R 4. N D N L 5. N L M 6. S S S B R L 7. S P R 8. W G G S L 9. P L S N 10. N V C
Last week’s solutions QUAD-WRANGLE 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
All the numbers are whole numbers (intro), so B3=12 and A2=4 (clues 2 and 7). D4=48 (16). No two numbers are the same (intro), so C1=8 (9). A4=96 (4). D2=24 (14). B2=3 (6). C4=72 (12). D3=66 (15). C2=30 (10). A1=54 (1). B1=18 (5). B4=26 (8). D1=40 (13). C3=10 (11). A3=50 (30). D3=60 (15).
actress 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
GWYNETH PALTROW WINONA RYDER SIGOURNEY WEAVER JENNIFER ANISTON GILLIAN ANDERSON
6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
HALLE BERRY NICOLE KIDMAN ANGELINA JOLIE CATHERINE ZETA KATE WINSLET
48 CEOConfidential
Sunday, June 29, 2014
updates N78,000,000 Compiled by Dan Udechukwu
Value of money the authorities of Edo State Employment and Expenditure for Results (SEEFOR) say it has earmarked to assist the Edo State office of FADAMA III project.
Manufacturing
Manufacturers face export market on back of external demand
As productivity and demand for local products across continental markets continue to rise, Nigerian manufacturers are consistently looking outwards and also finding bigger markets across Africa, Europe and the United States of America, BusinessDay checks have shown. The new shift is occasioned by improvement in the quality of the products as Nigerian manufacturers now compete favourably with their foreign counterparts, further investigations reveal. The manufacturers are also encouraged by the recent GDP rebasing that has made the Nigerian economy the biggest on the African continent, a development that has increased their perception globally. The acceptability of Nigerian products across various markets in the globe has continued to be driven by improved competiveness of locally manufactured goods, which reflects on deliberate increase in product quality, design and affordability, Dom Opara, general manager, Posh International, whose firm is a key exporter across these markets, told BusinessDay. Insurance
NAICOM targets consumer rights in new protection policy A new consumer protection policy that would enhance consumer rights in insurance contract and consequently boost their confidence in taking up covers is in the works at the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), BusinessDay investigations
$18bn Worth of centenary city President Goodluck Jonathan has performed the ground-breaking ceremony recently in Abuja.
18.9%
Percentage rise in Capital Hotels assets for the year 2013 despite the security challenges that impacted negatively on tourism sub-sector of the nation’s economy.
reveal. The new policy is expected to provide the potential insured the opportunity to understand details of the insurance contract, rights and privileges, entry and exit rules, such that no part of the contract would be alien to the insured in the event of loss occurring. Analysts said last night that the policy, which would be called ‘Market Conduct Guideline’, would engender consumer confidence in the sector as well as deepen penetration in Africa’s most populous black nation, where insurance penetration has been abysmally too low at less than 1 per cent.
Telecommunication
MTN appoints Moolman as Nigeria CFO in management overhaul
Ferdi Moolman, currently the Chief Operations Officer at MTN Irancell, has been appointed to the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at MTN Nigeria as it strengthened its leadership core in Nigeria, Iran and Uganda. The telecommunication giant also named Mazen Mroue, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Uganda, as the new Chief Operations Officer (COO) of MTN Irancell. Mroue will be succeeded in Uganda by Brian Gouldie, the Chief Total foreign fund inflows Marketing Officer of MTN South Africa. into the Nigerian Stock Sifiso Dabengwa, MTN Group president and CEO congratulated Exchange in the month the executives on their appointments. of May, according to data from the bourse.
$252m
Energy
Nigeria’s informal tsector accounts for as much as an estimated 57.9 per cent of the nation’s rebased Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Daouda Toure, United Nations resident coordinator/ representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Nigeria, disclosed last Tuesday. The National Economic Council (NEC) last week considered the final draft of the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP) meant to accelerate infrastructure development in the country.
West Africa crude: Nigeria diffs at lowest since January, supply ample
Differentials of Nigerian crude oil fell to their lowest since January on Tuesday, squeezed by ample supply and anaemic European demand which has led refiners in the region to cut runs. Nigeria will export around 1.87 million barrels per day of crude oil in August, in line with planned July exports, shipping lists seen indicated last Tuesday. Exports are higher than those seen earlier in the year, putting pressure on differentials that are under pressure due to slack European demand. There were 10 to 15 cargoes out of 63 July cargoes still for sale even as the majority of August loading cargoes had come to market.
Technology
NCE, BoA, Stanbic IBTC collaborate on electronic trading system
The Nigeria Commodity Exchange (NCX), formerly known as the Abuja Commodities and Securities Exchange, will be launching a pilot electronic warehouse receipt system (e-WRS) next month (July 10, 2014). This was made known at a press conference in Lagos by Yusuf Abdulrahman, CEO of NCX, Mohammed K. Santuraki, CEO, Bank of Agriculture (BoA), and Sola David-Borha, CEO, Stanbic IBTC Holdings plc. Mroue will be succeeded in Uganda by Brian Gouldie, the Chief Marketing Officer of MTN South Africa.
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR Show
Conference
Seminars
The Cargo Show Africa 2014 Johannesburg, South Africa, July 1-2, 2014
AfricaRail 2014 Johannesburg, South Africa, July 1-2, 2014
Poise for Personal and Executive Assistant Lagos, Nigeria; July 2-4, 2014
The Cargo Show Africa is the leading exhibition and idea exchange for the African cargo owning community, who are hungry for innovative solutions in transporting their cargo. This is a platform for cargo transportation solution providing to showcase their business to Africa’s key cargo owners and buyers. The rise in bulk shipping rates is putting pressure on African and international cargo owners to search for viable alternatives to bulk shipping. And, this is putting immense pressure on bulk transporters to improve their services.
Africa Rail is the continent’s leading railway event. It is Africa’s only railway conference and exhibition with attendees from all over Africa and a Signalling & Train control specific conference day. It is supported by government, investors and major heavy haul cargo owners.
This is for personal and executive assistants who are ready to step up their games by acquiring the indispensible expertise that will make them stand out in their job performance. The event is open to all personal and executive assistance in all sectors of the economy.
WhErE To buY/ ABUJA A-Z 49
Sunday, June 29, 2014
What to buy Tired of of your old kitchen look and feel? You can bring your kitchen back to life by adding kitchen fixtures and equipment that will make your kitchen look absolutely amazing! In this edition, we bring you a little list of items that can revamp your kitchen.
Editor’s Picks
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1. TrENDY CAbINET- one of the fastest ways of
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transforming your kitchen is to change the cabinet. Kitchen cabinets can be the most striking feature in your kitchen, so you can choose a pattern that suits your interior style. If you’re ready to take your kitchen cabinetry to the next level, you can check Pedini Floor 01 Transcorp hilton hotel opposite Arik airline Abuja. 2. bEAuTY IN bLINDS- lovely blinds add beauty to every space in your home, be it your sitting room, your bathroom or your kitchen. You can enhance your kitchen with lovely blinds that will make every one that visits you marvel at the beauty of your kitchen. You can get a new blind that suits your kitchen interior at Wuse Market. 3. LuXurY TIME PIECE- Looking for the perfect sophisticated touch for your kitchen room? A luxury wall clock may just be the answer. Apart from its use in timi an excellent addition to any kitchen. Luxury time pieces come in different styles materials. You can get nice time pieces at home bargains Nigeria Limited. Shop 202a DbM plaza Nouakchott Street off olusegun obasanjo Way Wuse Zone 1 Abuja 4. LIGhT ING ThE boX- You can light up your
kitchen with lovely flower light fixtures. There are very inexpensive light designs, in different sizes and colours that can add a new look to your kitchen. beautiful flower lights are available at Exclusive Stores, Wuse 2 Abuja. 5. uNIQuE ToWELS - Apart from their obvious use of kitchen towels, they can be used to enhance the décor of your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for unique designs that will suit your taste or plain colours that can add beauty to your kitchen, make sure they are safe, strong and stylish. Available at Shoprite Plot 232 Murtala Mohammed Express, Along Apo Mechanic Village Apo 6. FLoWEr VASES – Flower vases, bowls and flowers were designed to make your everyday happier and inspire your own creativity. You can improve the looks of the kitchen by filling your flower vases with beautiful flowers or you can just let the bowls and vases stand on their own. Available at Spar Park and Shop 740, Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja
50 ABUJA A-Z
Sunday, June 29, 2014
After Work Hours in Abuja STORY: UCHE UDUMA
Fruit stalls at Wuse market
Raw food section of the market
Rush hour in Abuja is characterized with traffic jam and bustling night life in the major streets in the city. The rush hour begins at 4pm with heavy hold up building up along the major axis, such as Aminu Kano Crescent /Bannex/Mabushi road, FRSC /Wuye junction, AYA/Nyanya Mararaba road and Gwarinpa/ Kubwa road. Though not everyone looks forward to the rush hour due to the explosion in automobiles in the city, which has left the residents struggling to keep up with heavy traffic, however, more than a few people look forward to the rush hour because it marks the beginning of night life in the city, and when some businesses particularly bars, gardens and restaurants come alive. As the evening progresses, some of the area in city, which are mainly used for office purposes, wind down. Hordes of people who are normally seen around the business areas gradually begin to disappear, while the bus stops get cramped with people queueing up to get a space in the “El-Rufai” buses going to their destination. At this time, the garden, bars and relaxation centres begin to come alive and the cars which formed traffic along the major roads, gradually disappear from the roads, to form clusters in the various relaxation centers. For many, the rush hour is time to unwind after a hard day’s work however for Hassan Aliyu, after work hours is the peak of his business. The 22 old year old man who sells shoe racks and wall clocks, along Arab junction, reveals “The evening rush hour helps me to sell my goods. The traffic which builds up in the evening allows me to make sales. When there is no traffic, we struggle to sell our goods but when there is traffic it is easier for people stuck in the traffic to have a good look at our wares and buy it.” Hassan is not the only one who benefits
from the traffic build up. Yunusa Mohammed also makes a living during the rush hour by cleaning car windscreens. The boy who was seen at Arab Junction with his bottle of soap and local wiper reveals. “It is hard to clean the cars in the afternoon because the cars are always in motion. But in the evenings, there is usually traffic at this junction and it allows us to make money. For Frankline Mmadu, a private auditor living in one of the satellite towns in Abuja, he looks forward to the after work hours, as it gives him the opportunity to unwind after a hard day at work. He revealed, “I normally stay back in town to meet some of my clients after work hours. That is when you can discuss business in a relaxed environment without the tension and edginess felt in the offices during business hours. I make out time every evening to hang out, unwind, and chat with my associates in a relaxed environment while I wait for the traffic to go down.” Not everyone finds after work hours interesting as the find the rush hour traffic unbearable. Jamilu Zubairo an Aviator is one of the people that detests the Abuja rush-hour traffic like a leper. He reveals, “I usually leave my office before 4pm in order to beat the gridlock.” Although, leaving early works for Jamilu it does not exempt him from being held in the traffic once in a while. “There are some days I am lucky and beat the traffic but when I meet the traffic I stay back in the office til about 11pm when the road will be free.”Rekiya Bello a business woman who sells Asun, a local Yoruba delicacy, after work hours is the peak time for her business. According to her “it is when we sell the most. I don’t bother opening my shop in the morning, but I dare not keep it closed after 4pm. That is when we make our sales.”
MY ABUJA
Zainab Abdulmajeed LECTURER
I moved to Abuja after my first degree like most people, in search of greener pastures. Coming from Zaria and having served in Enugu the first obvious breath taking scenery were the roads linking places and boy were they massive! And impressive too… However, it doesn’t end there; I have been able to secure a job, start a business here and make new friends from different parts of the country which is super cool because you get to learn more about Nigeria’s diverse culture. Also, I have grown to love and explore Abuja’s beautiful wellmanicured gardens and parks which I can go with a book if I want a quiet time or in the company of family or friends for nice picnic. Another reason I love Abuja is that you can get almost anything here from variety of foods to and of course books. I love books! And it is the only town in northern Nigeria where you can have a park, gym, supermarket, cinema, hospital and a cool restaurant and within your place of residence, for a price though! But hey, that’s why we work so we can afford the things that really makes us happy and what’s not to love about that
ListinGs/ABUJA A-Z 51
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Listings aUtoMoBiLes
automobiles
part of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, the automobile company aims to become one of the world’s premier automotive brands. Nearly 1.5 million vehicles a year are produced in its 13 manufacturing and assembly operations in eight countries, which are then sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering 172 countries including Nigeria. Kia Motors Corporation’s brand slogan -“The Power to Surprise” represents the company’s global commitment to surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation. 18 A.E Ekukinam Street, Off Obafemi Awolowo Road, Jabi Express Road
toYota (niGeria) LiMited Toyota Limited is one of the leading automobile brands in Nigeria, which aspires to provide the ultimate auto-brand experience through a strong dealership network, driven by excellent relationship with their stakeholders. Toyota offers Nigerian public high quality products tailor-made to suit the Nigerian climatic and road conditions. Some of the products models offered by Toyota are passenger vehicle models: including the Corolla, Avensis, Camry etc, and commercial vehicle models, including the Hilux pick up, Hiace, Kojo Motors LiMited Coaster, Land cruiser Kojo Motors Limited is a etc. Some of these diversified group of highly models are modified competent sales and to meet specific fleet’s services professionals, special requirements with extensive knowledge and challenges without and expertise in providing compromising set leading edge sales and standards. A great deal services to consumers. of premium is placed Kojo motors started on after sales service business as an automobile support as the company marketing company, by is not only sales oriented 1988 it was incorporated but market driven to as Kojo Motor Limited ensure that we make and evolved to a dealer of our customers partners only Toyota and Nissan for life. One element vehicles and spare parts of trust that Toyota in Nigeria. Over the years, (Nigeria) Limited has they have consistently been able to build been marketing, selling into the mindset of and servicing Toyota its customers is the and Nissan vehicles in availability of genuine Nigeria. And today, they spare parts. This has are clearly ranked as one of helped it bond with its the major Toyota dealers customers, giving the in Nigeria. Their superior brand a competitive edge performance in sales and over other automobile service has served as a products in the market. guarantee of value to Plot 1259 Aminu Kano their present customers. Crescent, Wuse 11, Abuja. Some of their models are modified to meet specific Kia Motors fleet’s special requirements Kia Motors is one of the and challenges without successful automobile compromising set companies in Nigeria standards. being led by an Plot 1209 Shehu Yar’Adua Way ambitious and industryMabushi, Abuja focused management team who play a vital eLizade Motors role in the day-to-day Beautiful structures housing activities of growing gleaming Toyota vehicles the brand in Nigeria. of all shapes, colours Founded in 1944 as
and sizes, that’s Elizade for you. As a Grade A authorized Toyota dealer, the company sells only tropicalised madefor-Nigeria vehicles. It maintains a vast depot of Toyota vehicles so that orders are met promptly and delivery is made without unduly long waiting time. Elizade motors was established in 1971 and over the years, the company has established a relationship of trust and confidence with its loyal customers. Once a vehicle is sold, it is backed up with all their maintenance muscle and experience of over three decades. Whatever model you buy, you can be sure Elizade will always be there to help you achieve pleasant motoring experience all the time. For this, the company has been richly rewarded with customers’ loyalty. Plot 158, Gimbiya Street, Off Ahmadu Bello Way, Area 11, GarkiAbuja, F.C.T. Mercedes-Benz At Mercedes-Benz the secret of being the world’s best producer and distributor in automobile is not just about making luxurious and stunning cars, but also bringing smiles to all customers with special care and great services. The company believes that in order to form trust and strong bonds with all Mercedes-Benz owners, the company must be able to deliver complete and continual services to the customers. Weststar associates is the sole distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria and its goal is to expand networks with comprehensive services through dealers that are qualified with abilities to meet the standard of the Mercedes-Benz brand. Plot 735, Cadastral Zone C 16 Idu Industrial Area 1 Abuja
SPOTLIGHT
Gifty’s Daughter abuja makeup and beauty lovers can now shop without hassles. one shop that has everything under of one roof is now open in the Fct. Gifty’s daughter is one of the top makeup stores in nigeria for amazing makeup and beauty finds in nigeria, with stores in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Bayelsa, the brand has carved a niche for itself and is indeed a force to reckon with. Gifty’s daughter stocks high streets brands such as Ben nye (famous for the Banana powder), Makeup Forever (MUFe), Mac, Fashion Fair, Urban decay, other brands include nYX, Wet’n’Wild, smashbox and many more. Suite 301 Bloomsbury Plaza No 1245 Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent Wuse 2
SPOTLIGHT
Jabi Lake Boat Ride Boat rides are not common in the Federal capital territory because of the city’s geographical location. that is why the boat ride at jabi Lake is kind of a big deal to the residents. it is a great form of relaxation for friends and family. the boats take passengers on a brief cruise from one end of the lake to the other and back. the scenery is beautiful; one can see almost every side of the jabi district and other surrounding areas. sunset rides are breathtaking with the cool breeze and the reflection of the sun on the water. it creates a calming effect. Alex Ekwueme Way, Jabi
52 aBUJa a-Z/LISTINGS
SPOTLIGHT
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Listings GWArINPA SHOPPING PLAzA
Juice Place II The juice place is a health bar and retail store which provides its customers with 100 percent natural products, in a warm and friendly environment. These products range from freshly made juice, smoothies, boosters, and juicers to food supplements, herbal teas and more. They also have in-house food and nutrition consultants, who advise you on their various products and services according to your requirements. We also provide advice on diet and nutrition if the customer requests for it. They are known for providing excellent customer service, quality products and their staff is always ready to help whenever necessary. Shop C22, Valley mall, Opposite Diamond Bank. Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse 2
SPOTLIGHT
Kwik Chow Chinese Restaurant and Take Away. Variety of Chinese recipes on the menu, cozy dining atmosphere. Fresh red and white tablecloths, clean and cozy environment, complete with hot towel to wipe your hands after placing your orders. Attached to the restaurant are a spa and beauty salon along with a barber shop. One thing you will absolutely love about the restaurant is the friendly staff. Hours: 10:00 am from Monday to Saturday and at 12:00 noon on Sundays 2 Euphrates Street, Opposite Regent School, by the Ansarudeen Mosque, Wuse 2
dePendaBle PharMacy This is Dependable Pharmacy is a good combination store for pharmaceutical and household needs. The shop has a professional and qualified pharmacist who is in charge of its pharmaceutical department. The pharmacy offer services such as free blood pressure check, and free blood glucose level check. The pharmacy has one aim, which is to improve the wellbeing of people around Kado Lifecamp. C28, Gwarinpa Modern Market, Kado Lifecamp, Kado, Abuja, Nigeria. United nigeria chaPlaincy United Nigeria Chaplaincy is an organization born out of the need to unite all chaplaincy bodies in the nation irrespective of religious inclinations, and assist law enforcement agencies to identify corrupt practices as well as proffer solutions toward crime prevention. The organization carries out sensitization at grassroots level and secondary schools. They also conduct moral instructions to all forces and Para-Military Organizations as well as care for widows and orphans of deceased service personnel, dialogue with restive groups and carry out peace mission. 3rd floor, Block B, Gwarinpa Shopping Plaza shoP and sMile sUPer Market Shop and smile is a self-service shop offering a wide variety of food and household products ranging from dairy, and baked goods , as well as various non-food items such as kitchenware, household cleaners, pharmacy products and pet supplies. Some supermarkets also sell a variety of other household products that are consumed regularly, such as alcohol cosmetics and clothes. The shop is open from Monday to Sunday from 7 am in the morning and closes at 9pm. Shop 30 C Gwarinpa Shopping Mall, Kado. cocacola Mini dePot Cocacola is a long standing soft drink Brand in Nigeria driven by creativity, passion and optimism. The soft drink brand has deports spread across the country. In furtherance of it vision to continue achieving sustainable and quality
Gwarinpa Shopping Plaza, Event Planners
growth, a mini depot was set up at Kado to serve the need to people living at Kado/ Lifecamp extension. The depot supplies Coca-Cola products to smaller shops around the area. Different Coca-Cola products are available in the depot at very affordable price. The depot is open Monday to Sunday from 7am to 9pm. Gwarinpa shopping Plaza First Bank oF nigeria First Bank has solidified itself as a brand of fortitude, strength and innovation in the Nigerian financial sector since its inception in 1894. The iconic African elephant with navy blue and ivory colours has been a national symbol of one of the biggest international players in the financial services industry to date. First bank has branches at different parts of Abuja, and recently it opened a branch at Gwarinpa shopping mall. Some of the products and services offered in the branch include savings account banking, current account banking, term deposits, domiciliary accounts, loans, agricultural finance and more. Ground Floor Block B, Gwarinpa Shopping mall Abuja.
and coordination of weddings in Abuja. Mabota party services helps the couple to plan and execute their wedding without stress. Some of their services include rentals – chair, tables, canopies and chaffing dishes. They also offer decorative services such as balloons, fabrics and floral decorations. They also offer indoor and outdoor catering services. Mabota party services work directly with prospective couples and their families to plan special occasions that suits the personal style of the celebrants. Utako Market w/h 65 Abuja
alFa showers Alfa Showers is an events planning company that mainly specializes in the planning of bridal showers and hen nights. They do everything from planning of classy bridal showers to raunchy hen nights and provide venue, food and drinks, tasteful decor, entertainment, party favors and costumes. Their costumes and accessories include customized t-shirts, tiaras, sashes, cowboy hats, bunny ears, masks and whatever their clients’ imagination can conjure. EVENT PLANNErS They also provide catering services for different BMo events occasions and events. Alfa MO Event Arena is one of Showers offers a wide range the leading names in event of flexibility in services in management in Abuja. order to satisfy customer Located in the heart of Federal needs. Their services include Capital Territory, the company Bridal showers, Catering offers an unparalleled service services, General events in the event management planning etc. industry. Their “Shasta” No 34 Lake Chad Crescent, Off sits 1,200 people banquet IBB Way, Maitama. Abuja. style and up-to 4,000 people conference style. When odak caterers choosing a venue for your Odak foods specializes in event, it is important to make catering hors d’oeuvres, sure that the property allows dinners, company picnics, you to incorporate same on holiday parties, and all other site promotion for your event. special corporate events. BMO Events Center allows From formal events to you the ability to display daily meetings, they are the banners, signage and signs one-stop-shop for all your with limited restrictions. Their corporate catering needs. on hand facility manager is The company offers flexible available to help make your menu options to fit your event a success from inception tastes, dietary restrictions, to completion. Tailored to and budgetary requirements. the needs of our client, our More interestingly, they facilities are perfect for any can create custom catering Weddings, Conferences, menus for those events Banquet, Balls, Meetings, that call for a little culinary Exhibitions, Kiddies Parties, and financial creativity. Beauty Pageant, Award parties Odak Foods offers an and lots more. exclusive service to event Plot 174, Durban Street,River planners, they help event Plate Park, Wuse II, Wuse, Abuja, plan, organize and deliver Nigeria efficiently. We also render outdoor catering services MarBota Party services and special training. Mabota party services Julius Berger Camp, After Berger specializes in event planning Clinic Gate Lifecamp.
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Sunday, June 29, 2014
business
One of the newly inaugurated air-conditioned rail coaches in Lagos. PHOTO BY Ajetunblogspot.com
NRC Lures Lagos Elites To The Tracks With New-look Trains The new lease of life being injected into the country’s railway transport system appears to beat everyone’s imagination, as the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) begins a new service targeted at bringing the Lagos middle class into the railway grid, SAMSON ECHENIM writes
The new railway vehicles meant to be deployed for mass transit train services, are expected to increase the number of passengers moved by railway in Lagos from the current 16,000 to 22,000 daily
R
ecent developments in Nigeria’s railway have gone far in showing that resuscitation of national infrastructure can be cheaply achieved. The Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) is beating the imagination of most people, leaping from one feat to the next in a shorter time than expected and has continued to maintain appreciable doggedness in its determination to stabilise the railway transport system in the country. The latest of the corporation’s comeback feat is its acquisition of two air-conditioned Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs), railway coaches that herald a complete deviation from the conventional coaches. The corporation also acquired six air-conditioned coaches meant for the commencement of first-class train service on the Lagos-Kano route. The DMU combines speed with operational ease, making return trips faster than coaches pulled by locomotives by up to 100 per cent. According to the NRC manag-
ing director, Engineer Adeseyi Sijuwade, the new railway vehicles meant to be deployed for mass transit train services, are expected to increase the number of passengers moved by railway in Lagos from the current 16,000 to 22,000 daily. “These DMUs will free up a number of our heavy locomotives currently being used for passenger services, which can then be redeployed to pull freight wagons,” says Sijuwade. Each set of the DMU is made up of three trailer cars and one motor car at each end. Powered by two sets of 1,200HP Cummins diesel engine and one 166HP Cummins generator for auxiliary power, the capacity of each trailer is 72 seating and 108 standing, making a total of 540 passengers for the three cars. “This configuration eliminates shunting at terminal stations, thereby reducing delays and journey time,” the NRC boss adds. The NRC also plans to deploy the six air-conditioned coaches, each
with 68 passengers as first-class coaches on long distance intercity train services, starting with the Lagos-Kano service. “This is expected to immediately increase the number of passengers on the Lagos to Kano service from 6,000 to 7,000 per week. It is also expected to result in a drastic reduction in congestion on our trains,” says Sijuwade. Railway for the Middle Class While Nigeria’s growing middle class appears slow at accepting the coming back of the railway with certainty, the railway corporation has put on its thinking cap to strategise on how to bring them into the railway grid. Sijuwade maintains that the acquisition of the new trains is part of NRC’s plan to introduce “a new market” in the Nigerian railway system. He says the trains are meant to reach passenger segmentation goals, as part of his corporation’s strategies to provide train services for mostly middle class passengers. “Now we have bankers, accountants and all sorts of professionals using the new trains. You see people come into the train with laptops and several professional gadgets,” Sijuwade says. Mr Tola Adenubi, a journalist says the new trains have made his daily movement from Agbado to Apapa a lot easier and with remarkable save in time.
He says, “Even though I have always used the railway, since the service stabilised in the last few years, the coming of the DMUs brought about a lot of convenience. We now pay more, but we are happy because the service is worth the fare. In fact, more people that wouldn’t have ordinarily used the railway are now leaving their cars at home and joining the new trains to Lagos.” The Lagos mass transit train service alone is said to generate up to 50 per cent of the corporation’s revenue from passenger services. New figures coming out with the commencement of the DMUs show a huge improvement in turnaround time. Sijuwade says the NRC now nears commencement of hourly service. According to him, unlike the coaches that one locomotive will pull from Iddo to Ijoko, which needs to be detached and fix at the other end to start coming back, the DMU moves straight and the other locomotive at the other end moves it back to the originating station. He says, “So, if we actually have the line clearance, it is this sort of infrastructure that we can run hourly service. Hourly service can now be possible. In fact, the service we are providing now is meant to be a gradual transition into hourly service. You know, it is something that builds up over time. We are not go➔ CONTINUEd ON PAGE
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54 BUSINESS
Sunday, June 29, 2014
NRC Lures Lagos Elites To The Tracks With New-look Trains ➔ CONTINUEd from PAGE
ing to dabble into it now so that we will not just be burning diesel. As more people come into the railways service grid, it becomes more possible to run hourly services. “We will be having three of those air-coaches on Lagos to Kano route and they will become the first-class coaches. Every other coach will be working as standard coaches, so it is a transitional growth whereby, after some while, we have the intention of making the first-class coaches to become the standard coaches, so all the coaches can even have air conditioners in the nearest future. What used to be the firstclass coaches from Lagos to Kano can now be redeployed to other services, such as Offa to Kano, Minna-Kaduna-Minna which never had first class coaches. The Minna-Kaduna and back to Minna services runs three times a day and now we can use more first class air condition coaches on those services.” A day after they were put to service, one of the newly acquired DMUs was attacked by hoodlums at the Ijoko, Agbado and Itoki stations, reportedly in protest against the higher fares on the new train service. The NRC boss, however, says a major reason for the mob attack was the realisation by the hoodlums that they can no longer do rooftop ridding, as there is provision for all passengers. “We still have the old coaches, which is a lot cheaper than the DMUs. We expect that while we use the DMUs to bring in this new market, people will continue to use the existing coaches,” he notes.
The corporation also acquired six airconditioned coaches meant for the commencement of firstclass train service on the Lagos-Kano route
what we would do at many of the station, whereby you walk out and in of the train at the same level. Our intention is to construct the same thing at the Ijoko Station as well. The platform helps to reduce the trains dwelling time—that is the length of time the people use to disembark and embark. “That also has a security implication. The train wastes no time at all when it stops to drop passengers and that helps to reduce the chance for people to climb on the train. So we will build the platform at Ijoko, Agbado, Oshodi and all the major stations which are also known to be notorious and we will then start fencing the stations.”
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Safety, Security at Railway Stations With the steady growth now being recorded by the country’s railway, security and safety concerns have also sprung up. While the new DMUs leave no room for rooftop ridding, the menace may continue with the coaches. Recently however, the corporation engaged a private security firm, Todad Security Services, to man its stations and to also man the moving train. Todad now mans all stations adjudged to be notorious, prevent people from sitting on the train’s roof and ensure sanity in the use of train services. Sijuwade says his management team is constantly meeting and deliberating on strategies to improve on safety and security of commuters at the station and while on transit. He says the corporation will soon commence fencing and gating of stations (terminals) identified to have security issues. Such stations according to him are the Ijoko, Oshodi, Itoki and Agbado along the Lagos service route. He explains, “Most of our stations are porous. There is access to the stations, to the tracks and everywhere. But at Iddo we have actually erected a gate on the track. This means that no one can even walk to the station through the track. The
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gate only opens when a train is getting in or getting out of the station. One of the plans we have regarding limitation of access is to now, immediately commence same initiative starting with Ijoko. Ijoko is actually the station with the largest number of commuters after Iddo in Lagos area. So what we want to do now is to again entirely fence up the Ijoko Station whereby there will be only one point of access through the station building. “The platform we constructed at the Ikeja Station is again another of our innovative initiatives and it’s a prototype, a pilot scheme of
Maintenance and Retraining Tails from a labour leader in the railway subsector, Mr Martins Kukuh, who has been with the corporation from the 1980s show fears of possible collapse if adequate provisions are not made for maintenance. He says, “We are being trained, but after the training, we will need equipment to work with. We will need to replace bad parts with new ones to ensure that the trains do not stop moving. We expect that government has learnt from the mistakes of the past and from what we are seeing today, we are getting it right again.” The NRC boss also shows concern in the area of maintenance, but his expression of the corporation’s action plan for stable maintenance comes with fair confidence. He says the corporation has a twoyear maintenance deal with manufacturers of the new trains, CSR Nanjing Puzhen, China and Kintech Nigeria Limited. He says, “In this country, we take delight in celebrating completion of a project. However, we do not put much emphasis on maintenance and what happens after. In the old NRC, sustainability plan was lacking. In so many locations all over the country, our rolling stocks litter. Two things are involved here— one, inadequate provisions for spare parts and two, inadequate provisions for maintenance. This problem applies to other infrastructures such as the roads and all others. “So we have learnt a lot of lessons from such failures and that’s why we have insisted on this plan to have the manufacturers stay with us here. We are providing accommodation for six of them, Chinese engineers and technicians here beside this railway compound. They sleep and wake up with us here every day and attend to any issues we might have. The DMUs are the first of their kind in Nigeria. They are working right inside our workshop with our own technicians and engineers. What this means is that there is a day-to-day transfer of skills and technology. The other thing is that even though DMUs are new to us, we have done a properly structured training scheme, in which all our mechanical engi-
neers and train operators have been brought and have undergone different training sessions.” Private Sector Participation Despite the speedy revival of the railway by the government, which is largely helped by the Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P), experts fear that without private sector involvement, the management of the NRC might become overwhelmed at some point. “I think the NRC could be overwhelmed because we have realised that passenger level is growing fast. In terms of managing security, the influx of passengers, cash handling and a lot more, it is an observation though. It is one thing to say we are making progress, but that progress comes with a lot of challenges that need to be managed,” says Kuku. However, Sijuwade says the NRC has been having “several strategic meetings on daily basis and continuously doing some kind of risk analysis and ways to manage them.” He explains further, “For instance, the new trains come with a new challenge and like I earlier one of the ways we are making sure that we are not overwhelmed is outsourcing. We realise that the way things were going that security can no longer be left in the hands of NRC that is why we brought in Todad. Security is not our core competence. So what we do is that we have started outsourcing those roles that are not our core competence. Again, outsourcing comes as a transitional process towards concessioning to private sector. Now we have constraints as regards involvement of private sector, which has to do with the railway bill as you rightly mentioned, but we can’t just fold our hands. “We are also in discussions with General Electric and other Chinese companies to set up their plants here. But we have so many workshops that are not put to use yet. In addition to serving as a maintenance workshop, companies can also put some of the facilities to use for the assemblage of rolling stocks. Our concern now is getting enough spare parts. For the GE deal, we got to a point where we actually finalised and came up with a memorandum of understanding for the company to set up here. However, the financial aspect of it is what we are still working on. Indeed it is a PPP initiative, but that doesn’t mean that we expect them to come in with 100 per cent of their own fund. The government wants to come in and put some money down and that’s what we are working on.” One thing I will always assure Nigerians is that we have learnt from our past mistakes and they will never repeat themselves. We assure Nigerians of this government’s commitment to developing railway transport and we are particularly happy to have achieved this feat in the country’s railway system. Indeed, greater heights will be reached in no distant time.”
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Sunday, June 29, 2014
news
Int’l Telecoms, Gates Foundation To Connect 2.5bn Adults To Mobile Money By Chima Akwaja, Lagos
The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has joined hands with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to connect over 2.5 billion adults who do not have access to a formal bank account, most of them in developing economies, by delivering digital financial services capable of improving the delivery of basic financial services. ITU has established a new focus group on digital financial services to promote financial inclusion using information and communication technologies (ICT) in response to a proposal from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which is a member of ITU’s Standardisation Sector (ITU-T). Internationally standardised ‘mobile money’ platforms will increase financial inclusion to the benefit of socioeconomic development worldwide. Standards will drastically reduce the costs of these services to service providers and their customers, thereby opening the door to remote and underserved communities.
ITU secretary-general, Hamadoun I. Touré said, “The extraordinary impact of mobile money solutions in developing countries has highlighted that ICTs are at the heart of innovation in financial services. What is lacking is an international standard that will allow interoperability between the services offered by different operators”. The Focus Group, which is open to participation by any interested party, will develop an international standardisation road map for interoperable digital financial services as well as a regulatory toolkit to help national policy makers and regulatory authorities encourage the adoption of these services. The group will identify the technology trends in digital financial services expected to emerge over the coming years and how the roles of various stakeholders in this ecosystem will evolve in response. In its work to pinpoint successful use cases for the implementation of mobile money in developing countries, it will pay particular attention to the associated benefits for women.
L-R: Managing director, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) , Engr Ibrahim Abdulsalam; supervising minister of aviation, Dr Samuel Ortom; managing director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Engr. Saleh Dunoma and director general, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Engr Benedict Adeyileka, during the minister’s inspection tour of on-going projects at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, recently. PHOTO BY GBENGA
Lagos Chamber Of Commerce Admits 64 New Firms
OLAJOBI
By Chika Izuora, Lagos
GTBank Appoints Oyinlola Chairman Of Africa Schlumberger Director
The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has admitted 64 new companies into its fold during the week. While admitting the new companies, it warned member companies to commit themselves to the ideals and high ethical standards as prescribed by the chamber or face severe penalties. Addressing the new inductees, president of the chamber, Alhaji Remi Bello reminded them of the obligation of the chamber which he said transcended profit-making. Bello charged them to pay adequate attention to the integrity of business transactions and practice. “I therefore enjoin you all to be committed to the ideals and high ethical standards and responsible corporate citizenships,” he advised. He informed them that the chamber has developed a code of business ethics to which all members are to subscribe to and cautioned that any breach whatsoever would be taken seriously and be visited with appropriate sanctions.
African Bank of the Year, Guaranty Trust Bank plc, has announced the appointment of Mr Hezekiah Sola Oyinlola as a non-executive director. He replaced Mrs Stella Okoli on the bank’s board of directors following her recent retirement in compliance with the bank’s code of corporate governance which stipulates a retirement age of 70 years for directors of the bank. Mr Oyinlola is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, having worked at Schlumberger Group since 1984. He has held multiple senior roles on the management team and was the first Nigerian managing director of Schlumberger Group
in Nigeria. In 2011, he was appointed to his current position as chairman of Africa Schlumberger Group. According to the managing director, G plc, Segun Agbaje, “This is in demonstration of our commitment to the sustenance of good corporate governance and succession planning. We are pleased to have appointed Mr Oyinlola, a seasoned professional with a proven track record, to this position. All of us at Guaranty Trust Bank wish him the very best in his new position.” Mr Oyinlola’s appointment has been approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria in compliance with the highest level of corporate governance standards.
GTB was established in 1990 and has within the last 24 years, come to be recognised as one of the most innovative and servicefocused banks in the Nigerian financial market environment. The bank operates from over 230 business locations in Nigeria and banking subsidiaries in Cote D’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Uganda and the United Kingdom. In recognition of it service standards, management quality and financial performance, the bank has been the recipient of numerous awards over the years including the most recent as African Bank of the Year from African Bankers’ Magazine.
Earlier, Mr Babatunde Ruwase, chairman membership committee said that since inception in 1888, the chamber has been very selective and careful in its membership admission process in order to preserve its enviable image. Ruwase therefore charged them to adhere strictly to the chambers code of ethics, high standard and conduct their business in a manner that would preserve and strengthen its integrity and credibility. He also reminded them that the development and progress of the chamber is driven by selfless service and commitment of members. “I therefore implore all new members to support the chamber through their active participation in all its activities. Members should endeavour to attend chamber’s meetings and events regularly as benefits are better derived from the chamber through active participation at such fora. Since the basic source of funding for the chamber is membership subscription, I also urge you to pay your subscriptions as and when due,” Ruwase urged them.
‘NSE Needs Stronger Structures, Efficiency’ By Olushola Bello, Lagos
The former deputy governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr Tunde Lemo, has said that for the Nigerian capital market to compete satisfactorily in the global scene , it needs stronger structures and efficiency. According to Lemo, more work has to be done to improve market integrity, transparency and accountability as well as strengthen
regulatory oversight. He stated this in Lagos while presenting the key note address at the 5th annual conference of the Institute of Capital Market Registrars with the theme, “Developing a world class capital market: The need to strengthen adherence to corporate governance practices - the role of regulators, operators and investors”. Lemo explained that despite the progress made in the market since
the financial crisis, more needed to be done to grow the market to better reflect the economy. He said, “The size of an economy should be a major determinant of the size of the capital market. South Africa was estimated as the 34th largest economy in the world in 2013. “Nigeria’s current ranking as the 25th biggest economy in the world (2013 estimate) suggests that Nigeria has some work to do in grow-
ing the size of her capital market.” He said as a result of these, the target of the Nigerian Stock Exchange to achieve a $1 trillion market capitalisation by 2016 was, therefore, welcomed. Reviewing transaction efficiency, he noted that the current trading platform being used by the exchange met international standards. Lemo however said, “Transaction costs at about 1.7 per cent and 2.1
per cent for a ‘buy’ and ‘sell’ transaction, respectively, on the secondary market remain high and deter potential investors.” He added that the processes for dematerialisation of share certificates needed to be strengthened to reduce fraudulent conversion. In terms of regulation, Lemo said, several of the past setbacks in the capital market could have been prevented with proactive regulation.
56 FEATURE
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Dangers Of Watching Violence Films By Children It is believed that what kids watch on television influences their actions in real life a great deal. Ruth Choji writes on the impact of television viewing on children
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t is generally believed that the media can teach norms and values but the portrayal of violence in the mass media is beginning to cast a doubt on this belief. Concern is not being raised on the effects and impact this leaves on children. Mrs Beatrice Danyil, a mother of four was surprised when her son’s headmaster called and told her to come to the school immediately. According to her, “On getting there, I met a couple who were visibly angry. The headmaster told me that my son, Isaac, (eight years old) has used his biro to prick the eyes of his classmate who insulted him. When I queried him and asked him where he lean it from, he said he used to see it on TV. “I am a very liberal mother and I never used to monitor what they watch on TV until that day. We were lucky the boy’s eye socket was not damaged, but till date, the he has a spot on that eye and then the scar is also there; they even stitched it. The headmaster advised us to withdraw our son from there else they would expel him and destroy his record of ever attending their school. I now monitor what my children watch on TV and also make sure they don’t stay late like before”. Another mother who had experienced the negative effect of TV on children is Mrs Veronica Adawi, a mother of three. She said, “My daughter was just six years old when our neighbour’s son violated her. The boy was 12 years old at the time and all of us had gone to work. The house help was in the kitchen preparing their lunch when they came back from school and the children were playing in the children room. Nobody knew what happened until she came and told the house help that her ‘bombom’ was paining her. “On checking her, she saw some oily liquid and asked her what happened. The innocent girl told her that, Friday, our neighbour’s son inserted a small iron he was playing with in her because they we re-playing husband and wife and he said that is what couples ‘do’. I was mad. I almost reported to the police but for the timely intervention of his parents and other neighbours. “My daughter told us that he used to fondle her tiny nipples or suck them until that day that he went farther. When we accosted him, he said that is what he used to see his parents do when they think they are asleep. After that incident, we started locking our children in the room when they return from school until we moved out of the compound to our personal house”. Oluwale Adesina, a psychologist who has handled the issue of TV violence on children stated that “Violence on television usually
A child viewing television with keen interest. PHOTO BY parentdish.com
leaves a lasting effect on children and the way they think and act. When young children view violence on television, they tend to have a difficult time differentiating between what is real and what is make-believe. So, most of them tend to copy what they are seeing. They are psychologically affected by having less empathy, a characteristic we see in bullies and they are likely to use aggressive methods to solve their problems. “Many children exposed to television violence tend to believe that such is a reflection of the real world. This may lead to the belief that violence and crime are frequent occurrence in the society and to the approval of violent behaviour. Some of them become reactive rather than being proactive. Such children also become fearful of social relationships which make them to be violent and defensive and this can lead to a lack of empathy and sadistic behaviour. Some become argumentative and also act out in class or end up as bullies. “I will encourage parents to moderate their children’s TV viewing and monitor what their children watch on TV. There should also be rules for TV viewing. There is a chemical change in the brain, similar to that which is seen in post-traumatic stress disorder; if enough violence is viewed, the brain reacts as if the person doing the viewing has actually been abused. This is especially true if the violence is one sided, as in the case of sadistic violence. Now, add to this the fact that children who watch violence on television have brains that are still developing and you can see how really dangerous TV viewing can be. Parents should watch what their children watch once in a while and also explain any confusing or inappropriate material to their children. Parents must also not encourage their children’s fantasy or excesses in the name of love. Stand your ground on what they need to watch. Create other activities for them
aside watching TV like reading outdoor sports; arts and crafts; journal writing and play dates with peers. Also encourage them to watch inspirational part of TV such as the Discovery Channel, the History Channel, Biography and comedies. But TV violence has shown that, Children become less sensitive to the pain and suffering of others, fearful of the world around them and are likely to behave in aggressive or harmful ways toward others”. Another person who concurred with what Mr Adeshina said is Mrs Alice Funya, a teacher and social worker. She said, “The television is a good place to lean. It educates positively if you will be disciplined about it and it also entertains. We learn through television the culture and live styles of other people from other parts of the world. A child learns how to speak and internalise the norms and practices of his environment through his family. “But Despite these values, it is disheartening to hear the way children and teenagers talk and this is because they pick most of this bad habits from the media whether it is TV or cartoon. It is more dangerous in cartoons and movies. We have now realised that, the more a child watches films, the more likely he will become a bully. Some will start experimenting with sex at a tender age while others start practicing what they learn by fighting their peers. Kids who are addicted to TV tend to be more withdrawn and lose concentration in class. “I also blame the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation for not enforcing some of the laws that will help in guiding this things. The influx of cable TV has made the situation worse because parents just buy it and allow their children to watch anything without monitoring them. Most don’t have time because they leave their children at home and go to work all-day. The NBC has the duty of regulating and promoting Nigerian indigenous cultures, morals and
When young children view violence on television, they tend to have a difficult time differentiating between what is real and what is makebelieve
community life style. One expects them to descend heavily on erring television stations as a way of salvaging the situation.” A clergy, Pastor Tina Ojo of children department of Christ Solid Rock Church said, “TV violence has led to more harm than good in the society. Most of our lifestyles are being determined by the programmes we watch. We dress from what we see on TV; we eat, relax and socialise the way we see on TV. But the Bible says, “The eye is the light of the body. So, then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness,” (Matthew 6:2223). Jesus said, we will become what we watch with our eyes. If we view good things, this will help us be good. But if we view evil things, this will encourage us to be evil. And Apostle Paul also told us that evil companions corrupts. He said, “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals”. (1Cor. 15:33). If we watch evil entertainment, we are prone to imitate the evil things we see. If we watch sexual content, we are prone to imitate the sexual behaviour we see. If we watch violence, we are prone to imitate the violent behaviour we see”. On his part, a Muslim cleric, Mallam Abdulaziz Yahaya stated that, “We have now evidences that children who watch a lot of television and violent programmes are often emotionally insecure and have often unsatisfactory relationship with parents, peers, and other individuals in their immediate surroundings. Of the 20 to 40 hours of television children watch each week, most of them depict violence, aggression, obscenity, racism, pornography, and /or blasphemous materials that leave the children worse than they were. We use TV to imprison our children and deny them the joy of learning the glorious Quran and reading the Hadith. Television diverts man’s attention from remembering Allah”.
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nollywood Sunday, June 29, 2014
My Kidnap Experience Helped My Latest Film’s Production – Nkiru Sylvanus One of the most anticipated events at the moment is the Premiere of your come-back movie, The Voice, why did it take so long to release it?
I don’t think there is anything like a comeback movie because I was never out. The Voice is a movie we took time to actually produce. We took our time to agree on how best to produce it so as to give our viewers, audience and fans something to enjoy. It’s not a movie produced in a hurry. We had a little ups and downs while on the set of this movie. We weren’t in a hurry to push it out into the market. So with that, I don’t think The Voice was delayed; I think it came out just at the appropriate time it needs to come out.
You would recall that Nkiru Sylvanus and her crew were shooting a film in Owerri, the Imo State capital in 2012, when kidnappers stormed the location and abducted her and Kenneth Okolie, who was acting a lead role in the film. Coincidentally, in the film, Kenneth’s character kidnapped Nkiru’s and held her hostage. The film titled The Voice is set for premiere in a few days’ time. In this interview with reporters, Nkiru speaks on the film and the forthcoming premiere, amongst other topics. SOLOMON NDA-ISAIAH was there for LEADERSHIP Sunday
Could you tell us about The Voice storyline?
Ok, let me give you the synopsis to this film. Sandy (Nkiru Sylvanus) had been told by a stranger named Jeremiah (Larry Briggs) that she will die in 90 days. To prove that she will truly die, he tells her three unusual events will precede her death. They all happened the way the stranger told her. On the 90th day, another stranger named Solonzo (Kenneth Okolie), turns up and wants her money and may be her life. So he kidnaps her and holds her hostage until he could assess the N10 million cheque she had given him. Would she have the wisdom to live with him and would he have the patience to keep her alive? It is just 5pm, they have till 12 midnight of the 90th day to decide that. Who are the other stars featured in the film?
Apart from me and Kenneth Okolie, other casts include Betty Njoku-Olumowe, Larry Briggs, Edwards Fom, and Daniel Lloyed. Betty is the wife of my director, Afe Olumowe.
It wasn’t a pleasant experience at all. It may however, interest you to know that that experience was put to good use in the completion of The Voice
You are known for your ability to shed tears uncontrollably in most of your films, are fans going to see more tears in The Voice?
Producers like to cast me in roles where I cry a lot; they give me emotional or romantic roles to interpret especially after they found that I was good at that from, A Cry for Help, the movie that brought me to prominence. So it’s usually the producers’ idea. Whether I’m going to cry in The Voice? Well, don’t let me give out all the details. I think I’ve spoken too much on the film already. When you see the film, you’ll know whether I cried in it or not. When we premiere it on July 13 in Lagos at the Oriental Hotel, everyone will have the opportunity to see the film in it’s en-
and that’s if you seek my opinion. Bleaching damages the skin especially if you consider our living conditions here in Nigeria; how hot our weather is. When you take away the outer layer of your skin all in the name of trying to look beautiful or fair, that’s definitely going to have a repercussion. It will have an adverse health effect. Presently, technology has advanced and people are getting better ways of bleaching or lightening their skin. However back in the days, when I was growing up a lot of people who bleached their skin got their skin damaged. You see them shrinking even before they get old. You see wrinkles coming together on their skin and it cannot be corrected because the protection layer of the skin was gone. So for me bleaching is a no, no! If you want to tone your skin, maybe but do not bleach. I don’t appreciate bleaching but like I said, it’s not in my place to dictate for anybody what they do with their skin. I can’t tell them how to live their lives. As I earlier said, your skin is entirely your business and what you do with it is entirely your business. Nowadays your name is kind of synonymous with Kenneth Okolie, the former Mr Nigeria. Your fans are suspecting that both of you art dating. Are you?
Nkiru Sylvanus
tirety. You must have seen the trailer on line. We released the trailer recently on youtube and a lot of people have been viewing it. You were shooting this story when kidnappers stormed your location in 2012 and took you and Kenneth Okolie away before later releasing you, what do you have to say about this rather mysterious coincidence?
It’s beyond our own comprehension, I must say. The most important thing is that one is alive to complete the story. It wasn’t a pleasant experience at all. It may however, interest you to know that that experience was put to good use in the completion of The Voice. Considering your profile with the Imo State government, is politics something you’d like to delve into fully in future?
Well right now, I can’t defend my future with politics. Politics is something that is a part of us. Politics is part of life, life is part of politics. Politics is in what we do
on daily basis. I believe that if you really want to affect people’s lives positively and effectively, you need to be in a place of power. So thinking about this country and affecting the lives of people positively, one way or the other, you must play politics. Politics in terms of government? Time will definitely tell because you can’t say politics is a no for you or a yes for you, as you move on in life, circumstances will present what will make you want to look at your present and make decisions of who you want to be and how you want to carry on with your career. For me,it’s a long journey. There is still a long way to go as long as there is life. If God blesses us with life, anything can happen. Definitely changes will come in future. But for now, I really can’t say much. What’s your opinion about light-skin ladies who still bleach?
I don’t believe in bleaching but whatever you do with your skin is entirely your business and I don’t really care. I can only advise
No! That’s not true. You only hear about Kenneth being mentioned alongside my name because we worked together in a couple of movies. It’s a given that when two celebrities work together, whenever the name of one person is mentioned there is high chance of the other being mentioned alongside as well. So it’s no big deal. We only have a working relationship and that’s all. If another actor played a lead role with me in a movie, his name will definitely come up most times when I’m being talked about. Kenneth Okolie is a very good actor no doubt. A lot of fans are wondering if you’ll go back to hiding after the Premiere of The Voice, what do you have to say to them?
Going back to hiding? I don’t think I’ve been hiding. I’ve always been there and the fact that I haven’t been featuring in a lot of films doesn’t mean I’ve been hiding. I’m here and I’m here to stay. I’m here to continue to entertain my fans. I’m here to carry on with this career and to continue to affect lives positively with it. I am not going anywhere yet except God takes me away from here. But once there is life, I’m still here and there is no hiding place when it comes to doing what we do and loving what we do.
58 sunday e-train
e-train
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Oritsefemi, Phyno, Others Win Big At City People Awards By SAMUEL ABULUDE, Lagos
It was fun, glitz and glamour at 10 Degrees Event Centre in the heart of Lagos, commercial capital Ikeja last Sunday, as celebrities from the entertainment industry in Nigeria and Ghana graced the City People Entertainment Awards. Organised by City People a leading soft-sell Magazine, the event, in its 5th year, rewarded excellence among musicians, on-air personalities and actors both in Nollywood and Ghollywood. This year’s event was dedicated to frontline Disc Jockey, Dj Jimmy Jatt, as he clocked 25 years in the industry. Buzz Young and promising music artiste, Orezi surprised guests at the centre by being chauffeurdriven in a six-door white limousine to the awe of everyone. The dancehall singer who prefers to be called Alhaji Orezi was decked in a chequered suit and the attention-grabbing limo was parked centrally in front of the entrance to the event. After winning the ‘Revelation of the Year’ award category, the Rihanna crooner whose latest video, You garrit is receiving airplay, the artiste opened the door of the hired limo for onlookers and reporters to catch a glimpse while answering questions. Tiwa Savage came alone into the venue hiding her face from the prying eyes of cameramen as the red carpet session lasted for hours. Fuji star, Pasuma also left the venue midway into the event with his retinue of security aides and associates. Performances There were different performances from various musicians as awards and performance sessions were held intermittently. One would have thought that the organisers knowing that so many entertainers were to be awarded, performances should have been tailored to allow people enjoy the main event first as a long time were waisted in performances. Rave of the moment, Afrobeat singer, Oritsefemi thrilled audience with his Double Wahala hit song. After that Alhaji Orezi performed You Garrit song. There were other great performances by Patoranking, Rich and famous singer, Praiz and others. DJ Jimmy Jatt also
Orezi
Tiwa Savage
Oritsefemi
Juliet Ibrahim
took time to dish great tunes from his wheel of steel. Awards In the music categories, Marvin label artistes Tiwa Savage and Dr Sid received award for Best Female artiste and Artiste of the Year award respectively, Marvin Records also got the Record label Award of the Year. Tiwa Savage and Dr Sid collected the award on behalf of the label honcho Don Jazzy. Most popular Song of the Year went to Oritse Femi, Revelation of the year- Orezi and Rapper of the year- Phyno among others. In the movie category, best new actor is Daniel K Daniel
Best actor in English movie was won by Mike Ezuruonye. Best new actor in Yoruba: Lolade Mustapha. Promising actor in Yoruba, Tunde Owokoniran. Best actress in Ghana movies went to Juliet Ibrahim. Special recognition award went to Ibinabo Fiberesima, AGN president. Afrobeat king, Femi Kuti, his sister, Yeni Kuti and showbiz guru, Sunday Are were also singled out for Special recognition. Roll Call As expected showbiz personalities both known and otherwise thronged the centre in their best wears. The event
started with a red carpet around 4pm as celebrities came in to the venue gradually. Musicians that came include Pasuma, Adewale Ayuba, Femi Kuti, KSB, Oritz Williki, Jaywon, Patoranking, Reminisce, Dr Sid, Phyno, Solek, Anne Inyang and DJ Jimmy Jatt. Nollywood celebrities also registered there presence. They are Ibinabo fiberesima, Ali Nuhu, Lizzy Anjorin, Toyin Alausa, Jennifer Elliogu, Rachael Oniga, Frank Dallas and Steve Eboh, while members from Ghollywood were also ably represented. Laugh merchants also came to spice up the events.
sunday e-train 59
Sunday, June 29, 2014
W
ith over 160 million people and the largest economy in Africa, it baffles one that a country as influential and rich as Nigeria could lack the necessary facilities in the health sector. It’s no longer news that Nigerian celebrities and others have died due to lack of good medical facilities and attention that would have catered for their various ailments. What about those who lived just because they could afford the huge amount that would take care of their ailments? Everyday in Nigeria, more than 200 people die of one chronic disease or the other due to lack of good medical health. Indian Hospital A cursory look at the operations of an Indian Hospital, the Narayana Hrudayalaya (Temple of the Heart) health city on the outskirts of Bangalore, which offers a completely new way of delivering high quality healthcare to rich and poor alike, is worthwhile here. Filmed over a four-month-period by two crews in this four-hospital health city complex, the series explores life in modern India through the prism of the challenges faced by a hospital in a society of over 1.2 billion people, where extreme poverty and extreme wealth are to be found side-by-side. For the 40 per cent of those people who live below the poverty line, getting good quality healthcare is difficult and often impossible. A serious illness or accident in a family can cripple their finances and affect the prospects of generations to come. Borrowing money or selling assets for medical needs is the most common reason for indebtedness in India. Under the guidance of Dr Devi Shetty, cardiac surgeon, innovative businessman and founder, the Narayana Hrudayalaya hospital is addressing some of these inequalities and inequities. The hospital provides the most complex operations on an industrial scale. And it needs to, as India is a country where two million cardiac operations are needed every year, but only 95,000 are carried out. Here, more paediatric open heart surgeries are undertaken each year than anywhere else in the world. Up to 500 cataract operations are performed per day. Cardiac surgery costing $40,000 to $50,000 or more in the U.S. has a baseline cost of just $1,800 in India. Its huge scale and improved efficiencies allows the hospital to reduce costs, not only for those who can afford to pay, but also for the very poor who can get the best care the hospital can offer at virtually no cost through assistance from the hospital’s charity unit. Nigeria The hospitals across the country are a far cry from what is obtainable in other countries. From the staff to doctors, their attitude speak of people who feel they are doing people a favour by doing their jobs. The way and manner they maltreat their patients, especially pregnant women could even lead to stillbirth, amazing right thinking people if they are supposed to be trained profes-
Between Celebs’ Medical Tourism And Nigeria’s Healthcare Delivery It’s no news that Nigerian celebrities and politicians travel abroad to get treatment for their ailments, while those who can’t afford it writhe in pain and penury. ANTHONY ADA ABRAHAM writes on why efforts should be channelled towards improving healthcare delivery in the country
of a villain in his movies, Nwosu’s death was as a result of a liver complication and he passed away at the military hospital in Yaba - Lagos in April 2011. Sam Loco Efe The popular comedian, Sam Loco who starred in over 200 movies in his Nollywood career, passed on in August 2011. Police reports suggested the actor died of acute asthma, as two canisters of inhalers were discovered at the scene of his death. David Ihezie He was very popular among Ugandans for his roles in David and Goliath. One of the founding fathers of Nollywood, he died after battling with Arthritis at his home in January 2012. Enebeli Elebuwa Face of Nollywood, Elebuwa died in December 2012 from a stroke he had suffered the previous year. In his quest for healing, the aging actor visited, among others, a controversial Nigerian pastor until finally being airlifted to an Indian hospital from where he died.
Recuperating Nigerian music superstar OJB Jezreel and his wife Mabel at the inauguration of Speedy Recovery International Health Care Services
sionals. According to Ahman Makams, Nigeria rich men want to always show they are better than others. ‘the poor cannot access good healthcare which also encourages discrimination. One is entitled to good healthcare how many poor have the money to go to big hospitals abroad? They use tax-payers money to improve their lives while leaving others to die’. He explained. But Patience Ivie put the blame on the medical health workers for their lacklustre attitude. ‘I think the government is trying on its own part but our main challenge is the attitude of our health workers. A good number of Nigerians have died due to mistakes and nonchalant attitude exhibited by health workers. Remember our colleague, Asabe, she died because National Hospital gave wrong diagnosis and before they found out her real problem, it was too late. Accident victims have lost their lives on different occasions, due to health workers refusal to attend to them. The government needs to do more, but the bulk of change lies within our health workers,’ she said. On his part, Alhamdu Kwasu said the medical facilities should be modernised to attract foreigners to patronise them. ‘We want to see hospitals modernised and equipped with good facilities. That doesn’t mean that we don’t have professionals. Do you know how many celebrities died due to lack of good medical care? There must be focus on the health sector,’ he advised.
Chris Nkulor The late Chris Nkulor died barely a month after news hit the internet that he was in need of about N6 million for a kidney surgery. His friends were still rallying to raise the amount needed for his surgery at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching hospital IleIfe, Osun State, when he died. The veteran actor had gone underground, unknown to many that he was actually suffering from a kidney ailment.
The little facilities available are not properly maintained. When there are complications, due to lack of facilities, patients are advised to be flown abroad (India, USA, Britain etc) which doesn’t tell good of our health system. Medical Tourism 90 per cent of public office holders including the president of Nigeria go on medical tourism. Medical Tourism could be described as exporting someone to a foreign land for the purpose of obtaining medical treatment which adds to the economy of that country both directly and indirectly. A simple example of medical tourism is when politicians and other influential Nigerians embark on trips abroad with tax-payers money. In addition, the money which would have been channelled towards improving the health sector are used to care for themselves. NOLLYWOOD Many veteran actors died of various treatable ailment which could have been avoided. While some where flown abroad(medical tourism) due to dearth of facilities, others couldn’t afford the money to keep them alive. Though people like Ngozi Nwosu, OJB Jezreel survived the surgery, others couldn’t make it. Had there been the necessary medical attention on ground, they might have still been alive acting. Ashley Nwosu Very famous in playing the role
Pete Eneh Eneh’s death in November 2012, following a leg infection, has largely been attributed to spiritual attacks, ironically in line with roles he excelled at in his screen characters. Doctors at a local facility opted to amputate the actor’s leg after an earlier improper treatment had left it swollen. The operation, however, tainted the illness, causing his death.
Nigerians are the best doctors, engineers, architects, economist, actors in the world but they are not encouraged to invest their time and energy in the country
BRAIN DRAIN The biggest issue since the inception of democracy is brain drain. Professional Nigerians who are supposed to have contributed to the growth of the economy are forced to leave the country because the system made them to. Nigerians are the best doctors, engineers, architects, economist, actors in the world but they are not encouraged to invest their time and energy in the country. Way Forward It is true that everyone has the right to seek for a better life anywhere around the world but the country’s leaders should as a matter of urgency improve the medical sector to save Nigerian lives. Getting good medical healthcare shouldn’t be a thing of luxury, it should be the responsibility of the government to provide accessible health care so the professionals outside the country could come back home to help in building the nation and protecting the lives of the citizenry.
60 kiddies
Sunday, June 29, 2014
kiddies kingdom
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE
By Chika mefor
08156719304 (SMS only)
The King’s Youngest Wife ➔ FROM LAST WEEK
Amani, even with the coughing, tried to explain to the king that she didn’t cook the food that way but Gandu refused to listen. He banned her from cooking in the palace again. That type of act would even earned her sack out of the palace but for his love for her, he decided to only ban her from cooking. Amani could hear her two co-wives giggling behind the door when all these were happening and knew they had spiked her food. She knew they were responsible for the act but there was no way for her to prove. She had to abide by the King’s order not to enter the kitchen again after their act. Because she had some times on her hand now, Amani decided to put them to good use. She gathered the children of the palace every day to teach them moral values that they are supposed to cultivate. Children even outside the palace came to hear her. Mothers who saw good changes in their children encouraged other mothers to allow their children attend the informal school Amani had started. Amani enjoyed every bit of her time with the children. The time she would have used to labour in the kitchen was used to have quality and enjoyable time with the children
of the village. Her two jealous co-wives were angry that their plot to send Amani out of the palace had not worked as planned. They went to other mothers and spread dirty rumours about her so that the mothers will stop their children coming to the informal school but that didn’t work. It happened that Amani became pregnant at the same time with the two co-wives. By that time, Gandu have been pressured into doing everything possible to get a male child. ‘’You need a male child early in life so that you will start training him on how to handle the kingship. It is unfortunate your father had you in his later years. See because of that you are still learning. Though you are doing well, we
must confess, but the fact still remains that you need a male child fast,’’ the elders told him. The co-wives, when they have noticed that they were pregnant went to some native doctors to make some concoction for them to make the child in their womb male children. They visited so many who after collecting money from them, convince them that they were ready to deliver male children. They went home happy and waited for the nine months when they will be happy to give the king what he wanted. During the delivery of the king’s wives, they are usually taken to a separate place outside the palace were they are taken care of. It happened that the two wives and Amani were taken to the place during their last month of pregnancy. When it was time for them to deliver, the two co-wives were disappointed when they were told that they have given birth to girls. Amani had given birth to a boy. But one of the co-wives, Boni had paid the midwife to switch any baby boy of her co-wives with hers, if she had delivered a baby boy. So, the midwife took Amani’s baby and gave it to Boni. She told Amani that her baby had died and she had buried it. Amani went back to the palace heart-broken. Continues next week
PuzzlE
MAzE HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Akwashiki Abiola Moses turned one on June 12, 2014. May God continue to bless and protect you. Kiddies Kingdom wishes you the very best.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
zonal watch
61
NIGER STATE KWARA STATE KOGI STATE BENUE STATE NASARAWA STATE PLATEAU STATE FCT ABUJA KWARA: Don Cautions Media Against Associating Boko Haram With Islam
By ABdullAhi olesiN, Ilorin
Boko Haram insurgents have automatically ex-communicated themselves from Islam with the doctrine under which they are operating
A teacher of Islamic studies at the University of Ilorin and former commissioner in the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Professor Badmas Lanre Yusuf has urged the me- Ahmed dia to desist from associating Boko-Haram with Islam. Badmus who is also the Chief Imam of Al-Hilal Crescent Mosque, Ilorin, said the Boko Haram insurgents have automatically ex-communicated themselves from Islam with the doctrine under which they are operating. The University don who spoke
at the commissioning of a Central Mosque built by Sheik Abdullahi Qudus Koro at Modinat-Fomo, Abayawo, Ilorin pointed out that Islam abhors forcing people to become Muslims. In his lecture, the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheik Muhammed Bashir Salihu urged Muslims across the country to renew their faith in Almighty Allah by being faithful in their undertakings at all times. He urged Muslims to demonstrate high sense of modesty and responsibility while dealing with people irrespective of religious affiliations.
KWARA: KWHA Urges Repair Of Tsaragi-Patigi Road By ABdullAhi olesiN, Ilorin
The Kwara State House of Assembly has advised the state government to fill the potholes along TsaragiPatigi road as a palliative measure pending when the federal government will rehabilitate the road. This is part of a resolution reached by the House following a motion on matter of general public importance raised by the member representing Edu constituency, Hon Audu Seidu Liman, on the deplorable condition of roads in Edu and Patigi local government areas of the state. The road, according to the legislature, is gradually becoming inac-
cessible due to numerous potholes. Reading the resolution of the House, the deputy speaker, Prof Mohammed Gana Yisa who presided over the session, commended the state government for its zero tolerance for potholes on roads in Ilorin and urged it to extend the gesture to other parts of the state. The House equally urged the state government to repair Tsaragi-Shonga road in view of its strategic socio-economic importance to the state. It also called on the state governor, Alh Abdulfatah Ahmed to approve the purchase and installation of 500kVA transformer for Idiaro community in Ilorin.
KWARA: FIDA To Sponsor Bill On Child Marriage
Heads FROM tHe ZONe
By ABdullAhi Olesin, Ilorin
➔ the Niger state governor was during the week assured of the PdP’s support for his future political aspiration. the vice chairman of PdP in the north central zone, alhaji Yusuf ayitogun gave the assurance during a visit to the governor in Minna, the state capital
➔ Baraje, a chieftain of the all Progressives Congress (aPC) has donated a 116-seater bus to Baraje Centre for arabic and Islamic studies, Ilorin, Kwara state, a school he founded.
An APC chieftain, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje (2nd left) presenting the key of a 116-seater bus he donated to Baraje Centre for Arabic and islamic studies, ilorin, Kwara state. PHOTO BY ABdullAHi Olesin
plateau: Group Seeks Review Of Nation’s education Sector
By AChOR ABiMAJe, Jos
The Chartered institute of human Capital development of nigeria (CihCdn) has urged delegates at the ongoing national conference to review the nation’s education sector in such a way that it would address the human capital development challenges of the nation. The group in a memorandum submitted to the national conference and made available to leAdeRshiP sunday in
Jos lamented that the nation’s education sector is still tied to the influence and impact of the objectives and philosophy of education at its foundation by the British colonial administrators. The memorandum was signed by the group’s chairman, Board of Trustees, Mr Cyril Ogboli and the secretary, Barrister Grace dallong-Opadokun. According to CihCdn, investments in education were not accorded priority neither
were they informed by the need to develop the nigerian society to meet the needs of nigeria and to improve the quality of life of its citizens. The group noted that, “With 8.42 per cent of the national budget allocated to education which is the second largest priority in the budget, nigeria has the largest number of outof-school children and young adults with limited literacy and numeracy skills who have little hope of ever joining the formal workforce.
NIGER: PDP Chieftain Assures Aliyu Of Support In 2015 By ABu Nmodu, Minna
The vice chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the north central, Alhaji Yusuf Ayitogun, has said that the party would be ready to support the Niger State governor, Alh Muazu Babangida Aliyu in his future political aspiration. He gave the assurance in Minna,
when he paid a condolence visit to Governor Aliyu over the death of Senator Dahiru Aweisu Kuta who died recently. The zonal vice chairman described Governor Aliyu as the pillar of the party, not only in the north central geo-political zone but in the entire northern part of the country. Ayitogun maintained that Governor Aliyu would continue to be a
principal actor in the affairs of the PDP in the country and therefore advised him to redouble his efforts to ensure that, “PDP does not only win states in the north central zone but the country as a whole”. The zonal vice chairman assured the governor that the zone “is ready to back him for whatever position he sets for himself as the 2015 general elections approaches”.
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Kwara State branch, is planning to sponsor a bill at the state House of Assembly on the law banning child marriage in the state. Similarly, the federation has also urged the state government to create additional family courts in the state to attend to family cases as the judiciary staff were being overwhelmed by work at the existing one. FIDA’s chairperson, Oluronke Adeyemi, disclosed this while briefing journalists on activities lined up by the branch to mark 50 years existence of FIDA in Nigeria. She said the federation had received cases of many forced child marriages especially in the northern parts of the state. The chairperson said the proposal will be sent to the state House of Assembly as soon as the federation finishes consulting with stakeholders on the proposed law. Adeyemi said the federation in the last 50 years has succeeded in protecting the rights of women by reviewing some “harmful laws” affecting the wellbeing of women in Nigeria. “FIDA handles numerous pro bono cases such as domestic violence, rape, sexual harassment, forced marriages amongst others. “The commonest of the cases which come to FIDA kwara ,are on the family, bordering on matrimonial issues, custody of children, domestic violence and inheritance as well as landlord and tenant matters’’, she said.
62 zonal watch (North-Central)
Sunday, June 29, 2014
project report
News Behind The News
Ilorin Fracas: We Have Been Vindicated – Kwara APC
Specialist Hospital, Lokoja. PHOTO BY SAM egwu
Kogi Equips, Upgrades 80 Per Cent Health Care Facilities BY SAM EGWU, Lokoja
This administration may not meet the demand of everybody individually, but we shall strive harder within our limited resources... especially in the health sector
In its efforts to transform the health sector, the administration of Capt. Idris Wada of Kogi state has equipped and upgraded more than 80 per cent of all primary and secondary health care facilities in the state. “This administration may not meet the demand of everybody individually, but we shall strive harder within our limited resources to ensure that we make the state better than we met it especially the health sector because without healthy populace , you can achieve nothing,” Governor Wada had pledged during his inauguration as the chief executive officer of the state in May 2011. Wada’s pledge came on the heels of the dilapidated status of the health sector and his determination to turn around the sector during his tenure as the state governor. The governor commenced the turning around of the critical health sector with the rehabilitation of obsolete and dilapidated hospital structures and equipment across the state with the mind set that the health of the people was of paramount importance to the growth of the state. The Wada administration has transformed the sector by renovating, equipping and upgrading the Kogi State Agency for Control of AIDS (KOSACA), Primary Health Care Management Board, Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency, Free Accident and Emer-
gency Services and improving maternal and child health which spread across the length and breadth of the state. The determination was considered as path to greatness of the state which Wada’s administration has shown. Some of the private hospitals which have great concern for uplifting for improved standard of living were also supported; example of this is the ECWA hospital in Odore, Yagba West local government state which was adequately supported by the Wada administration. Also, in Ikah, Ankpa local government, the tuberculosis centre, privately owned by the Scottish national which has existed for about five decades was supported by the state government to ensure total eradication of tuberculosis in the state and make the state free from all forms of diseases and sickness. Apart from upgrading the diagnostic referral centre at Anyigba to University Teaching Hospital, NUTHA, the administration has equipped Specialist Hospital, Lokoja, for immediate need and care of the people with a corresponding training and re-training of medical workers for the greater task of taking care of the health of the people. According to statistics, over 300 males and 100 females have been given the opportunity to acquire knowledge of modern science and the modern equipment so far supplied to the specialist hospital in the state. The Wada administration has successively wiped out fake and adulterated drugs from the nooks and crannies of the state with the establishment of anti-fake drug committee to monitor the drugs sales to the populace.
By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin
The Kwara State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that the revelations made by the spokesman of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Rex Olawoye during a radio programme have vindicated APC’s initial position that the fracas that led to loss of lives and properties in Ilorin, was ignited and fought by only PDP members. The APC in a statement by its publicity secretary, Alhaji Sulyman Buhari, noted that, “We have been vindicated. The revelations made by no other person than the publicity secretary of Kwara PDP, Chief Rex Olawoye, on a national radio that the late Tajudeen Eba, who was murdered by thugs recently, was not a defector but member of PDP and that the fracas that led to loss of many lives and property, was basically a clash between PDP members. The revelations made by the PDP spokesman have justified the APC’s stand on the bloody crisis. “The PDP should know that the APC can not be blackmailed into silence on the high spate of violence it has launched on the good people of Kwara State. The best way to respect the lost souls is not for the APC to assume silence but to expose the activities of the PDP with the hope that a repeat of such bloody occurrence will be forestalled. “We call for a comprehensive probe of Kwara PDP by the Police Command as the probe will certainly curtail thuggery and violence in Kwara State. “Barely four days after the PDP through its spokesman cried out to the Inspector General of Police to come to its aid as members of the All Progressives Congress have laid siege on its members in Alore area of the state, the same PDP spokesman on Harmony FM alluded to the fact that the fracas was fundamentally a clash between PDP members. “APC welcomes the Ilorin Emirate Descendants’ Progressive Union (IEDPU), for condemning the activities of the PDP in Kwara State and we assure the good people of Kwara State that the Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed led administration will continue to do all within its powers to maintain peace and harmony in Kwara State,” the statement read.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
zonal watch (North-Central) 63
news behind the news
Ilorin: How N20,000 Political Largesse Claimed 5 Lives By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin
For three days last week, Ilorin, the Kwara State capital was in flames, courtesy of a violent clash that broke out among hoodlums suspected to be political thugs allegedly in the fold of a leading opposition party in the state. The mayhem which started on Sunday following an alleged disagreement on the sharing formula of a paltry N20, 000 doled out by a prominent politician in the state to some hoodlums. The conflict continued till Tuesday. At least, five lives were lost to the incident, though the police confirmed only three deaths. About 15 persons also sustained bullet wounds during the fracas which paralysed commercial activities in most parts of Ilorin metropolis. Investigation by LEADERSHIP Sunday revealed that trouble started penultimate Friday evening shortly after some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Alore area of Ogidi ward in Ilorin West local government defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). It was gathered that the hoodlums clashed with one another as they could not agree on sharing formula for the sum of N20, 000 reportedly doled out to them by a politician, thereby degenerating to bloody clash. The fracas which started around Abayawo area later spread to AloreOde Adana-Omoda, Ode-Alawusa, Okelele and recorded the death of one person on that day. However, in a reprisal that followed on Sunday, it was gathered that another person simply identified as Ebba was killed in cold blood at Ode Alawusa area. In an attempt to avenge the death of Ebba, the hoodlums again on Monday renewed hostilities setting up fires, thereby paralysing commercial and social activities in the affected areas. Some of those who sustained bullet wounds were rushed to the headquarters of Kwara State Hunters Association situated at Balode Street, Isale Banni, Ilorin. Soldiers and armed mobile police men in about 20 vans were deployed to the affected areas to disperse the miscreants. During the renewed clash on Monday, the death toll rose to five. While an unidentified motorcyclist was allegedly shot dead by security operatives, another person simply identified as Dauda reportedly died in cross fire by the rampaging hoodlums. Two Air force personnel deployed to the trouble spots were also said to have been attacked during the fracas. However, as the crisis progressed, the ruling APC and the opposition PDP in the state engaged in a war of words over what necessitated the nightmare that the peaceloving people of Ilorin were thrown into for three days. The PDP threw the first salvo when its spokesperson, Chief Rex Olawoye, alleged that a certain government official masterminded the
Protesting youths in Kwara State
killing of a person said to be former member of APC but recently defected to the PDP. Olawoye blamed the incident on some hoodlums who he alleged were loyal to certain APC chieftains. He said the alleged APC thug unleashed violence on some former members of APC who defected to the PDP recently. “Our party has made it clear to the commissioner of Police that it would not allow this sad occurrence to be swept under the carpet. We have asked that all those arrested so far, including alleged members of Odua Peoples Congress (OPC) deployed by a high ranking political office holder in the area to reinforce the APC thugs to be investigated,” Olawoye stated. In a swift reaction, the APC in a statement by its publicity secretary, Alh Sulyman Buhari decried the destruction of properties at Alore-Omode area of the metropolis and the wanton killing of innocent citizens by those he alleged were PDP agents. The APC statement reads in part: “The APC expresses sadness that the life of a young Kwaran can be brutally cut short by thugs due to mere controversies surrounding the distribution of a largesse given to PDP members by a former senator in Kwara State. “The violent activities of the opposition PDP in the state is a concern to the APC. The APC has consistently alerted the good people of Kwara State and the Police Command on the violent disposition, gangsterism and the rich record of violence the PDP flaunts. “Surprisingly, the PDP has broken its own record of violence in the state. The APC condemns the murder of the deceased and the destruction of properties at Alore-Omoda area in Ilorin, during a clash between PDP thugs. Nothing better illustrates that fact that the PDP is truly a violent PDP. “The death of the young man is avoidable and the destruction of properties in the affected area is unjustifiable. We wonder why the sharing of a largesse given to PDP members by a former senator in the state should lead to the killing of human being. “The APC believes life is sacrosanct; either APC member or member of opposition parties or any Kwaran. The buck of this irresponsibility stops on the leadership of Kwara PDP. We warn the PDP to de-
sist from oiling its evidently weak political machinery with the blood of Kwarans. “Similarly, the PDP senatorial meeting at Oro Lodo primary school, Omu-Aran, last Saturday turned bloody as members engaged in a fight to finish during the distribution of a national cake that was sent from Abuja. Many persons were injured and many others were gravely wounded. “Meanwhile, we are aware that the Police Command has taken charge of the unfortunate incident. We urge the Police Command to prosecute the PDP thugs and their sponsors to prevent future occurrence of same or related incident.” Also, the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) punctured the PDP’s claim that its members were called in to assist the APC supporters in the crisis as it dissociated itself from the violent clash. In a statement, the state coordinator of OPC, Comrade Maruf Olarewaju said, “Our attention has just been drawn to a statement credited to the state PDP over the recent clash among political thugs linking OPC with the crisis. We state loudly and clearly that OPC is not in any way involved in the said political crisis. “We are not a political thugs association and never shall we subject ourselves to any political party to be used as a tool to foment crisis. It is unfortunate that the PDP failed to verify the genesis of the problems within its party before it ran to the press. Our organisation is a non partisan one and we will not want anybody or group or party to draw us to it crisis. “We hereby call on politicians to play their politics genuinely and accordingly as ‘OPC is to protect and not to destroy’. The law enforcement agents and state government should not forget that last month, we alerted the public on the activities of some hoodlums grouping themselves together in Ilorin West local government area. It is unfortunate that nothing meaningful has been done on that. We call on the state government and security agents to get to the root of the Alore and Omoda fracas so as to bring the perpetrators to book.” However, the riot act which the state police commissioner, Mr Ambrose Aisabor read to politicians in the state on the need for them to stop doling out peanuts to their fol-
lowers might have been the cause of the controversy surrounding the crisis. While parading 14 suspects arrested in connection with the crises in parts of Ilorin, Aisabor warned politicians in the state to stop promoting violence through their actions. He cautioned politicians against doling out peanuts to their supporters which the sharing often leads to violent confrontation. Instead, Aisabor urged such politicians domiciled either in or outside the state to empower their people to fend for themselves. He added that, “The political situation in the state has been very peaceful. Though, occasionally, we see political thugs disturbing in one way or the other. Let me use this medium to advise politicians in Kwara State including those residing in the state and those outside that politics is a game of choice. You don’t force people or intimidate them. “Instead of coming to Ilorin occasionally to distribute money to jobless youths, I expect politicians to set up cottage industries; factories where these teeming youths could be gainfully employed, rather than coming here to give them peanuts and in the process of sharing the money, they will be killing and maiming one another. That is not good politics. It is not the politics Nigerians want. “On no account should they come to Ilorin to dole out peanuts to their so-called supporters who are glorified touts that will lead to violence. There are so many ways on empowering their people. “I am also using this medium to warn them that apart from the president, vice president, governors and their deputies that have immunity, other Nigerians have no immunity. So, no Nigerian is above the law. We will deal with anyone found wanting according to the law. The suspects paraded before the newsmen in connection with the crisis are Rasheed Isiaka, Lukman Adesegiri, Abdulazeez Yahaya, Lukman Ibrahim, Bolaji Ologele, Tunde Ologele, Abdulrafiu Shehu and Abdulganiyu Issah. Others are Tunde Alakia, Abdulraheem Raji, Tajudeen Ahmed, Aromokala Issa, Opeyemi Yunusa and Abdul ganiyu Abdulazeez. Some exhibits found on them include charm, one blood-stained cutlass, one saw and seven motorcycles.
As the crisis progressed, the ruling APC and the opposition PDP in the state engaged in a war of words
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Christian perspective 65
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Pastor W.F. Kumuyi The Study Of God’s Word info@deeperlifeonline.org
The Power Of Proper Fasting
Fasting grants believers extraordinary spiritual power with God to prevail on men, power to do exploits in difficult, dangerous times, power to remove obstacles and move mountains
Supernatural Power Through Purposeful Prayer And Fasting Matthew 17:19-21; Luke 4:1,2,14-21,32; Deuteronomy 9:1820; 34:10-12; Psalm 68:35; Acts 13:1-12; 14:23; 2 Corinthians 6:17; 1 Corinthians 2:4,5; Isaiah 40:2831. Fasting is spoken of by Christ as a source of spiritual power. It seems contrary to natural reasoning to deplete oneself of physical energy at a time when it is needed most. But the diminished bodily strength is replaced by spiritual energy and power necessary for moving mountains and solving long-standing problems. Jesus said, “This kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:21). Fasting (with prayer) grants believers extraordinary spiritual power – power with God to prevail on men (Genesis 32:28; Hosea 12:3,4), power to do exploits in difficult, dangerous times (Daniel 11:32), power to remove obstacles and move mountains (Matthew
17:20,21), power over all the power of the enemy (Luke 10:19), power over persecutors and oppressors (Daniel 3:27; 6:27), power to heal sicknesses (Mark 3:15), power over demons, over evil, unclean spirits (Mark 6:7), power to declare unwelcome truth to all categories of sinners (Micah 3:8), power to convict and convert hardened sinners (Luke 1:17), power to work miracles and accomplish the impossible (Acts 6:8), power to subdue and conquer sorcerers and possessors of power of darkness (Acts 13:6-12; Exodus 9:11), power from on high (Luke 24:49). Through prayer and fasting, every believer can have spiritual power to do everything God has appointed him to do.
Surpassing Possibilities Of Prevailing Prayer Of Faith Mark 11:22-24; James 5:15-18; Ephesians 2:8-10; Acts 15:9; 26:18; 3:16; Ephesians 6:16; Matthew 9:29; Mark 9:23; Romans 4:17-21; John
14:12-14; Hebrews 11:5,11,1719,29,30,32-34. Faith in God makes believers mightier and more powerful than natural people. God’s promises provide for all our needs. All that God promises the believer in His Word can be received by an act of faith. This is true concerning salvation, healing and deliverance, the provision of our material requirement or whatever our particular needs and problems might be. By faith, we are justified, sanctified, filled and baptized in the Holy Spirit. By faith, we are kept and preserved; by faith, we stand; by faith, we walk; by faith, we inherit the promises. The central importance of faith in the life of the Christian is clearly revealed in God’s Word. “But without faith, it is impossible to please Him: For he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). Jesus has provided “all things that pertain unto life
and godliness”. “All things are yours” (2 Peter 1:3, 4; 1 Corinthians 3:21). With the prayer of faith, all things are possible in your life. ➔ New topic
Laying Up Our Treasures In Heaven Matthew 6:19-21: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth,... but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” Christ’s exhortation concerning our treasures is two-fold – negative and positive. The word “treasures” is very broad and all-inclusive, meaning wealth, costly things such as property, lands, gold and precious stones; possession including money. Here, our Lord warns us against confining our ambition, interests and pre-occupation to this life. Everyone needs this exhortation because we all have treasures in some shape or form. ➔ TO BE CONTINUED
Brother Gbile Akanni Living Seed trifect2000@yahoo.com +234 806 126 1907
A
Daniel: What Made Him Great (5)
re you also a man of deep convictions based on God’s word? Can you go with your convictions, both at home and in the foreign land? Can you hold your throat at the smell of meals that are delicious, but sacrificed to demons? Would you dare to stand alone against the popular opinion and walk with the invisible God and His word? Daniel began to be great with this simple, first step of personal commitment unto the LORD. Can you hope to make a mark for the LORD, when you cannot be marked out as being different from all around you? Watch this Daniel, as we seek more insights into the secrets that sustained him all through his years. Now in Babylon, everyone was dislodged. Comfort of homes and personal family ties were all thrown overboard. Maltreatment became the experience of the Jews. They were recruited for odd jobs and were severally humiliated. Malnutrition and starvation became their lot. In the midst of these, several died and were given mass burial. However, some lucky ones got jobs like gatekeepers, night watch guards; king’s cupbearers (like Nehemiah) and others were tried on
some technical assignments. The king of Babylon, wishing to recruit some young men for some special services in the palace, established a training programme. It would look like a tertiary institution: University of Babylon, while entry qualification was clearly specified: “Certain of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed and of the princes; children in whom was no blemish, but wellfavoured and skilful in all wisdom, cunning in knowledge and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace ...” (Dan. 1:3-4) The course curriculum was stated as “...whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.” (Dan. 1:4b), and the course duration ... Three (3) years. (Dan 1.5) Fees? Full scholarship from the king’s bursary. “The king appointed them a daily provision of the king’s meat and of the wine, which he drank. So nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof, they might stand before the king.” (Dan 1:5) Entrance examination and interview were conducted. Several application forms were processed and the admission list was pasted on the notice boards on the cam-
pus. “Now, among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. (Dan 1:6) What a great day for the students admitted after the rigours of examination and interview! Daniel was also among the new students. He competed with the best brains of Babylon and yet excelled. Daniel was very brilliant and well-behaved. They were examined on several subjects: Social Sciences, Natural Sciences and Biological Sciences; General Studies; Physical and Health Education, etc; Communication skills were examined. Among the thousands that competed for the limited spaces in the university for that special course, only four of the Hebrew children came through. That admission already set their feet on the kingly path. They were being trained to stand before kings, as interpreters of dreams and visions; political advisers, protocol officers; administrative secretaries, senators and ministers in government parliament. For any ambitious young man, it was the beginning of achievement. They were on regular provisions straight from the Presidential Villa. They were kept in the special custody of the chief of the king’s Eunuchs. Those Eu-
nuchs who served the king and took care of the king’s ladies were also the ones charged with the responsibility of watching over these boys. What a time to grow wild and proud, to become full of self and personal plans. What a privilege to make connections for the future! Others were making plans on what to become in the king’s palace. Among them, Daniel was in special favour with the chief Eunuch. He just developed a special liking for Daniel. God brought Daniel into favour with him... This could have made Daniel eat extra ration (over and above his classmates). The chief Eunuch even gave Daniel and his three friends pet names to show his love for them. They were being thoroughly integrated into the Chaldean culture and customs. Friends, keep meditating on this as we come back next week to examine in greater details how Daniel became great as a result of the purpose which he purposed in his heart, so as to glean wisdom for your own life and walk with God. “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the Eunuchs that he might not defile himself.” (Dan I:8)
Can you hold your throat at the smell of meals that are delicious, but sacrificed to demons?
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NOTICE OF COURT ORDERED MEETING OF THE SHAREHOLDERS OF THE FULLY PAID ORDINARY SHARES OF SUNTRUST SAVINGS & LOANS LIMITED AND OCEANIC HOMES SAVINGS & LOANS LIMITED
Sunday, June 29, 2014
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Sunday, June 29, 2014
Zainab Jaji Zee’s Corner zeescorner@gmail.com,Twitter. @addazee
Ekiti Decided: The Tribe Has Spoken ‘If indeed this is the will of the Ekiti people, I stand in deference to your will,’ Dr Kayode Fayemi. Governor, Ekiti State. The battle for the soul of Nigeria in 2015 has well and truly begun. The progressive and cerebral people of Ekiti have sent a resounding message to the godfathers of the APC. They have boldly demonstrated that in Nigeria, politics is not about ideology but about food on the table and hungry mouths. It was a case of ‘Stomach infrastructure’ vs ‘Enduring Infrastructure’ according to the online blogs. We could see that candidate Fayose’s army certainly marched on its stomach. Both candidates shared bags of rice a week to the elections but obviously, only one type of rice would do, with Governor elect Fayose cruising to victory with a near hundred thousand vote margin. The progressives got a kick up the backside by an electorate that was fed up of being patronised and ignored. They recognised that
their power lay at the ballot box. That is the only way to demand and get change and they most certainly exercised that franchise. The PDP had in Ayo Fayose an old fox who was not afraid to go into the lion’s den. He could give as good as he got despite all the tribulations he went through as a first-term governor under the Obasanjo regime. What is clear with this win for the PDP is that, Fayose is locked into the psyche of his people. He understands what makes them thick. He knew their names and went to their houses to jubilate and cry with them. Coupled with his charisma and devil-maycare persona, the election was his to lose. Now, what can we learn from this scenario? There is no doubt that Dr Fayemi tried to lay a modern infrastructure for Ekiti and create projects whose impact might not be felt for at least a decade. He is an intellectual who wanted better for his people and saw development as a paced event.
Nigerians travel the world and want the best, but when it comes to our country, we don’t mind the bumpy roads and lack of electricity as long as we are part of the wheeling and dealing. We can endure the inconveniences so long as our bank accounts are on the up. We would rather eat our amala and have enough to send our kids to school than see development on our doorstep. Who can blame us really? We don’t want those that will come and rock the boat. Status quo is always good for us. The APC in Ekiti took its people for granted thinking that the Yoruba agenda that was propagated under the ACN would carry it over. Its main leaders with their dictatorial tendencies did not listen to the desires of the people. All or most decisions could not be challenged when taken and that was the last straw. This is something that all the major parties are guilty of anyway. At the same time, being an opposition state meant that some of the largesse that goes with
being part of the centre was not handed down to them. In Nigeria it is all about being part of the gravy train. J.Japhet Omojuwa put it more succinctly by stating that the election was a choice between directly giving the people fish or creating the environment where the people could fish and have sustainable income. Politics won over development and that is how we like it. At the end of the day, one must respect the outcome of the election and commend Governor Fayemi for conceding. He showed great leadership and has laid the foundation for future politicians who see politics as a do or die affair. It should always be about the people to be served. One can only admire his courage and feel a sense of pride. This singular act has set the tone for future elections. There is always the opportunity to come back and fight. For now, at leas,t the tribe in Ekiti has spoken and might yet speak again in four years for another major change.
Hamza Atta Isn't It Funny? hamzolo@yahoo.co.uk 08181091784
Generation Citizen
We need to set out policies that are capable of bringing the best out of our youth
Last week, I was handed a complimentary copy of an Abujabased magazine carrying on its cover the picture of a young Nigerian credited to have produced Nigeria’s first range of smart devices – phones and tablets. Chiwetel Ejiofor is being celebrated all over the world for his talent as an actor. However, whether it was Pliris or Inye that was first produced in Nigeria, these guys are making the devices we spend over N2 billion annually to import and Nigerian faces are pasted all over the world for successes in their chosen fields. This is just a drop in the ocean and despite our challenges it is clear that our youth are clever and can channel their energies into creative and intelligent ventures across all areas of life. They should be applauded for the outcome of our recent categorisation – on paper – as a bigger economy than South Africa. Nothing epitomizes this fact more than the entertainment industry. Just two decades ago, South Africans would only invite Nigerian artistes to entertainment awards organized by South African-based promoters. This was really just to make up the numbers. Why not, in the Rainbow Nation there is better equipment and a wealthier
population who can afford the extra luxury of entertainment. Their artistes get better international recognition and thereby more support for their industry. In less than 20 years, Nigerian artistes are the toast of every African country; if they aren’t at your awards you simply lack credibility. This change of status wasn’t aided by any government policy; it was due to the sheer undying spirit of the Nigerian youth to pursue and conquer. For we the older generation who have embraced the youthpropelled social media, we see daily the wonders that these people are performing. The youth in Nigeria are probably the most socially aware and the most driven we have had in our short life as a country. Many of them were not exposed to the best education and intellectual resources, yet they manage to stand shoulderto-shoulder with their counterparts in developed countries where education and training are not luxuries but carefully drafted plans in securing the futures of these societies. These are investments that are not toyed with, lest a nation be left behind. Here, only the minimum is done, yet some go on to achieve incredible goals. Imagine if we had a plan. We
should make provision for them to be better citizens; they will in turn be of assistance to the development our country. With a little help, the two young men behind those madein-Nigeria smart devices mentioned earlier could engineer Nigeria’s equivalent of Silicon Valley in a tech world which is creating more jobs and wealth than any other sector. If we cater for the energy and ambitions of our young people, then we would have succeeded in commissioning a superhighway towards the progress of our country. How does it work elsewhere? Politicians do not hand out branded rice or cash-for-votes during elections. They lay on the table; policies and programmes that, to the best of their knowledge, would help individuals achieve their dreams. We need to set out policies that are capable of bringing the best out of our youth; their energy has to be converted to tangible personal and national development. This is a responsibility that we cannot afford to play with because there are dire consequences for not directing this energy to development – we either lose the good it would have generated or we slide into a hole to wallow in poverty and insecurity. A situation that will only breed
frustration and fright, the natural reaction to which is to run to safety and security a brain drain to where we will find a voice and purpose. We are presently experiencing both on an unprecedented scale! Those who are not winning medals, saving lives or creating new products for other newly adopted countries have turned to the dark side here at home. They are hoodlums on our streets and are ravaging our towns and cities as terrorists, insurgents, kidnappers and secessionists. Our government cannot be serious, especially at this time when our polytechnic students have been at home for over a year now. What are we doing? Upwardly mobile youth exist in all countries around the world and the race is one. It is only the countries that support their own that will progress. It is called selfish selfpreservation. It is in this context that our leaders should understand the urgency with which we need to quell the insecurity in the land and invest in this development programme. Say no to a leadership that shows no love for our children. I am ready to fight for my children. What about you? By the way, #BringBackOurGirls.
What is clear with this win for the PDP is that, Fayose is locked into the psyche of his people
68 iSSUES
Sunday, June 29, 2014
The Nigerian Equation And The Categorical Imperative Of National Ideology from YESTERDAY By Yusufu Ameh Obaje
Whatever we do must be carried out against the background of our utmost desire and commitment to please and honour him ultimately. The work we do for ourselves as well as for the public or the country in earnest must be discharged with zeal, commitment and every sense of accountability to God, the great provider of all resources and opportunities for life actions. Our national ideology should inspire us, energize us and guide us to recognize God, as our ultimate employer, in all assignments of life. Then, we must work harder with all honesty, faithfulness, integrity and credibility to give our best in service and absolute Loyalty, to the one and only God, who is worthy of all our services, both small and great. Our mission in life is to live for him; our vision of that mission is to love him with all our heart, intellect, soul, mind and body; our goal is to do his will all the time and our philosophy is to offer him sacrificial service; our dream is to achieve true greatness in life in his honour and reverence for him always; and our hope is to enjoy his eternal reward, to the glory of his name. It is against this background that we must categorically reject all forms of neo-paganism and selfcentred or satan focused cultism of our time. Our generation is fast becoming a godless generation, where attempts are made to serve both God and mammon in high and low places, imagining that God can be deceived or mocked by our chameleon spirituality, devoid of real reverence for the one and only living God. The unimaginable ruthless shedding of human blood all around us are serious indications of increased idolatry and godlessness in private and public leadership of this country. Nothing short of genuine return to God, wholeheartedly by all of us will bring enduring solution to our selfmade multidimensional problems of insecurity, violence, corruption and poverty. Let us note the fact, namely, that our country is not a product of satan’s design, his cohorts or the work of idols, but an act of the one and only living God, the creator and owner of the heavens and earth. Therefore, our country cannot be ruled or governed in any department of our national life by the powers of darkness, demons or cultists. Consequently, to have peace, security and holistic transformation, leadership at any level of governance, must be centred on God alone, with all reverence for
him, genuine fear of him and total submission to his righteous will. B. Our National Dream. True greatness for all Nigerians. Our dream is to make Nigeria the greatest of all nations and to realize true greatness for all Nigerians, through selfless service. National dream is not a political slogan, but an ontological expression; an existential inner yearnings of incubated reality; an in-depth aspiration, an inspired statement of ambition; a product of a healthy state of mind; a movement of the mind from perceived potentiality to actuality of realized hope; a seed of thought, having the capacity to stir up positive action; an instrument of the intellect, propelling us to wake up from our dogmatic slumber and rise up to be the best, while achieving the best. C. Our National Philosophy To live is to serve and to serve is to live; for life without selfless service is vanity. The reason for living as humans is selfless service. It is an essential dimension of the purpose of life which entails serving God and fellow humans. As a matter of fact, service is for the living and not for the dead. The very moment that we fail to render selfless service to God, our country and fellow humans in general, we automatically reduce ourselves to a state of inauthentic existence. D. Our national sense of belonging I am a Nigerian because God is and we are; and since God is and we are, therefore I am a Nigerian. The Nigerianness of an individual Nigerian is both divine and human. It is given by God and the community of people called Nigerians, as the individualness of every Nigerian is enshrined in the lives of other Nigerians, who constitute the ancestral lineage of Nigerians, and expressed in the continuity of younger generation of Nigerians. The truth of the matter is that the individual Nigerian has no real independent existence from other Nigerians, as such an individual Nigerian remains an integral part of the whole body of people called Nigerians. We therefore belong together as one family, under one God, who remains the Lord of all other humans and creatures of all kinds, according to his eternal purpose for all creation. Therefore our oneness is not a matter of debate but an expression of our daily conduct and lifestyle. The task before us all is to strengthen our sense of belonging as one Nigerian family
What has happened to our Christian or Muslim moral conscience, with regards to truth, equity, righteousness and justice?
Obaje
Let us not forget that people live and die for ideas and there can be no success in any endeavour without an idea which forms the basis of specific action. National ideology is an imperative and we have suggested one. E. The concluding remarks On the basis of what we have said thus far in the foregoing presentation, we are now in a better position to make a few concluding remarks, that will also reflect our position, on how to move Nigeria forward at this very critical moment of our national history. Therefore, we state as follows: (a). We reaffirm our call for an urgent formulation of a national ideology, as we recommend what we have suggested in this presentation, namely: “To exist is to be a Nigerian, rendering selfless service to make Nigeria the greatest of all nations; and to realize true greatness for all Nigerians in all areas of life; in the spirit of one family, one world, one common destiny; to the glory of the one and only God who made us all.” If this proposal is acceptable to us or any other alternative national ideology, all Nigerian pregnant women should be encouraged to read the ideology to the unborn child, three times daily, until the child is born. At birth and until graduation from Nursery school, the same national ideology should be read to the child six times daily. When in primary school, the pupils should memorize the ideology and recite it three times everyday, while teachers, parents or guardians provide explanatory comments. At the secondary school level or its equivalent, students should be required to take a compulsory course on ‘Philosophy of Human Existence’ where national ideology and patriotism are essential topics that students will learn and made to live-by. By the time, these students get to the university level or any
other tertiary institution, national ideology would have become part and parcel of their lives. Our Musicians will also turn the words of the national ideology into songs and every available opportunity should be employed to ensure that the ideology is our lifestyle. Let us sow the seed now and let the harvest be seen tomorrow, when our unity, our peaceful co-existence, our true identity as one people in one united Nigeria, regardless of ethnicity, religion and sex, will usher in a new Nigeria of our collective dream. (b). We call for an immediate declaration of a week of national mourning, repentance, fasting and prayers for God’s intervention in our national crises, particularly our national insecurity. There can be no meaningful development in an atmosphere of large scale selfinflicted unrest, violence and moral decadence. We have wondered far away from God in our daily conduct and lifestyle. Our moral consciences are seriously dead. For instance, in all our elections of all these years, has any Christian or Muslim, either as a Councillor, Local government Chairman, State House of Assembly person, member of National Assembly, Governor or President, ever resigned after being in an office for a few weeks, some months or years, due to the weight of inner pressure of moral conscience, arising from the fact that the election was fraudulent and the so-called mandate was a stolen one? What has happened to our Christian or Muslim moral conscience, with regards to truth, equity, righteousness and justice? Is it not a shame that our Courts now decide, virtually, the so-called winners of our attempted elections? We all have ourselves to blame over what is happening to us as a Nation. Our way out of the crises must be a genuine wholehearted return to the Almighty God for his mercy, compassion and forgiveness. (c). We call for one year emphasis
on national spiritual rebirth, to be led by both Christian and Muslim spiritual leaders, of eminent character and holistic experience. Our unusual crises require unusual solution. At least, one year programme of sustained spiritual revival should be drawn out for both Christians and Muslims, in order to address our spiritual decadence and restore genuine faith in God, and guarantee godly lifestyle in all areas of life. There should be an immediate revival of Nigeria Inter-religious Council (NIREC) to provide the necessary leadership on this matter. Religion is more than a private affair as it has an inescapable corporate or public dimension. As social beings, our private actions or inactions affect those around us as a necessity of our corporate existence as human beings. We must help each other to rebuild our spirituality, in order to reduce or wipe out the spirit of godlessness in our contemporary world. (d). We call for national reconciliation and emphasis on our oneness as Nigerians. Our sense of belonging has been shattered by negative partisan politics and religious bigotism or fanaticism. We have what it takes to regain our oneness, through a committee of eminent Nigerians, drawn from the political class, the religious body and other departments of our national life. Such persons or groups will be charged with the responsibility of recommending specific ways and means of reconciling the various warring parties within the Nigerian populace. Perhaps, the ongoing national conference will come up with a recommendation on how to unite Nigeria. One remembers with nostalgic joy of the divinely ordained empirical evidence of the Nigerian unity, practically consummated in a Northern city called Lokoja, where the two rivers, Niger and Benue, became one river and remained as one, emptying itself into the Gulf of Guinea. God ordained it to be so in order for the North to remain the custodian of Nigeria’s unity. Indeed, it is ‘‘United North for One Nigeria.’’ Our leaders then carved out a philosophy of Northern oneness, Arewaism. We were all ‘Dan Arewa,’ regardless of differences in culture and religion. For us then, AREWA simply meant ‘‘All Related Everywhere We Are.” This oneness was the springboard for Nigeria’s unity. Even though, at a point of Nigeria’s bitter conflict experience, the Northern distress call of ‘areba’ immediately gave way to a united spirit of fighting and dying for one Nigeria. We sacrificed virtually everything, alongside other Nigerians, to keep Nigeria one and we must remain one family, even in life and death. continueD TOMORROW
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news ➌ ➎➊ ➋ ➍
➊ Russia: US Fuelling Ukraine Crisis
MOSCOW, Russia – Russia’s foreign minister has accused the United States of encouraging Ukraine to challenge Moscow and heavily weighing in on the European Union. Speaking in televised remarks, Sergey Lavrov said that “our American colleagues still prefer to push the Ukrainian leadership toward a confrontational path”. He added that chances for settling the Ukrainian crisis would have been higher if it only depended on Russia and Europe. Mr Lavrov spoke after the European Union summit which decided not to immediately impose new sanctions on Russia for destabilising eastern Ukraine, but gave the Russian government and pro-Russian
insurgents there until Monday to take steps to improve the situation. Ukraine Friday signed a freetrade pact with the EU, the very deal that angered Russia and triggered the bloodshed and political convulsions of the past seven months that brought Russia-West relations to their lowest point since the Cold War times. In November, under pressure from Moscow, a former Ukrainian president dumped the EU pact, fuelling huge protests that eventually drove him from power. Moscow responded by annexing the mainly Russianspeaking Crimean Peninsula in March, and pro-Russian separatists soon rose up in Ukraine’s eastern provinces.
➋ Iraq Troops Target Tikrit Militants TIKRIT, Iraq – Iraqi troops backed by helicopter gunships have launched an operation aimed at dislodging Sunni militants from the northern city of Tikrit. Tikrit is one of two major urban centres they seized in recent weeks in a dramatic blitz across the country. After watching much of Iraq slip out of government hands, military officials sought to portray the push that began before dawn as a significant step that puts the army back on the offensive. They said the operation includes commandos, tanks and helicopters, as well as pro-government Sunni fighters and Shiite volunteers. Tikrit residents reported clashes in the city, but the extent of the fighting was unclear. Jawad al-Bolani, a security official in the Salahuddin Operation Command, said the immediate objective is Tikrit, the hometown of former dictator Saddam Husse-
in and one of two major cities to fall in recent weeks to the al Qaeda breakaway Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and allied Sunni militants. He said there was no concrete timeline for the operation to conclude. Helicopter gunships conducted airstrikes before dawn on insurgents who were attacking troops at a university campus on Tikrit’s northern outskirts, Iraqi military spokesman Lieutenant General Qassim al-Moussawi said. There was no immediate word on casualties. Government troops established a bridgehead on the sprawling campus early yesterday after being ferried in by helicopter. A Tikrit resident confirmed that air raids took place at the University of Tikrit around dawn yesterday. He reported clashes between the Islamic State and Iraqi forces to the southeast as well, but said militants are still patrolling the city.
The new EU President Jean-Claude Juncker. PHOTO BY EPA
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UK Outvoted In EU President Ballot As Jean-Claude Juncker Wins
BRUSSELS–European leaders have been accused of “cowardice” for backing Jean-Claude Juncker’s appointment to the EU’s top job. Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt attacked premiers for saying they would oppose the arch-federalist’s nomination in private only to then support him publicly. David Cameron Friday night conceded that he faces a tougher fight to persuade Britons to vote to remain in the EU after he was overwhelmingly defeated in his bid to block the former Luxembourg premier from becoming the next president of the European Commission. The Prime Minister was left isolated as his fellow-leaders rejected his pleas and voted 26-2 in a departure from the decades-old tradition that commission chiefs are chosen
by consensus among all member states. Nigel Farage said the drubbing showed Mr Cameron will not be able to renegotiate Britain’s relationship with Brussels and claimed EU leaders would rather see the UK leave than thrash out a substantial new deal. But Mr Hunt accused EU leaders of “cowardice” and insisted British voters would be “proud” of the Prime Minister. He told reporters: “As a result of cowardice yesterday from other leaders who weren’t prepared to stand up in public and say the things they had said in private, they’re going to have to work a lot harder to persuade the British people that Europe can be trusted with a proper reform agenda that’s going to make it strong and compet-
itive in a very tough global economy.” Mr Cameron insisted he had taken “some small steps forward” by securing changes to the text of a document setting out the EU’s strategic agenda for the next five years, to make clear that the 28-nation bloc is ready to address British concerns about its direction of travel and accepts that its commitment to “ever-closer union” does not preclude individual members taking their own decisions on the pace of integration. But Mr Farage dismissed the crumbs of comfort the Prime Minister took in the agreement, insisting German chancellor Angela Merkel “wasn’t for a moment suggesting that Britain could opt out of the principle of ever closer union”.
➍ Vice President Charged With Bribery BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – Argentina’s vice president Amado Boudou has been charged with bribery and conducting business incompatible with public office. The allegations relate to the acquisition of the company that prints the country’s currency and of later benefiting from government contracts.
Boudou is accused of using shell companies and secret middlemen to gain control of the company that was given contracts to print the Argentine peso and campaign material for the ticket he shared with President Cristina Fernandez. Federal judge Ariel Lijo’s decision was published on the justice department’s website.
Boudou is the first sitting Argentine vice president since the nation emerged from military dictatorship in 1983 to face such charges. He could be sentenced to between one and six years in prison, and banned from holding public office. Boudou says he is innocent of the accusations.
➎ Russian Space Rocket Launch Aborted MOSCOW, Russia – The first launch of Russia’s new space rocket after two decades of development has been aborted moments before blast-off as president Vladimir Putin watched on a live feed. The botched attempt to launch the Angara booster rocket was the latest mishap to dog Russia’s troubled space industries, whose Soviet-era glory has faded in a series of launch failures. Angara is being built to replace the Soyuz, a workhorse of the So-
viet and then Russian space programme, which was designed more than four decades ago. Space officials said an automatic safety system aborted the rocket’s blast-off from the Plesetsk launch pad in north-western Russia for an unspecified reason. Mr Putin ordered defence minister Sergei Shoigu to investigate and report the cause. The launch has tentatively been rescheduled for Saturday. Last month, the launch of Rus-
sia’s Proton-M booster also ended in failure, and the same type of rocket also suffered launch failure last July, leading to the loss of three navigation satellites. The July mishap was tracked to a flaw in the assembly line process involving a poorly qualified worker. Observers say post-Soviet Russia’s space programme has been hampered by a brain drain and a steady erosion of engineering and quality standards.
DAY With
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Ishaku Kigbu
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We Will Make Life Difficult For France – Keshi By Ishaku kIgBu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
keshi
Putting aside the ugly off the pitch incidence that occurred between the Eagles and Nigeria Football Federation over the issue of appearance fee, Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi has boasted his team will make life difficult for the French national team when they meet tomorrow. There is only one recorded clash between Nigeria and France at senior level, and that was an international friendly in Paris on June 2, 2009, which Nigeria won 1-0 via Joseph Akpala. Tomorrow, the stage will be different- a FIFA World Cup encounter with no second chance. At the magnificent 72,000 capacity
Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha in Brasilia, the Eagles will face the 1998 champions. “I said before the tournament that our mentality must be strong. Our approach to every match has always been the same: to win. Whether we are playing against Spain at the FIFA Confederations Cup or playing against Liberia in a friendly match, I always tell the boys that victory is non – negotiable.” He said he is not bothered or thinking about the quarter finals but only wants to subdue France first. “For us, we will go into Monday’s match aiming to win. But as I also said before the competition, we take it one match at a time. We don’t even want to
think of who might be lurking in the quarter finals if we win; we are not bothered. All we know is that we must win on Monday,” Keshi reiterated. Should Nigeria go past France, the Eagles will play the winner in the tie between three– time champions Germany and fellow Africans Algeria, who are playing in the Round of 16 for the first time ever. Tomorrow’s clash will be an encounter between six of Nigeria’s internationals plying their trades in England in the English Premiership against nine of France’s best. Nigeria captain Joseph Yobo, who will reach the historic 100th–cap mark if featured against the French, plays for Norwich City.
For us, we will go into tomorrow’s match aiming to win. But as I also said before the competition, we take it one match at a time
• Brazil 1 - 1 Chile (Penalty 3-2) • Uruguay 0 - 2 Columbia
Today’s Matches • Netherlands vs Mexico • Costa Rica vs Greece
Podolski To Miss Algeria Clash Germany forward Lukas Podolski will miss the World Cup second-round match against Algeria on Monday in Porto Alegre because of a leg injury. Coach Joachim Loew gave no details of the injury on Saturday but said it was not serious and that Podolski would have to rest two or three days. Loew said it would be a “big risk” to let Podolski play and possibly worsen the injury but that he will be available for later games “if we manage to advance.” Loew said defender Jerome Boateng had a slight strain to his left knee but described it as “nothing serious.”
Group Stage Breaks New World Viewing Record
Keshi speaks on the match against France
Yesterday’s results
Podolski
By Ishaku kIgBu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Brazil’s players celebrate their dramatic 3-2 penalty shoot-out win against Chile to seal a place in the group of eight matches
Brazil, Columbia Through To Quarterfinals By salIfu usman, Abuja
Brazil are through to the quarter-finals of the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Brazil after a pulsating penalty shoot-out win against Chile yesterday. They won 3-2 on penalty. Chile’s Gonzalo Jara missed the vital spot-kick after Neymar had converted for Brazil. The game was forced into extra time after David Luiz put the five-time World Cup champions ahead in the 18th minute before Barcelona’s Alexis Sanchez equalised for Chile before the break. Mauricio Pinilla nearly won the
match for Chile, late in extra-time, when his thunderous shot came crashing back off the crossbar. The woodwork denied Chile again in the shoot-out when Gonzalo Jara’s spot-kick struck the inside of the post before bouncing across the goal and out to safety and it led to an eruption of joy from the Brazil crowd, while the Brazil squad sprinted on to the pitch to mob Julio Cesar. Relief all round from all those connected with the host nation. Hulk had a goal disallowed for using an arm to control the ball and although Brazil dominated the second half and extra time, Chile almost stole it in the final moments when Mauricio Pinilla
hit the bar. Meanwhile, in the second match played yesterday, Columbia beat a toothless Uruguay 2-0 to reach the quarterfinals of the World Cup for the first time. They will now play hosts Brazil in the last eight in Fortaleza on July 4. James Rodriguez was the magical conductor of the second all-South American affair of the day, converting twice at the Maracana to become the most prolific player of the competition with five goals and inspire his country to a meeting with hosts Brazil next Friday that should capture the imagination of the continent and beyond.
The group stages of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil has created a new record with numbers of viewers across the world. A breakthrough viewing performance has been recorded in the United States and more impressive progress in Europe, Asia and the rest of the Americas. All eight World Cup groups set viewing highs for at least one territory, underlining the breadth of football’s popularity across the world. The blockbuster figures support FIFA’s expectation of an increase in the global TV audience compared to the 3.2 billion reach of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa. Director of FIFA TV Niclas Ericson said: “We believe the overall audience figures from the 2014 FIFA World Cup will show again that the World Cup is the most popular single-sporting event on the planet and that football is the world’s number one sport.” “To see this overwhelming surge of interest in the United States is a true ‘watershed’ moment for the FIFA World Cup and for football. We have been thrilled to see the way the American fans are embracing the FIFA World Cup like never before. “We have also seen some great numbers from Asia, Europe and other parts of the Americas, which gives us confidence that this World Cup will prove to be the most popular ever in terms of TV audiences,” Ericson said. In USA, Portugal game was the most watched football match ever on US TV, higher than any of NBA Finals and higher than average of 2013 World Series 2013 (ESPN, UNIVISION: 24.7 million combined). In Brazil: Croatia match drew highest 2014 TV sports broadcast (TV Globo, Bandeirantes: 47.4 million combined).
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Sunday, June 29, 2014
We Are Feeling The Pressure Ahead Nigeria Clash – France stories By Ishaku Kigbu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
France national team player, Morgan Schneiderlin has revealed that the French camp is already feeling the pressure of facing African champions Nigeria tomorrow at the knockout stage in the 68,349 capacity Estadio Nacional stadium in Brasilia. The midfielder said even though the French team is considered as the favourite to advance in the stead of the Eagles, they are not taking the Nigerian national team lightly. According to the Southampton of England young player the
resolve in their camp is to refuse to write off the Super Eagles because any team at this point has the potential to go very far. “As the game against the African champions is approaching we are feeling the pressure in our camp. We are refusing to write off the Africans even though we are termed favourites. At this stage we will have to win and progress because that is every team’s desire but we will not take the clash lightly.” The 22 years old French international reiterated their team’s ultimate goal in the ongoing World Cup even though
he knows it will not be easy against the Nigerians. “We need to win. We must beat Nigeria because we want to win and go ahead to win the World Cup. We are in Brazil to win the cup. Reacting to news that the African team may be in disarray following protests over FIFA appearance fee, Schneiderlin said they will not be deceived by that because they know Nigeria is not in the second round to lose easily. “We will not see that as advantage because that happened outside the pitch and we know they did not get this far to lose, so like I said we will play as if we are in the finals.”
Suarez’s Fever Grips World Cup
No Nigerian In Best Group Stage 11 – Report
Luis Suarez of Uruguay and Giorgio Chiellini of Italy react after a clash
Protests, resignations and even talk of boycotts have taken over the incident that happened on the pitch between Luis Suarez of Uruguay and Giorgio Chiellini of Italy in which Suarez was expelled from the tournament. Suarez who is already home did not play in the crucial World Cup last-16 tie against Colombia and reactions have continued in Brazil regarding FIFA’s penalty on the controversial star. The biting of Chiellini was regarded as the most ridiculous
sight of this World Cup even though back home Suarez was greeted with a heroic welcome. Hundreds of people turned up outside the player’s Montevideo home to cheer him on. He was pictured dangling his toddler children out of the window like a footballing Michael Jackson. Following his third instance of biting an opponent when Uruguay progressed to the round of 16 at the expense of Italy, the footballing world has reacted in uproar - either to
Osaze Odemwingie (L) of Nigeria shoots as Julien Escude (R) of France looks on
claim the FIFA punishment of a nine-match international ban and a four-month ban from all of football was too harsh, or to claim otherwise. Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez, who is unhappy for losing his country’s best player for the rest of the tournament reacted by quitting his role on FIFA’s strategy committee. Suarez’s exit has seen the entire Uruguayan squad and coaching crew appear less focused on the tournament.
No Super Eagles player made it in the best eleven men that featured in the group stages of the FIFA World Cup ongoing in Brazil, a Rio World Cup report reveals. Released yesterday after the knockout stage round of matches were set to commence, in fact no African team made it to best eleven men that participated in the first round even though two African teams-Nigeria and Algeria made it to the round of 16. But in the worst eleven men also released after the group stages, Ghanaian John Boye who netted an own goal against his team made it into the non performers list. In the list comprising the best men, Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa made it owing to his superlative saves. He conceded only one goal in the first phase but faces his litmus test today against The Netherlands. Argentine defender, Pablo Zabaleta got a mention for his solidness and reliability in the full back position while Rafael Marquez (central defender) from Mexico and Jan Vertonghen of Belgium also made the list. Others include Marcos Rojo
Keshi
(full back) of Argentina, Blaise Matuidi of France, James Rodriquex of Colombia, Arjen Robbenfrom the Netherlands, Neymar of Brazil, Messi of Argentina and Thomas Mueller of Germany. In the worst team are Igor Akinfeev of Russia, Sergio Ramos (Spain), Pepe (Portugal), John Boye (Ghana), Leighton Baines of England, Alex Song (Cameroon), Wilson Palacios, Steven Gerrard (England), Andres Iniesta (Spain), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) and Diego Costa (Spain).
Eagles Will Play Better Against France – Siasia Former Super Eagles gaffer, Samson Siasia is of the belief the Super Eagles will post better performance on Monday against France in the knockout stage clash to be decided in Brasilia. X-raying Super Eagles’ performance so far in the World Cup, the former national U-23 coach said Nigeria should be grateful she played Bosnia first in the group stages before confronting Argentina. “Thank God we played Bosnia before Argentina; other-
wise it would have been a different story today. We should also thank the same Bosnia for helping us advance by beating Iran. But in all the boys came out a little stronger in the game with Argentina than in our first two matches and I see them getting better and stronger in subsequent games especially against France on Monday.” He said France are beatable and if players like Ahmed Musa come out smoking the way he did against Argentina, France
will be in trouble. “Individually, the boys are getting better and for someone like Ahmed Musa, I have never seen him play that good before and if he reproduces that form against France on Monday, we will all be happy for it.” On the players to prosecute the French game next week, the proprietor of SIAOne Football Academy said that is the exclusive responsibility of the chief coach Stephen Keshi. “Only Keshi can determine
that because he is the one that knows his players. No one can decide players for him but I urge him to come out against France with his best legs. Keshi must make sure the right players are used against France.” Siasia told LEADERSHIP Sports that once Keshi fields his best legs, the team will be a handful for France. “Eagles play their best against big teams so watch out for a great game against France.”
Siasia
AMUSEMENT PARK
you only require two things in life: your sanity and your wife — Tony Blair
FOR GOD AND COUNTRY
29.06.14 No. 438 N300
Aniebo Nwamu
The Sunday Column aniebo@leadership.ng
I
Abuja has lost its attraction because life governed by fear is not worth living
admire Vice-president Namadi Sambo’s courage and confidence. When he visited EMAB Plaza, the scene of a bomb blast that killed at least 24 people and wounded scores on Wednesday, to see things for himself, he assured fellow Nigerians that terror would never gain ground in the country or anywhere else in the world. Unfortunately for compatriots like New Telegraph’s managing editor Suleiman Bisalla (who had gone there to repair his phone) and the little girls (who had been hawking oranges and bananas near the plaza), they were no longer in a position to hear the vice-president’s reassuring words. Indeed, this phase of terror shall pass. The security agents did an excellent job of protecting the vicepresident. He was not allowed to visit the scene on Wednesday. And, before the Thursday visit, they made sure that a second bomb was not hidden anywhere near or remote. Filmmakers would have produced a thriller from the story if a children’s knockout had been fired at the time the vice-president was still speaking. Like most Nigerians, I have lost hope in the ability of anyone except God to protect me from suicide bombers. Already, many I know have relocated from Boko Haram-prone areas and have stopped investing in Abuja. The Igbo especially have become wiser: very beautiful houses have been springing up in many places in the south-east since Boko Haram and its twin, the FCTA’s demolition squad, started visiting Abuja residents with their wickedness. For my part, I have given a deadline of August 31, 2014, for terrorism to end in Abuja and the north or I relocate to my home village. It’s much better for one to die surrounded by loved ones in the place of his birth. “Why do you despair?” some have asked me. My reply has been a quote from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar: “Security gives way to con-
This Too Shall Pass
spiracy.” By their own admission, security agencies had information that the terrorists were targeting public places in Abuja and yet they could not prevent the attack. The government had put us on notice two weeks earlier. In fact, last Tuesday afternoon, 24 hours before the animals struck, I received the following SMS and passed it to some people: “News got to us that our enemy is planning something bigger than Nyanya bomb blast between Tuesday and Wednesday in Abuja. Mind your movement and be careful. Please, pass it round to save your loved ones. May God help us and save our country. Please, the message is from a reliable source in the … office. Don’t disregard; please pass to others.” That message could have originated from one of the security agencies. They might have taken other measures, but if sending a text message trembling with fear and helplessness is their way of fighting suicide bombers, then, we have no reason to obey those that have been promising us heaven on earth “soon”. I wonder how many people still listened to President Jonathan when he went there himself. This government and its offi-
cials have become notorious for breaking pledges. When some religious leaders visited the president in Aso Villa, he told them that the Boko Haram insurgency was worse than the Nigeria-Biafra war because, in the former, “you don’t know where to run to because the enemies may be in the sokoto (trouser) pocket”. But is it true there is no place to run to? I’ve no time to waste by listening to him. My father was killed during the Nigeria-Biafra war for no reason; I don’t want anyone to kill me this time round. Abuja has lost its attraction because life governed by fear is not worth living. Imagine the precautions we are being asked to take: Stop going to markets, stop your children from attending school, avoid churches, mosques, bus-stops, bars, TV viewing centres, funerals, weddings, child-naming ceremonies, clubs, and anywhere else a crowd may gather. The rules are simply impossible to keep. And I wonder how the politicians hope to campaign for the February elections. Attending a rally or gathering to listen to a politician would be suicidal. Just as all the checkpoints mounted by soldiers around and within Abuja did not prevent the terrorists
Memo To Confab We’ve been treated to some euphoria-inducing speeches at the ongoing National Conference. Their decision on scrapping of local governments as a third tier, their endorsement of state police, their harsh stance on rapists and treasury looters – all these are commendable. But the fulcrum around which all they have done will revolve is the task they may embark on this week, after the consideration of committees’ reports: how the confab’s resolutions will be realised. If they don’t want their report to end up in a garbage bin like its predecessors, they should whisper something into
the president’s ear. They must not allow their report to be taken to the National Assembly. No, never! Nobody will organise a referendum. What they should whisper into the president’s ear is what I discussed last week: he should take the “opportunity” of the Boko Haram war to declare a state of emergency throughout the country. Then, he should use his powers – 100 per cent of his powers – to take tough decisions including implementing the confab’s report. If I were him, the National Assembly would not sit again until a new constitution took effect.
0805 410 0220 (sms only)
from plying their trade, nothing would prevent an insane person that has sacrificed his life to the devil from exploding a bomb at any political rally. One by one, towns and cities, palaces and villages are falling to the firepower of Boko Haram. A crime we used to associate with foreign countries only has come uncomfortably close. It was Maiduguri alone, then Borno State, then Taraba and Adamawa. It afflicted Kano, Bauchi, Jigawa, Nasarawa and now the entire north. A friend who was analysing the situation last year told me that if they reached Abuja a civil war would break out. Well, BK is here in Abuja – and it is looking to take the capital city. Even those in Aso Villa won’t be safe when the chips are down. Surely, this will pass, just as the civil war did. Both President Jonathan and Vice-president Sambo are right that terror will be a thing of the past. Yes, someday, there will be no Boko Haram, but nobody knows that day. It may be after they have overrun Nigeria and even taken over government like the Talibans have done in a part of Afghanistan. It may be when all of us are dead and there is nobody left to fall victim to terrorist activities. Whenever it is, I don’t care to know; I’m going to my village.
GHANA MUST GO Female president possible in 2019 — Mrs Nwuzor
Yes. Patience-Diezani ticket!
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