No. 439
N300
06.07.14
FOR GOD AND COUNTRY
nigeria's most influential newspaper
Confab: Northern Delegates Reject Additional State For South-East
53 Insurgents, 6 Soldiers Die As Troops Clash With Boko Haram
Neymar Out, As Argentina, Netherlands Reach Semis
NEWS, PAGE 6
NEWS, PAGE 6
sports, PAGE 5
Nyako’s impeachment
Confusion Looms In Adamawa 5
Expiration of CJ’s tenure raises constitutional questions
2015: Obasanjo Won’t Campaign For Jonathan – Top Aide By BAYO OLADEJI, Abuja
The relationship between President Goodluck Jonathan and former president Olusegun Obasanjo is still frosty: the latter has vowed not to campaign for his estranged godson. Obasanjo appears set to throw up a twin challenge to President Jonathan, both within and outside the ruling Peoples Democratic Party. LEADERSHIP Sunday was told that he would back Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido to
Pope Francis kisses a baby as he greets the crowd in Isernia, southern Italy, during a one-day visit in the Molise region, yesterday. PHOTO AFP
ramadan timing day 9
abuja - magrib: 6.58/alfijir:4.58
> Moreon Page 7
➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
Chibok DAY Diary 83
Victims Of Boko Haram Insurgency Lament Life Without Compensation
> Page 2
2
Sunday, July 6, 2014
chibok diary 83
DAY
CHIBOK TWEETS @obyezeks
Citizens direly want a sincere &united fight against our common enemy. If our FG acts decisively to #bringbackourgirls it has a game changer
@naijama If Govt wants silence on the #ChibokGirls they should #BringBackOurGirls and they will get it
@atiku We must remember the Chibok families in our prayers. They need our support. #BringBackOurGirls
@gbengasesan No one can deny the commitment of #BringBackOurGirls protesters across Nigeria. No one is safe until we're all safe.
@EiENigeria "I'm not ready to confront the possibility that our #ChibokGirls are not coming back. I am singularly focused.
COMPILED BY MICHAEL OCHE
Victims Of Boko Haram Insurgency Lament Life Without Compensation BY KAREEM HARUNA, Maiduguri
As Borno State battles with the ongoing Boko Haram conflicts that have so far claimed thousands of lives in the past three years, many victims of the insurgency, especially those whose relatives have been killed, now live a life of penury, due to lack of adequate support from government. LEADERSHIP Sunday can authoritatively report that more that 10,000 persons have either been turned orphans or widows in Borno State in the past three years that the state has been plunged into the Boko Haram crisis. Many of the bereaved victims have either been displaced from their homes or have lost their places of business as a result of Boko Haram attacks and killings. For those whose family members or breadwinners were consumed by the ongoing Boko Haram insurgency, the emotional pains were not all about mourning their loved ones, but also about how to survive without any meaningful support. Borno State government has in the past two years been offering what it described as "widow’s might of support" to the families of those whose relations have been killed as a result of the Boko Haram insurgency. It is on record that the sum of N250,000 is usually given to families of every person that got killed by the insurgents as a means of support for the family. Also, the sum of N1 million is given to the families of security operatives who died during attacks or combat operations. But with the recent surge of attacks by the sect which accounted for nearly 1,000 people in the last six months, government seemed not able to cope with the fast rising toll of human deaths. As such, many victims with even worse experiences are left without adequate monetary or material support. Presently, there are over 5,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) being camped in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, who have lost not only their relatives, but also their homes, farmlands and places of business to the ravaging Boko Haram terrorists. Their fear is what becomes of them after the storm. “We have come from Gwoza, Konduga and Damboa local government areas of Borno State to take refuge here in Maiduguri, because the Boko Haram gunmen have taken over our villages and killing our people,” said Yazara Abubakar, a widow and mother of five children. “Government has given us bags of rice, spaghetti, some bales of cloth and buckets to use here in the camp. But that will not take us long, and we may not be living as refugeehhs for long. What happens when it is time to go home? Where do we call home? And who will rebuild our destroyed homes and replace our looted or burnt foodstuffs? That is our concern now,” she said. Borno State government has spent money running into billions of naira in rebuilding homes, schools, markets and shops that have been destroyed by Boko Haram members in one part of the state or the other in the past three years. But the killings and destruction still go on. Many Borno elders, like Dr Bulama Mali Gubio, had repeatedly implored the federal government to come in and assist the state in compensating the victims of the Boko Haram insurgency to enable
Guest speaker, Dr Oby Ezekwesili (right), addressing a gathering at the BringBackOurGirls Speak Out held at the Marina Waterfront in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO BY BENEDICT UWALAKA
them pick up their pieces together. “The state government cannot do it all alone. It is duty bound for the federal government to come in and provide some compensation for those whose homes were destroyed and their families killed, either by the insurgents or by the soldiers during shootout,” he had once said. Babagana Awari, a displaced person from Bama local government area, said, “We really need government to assist us one
way or the other, so that we can be able to survive this hardship. No place like one's home. But now that we cannot even go back home, we really need to be assisted by government in a manner that we too can start a small business. If not, many of us may not survive this." Some of the displaced villagers are even asking to be paid the prescribed Islamic compensation for death cause by murder or even accident, which is called Diyya.
3
our stand Sunday, July 6, 2014
UMARU DIKKO (1936 – 2014)
The Passing Of A Northern Star
T
he demise of the influential Second Republic minister of transport, Alhaji Umaru Dikko, in a London hospital on Tuesday, July 1, came as a shock to many. But some believe that, at nearly 78, he had fought a good fight on the political arena and left the stage as a gentleman-politician whose constituency was beyond his geopolitical zone. Before his death, he was quiet, politically, until he was appointed as head of the disciplinary committee of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party. Even in advanced age, Dikko remained an active member of the ruling party. Indeed, commentators ascribe to him a legacy of life-long advocacy for stronger political parties, greater discipline within political parties and the supremacy of political parties. These, President Goodluck Jonathan said, have assured him a place in the annals of Nigeria’s political greats. His journey through the nation’s political terrain was remarkable. His politics was superbly enriching and his followership conferred on him a cult-like heroism: the story of the Second Republic will remain incomplete
without the main strategist of the “landslide victory” that enabled the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) to retain its position as the ruling party in 1983. As a trusted adviser to former President Shehu Shagari, Dikko was one of the most wanted ministers when that administration was toppled by the Buhari/Idiagbon junta on December 31, 1983. It was especially because of his perceived influence and role as head of the presidential task force on rice and ports. In July 1984, an attempt by unknown men to deport him from London to Nigeria, after drugging and putting him in a sealed diplomatic crate, failed. From London, Dikko continued to attack mili-
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
tary governments in Nigeria. On his return from exile during the Abacha era in 1994, he was given a red-carpet reception right from the airport. Dikko, who was born in the small village of Wamba, near Zaria in Kaduna State, started life as a reporter for the British Broadcasting Corporation (Hausa service) before veering into politics. He was the secretary of the committee of northern politicians that toured the north to build support for the creation of states across the federation in 1966. By the time civilian rule was restored in 1979, Dikko had matured into a wily and experienced politician. Alhaji Dikko catapulted into the limelight following his appointment as a commissioner in the then North-Central State of Nigeria in 1967. He was also secretary of a committee set up by General Hassan Katsina to unite northerners after a coup in 1966. In 1979, he was made Shagari’s campaign manager for the successful presidential campaign of the NPN. As he embarks on his last campaign trail, we wish him peaceful repose in the bosom of Allah.
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, July 6, 2014
ramadan timing
Cross section of Muslim faithful during Ramadan Tafsir at Central Mosque Bauchi yesterday. BY NAN
Aftermath Of Clash: BRT Buses Resume Work BY MATTHEW DIKE, Lagos
Some workers of BRT Lagos buses have resumed duty after one of the drivers crushed a soldier in Palmgrove, along Ikorodu expressway of the metropolis, on Friday resulting to a clash. Soldiers on revenge mission in turn set about five of the buses ablaze and damaged others. The soldiers also injured many of the workers including drivers, conductors and ticket sellers. They also vandalised many BRT buses, smashing the glasses. Many innocent people were forced to raise their hands or face the wrath of the angry sol-
diers. When LEADERSHIP Sunday visited Ikorodu Road yesterday, only few BRT buses were seen plying the route. One of the drivers who simply identified himself as Ade said many of the workers were afraid to resume duty for fear of being attacked again by soldiers. Ade said only few drivers and conductors who were courageous moved BRT buses on the road. He said, though he was taking a risk, he had no choice than to perform his duties. All efforts made to reach the state police spokesperson, DSP Ngozi Braide on phone to know how many people that
have been arrested proved abortive as she could not respond to calls and text message sent to her. In a bar close to the Abalti Barracks, Ojuelegba, an army sergeant said the BRT drivers were very lucky because soldiers would have shot them dead. He said soldiers were angry because the driver might have purposely crushed him for riding a motorcycle close to the BRT lane. He said, the BRT drivers were known to be very reckless. He said journalists have written many times about the drivers ramming into people or vehicles.
UNIABUJA: Staff Members Pledge Allegiance To New VC KUNI TYESSI, Abuja
The University of Abuja’s chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Dr Ben Ugheoke has on behalf of the other unions in the varsity said that they have already written to the governing council and other relevant authorities conveying their readiness to cooperate and work together with the new vice chancellor, Professor Michael Umale Adikwu, in the interest of the university. The leadership and members of the various labour unions in the university including Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Senior Staff Academic
Associations (SSANU), Non Academic Staff union of Universities (NASU) and National Association of Academic Technicians (NAAT) have in their separate congresses held over the weekend, supported the election of Professor Michael Umale Adikwu as the vice chancellor of the university of Abuja Meanwhile, the leadership of ASUU has denied a report that a group of lecturers have dragged University of Abuja to the National Industrial Court, Abuja, over the allegation that the appointment of the third best candidate as the vice chancellor didn’t follow due process. ASUU insisted that the council did not
flout any known law particularly the university autonomy law in the appointment of Professor Adikwu, as the tradition in the appointment of vice chancellors for the university have always favoured any one of the candidates in the final threeman list submitted to the council based on merit only irrespective of their positions in the screening exercise. The union further reminded the public that the said three candidates who initiated the industrial court action have been expelled from the union; hence, they decided to vent their frustration soon after their cronies did not emerge as the vice chancellor.
Police Rescue 34 Kidnapped Kids, Kill Two Suspects By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba
The Delta State Police Command, Asaba, have rescued 34 children allegedly kidnapped by some people, killed two of the suspects, while three kids are yet to be seen in Okunzu community, IsseleUku axis, few kilometres away from Asaba, Delta State. Sources said in the last few weeks in the community, there have been concerns by its residents over alleged ritual activities necessitating them to appeal to the state government for more security. The police Public Relations Officer, DSP
Celestina Kalu, said the kids were rescued in the hands of the suspected kidnappers after they were deceived from their various homes into a pick-up van with registration number AA 136 XX, adding that on a tipoff the detectives ambushed where three of the suspects escaped while two others were killed on the spot. Stressing that the police will do everything possible to make life unbearable for kidnappers, cultists, and hoodlums in the state, DSP Kalu disclosed that there was an earlier petition by some of the residents over the alleged invasion by ritualists. However the whereabouts of the three
missing kids remain unknown. The parents of the kids had raised alarm on Thursday when the children who were playing outside their homes in the night went missing, searches conducted didn’t’ produce result. Speaking to our correspondent, a resident of the community who did not want her name mentioned in the print said, “We appeal to the security agents not to relent in their efforts in ensuring that they combed every nooks and crannies where this suspected ritualists and kidnappers have taken over because we are afraid.
Day 9
Towns
Magrib
Alfijr
Abuja
7.00
4.57
Aba
6.56
5.00
Abakaliki
6.53
4.59
Abeokuta
7.10
5.16
Akure
7.03
5.08
Ankpa
6.57
5.02
Argungu
7.12
5.06
Auchi
7.02
5.06
Awka
7.03
5.01
Azare
6.50
4.44
Bama
6.39
4.30
Bauchi
6.51
4.49
Benin
7.05
5.07
Bichi
6.58
4.52
Bida
7.05
5.02
Birnin Gwari
7.04
5.00
B/Kebbi Gwandu
7.13
5.06
Biu
6.42
4.37
Calabar
6.50
4.57
Damaturu
6.42
4.36
Daura/Kazaure
7.01
4.35
Dutse
6.52
4.49
Enugu
6.54
4.59
Funtua/Malumfashi
7.02
4.55
Gembu
6.47
4.43
Gombe
6.45
4.41
Gusau
7.01
4.58
Gwadabawa
7.12
4.59
Hadejia
6.50
4.44
Ibadan
7.14
5.11
Ife
7.09
5.08
Ilesha Baruba
7.11
5.07
Ilorin
7.07
5.09
Jalingo
6.42
4.41
Jere/Suleija
6.59
4.56
Jos
6.56
4.50
Kabba
7.04
5.02
Kafanchan
6.58
4.53
Keffi/Nasarawa
6.58
4.53
Kaiama
7.13
5.10
Kafin Maiyaki
6.58
4.50
Kaduna
6.57
4.56
Kano
6.53
4.51
Katsina
7.01
4.53
Kontagora
7.07
5.05
Lafia
6.53
4.53
Lagos
7.12
5.14
Lokoja
6.57
5.05
Maiduguri
6.35
4.34
Makurdi
6.54
4.52
Minna
7.01
5.03
Missau
6.47
4.43
Monguno
6.38
4.26
Mubi
6.37
4.33
Nguru
6.47
4.41
Ningi
6.51
4.48
Okene
7.07
5.03
Ogbomosho
7.12
5.11
Onitsha
7.00
5.06
Oyo
7.14
5.13
Port Harcourt
6.59
5.10
Potiskum
6.45
4.39
Saki
7.06
5.13
Shagamu
7.07
5.19
Sokoto
7.07
5.04
Umuahia
6.58
4.58
Warri
6.57
5.13
Wukari
5.45
4.53
Wurno
7.11
4.59
Yenagoa
6.39
4.36
Yola
6.36
4.36
Zaria
6.58
4.57
Cotonnou-Benin
7.16
5.16
Ndjamena-Chad
6.27
4.23
Niamey-Niger
7.22
5.15
Zinder – Niger
6.59
4.42
Younde-Cameroun
6.40
4.42
Garoua – Cameroun
6.34
4.35
(Source: Timing Committee, Islamic Research and Timing Organisation Kaduna)
Recommended DU’A for Day 06 Recite a 2 Raka’ah Nafilah, in every Raka’ah, after the recitation of Surah Al Fatiha, recite Surah Al-Ikhlaas 20 times. Then recite: ALLAAHUMMA LAA TAKHD’ULNEE FEEHI LI-TA-A’RRUZ”I MAA’ –SIYATIKA WA LAA TAZ”RIBNEE BI-SIYAAT’I NAQIMATIKA WA ZAH’ZIH’NEE FEEHI MIN MOOJIBAATI SAKHAT’IKA BI-MANNIKA WA AYADEEKA YAA MUNTAHAA RAGHBATIR RAAGHIBEEN. Meaning ; O Allah do not leave me helpless in the lurch, during this month, because of my transgressions, a forsaken soul exposed to loose; do not let the whipping crack my back, remove and chase away from me the causes and reasons that bring down Thy displeasure instead of bringing in Thy bounties and favours, O the Beloved Craving of those who ardently desire and long for. Compiled by Al-Amin Ciroma
NEWS 5
Sunday, July 6, 2014
LIVING TO BE 100
One health tip daily Nature’s Pollution-Fighter The powerful antioxidant and detoxifier L-cysteine can help protect your body from the harmful effects of pollution, heavy metals, chemicals, radiation, alcohol, and smoke. This naturally occurring amino acid may also help boost the immune system, protect against heart disease, build muscle, and decrease fat buildup. L-cysteine is also useful for combatting inflammation and promoting healthy hair and nail growth. The substance is found in eggs, fish, almonds, sesame seeds, soy, pumpkin seeds, peanuts, legumes, avocados, bananas, whole grains, and brewer’s yeast.
Neymar Out Of The World Cup For Fraction Bone By Salifu Usman, with agency report
The semi-finals pairing of the ongoing 2014 FIFA World Cup has been completed with Argentina and Netherland booking their place in the last four. An eighth-minute half-volley from Napoli forward Gonzalo Higuain proved enough to earned Argentina semi-finals slot at the expense of Belgium side, Netherlands have to wait for the penalty shootout to beat stubborn Costa-Rica side 4-3. Meanwhile, Brazil’s bid to host and win and make a record sixth time has suffered a devastating blow after the star striker, Neymar was ruled out of the rest of the tournament after fracturing a bone in his back during the quarter-final victory against Colombia. The Barcelona striker was taken off the pitch on a stretcher after taking a knee to the back from the Colombia defender Juan Zuniga late in the game. He was taken to a private clinic in Fortaleza – “crying out in pain”, according to the Brazil manager, Luiz Felipe Scolari, – where an X-ray revealed he had fractured one of his vertebrae. Rodrigo Lasmar, the Brazil team doctor, said: “This news is not easy but he will not be available for the rest of the
World Cup. Neymar has a broken vertebra. He will be out for four to six weeks.” Zuniga defended the challenge, claiming he did not deliberately try to hurt Brazil’s talisman. “It was a normal move” he said. “I never meant to hurt a player. I was on the field, playing for the shirt from my country, not without the intent to injure. I was just defending my shirt.” Thiago Silva and David Luiz had scored the goals to set up a semi-final against Germany in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday, but Neymar’s injury represents a grievous setback given his importance to the team and the absence of a ready-made replacement. He has been one of the stars of the tournament and a player the Brazil public regard as their best hope of victory. Brazil will also have to do without their captain, Thiago Silva against Germany, ruled out after his second yellow card of the tournament, but it is the news about Neymar that will raise the most doubts about whether Scolari’s team have enough quality to go all the way. And an X-ray shown on Brazilian TV reveals the striker suffered a clean break of his vertebra. Tributes poured
➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
Nyako’s Impeachment: Confusion Looms In Adamawa By Mohammed Ismail, Yola
Confusion is looming in Adamawa state over the on-going attempt to impeach governor, Murtalla Nyako and his deputy, Bala Ngillari, because the tenure of the acting Chief Justice of the state, Justice Ambrose Mammadi, expires today. The chief Justice had constituted a seven-man panel on Friday to investigate allegations of gross misconduct brought against the Governor and his deputy by the state House of Assembly. But with his tenure expiring today and the panel expected to be fully inaugurated on Monday, stakeholders in the state are waiting to see who will inaugurate the six-man panel that will pave the way for them to commence full impeachment move against the governor. Already, sources from the Adamawa state Government house are saying any inauguration by the acting CJ is unconstitutional as his three months tenure will elapse today. The Director of Press and Public Affairs to Governor Murtala Nyako, Mallam Ahmad Sajo when contacted over the issue said, the acting CJ can only inaugurate the panel in breach of the constitution as his tenure will elapsed today (sunday) Efforts to contact the chief judge were not successful. However, an attempt to contact the registrar of the High Court, Abubakar Babayola to comment on the expiration of the tenure of the chief judge proved abortive as calls to his phone were not answered. Meanwhile, the impeachment itself has taken a new dimension, as allegations were rife that the acting chief judge was forced to constitute the seven-man investigative panel. Some APC stalwarts in the state who pleaded anonymity said they suspected foul play in how the panel was set up. According to them, the Chief justice, knowing his tenure will expire today didn’t want to constitute the panel, but was consequently forced to. It is also alleged that despite governor Nyako publicly absolving the presidency from having a hand in his travail, suspicion of the Presidency’s involvement was fuelled by the no-love-lost relationship between President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Murtala Nyako which came to its nexus when Nyako sent a memo to the Northern Governors’ Forum accusing Jonathan of carrying out genocide against northerners.
Since then, President Jonathan was said to have decided to ease Nyako out from office as the memo was said to have subjected the presidency to embarrassment and international ridicule. A source at the Adamawa State High Court told LEADERSHIP in confidence that the chief judge was actually compelled to constitute the panel under duress. The source further revealed that some soldiers have been drafted to the house of the acting CJ to keep tabs on him. When reporters went to the house of the acting chief judge, a soldier was seen on surveillance and wielding an AK 47 assault rifle. Responding to the alleged deployment of the military at the acting CJ’s house, the army PRO of the 23rd brigade Nuhu Jafaru said he was not aware of the development. Speaker motivated by greed and selfishness - APC The national vice chairman of the All Progressives Congress, northeast, Engineer David Lawal, has accused the speaker, Adamawa State House of Assembly, of being motivated by inordinate ambition to move for the impeachment of Governor Murtala Nyako and his deputy Bala James Ngillari knowing that he will benefit from the move. Lawan, who said this at an APC stakeholders’ forum in Adamawa State, also said their party would resist attempts by “forces of darkness “ because “ we have a very big task ahead of us for whic, we need a highly mobilized, motivated, united and committed party membership that is supported with a robust infrastructure in both human and capital terms”. He said the speaker has no moral justification to impeach the governor as the votes that brought him to office is around 1 per cent of the total registered voters in the state. It is unheard of for a person that controls 1 per cent vote to be allowed to remove the governor that has the majority votes of the state, he stated. “I have taken an analytical look at the figures scored by all the perpetrators in the saga during the 2011 elections. Out of a total registered voters of 1,817,708, the 25 members of the Adamawa State House of Assembly scored a total of 351,113, that is, 19.3 per cent. “To put it in a proper context, my very good friend and brother the speaker scored a total of 19,036 votes or 1 per cent of the registered voters of the State to represent the good people of
Madagali in the State House of Assembly.” He accused the PDP of shunning democratic norms. “In the PDP, we have an opponent that lacks any sense of morality, recognizes no rule of engagement, and considers the national treasury as being synonymous with its party’s accounts and controls the national security infrastructure as if it is a party security outfit,” he said. According to him, the leaders of the party at national headquarters and in the north-east zone are up to the task of addressing the impunity of the PDP, adding that they would use all avenues at their disposal to call the bluff of the party. “It is this opponent that has descended on us the innocent people of Adamawa State. And as they usually do, they do so through a few of our local brothers and sisters. In any society, there are always people that are motivated by greed, malice, envy, revenge and inordinate ambition. We also have our share of such people in this state,” he said. He alleged that the PDP had identified such people in its midst and has appropriately motivated them “to cause division, confusion and anarchy in our great state”. “As if the threat of Boko Haram insurgency is not enough, they now want to impose on us religious, sectarian and tribal tensions,” he said. “Mark my word: this is their intended goal with this attempt to replace a legitimately elected government with an appointed one. At the centre of this impeachment saga is satanic ambition and greed,” Lawan alleged. “It is very sad indeed that while Boko Haram is ravaging Madagali LGA, freely killing and maiming its citizens, taking their women and youth into slavery, burning their houses and looting their properties, its elected representative is busy engaging in power grab. “Please tell me: what kind of ambition is this? As for the rest 19 members, what do you think motivates them? Greed, pure greed and nothing more, and we the good people of Adamawa State are expected to sit back and watch? And maybe even applaud? Please, count me out. “Once again, mark my words: Adamawa State and indeed Nigeria will never be the same again if we allow this satanic impeachment to succeed. These people are only doing a trial run at the behest of Abuja interests. We hear they might attempt Nasarawa State next; and from there your guess is as good as mine - maybe even Kano.”
6 NEWS
Sunday, July 6, 2014
53 Insurgents, 6 Soldiers DieAs Troops clash With Boko Haram BY Bayo Oladeji, Abuja and Kareem Haruna, Maiduguri
No fewer than 50 terrorists, five soldiers and one senior officer died on Friday night when some terrorists attacked the troops’ bases and police locations in Damboa. This was made known last night by the Defence Headquarters, in a statement issued by its director of information, Major General Chris Olukolade.
He gave the details of the clash: “Over 50 terrorists died as troops repelled a daring attack on troops’ locations in Damboa, Borno State, yesterday (Thursday) night. The terrorists had stormed the troops’ bases and police locations while most of the troops were out on patrol of surrounding villages. “A total of five soldiers and a senior officer were also killed while repelling the attack. A cordon-and-search of the locality is ongoing, while the bodies of the
Neymar Out Of The World Cup For Fraction Bone ➔ FROM PAGE 5 in for the World Cup’s poster boy, with the likes of Mesut Ozil, Lionel Messi and Mario Balotelli wishing the striker well. Neymar’s Barcelona teammate Messi wrote on his Facebook page: ‘Neymar, I hope you recover very soon friend!’ He was carried off the field in tears on a stretcher and ‘screamed in pain in the dressing room’ before being taken to the hospital. According to report, crowds of Brazilian fans swelled outside the Sao Carlos Hospital in Fortaleza as news filtered through that their hero had been taken there.
fallen soldiers have been recovered and deposited in the military morgue. The wounded are also receiving treatment in the military medical facility.” Also, the Damboa divisional police headquarters was reportedly attacked. Borno State police public relations officer (PPRO) Mr Gideon Jubrin confirmed the attack on the Damboa police station but declined details of destructions and human death toll. “There was an attack on our Di-
According to Olukolade, “The troops on patrol around Baga area have recovered explosives and rifles concealed in a truck loaded with fish and other commodities. Four suspects have been taken into custody in connection with the incident.” He also stated that at Konduga, also in Borno State, a suicide bomber in a Golf car on Friday crashed into a checkpoint killing himself, a policeman and three vigilante youth members.
Confab: Northern Delegates Reject Additional State For South-East Says they must meet the criteria BY MIDAT JOSEPH, Kaduna
Neymar
visional Police Headquarters in Damboa during the early hours of Saturday and it affected some of our men; we don’t have details but we are waiting for a team of policemen sent out to Damboa on fact-finding to bring us details,” said Mr Jubrin. In another development, the military has recovered some explosives and rifles reportedly hidden in a truck loaded with fish and other goods around Baga area in Borno State.
Northern delegates to the ongoing National Conference have kicked against the creation of an additional state from the southeast zone of the country. The Conference, on Thursday, approved the creation of 18 additional states across the country as a way of meeting the yearnings and aspirations of the people. The delegates also unanimously accepted the recommendation for the creation of an additional state for the south-east zone to put it at par with other zones of the country.
But delegates from the north have rejected it, saying, “There was no sense in creating a state without population and land mass among factors being put for recognition”. The spokesman of the group, Mr Anthony Sani, told our correspondent in Kaduna that “the Northern Delegates Forum is not opposed to the creation of additional states provided they meet the requirements set up by the creating authority”. “What is disagreeable to Northern Forum is the demand by south-east that a state be given without meeting set criteria, but on equality without equity. “We believe states as federating units, apart from allaying the
fear of minority and giving them a say in the management of the Nigerian project, are not strong enough to undermine the centre. Hence, states as federating units, if properly managed, can further the cause of a strong and united Nigeria. “And since they are created for human beings and land mass has something to do with their development, we see no wisdom in excluding population and land mass among the factors to be considered in the creation exercise. “In a diverse society like Nigeria, there must be standard ways of governing the country and not to pander to agitations which would always be there anyway,” he said.
2015: Obasanjo Won’t Campaign For Jonathan – Top Aide ➔ FROM FRONT PAGE challenge the president at the primaries, and, if that fails, he is said to have perfected plans to support the presidential aspiration of Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso under the platform of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). Checks conducted by LEADERSHIP Sunday showed that the leaders of the PDP in the southwest have even stopped discussing anything that has to do with the party and the next year’s election with the former president because his body language has shown that he is no more with the party “at least for now”. “We have stopped discussing PDP with Obasanjo again because we know he has made up his mind not to have anything to do with our party. Remember, he once hosted the APC chieftains and he said he had become the father of all parties in Nigeria. People like Kwankwaso have been visiting him for consultations and dis-
cussing the party with him has become a thing of the past at least for now,” a PDP BoT member told our correspondent. Corroborating him, a political disciple of Obasanjo accused Jonathan of being ungrateful to the man who brought him to political limelight and said if Jonathan needed him he knows what to do. “Those accusing Baba Obasanjo of working against the second term of Jonathan should be fair to themselves. When Baba accused Jonathan of planning for the second term instead of honouring the gentleman’s pact he struck shortly before the 2011 election, he not only denied it but his foot soldiers were calling him all sorts of names. Till today, President Jonathan has refused to appreciate what the southwest under Obasanjo did for him,” a former senator said. The source also accused Jonathan of ignoring his advice to stop interacting with Buruju Kashamu because of his alleged criminal activities in the United States.
“You would agree with me that Jonathan has not been showing any interest in reconciling with his political mentor. Look at the case of Buruji Kashamu, whom Baba disclosed he is having a pending mater in the United States; the president has turned a deaf ear to that counsel; instead… the same man is now the de facto southwest leader of the PDP.” Investigations however showed that Obasanjo is not on political vacation despite the cold war between him and Jonathan. He is said to have been working behind the scenes for two of his political lieutenants who are nursing presidential ambition. “Baba (Obasanjo) cannot do without politics; this I can tell you. Not only that, he is going to play prominent roles in the next year general election. I am aware that Governor Kwankwaso of Kano is in touch with him over his perceived presidential ambition. Should his party give him the ticket, Obasanjo would surely support him. Even in the PDP, Obasanjo has
Governor Lamido of Jigawa to support when the time comes for the PDP presidential primaries,” another political associate disclosed. Since President Jonathan replied Obasanjo’s earlier letter, where he accused him of not fighting the anti-graft war well based on the controversial letter written by the then CBN governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (now Emir of Kano), and Obasanjo’s advice to Jonathan to honour the one-term pact he reportedly agreed to, both have politically remained apart. Although, after the incident, both have publicly met -- like when former leaders were honoured for the centenary celebration and at the funeral service for the late former Lagos State governor, Sir Michael Otedola -- they have been avoiding each other. Jonathan’s foot soldiers have refused to stop their media campaign for his second term bid while Obasanjo has played host to the opposition figures in his Abeokuta home;
Kwankwaso has visited him, apparently to seek his endorsement for his perceived presidential ambition. The governor-elect for Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, in a recent interview, warned Obasanjo to stop sitting on the fence or get booted out of the party. “Even in the PDP, in the southwest, no leader will disparage the party. We would suspend you. It doesn’t matter whether you are a former president or former governor; if you disparage the party again, we will take you out. I am telling you expressly. By no small means, posterity has put me in this position; if anybody wants to join the APC, let him go there. If former President Olusegun Obasanjo wants to join the APC, let him go to APC. Segun Oni has gone, we don’t beg for membership. We want loyal members of our party. Obasanjo should stop making uncomplimentary statements about the party. If he continues, we will suspend him; nobody is bigger than this party,” Fayose said.
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NMA Strike Selfish, Anti-people – TUC BY ANAYO ONUKWUGHA, Port Harcourt
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has described the nationwide strike embarked upon by the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), as selfish, anti-people, ego-driven and provocative, insisting that such strikes by professional groups in the health sector always lead to avoidable loss of lives. The chairman of TUC in Rivers State, Comrade Hyginus Chika Onuegbu, who disclosed this yesterday in an interview with LEADERSHIP Sunday in Port Harcourt, wondered why the NMA would embark on a nationwide strike when the subject matter is before a court of competent jurisdiction. Onuegbu said, “The nationwide strike embarked upon by the NMA is not just selfish and ego-driven but anti-people and provocative. Any strike in the health sector leads to avoidable loss of lives. It is therefore painful to see NMA and other professionals in the health sector embark on selfish and ego-driven strikes. This is more so, when the subject matter of the strike is before a Court of competent jurisdiction.
“This is what I have realised; there is hardly any two months that one group of professionals or the other in the health sector is not on strike. If you take time and find out why they are on strike, you will discover that there is lack of professionalism; there is rivalry. I understand that the matter is already in court and if a case is in court, any action you take on it is subjudice. So, one wonders why NMA will embark on an action that is subjudice or that is pre-empting the decision or outcome of a matter before a court. “Ordinarily, I wouldn’t comment on this but because we are looking at issues that involve life that is why I am worried. There is no time NMA will go on strike and someone will not die. I think that NMA needs to take this into consideration before embarking on strike. They really need to look into the full implications of their strike.” He warned the federal government against granting the request of the NMA, saying that if the request is granted, other bodies in the health sector would also embark on strike thereby crippling the country’s health sector.
Labour Blames Outsourcing For Rise In Unemployment The Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU) has described the privatisation and outsourcing policy of government as the major cause of unemployment in Nigeria. The national president and the general secretary of the union in a statement made available to journalists yesterday in Abuja to commemorate the 2014 World Public Service Day said, the programme has created a wide gap between the rich and the poor. He added that neo-liberalism has caused immense harm to social services in Nigeria and will continue to do so through corruption which seems to have been ‘legalised’. According to them, the strength and resilience of nation-states depend largely on public service which possess knowledge and skills in the formation and implementation of government socioeconomic policies. The statement reads in part, “The union also frowns at number of scandals surrounding the so called security votes which allow politicians to appropriate billions of naira behind closed doors simply by evoking national security. “ As a result, funds that are meant to provide social services and pay decent wages go down the drains unaccounted for. The union is equally convinced that there exists a nexus between privatisation and corruption which reinforces our belief to work with other civil community-based organisations to oppose privatisation and outsourcing of public work which create additional windows for corruption”. The union also advocated for an effective legal and disciplinary sanctions so as to deal with all forms of corruption against multinational corporations. It however urged the federal government to urgently consider scrapping of tax wavers to multinational companies whose purpose is to bribe government officials. By Michael Oche, Abuja
short news FG Urged To Prosecute Oil Subsidy Fraud Suspects
A civil society group, the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), has called on President Goodluck Jonathan to demonstrate sufficient political will to bring all oil subsidy fraud and corruption suspects to justice irrespective of their political parties, ethnic, religion and creed. The executive director of ANEEJ, Dr David Ugolor, who made this call in a press briefing in Abuja yesterday said, the politicisation of the fraud will set a bad precedence and hamper the anti-corruption war in the country. He said, reports showed that several billions of naira have been lost to the subsidy fraudsters. By Igho Oyoyo, Abuja
Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Osita Chidoka (4th L) with some cyclists during FRSC monthly jogging exercise yesterday. PHOTO BY NAN
Niger East Leaders Mount Pressure On Umar To Contest For Senate By Abu Nmodu Minna
Leaders of Niger east senatorial district yesterday besieged the house of the governorship candidate of the defunct All Nigeria People Party (ANPP), Barrister David Umar, calling on him to take over the senate seat of the zone following the demise of Senator Dahiru Aweisu Kuta. The political leaders that cut across nine local government councils of the senatorial district include the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) Chairman, Umar Shuaibu. Shuaibu who led some politicians from Suleja local government described David Umar as a politician who was always ready to help the people and interact with the ordinary man in the so-
ciety. Also speaking, another leader from Shiroro LGA, Suleiman Galadima Kogo, said that they were in his house to request him to contest while another leader, Solomon Nyaze fromTafa LGA said Umar should take the call from the people as a challenge. Attesting to the fact that the leaders cut across the political parties, a former Shiroro local government chairman of PDP, Alhaji Abdullahi Nagida, said that he should consider the calls by people for him to contest as a calling from God for him to serve the people. While most of the speakers acknowledged that the death of Senator Dahiru Aweisu Kuta was a great loss to the senatorial zone, they all agreed that they would work for David Umar as a
man who has the political capacity to represent the zone. In his response, Barr Umar maintained that the calls of the people was actually the call of God and said that he cannot refuse the people of their request but disclosed that, they should give him the time to consult with the elders of the zone. Speaking further, David Umar said, “I have seen hope and I have seen encouragement and commitment; I am greatly humbled by this gathering. I have never been touched like this and I will consult our elders”. It would be recalled that Senator Kuta passed away early last month making the senatorial district’s seat vacant and by constitutional provision must be filled within three months through a bye-election.
Drought: Shema Urges Prayer For Rainfall By Muazu Elazeh, Katsina
Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema of Katsina State has enjoined other people in the state to embark on prayers for rainfall. Shema in a statement signed by his special assistant (press), Abdulhamid Danjuma, said the call was imperative in view of the inadequate rainfall being experienced in some parts of the state. He commiserated with farmers over the loss they may have incurred and the worry caused them
following the decline in rainfall. Governor Shema urged Royal fathers in the state to mobilise their subjects to pray for rainfall so that the state can enjoy a bumper harvest. Shema requested community leaders, Islamic scholars, imams, farmers, all well-meaning individuals and members of the general public to use the Ramadan period to pay for rainfall. He urged Muslims to do more rewarding acts in this Ramadan period and all other periods to en-
joy the worldly bounties and those in the hereafter. While commending the good people of the state for peaceful coexistence, Shema urged them to be their brothers’ keepers and to extend love, hands of friendship and understanding among one another. Meanwhile, Jammatu Izalatil Bidiah Waikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) represented by its chairman in Katsina State, Sheikh Yakubu Musa, said they have commenced special prayers for rainfall.
Insurgency: Army Hailed For Improved Troops’ Welfare
By Michael Oche, Abuja
A group, Nigerians Arise Against Terrorism (NAAT) has commended the ministry of defence and the Nigerian Army for approving a new policy which now allows families of deceased and incapacitated soldiers to continue to receive salaries and allowances of their breadwinners until entitlements of such affected officers and men are fully paid. The group’s national coordinator,
Hon. Emeka Kanu-Nwapa said yesterday in Abuja that the new policy would further boost the morale of officers and men of the armed forces currently engaged in the ongoing counter-terrorism operations. According to Nwapa, the laudable policies were part of the direct outcomes of the excellent harmony existing between the ministry and its agencies, stressing that efforts should be made to promote such
good governance in the defence sector and other organs of government in line with the federal government’s transformation agenda. “Attitude is everything. The success or failure of any assignment is over 80 per cent of attitude. In the ongoing counter-insurgency warfare, our soldiers should adopt a winning attitude and a major means of achieving this is through a good welfare system,” he said.
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Nda-Isaiah Commends Niger APC For Reconciling Aggrieved Members By Abu Nmodu, Minna
Mr Sam Nda-Isaiah, a presidential aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has commended the Niger State APC ‘Zone A’ for reconciling its aggrieved members. He gave this commendation yesterday in Minna at the first Niger State APC stakeholders meeting. In a statement issued yesterday by his director, media and information, Macauley Hunohashi, Nda-Isaiah noted that the rec-
onciliation which was initiated by Gen. Idris Garba, a member of the national caucus of the party, was vital in the APC’s quest to win the next governorship and presidential elections. Nda-Isaiah, who holds the title of Kakaki Nupe, said he considered his race for the presidency as “a rescue mission.” He called on the people of Niger State, particularly members of the APC, to come out for the collection of permanent voters’ cards and participate in the continuous voter registration exercise from August 22 to August 31, 2014.
Amosun Laments Arisekola’s Death Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan
Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun yesterday lamented the death of the Aare Musulumi of Yoruba land, Alhaji Arisekola Alao. Speaking at the Arisekola Alao-Nigerian Television (NTA) annual Ramadan lecture in Ibadan, the governor warned that the apathy of the elite in the political scene was not for the country’s political development. Represented by his deputy chief of staff, Shuaib Salis, he challenged Muslims and the elite not to stand aloof in the current political dispensation in Nigeria. He insisted that they would not be spared the consequences if charlatans and misfits are allowed to continue to be at the saddle of governance. He expressed worries about current development in political circle in Nigeria where emphasis seems to be shifting from performance to “stomach infrastructure”. He urged the electorate to take up various political officeholders on their performance instead of being lured by temporary gains. According to him, followership has a lot to do in ensuring quality leadership, maintaining that the anticipated progress in Nigeria may not be achieved if fol-
lowers are docile and easily lured away by temporary gains. The governor particularly challenged Muslims and the elite to actively participate in politics, warning that “you should not complain of consequences if you keep aloof and charlatans are allowed to rule.” Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State in his goodwill message at the occasion, equally cautioned electorates to be mindful of deceitful politicians who have nothing to offer other than temporary relief. The two lecturers at the occasion, Imam Mudathir Bada of Oluyole Central Mosque and Sheik Mamoun Elesinmeta, both agreed that Islam does not prevent Muslims from participating in politics provided it is done with the fear of God. Elesinmeta believed that if people adhere to the tenets of Islam on good neighbourliness,Nigeria will not have the current security challenges. “Islam expects us to be protective of no fewer than 160 houses surrounding our own house. If we do this, how can we have security challenges?” He queried. Personalities at the occasion included Oyo State police commissioner, Mr Muhammed Indabawa, Alhaji Lateef Oyelade, Alhaji Lamidi Ajadi, Prof Dawud Noib, Prof Kamil Oloso and Justice Moshood Abbas, among others.
Kebbi Labour Unions Divided Over Planned Strike By YAHYA SARKI, Kebbi
The Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) has announced that it has backed out of the pending strike action organised by NLC and TUC which is scheduled to start next tomorrow. In a communique issued at the end of their emergency meeting, signed by the state chairman, Comrade Ibrahim Garba Mohammed and made available to LEADERSHIP Sunday, ASUSS looked at the decision as deceptive to teachers and would not augur well for final year secondary students who are gearing up to write NECO exams and those who will be engaged in writing qualifying examinations. They alleged that the labour leaders in the state were insensitive to the educational plight of students especially those writing external exams and that they hijacked the responsibility of establishing a salary scale from the ministry of finance that would have taken care of all teachers’ inducement allowances (30, 27.5 and 12.5 percent respectively). They further alleged that, the leadership
has undermined the population and intelligence of secondary school teachers across the state for taking such irrational decision without the ASUSS representatives who according to the communique, are one-third of the entire state work force. The union pointed out that it has an existing agreement consisting of specific demands with the state government which the government is working on its full implementation while the labour leadership is working tirelessly to frustrate this efforts. “Based on the above mentioned facts, ASUSS has decided not to take part in the in the intended industrial action slated for next week Tuesday, July 8, 2014,” The communique read. The statement therefore directed all secondary school teachers to remain in their schools and continue with their normal academic activities. It could be recalled that two weeks ago, the Kebbi chapter of NLC and TUC issued a 21day ultimatum to Kebbi State government to implement the N18,000 minimum wage or face industrial action.
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We’ve Developed New Strategies To End Boko Haram – COAS BY ISAIAH BENJAMIN, Kaduna
The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Nigerian Air Force, Air Marshal Adeshola Amosun yesterday said the fight against insurgency and all forms of terrorism working against the peace of the country must be all inclusive. This is just as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. General Kenneth Minimah disclosed that Nigerian Army has developed new strategies to contain the current security challenges confronting the nation and prepare the force to combat the future security challenges. In his address as the reviewing officer at the Passing Out Parade (POP) of Direct Short Service
(DSS) commission course 23/2014 cadet, held in the Nigeria Air Force base, Kaduna yesterday, Air Marshal Amosu said the Air force is sparing no efforts to rid Nigeria of the scourge of terrorism and insurgency and bequeath to the nation, the peace and stability needed for development and prosperity. Air Marshal Amosu called on all Nigerians to join in the fight against insurgency saying Nigerians should build national cohesion that transcends primordial sentiments and rise above any interest that tends to tear the nation apart. On his part, the COAS who was speaking at the Passing Out Parade (POP) of Direct Short Service
Course 21/2013 in Jaji, also in Kaduna State yesterday said “in recent years, the atrocious activities of terrorists and sundry criminals in various parts of our nation have sounded a clarion call to duty that we must answer with great devotion and commitment. To the newly commissioned officers, he said, “The challenges ahead are indeed enormous but surmountable with courage and determination. Already, we have developed and implemented new strategies not only to contain current threats but also to better prepare us to combat future security challenges”, he stated. The Air Force Chief also charged
the newly commissioned cadets on high standard of professionalism stressing that the military profession requires absolute loyalty, discipline, honesty and courage among other values. According to him, “You must also bear in mind that to succeed in the military career which you have chosen, you must be hardworking, disciplined and dedicated to your duties. “The Air force is a highly technical force that requires very skilled and mentally alert manpower to operate and maintain the sophisticated equipment in its inventory. The present leadership is highly committed to the enthronement of professionalism and purposeful training.
L-R: Former vicepresident, Dr Alex Ekwueme; his wife, Beatrice; former secretary general of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; former head of state, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, and deputy Senate president, Ike Ekweremadu, during a church service to mark the 80th birthday of Mrs Beatrice Ekwueme in Enugu, yesterday. PHOTO BY NAN
Amazon Int’l To Honour Patience Jonathan The Amazon International will honour the first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan at the 2014 International Women Summit billed to hold on September 20 in Houston, Texas USA. The president of Amazon International, and Dynamic Women, USA, Apostle Stella Alhassan who stated this while speaking to LEADERSHIP Sunday in Abuja, said the award is to celebrate Dame Patience Jonathan as ‘Amazon of African Politics’ for making Beijing Conference declaration a reality in Nigeria. According to Apostle Stella Alhassan, with the efforts of the first lady, many women have been made politically relevant and are actively participating in advancing the fortunes of Nigeria economy. She commended the first lady for empowering Nigerian women and also President Goodluck Jonathan for giving women a place in his administration. She further said women in the Diaspora have been creating awareness about the transformation agenda of President Jonathan and women empowerment initiatives of the first lady. The theme of this year’s summit is, ‘’The Nigerian Women in Politics, the Challenges So Far.” By Chika Okeke, Abuja
Lagos Residents Debunk Military’s Claim On Burning Of BRT Buses GEORGE OKOJIE, Lagos
Contrary to claims by the military that soldiers were not responsible for the burning of Bus Rapid Transit buses on Friday in Lagos, residents yesterday confirmed that the soldiers torched the vehicles. The Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Army, Gen Olajide Olaleye had said that it was not Nigerian soldiers who carried out the rampage. He said, “It’s not true that soldiers destroyed buses or set any bus
on fire. What happened was that a BRT bus knocked down a soldier and killed him. As usual in Lagos, area boys gathered and a few soldiers stopped at the scene as well.” But the residents in Onipanu area of Lagos told our correspondent that soldiers at the Abati Barracks were alerted immediately after the accident. Debunking the claim, an elderly resident of Palmgroove estate who craved anonymity said, “The soldiers after the accident happened came and they began to vandalise
and burn every BRT in sight and beating up everybody. “We all saw it. They are the ones that burnt the buses. They can say it is area boys that came in army uniforms to burn buses and beat people up.” Another, a motorcycle mechanic by Palmgroove bus stop who gave his name as Kasali said, “The soldiers came here yesterday they burned buses seized one of the estate’s security men here. The man was beaten mercilessly and taken away.”
Niger Delta Indigenes Advocate Purposeful Leadership By Igho Oyoyo, Abuja
Indigenes of Niger Delta under the auspices of Niger Deltal Transformation Watch (NDTW) have called on leaders in Nigeria to positively affect the lives of the people they are leading, in order for providence to reward them for good leadership. In a statement jointly signed by Hon. Alagba Ken, president and Comrade Braye Odiowei, national secretary of NTDW, the group congratulated Dr Ado Mu-
hammad on his recent achievement of winning the coveted Kwame Nkrumah Leadership Award / African Leadership Icon 2014. According to the statement, the group extolled the extraordinary feat which indeed was informed by Muhammad’s exemplary leadership of commitment and dedication to service, as exemplified in his giant strides, since his assumption of office in NPHCDA. “As Muhammad continues
his methodical journey of consolidating on the agency’s trail blazing achievement, we urge others in leadership to emulate his leading example, by working towards affecting positively the lives of people around them. “Because, profitable and purposeful leadership for the people that are being led, can never be ignored or go unrewarded by providence. We the NDTW look forward to a more robust and sustainable relation with Muhammad in future,” it stated.
Uduaghan Assures Quick End To Doctors’ Strike Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, Friday assured of early call off of the nation-wide strike action by the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) which has crippled hospital services, hinting that the strike would be called off in the next few days. The governor who fielded questions from journalists in Asaba, Delta State observed that several lives have been lost as a result of the strike action, disclosing that he has met with all the parties involved in the industrial face off and members of NMA have agreed that if they could not call off the strike action, skeletal services would be rendered for the sake of lives of Nigerians. “If you recall, the Doctors gave a warning strike sometime in December, 2013, they were to go on another strike early January but, we had to intervene and some agreements were reached with the Federal Government,” the Governor said, adding, “I understand that some of those agreements that were reached have not been fulfilled and that is some of the reasons they had to go on strike that started on the 1st of July.” He said he had to move to Abuja when the strike commenced and put together a team of some medical doctors in government including the chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and held a meeting with the government team. By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba
Amaechi Decries Division In Nigeria’s Social System The Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi has stated that the security challenges in the country have adversely affected the national cohesion enjoyed through the nation’s educational and social system in the past. He spoke yesterday at the Graduation Ceremony of El-Amin International Secondary School held at the School’s Complex yesterday in Minna. The governor who attended the graduation in honour of the eleven less privileged children sponsored by the Governor from Rivers State to attend the school about six years ago, was speaking against the backdrop of the apprehension of some people over sponsoring a student from Rivers to study in the North. According to the governor because of the security situation no parent would want to send his or her child to Maiduguri to go to secondary schools as it was obtainable in the past; adding that, the social system in the past did not make regional, religious and ethnic tendencies important as it is today. He stated that, as a student, he used to board train from Port Harcourt to Makurdi but today train that used to be functional were no longer functional and to say the least was the unwillingness of parents to send their children from one region to other for secondary education. By Abu Nmodu, Minna
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➊ NATO Not Ready To Admit New Members
BRUSSELS, Belgium - Faced with a newly aggressive Russia, NATO has been mulling how to react, but it is ruling out one option: rapid expansion. Four would-be members, including the former Soviet republic of Georgia, have been informed that admission to NATO isn’t in the cards anytime soon. For some, that means dashed hopes. Macedonia’s foreign minister told The Associated Press in a statement it was a “step backward.” The bottom line: The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, celebrating important anniversaries this year of a dozen nations joining its ranks, will welcome no new members when President Barack Obama and other leaders convene for a summit in Wales in early September. Analysts say that NATO members are worried about granting, or being perceived as granting, security guarantees that could quickly be tested by Russia. That’s particularly true of Georgia, which has been waiting since 2008 for the U.S.-led military alliance to make good on its promise of admission. Before taking over Crimea from Ukraine, Russia invaded and occupied two regions of Georgia nearly six years ago — and NATO is
reluctant to take any action that might provoke a riposte from Moscow. “The conflict over Ukraine has made it clear to them at NATO they have to be careful, both about security commitments and credibility,” said Liana Fix, an associate fellow at the German Council on Foreign Relations. “If you give Georgia their membership action plan but don’t defend them if something happens, what does it say about your credibility?” NATO won’t publicly hang up the “No Vacancy” sign. Anders Fogh Rasmussen, the alliance’s secretary general, proclaimed recently that “NATO’s door remains open. And no third country has a veto over NATO enlargement.” But even before Crimea’s annexation, some NATO countries were experiencing “enlargement exhaustion” and had become reluctant to increase the alliance’s membership rolls, said Jorge Benitez, senior fellow for trans-Atlantic security at the Atlantic Council, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank. Post-Crimea, “the issues are much bigger,” Benitez said. “The question is, how much insecurity would you add to the alliance versus how much security would you bring to the alliance?”
➋ 4 Killed In Car Bomb Attack In Somalia MOGADISHU, Somalia - A Somali police official says a car laden with explosives has exploded near the parliamentary building in Mogadishu, killing four people. The Somali terror group al-Shabab claimed responsibility. Capt. Mohammed Hussein said the car exploded at a checkpoint where it had been stopped by Somali troops. Al-Shabab said it was responsible for the killing of a Somali lawmak-
er and his bodyguard in a drive-by shooting last week. The targeting of members of parliament appears to be a new strategy for al-Shabab. The parliament is seen as an emerging pillar of democracy in the war-ravaged Horn of Africa nation. Al-Shabab militants have previously carried out attacks against United Nations’ staff, government officials and African Union peacekeepers.
Palestinians carry the body of Mohammed Abu Khudair during his funeral in Shuafat. PHOTO BY Reuters
➌ East Jerusalem Youth Was Burnt Alive,
Palestinian Official Alleges
RAMALLAH, West Bank - Initial autopsy findings from the body of an East Jerusalem youth who Palestinians believe was kidnapped and killed by far-right Jews showed that he was burned alive, the Palestinian attorney-general has been reported as saying. “The direct cause of death was burns as a result of fire and it’s complications,” Mohammed AlA’wewy was quoted as saying by Palestinian official news agency Wafa late on Friday. Israeli-Palestinian tensions have risen sharply after three Israeli teens were kidnapped on June 12 and later found dead in the occupied West Bank. This was followed on Wednesday by the kidnapping of Mohammed Abu Khudair, 16, in his neighborhood in Arab East Jerusalem.
His charred body was found hours later in a forest on the edge of the city. Saber Al-Aloul, the director of the Palestinian forensic institute, attended the autopsy which was carried out by Israeli doctors in Tel Aviv. Al-A’wewy said Al-Aloul had reported fire dust material was found in Khudair’s respiratory canal which meant “the boy had inhaled this material while he was burnt alive.” Burns covered 90 per cent of the surface of the body. The head suffered a cut. Samples like liquids and tissues were taken for more lab examinations to complete the legal medical report. At Khudair’s funeral on Friday, furious Palestinians chanted “Intifada! Intifada”, calling for a new
uprising against Israel. Stones thrown at Israeli police were met by teargas, stun grenades and rubber bullets in one of the most highly charged displays of enmity in Jerusalem in years. Clashes continued across the occupied West Bank overnight with at least one Palestinian hurt in the city of Nablus, medical staff said. Clashes also erupted in Israeli-Arab towns, a police spokeswoman said. Palestinian officials trying to calm tensions have said they would prevent any intifada, or uprising, and seek a solution to the crisis that began when the three Israeli teens were kidnapped. The discovery of the young Israelis’ bodies on Monday prompted an outpouring of national grief in Israel.
➍ Insurgents Set 200 Oil Tankers Ablaze In Afghanistan KABUL, Afghanistan - Taliban insurgents set fire on Saturday to about 200 oil tanker trucks supplying fuel for NATO forces in an attack just outside the Afghan capital Kabul, police said. Television footage showed black smoke billowing above the site of the attack, with the charred wreckage of dozens of trucks scattered around a vast parking space.
The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, saying the trucks carried fuel intended for U.S.-led NATO forces. It was unclear how the fire was started. Some Afghan media reported that insurgents had fired rockets at the tankers late on Friday. There were no immediate reports of casualties. “The number of tankers on fire is not yet clear, but based on preliminary reports from police
around 200 tankers have been burnt,” the interior ministry said in a statement. The attack happened as Afghanistan prepares to announce preliminary results of the final round of a presidential election on Monday in a tense atmosphere. Each of the two candidates vying to succeed President Hamid Karzai accuses the other of mass fraud.
➎ Militants Flee Eastern Town As Kiev Savours Military Victory KIEV, Ukraine - Pro-Russian rebels were pulling out of a flashpoint area of eastern Ukraine on Saturday as authorities in Kiev savoured a major military success in its threemonth fight against the separatists. A Reuters reporter saw a convoy of around 20 military transport vehicles and buses filled with armed rebels driving out of Kramatorsk where they had gone after apparently earlier fleeing the separatist stronghold of Slaviansk nearby. Interior Minister Arsen Avakov
said a large number of separatists had fled Slaviansk after sustained fire from Ukrainian forces. “A significant number of militants have left Slaviansk ... along the way, our battle groups are greeting them. They are suffering losses and surrendering,” he said in a statement on his Facebook page. A source close to the rebels told Reuters the rebels had been outnumbered by 50 to one. “The Ukrainian forces) have greater numbers of troops and military hardware,”
the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Aleksandr Borodai, a leader of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic, was quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying: “The punitive forces of Ukraine ... moved into a large-scale offensive. Given the disproportionate numerical superiority of the enemy troops, units of the armed forces of the Donetsk People’s Republic were forced to leave their previous positions on the northern sector of the front.”
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Sunday, July 6, 2014
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Sunday, July 6, 2014
The scene of bomb explosion in AjilariGomari near the city’s airport, Maiduguri in Borno. PHOTO BY Reuters
Unabated Killings, As Insurgents Ignore Ramadan In this holy month of Ramadan, when the Muslims worldwide are observing a season of peace, love, forgiveness and sharing, many people expected Boko Haram to sheathe its swords, but the group has continued to unleash mayhem on innocent Nigerians. Kareem Haruna, Maiduguri, writes The gunmen ...surrounded the three churches and ordered every child and female worshiper out before opening fire on the elderly and young men inside
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hough it can be quite unpredictable when and where Boko Haram’s next attack could be, the terrorists group however last week staged several attacks in Borno State that really broke the hearts of many people who anticipated an halt in the ongoing attacks as the Islamic holy month of lent started Ramadan, the Muslims’ 30 days of annual fasting, is widely recognised as a period when Muslims worldwide engage in all forms of rewarding activities, including the sharing of love and kindness. But to the chagrin of many in Borno State, the Boko Haram sect, which prides itself as a body that is
bent on enshrining Sharia rule as a system of government in Nigeria, has continued to mete out terror on both Muslims and Christians, even in this month of Ramadan. Against the general public’s prolepsis that the Boko Haram sect would at least take a break during the ongoing month of Ramadan, more bestial attacks have been carried out during the dawning days of the holy month. LEADERSHIP Sunday can authoritatively report that over 200 persons have so far been killed, while hundreds of others were badly injured in attacks credited to the sect in the first week of the month of Ramadan.
Apart from pockets of isolated killings that the terrorists’ organisation had carried out on the eve and even the first day of Ramadan, where hapless villagers were attacked and killed, Boko Haram gunmen had staged terrible attacks on churches in two communities of Chibok local government area where over a hundred persons were killed. On June 29, 2014, in Chibok local government area, where over 200 schoolgirls that are currently in captivity of the Boko Haram sect were abducted, the area witnessed yet another dark day in their beleaguered experience in the last three months as gunmen moved a battalion size armed terrorists to overrun communities in the area. The gunmen took their time, allowing the villagers of Kwada and Kautikari communities, 10 kilometres from Chibok town, to commence their church services before storming the neighbourhood and turned their rifles against them, while detonating their explosives in the churches. Eyewitnesses quoted in several news media testified that the gunmen who first attacked Kwada village at about 8:00am surrounded the three churches and ordered every child and female worshiper out before opening fire on the elderly and young men inside. Major churches like the EYN Church, the COCIN Church and the Deeper Life Bible Church suffered heavy casualties, while scores of villagers’ corpses were later picked in the bush as the gunmen chased the fleeing villagers and shot them in the bushes. “They killed 48 people in the attacked churches, who died on the spot; apart from several others that got killed in the bush,” said Abbas Gava, a member of the vigilante
group who lost eight of his in-laws during the attack. From Kwada, the gunmen proceeded to Kautikari village, some two kilometres away and carried out similar attacks on the villagers. A vigilante member, who pleaded anonymity for his personal safety, told LEADERSHIP Sunday that, “We have so far recovered more than a hundred corpses, but we got more of them from the EYN Church where the Boko Haram gunmen first attacked in Kawada.” Throughout the attacks that lasted over four hours, it was gathered that the attackers were not confronted by any security operatives. It was alleged that the airforce jet that eventually came hovering over the attacked communities only arrived hours after the gunmen had left in a convoy of pickup vans and motorcycles. The vigilante members lamented that they were not impressed with the response of the soldiers in Chibok, whom he alleged got an earlier alert about the attack but shied away from direct confrontation with the attackers. “We are disappointed with the soldiers. When we heard about the attack in Kwada, we raised alarm and informed the soldiers,” they alleged, continuing that, “The gunmen finished with Kwada and proceeded to Kautikari, where they attacked people there until 11:30am when they finally left. We cannot say how many people were killed in Kwada yet.” A police officer, who does not want his name mentioned, confirmed to journalists in Maiduguri that he was informed that his younger brother had been killed during the attack in Kwada. “I was attending church service in Maiduguri when I began to receive ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
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Sunday, July 6, 2014
Unabated Killings, As Insurgents Ignore Ramadan ➔ FROM PAGE 13 several calls on my phone. So, I had to excuse myself to receive the call, since it was coming from the village. It was then I was informed that my younger brother had been killed in the church during the attack,” the police officer said amid tears. Barely 48 hours after the Chibok massacre, the Boko Haram terrorists took their deadly attacks into the city of Maiduguri where a suicide bomber detonated a heavilywired vehicle near the Maiduguri main market in the early morning hours when traders and commuters were busy trying to resume their business activities. It was confirmed that at least 56 people were killed and 69 others sustained different degrees of injury after the blast. Some eyewitnesses at the scene of the blast said the suicide bomber who carried out the heinous act was spotted driving a rickety Peugeot station-wagon car from Gwange area, a crowded central part of Maiduguri, towards the market at about 8:00am. A member of the popular CivilianJTF, who simply identified himself as Musa, said, “If I had an inkling that the man had an evil intention, I would have pulled him out of the car and dealt with him. “I was on a tricycle moving towards the market when I noticed the man trying to park by the roadside, and the early rising traders who were displaying their groceries by the roadside kept telling him to move ahead, that he was not supposed to park in front of their displayed wares. “We all managed to overtake him while he was still busy trying to get a parking space. His vehicle’s trunk was filled with sacks of what looked like charcoal. It was when we were a little ahead of him that we heard the deafening noise of the explosion, and everywhere became darkened with thick smoke,” said Musa. LEADERSHIP Sunday further learnt that the suicide bomber had later parked in front of the old ElKanemi Cinema, which is now converted to carpark for intercity buses and taxis. Most of those that fell victims of the blast were old women who usually sold groundnuts and lemons, as well as commuters trying to make their ways to their different destinations, and labourers waiting to off-load goods from their trucks which had been parked at the market overnight. “We have been able to pick 21 dead bodies that could still be identified. We also picked about 35 corpses that were either burnt or mangled beyond recognition. We took 19 injured persons to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, five others were rushed to the State Specialists Hospital and 21 were conveyed to the Nursing Home, while nine were taken to Umaru Shehu UItra-modern Hospital,” said Gava. Hospital workers in both the State Specialists Hospital and the Umaru Shehu Ultra Modern Hospital
A Nigerian policeman stands guard by burned out cars and houses, following an attack by suspected Islamic extremists in Kawuri, Maiduguri, Nigeria. PHOTO BY www.voanews.com
The scene of Boko Haram’s suicide car bombing in Maiduguri’s market. PHOTO BY www.theguardian.com
as well as the federal governmentowned University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) have all confided with journalists that the number officially quoted was less than the quantum of corpses deposited in their respective morgues after the massive blast. “We were warned not to make public the actual number of corpses brought to our hospital from the scene of the blast, so that it will not create further tension,” alleged a health worker in one of the three hospitals in the state. The manner with which the Maiduguri bomb blast was executed had really sent chills down the spines of many residents who now live in further fears that the Boko Haram members could easily carry out another massive attack in no distant time, if measures are not taken to curtail their activities. A lucky survivor who saw it all said, “We all saw the car, even though some people were not even comfortable with its presence. Suddenly, the suicide bomber who was trying to pack at some spots but was repeatedly asked to move ahead by the traders trying to display their
wares, later ran his car on the back of a Keke-NAPEP (commercial tricycle), and then the driver engaged in argument with the Keke-NAPEP driver and some traders who found him at fault. “The bomber later accepted being at fault and agreed to move his car from the middle of the road. So, he begged bystanders to help him push his old car filled with bags of charcoal off the middle of the road. It was then he decided to let the bomb went off, and himself and those pushing the vehicle were shredded by the blast,” said the witness. On Thursday morning, two vehicles conveying Ramadan rice and sugar to Gamboru-Ngala local government area, where it was meant to be distributed to locals there, were attacked by Boko Haram gunmen riding on motorcycles. “Two of the saloon cars (Volkswagen Golf brands) that were moving in convoy were shot at, both somersaulted and the gunmen went over to kill three persons in the attacked cars. They later used another truck to cart away the bags of rice and sugar to unknown destination,”
said a security officer who pleaded anonymity. “A police officer driving alongside his colleagues from Mafa town, about 40 kilometres away, to Maiduguri had survived death by the whisker when Boko Haram gunmen attempting to ambush them on Wednesday shot at their vehicle, while a bullet narrowly missed his jugular,” he said. Many residents of Maiduguri who witnessed the scene of the blast were left traumatised; some are now living in fear for their lives, especially in market places where, because of the Ramadan fasting, many people go to do their shopping. Baba Musa Yobe, a trader at the Maiduguri Monday Market where the blast occurred, said, “We have been visited with a calamity that we don’t know when God will extricate us from. Everyone thought, at least, the killings would subside as we commence Ramadan, and that if the Boko Haram people insist they are Muslims, they would not have been killing their fellow human beings in this holy month of forgiveness, blessing and charity.”
He begged bystanders to help him push his old car filled with bags of charcoal off the middle of the road. It was then he decided to let the bomb went off, and himself and those pushing the vehicle were shredded by the blast
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sunday interview Sunday, July 6, 2014
‘Why PDP Can’t Win 2015 Presidential Election’ Chief John Odigie Oyegun, was the first Civilian Governor of Edo State and now the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress,(APC). In this interview with Journalists in Benin City, Edo State he speaks on the quest of his party to occupy Aso Rock, Nigeria’s seat of power come 2015, the just concluded Etiki governorship election and other sundry issues. PATRICK OCHOGA, was there for Sunday LEADERSHIP After your election, some people who contested with you were aggrieved and after that your party lost the Ekiti state governorship election. How are you trying to bring everybody together and what is the way forward?
I have given equal attention to all. There was a little bit of bad blood over the secretary position and over other positions and I have reached out to every one of the significantly aggrieved people.
Well, everything is happening rather quickly, changes are going on even before one has settled down for the new job. The first one is straight forward and easy. For those who felt rightly or wrongly aggrieved, it doesn’t matter if they are right or wrong, my job is to make peace and it wasn’t just my level, there were several levels during the convention, I have given equal attention to all. There was a little bit of bad blood over the secretary position and over other positions and I have reached out to every one of the significantly aggrieved people. Some have responded, some have not responded but there is no giving up. What I have realize is this, in a party that has no prospect, you beg people to volunteer for office, you virtually plead with them to accept offices. But because the APC has very bright prospect, it has become virtually the government in waiting giving the mood of the nation and the universal cry for change. The APC is a party whose time has come, because of that the contestation for offices becomes a little sharper than it would have been with a party that has no prospect. So, those who naturally will feel a sense of lost is not been preferred for the various positions in the party. So we have reached out to all of them, most have responded positively, those that are still nursing grievances we will continue to reach out to. As far as that is concern, it is a good and healthy thing because if the party was not a growing concern, people will just walk away. But it is not like that. This is a movement that is going to end up in Aso rock in February of next year. So we are doing everything we can to talk and bring them back happily into the fold. Shockingly, your party lost out in the Ekiti election, what really went wrong?
Ekiti election to some extent is still a mystery. It still has some aspect
that we are trying to unfold. But the first point is because we are a party of change and because we are a party that wants to show Nigerians that there is a different way of doing things that politics doesn’t have to be bitter. In spite of all our reservations the governor was advised to concede inspite of reservation for a lot of reasons. One, given the heavy militarization of the area, we didn’t think it was worthwhile raising tension which may lead to the spilling of innocent blood. I was there in Ekiti, I had to leave virtually in the dead of light all the way from Ado Ekiti to Lagos and most of our people who got there by air couldn’t go back by air because the airport was close. So there was this state of tension which needed a little spark to set it off and we said this is not our style of politics. The governor do the honourable thing, we have a lot of questions about the elections. We are going ahead with something more detailed than a forensic examination of what happened. We knew all was not well. On the face of it, the processes before Election Day were heavily faulted and of course with the very unconstitutional militarization but the day of the election, the facade was given that made everybody think that everything went normally but we know that, that was not the case. We are looking into it in a very clinical way and when our findings are ready we will address the Nigerian Nation. Like I said we didn’t think power was worth shedding of innocent blood so we have taken the part of honour and conceded. And you can see there was a little peace thereafter. If we had decided to dispute the election, only God knows what would have happened but that is not the APC way, we are a party of change and we hope Nigerians have taken note of what we did in Ekiti and we hope it doesn’t get repeated because a lot of what happened was totally unconstitutional. You don’t lock down a whole state for 48 hours. You are allowed to restrict movement within 24 hours before the election. And you don’t lock down a state and arrest the leaders of the governing party there. Lock them down completely but allow leaders of the opposition party who
Oyegun
have no business at all being in Ekiti, Minister of state defense, minister of Police affairs, Chris Uba, were all there operating freely in that 48 hours. These are the fact that must not repeat itself in Osun election. We are taking various actions just to prevent it. We are not going to court but we are going to court to uphold the fundamental rights of citizens whether a governor, party leader or an ordinary citizen, you have that right of free movement in this Nation. Of course the issue of locking down a state for 48 hours, there is no such law in this Nation and bringing the military forcefully into the political arena, there is no law in practice that accept that in this Nation. All these things we will query and take the appropriate legal actions so that our legal authorities will tell us where the boundaries are for governmental action. Yes it was a public blow for us but we have gone over that. It is alright to get one state by bringing army and police to that one state election because you are in power at the federal level. To start with that is one of the best argument I have seen recently for state police. Secondly, we need the army and Police in Borno, Yobe, we would have been glad if these people were deployed there to get back our girls but because they wanted to make a point, because they are desperate, the PDP is desperate and they think that making a point with Ekiti will set a bandwagon effect for others. That exercises itself was deceptive and in delusion because when the time comes in February the whole
nation will be voting at the same time, let them take all the soldiers out of Borno and come and police every single state and see if there will be a Nigerian left at the end of the day. Yes, it was a very regrettable lost but the D-day is still coming and we are very confident that when it comes the people of this country will decide for change. One of the aggrieved leaders of your party, Chief Tom Ikimi, has threatened to pull out of the party, what is your party doing to calm frayed nerves?
Like I said earlier, talks are still on ongoing. But it is unfortunate that when you feel hurt, you threaten your party, that alone creates suspicion about you in the party that you still belong to. Let me just say it is an ongoing process and it was a mistake for him to have threatened to leave the party. We value him and respect him. I used to go to him quite often and share a lot of goodwill and I hope this has not separated us. It can’t. Politics can’t separate us and I pray that when he calms down, we will resume our very warm and close relationship. Not just with me personally more importantly with the party. Your party appears to be disposed to a Muslim-Muslim ticket, a development that may create ripples in the party ahead of the 2015 election. What is the true position of the party?
I don’t know where you get this Muslim, Muslim ticket, Christian,
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‘Why PDP Can’t Win 2015 Presidential Election’ 15
Christian ticket, Pagan, Pagan ticket or whatever you want to call it. Am a national leader of this Party, what I can guarantee Nigerians is that we are going to have a totally free and fair primary from the rank and file of the party members to decide who will be their candidates and that is the way it’s going to be. We want to win election, so the party members whose job it is to select their candidate will do whatever they need to do to win an election, so its whatever the party decides. It is not me or any individual, it is not about any group of individual, not any zone, it is not south, and it is not north that will decide. It is the totality of the members of the party properly acting through their delegates who will select a candidate for the election. So whether it’s Christian-Christian, Muslim, Muslim, it will be the decision of the party, so let us not cross bridges that don’t exist. When we get there we will deal with that issue. It appears your party is still far away from picking its candidate
So whether it’s ChristianChristian, Muslim, Muslim, it will be the decision of the party, so let us not cross bridges that don’t exist. When we get there we will deal with that issue
Every party is still far away, even though the case of the PDP, there is a presumption. Don’t be fooled it could change. Very dramatically, it looks like a one man race but the reality is on the eve of selecting candidates, they dictate otherwise. APC has a fair selection of prominent Nigerians, we are listening to the people, and we are hearing what they are telling us. Because we have a drag net spread out. We have people we are talking to all over the nation who are telling us and giving us vibes about what the people feel, want and expect. So presenting a candidate in another 2, 3 months will not be an issue, what is important is what the party stands for. How can it prove that it is different and serious, that is the task that we have between now and the selection of the candidate. Once the people of Nigeria buy the fact that yes this is a party they can trust to deliver change, the candidate become number two issue. As far as John Oyegun is concerned and as far as the constitution of the Party is concerned, anybody from any part of this country is qualified to vie for our presidential ticket. That is the law of the party. What is your party doing to ensure that Amaechi and Nyako are safe?
You know that in desperation, the Federal government is creating problem for us in all our states. Let us start with the present insecurity. Once or twice I have read that it is the opposition that is doing all this because they don’t like the government, they hate the government, but do you kill your family to prove that you hate somebody else. How come that these things are in APC states, former ANPP. Now it is crawling into another APC state, Kano where violence is not used to being the case. The issue of impeachment, they have mon-
ey, we know the kind of figure that are been mentioned and offered to dump the APC and in Adamawa to impeach the governor. In Rivers state, they have a courageous young man, even before we ended in one party; he is one person who started as governor from day one saying that these people are not defenders of the rights of the riverine NigerDelta people. He called them common criminal from day one. I was alarmed on his behalf and then he was a strong member of the PDP. I said how can this young man, I call it being foolish. But he succeeded. He brightened the security problem of Rivers state. He was a very principled man. Whether it is PDP or not we will fight it on the basis of the fact that he is the leading chairman of the governors forum, because of that, he got into the bad book and since then they have not let him know peace. As we speak today, he is still very much under stress and attack all in the bid that since he left, things have been worst. We are fighting the Adamawa case and by the grace of God they will not succeed. As far as the other issues are concerned, when a party is seen as having prospect, the struggle for offices get a little bit keener and that is what is happening in all of these states. All of these things will be resolved. In a quick order, the resolution of the crisis are the first priority that we are handling, we already have a high powered committee working on Ogun. As a matter of fact, Ogun is the most delicate of all of them. We already have a high powered committee headed by former vice president Atiku Abubakar, including some truly respectable senior party leaders working on the Ogun case. These things are going on parry parsu with building and solidifying of the party. The Edo state case is clear. From the time we had some defections; I think the PDP saw it as a wonderful opportunity to undermine the state government particularly as four members of the House also defected with the group. They thought it was a wonderful opportunity to destabilize and undermine the state government, keeping it preoccupied with crisis but what people should see in it is this, it was this defecting members who went to court to seek two redresses. First, that their seats should not be declared vacant, two, that they should not be impeached. They went to court, the court granted the first request that their seat should not be declared vacant and rejected the second request saying they can’t interfere in the proceeding. The APC complied, they didn’t declare their seat vacant but they went ahead since they had legal clearance in terms of the suspension and suspended them. These people are not obeying the orders of the court, they are now operating outside the ambit of the law and that is what people should see and tell our security agencies to please help in enforcing the laws of this
nation, otherwise the two side can resort to jungle justice and God forbid we get to that situation. It is a clear case of the opposition in Edo state, the PDP using totally illegal tactics to try to undermine the government of the state. That is unacceptable and illegal and must not be allowed to stand. The opposition PDP have accused your party of lack of internal democracy?
Internal democracy mean that there is a law and you must conduct yourselves according to law. The APC has a constitution and it states clearly that consensus is a preferred way of reaching a decision. Because all leaders would have subscribed to that consensus and everybody will be happy, that means nobody have everything he wants but everybody has something. So we are able to live happily together. And it states clearly that when that consensus can’t be reached and even a single member insist on a proper election again according to the rule of the party, so be it. We then go and have an election. And that is what we are operating unless somebody has another definition of internal democracy. What is important is that we are abiding strictly to the constitution. How to manage Atiku and Buhari Presidential ambition
I don’t know if there is a management problem, I am praying desperately that there should be more aspirants. Each of them will have a support base, each of them will be able to effuse a lot of party and nonmembers interest in the party. Each of them will get people to look with magnifying glasses at all the people offering to be our president and I will seat down smiling and hoping they come and pay our fees so we can make quite some money. It becomes the duty of the people, party members represented by the delegates to decide, which one in their opinion, in their wisdom, in their consideration is most likely to help us win the election and then provide good leadership for the nation. It will be the choice of the people, mine is to hold the ring and be a very impartial referee and provide a level playing ground for all the contesting interest. There is nothing to manage. I know a lot more who are interested on being the president on the platform of the APC and I have given them my word that their candidacy for the nomination will be most welcome. We have already presented ourselves, the first message we preach is that the Nigeria nation is broken and change must come. Let the Nigeria people try something new even if you are not sure what the result will be. This nation has managed to maintain herself in such a way that they really don’t care anymore what the people think. They fix the votes, they put themselves in power and so they rule us with impunity. It is now for Nigerians to decide whether to
continue in that condition where nothing is working. I was listening to BBC and a Nigerian said we are going to wake up one day and like in Iraq, these people we are laughing at would be marching down south. Is that the kind of country we want? Are they the kind of politicians we want? Is that the government we want that can’t secure our lives? We are going to tell Nigerians, it is time to try something new and different for change. They must vote for change, even if in their hearts they are not sure, we are presenting ourselves as something new, we are presenting the states that we govern as sign post. In Edo state if Oshiomhole is in Abuja and he can do in Abuja what he has done in Edo state, we will not have problems. We will see visibly what our resources are being used for, not when ministers now have two jets, people steal pension fund and get away with it, the fuel subsidy scam has disappeared from public discourse, the $20 billion has disappeared from public discourse, the over 200 poor young girls who were abducted is disappearing from discourse. In another month it will just become well! it has happened. Bombs going off and on and it has become like a normal thing. Is that the life we want for this country? We are presenting our party as new and different. And we have done the study as people who truly care, there is no way we can prove it to you because we have never ruled this nation, but we can tell you look at our states. We are not pretending to be angels. Politics is not a seminary nor is it a pool party. What is important is, what are you doing with the lives of the people? What is your take on the National Confab.
The only good thing I heard recently was that they are now in agreement with state police and I hope somebody is listening. Why people up till now finds it hard to see that basic point, I can’t understand. I don’t only want state police; I want Local government police because nobody in his right senses will want his state to become the habitat of armed robbers, kidnappers and all sorts of miscreant. How can one person at the top manage an organization of 400, 000 people, transferring somebody from Benin to Maiduguri to go and catch a murderer or catch a thief, how can he do it, where does he start? The whole system we have been having is so senseless. They say state will abuse it, has the federal government not abused it in Ekiti? So what is the difference? That is the only good thing I heard recently just because I accidentally came across it but it is a good diversionary thing. At least the people at the confab who would have been helping us overheat the polity too, are now busy, engaged in a room, doing their own thing. By the time they finish, the primaries would have been done and nobody will be listening to the reports of that Confab anymore.
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sunday politics
Politics Editor Weeklies: uchenna awom
Sunday, July 6, 2014
All Eyes Now On Osun After Ekiti Governorship Election
All eyes are on Osun State as it goes to the poll on August 9, to elect the next governor of the state or renew the mandate of the incumbent. The stakes are high, particularly after the last election in Ekiti State, which saw to the defeat of the incumbent governor, Kayode Fayemi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Ayodele Fayose. Will Osun be a replay of the Ekiti episode? JOSHUA DADA writes.
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he talk of the town in Osun before the governorship election of Ekiti State was that the outcome of the election in Ekiti will be a reflection of what will happen in the Osun State gubernatorial election scheduled for 9th of August, 2014. The generality of the people who canvass this view based their argument on the similarities of what are on ground in the sister states. Obviously, the leading contenders incumbent governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola of All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Iyiola Omisore, Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) and Alhaji Fatai Akinbade Akinbade of Labour Party (LP) are replicas of what it was in Ekiti where Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, and Hon Opeyemi Bamidele of APC, PDP and LP respectively. There was no doubting the fact then, that from the trio of Fayemi, Fayose and Bamidele, a winner could emerge as governor of Ekiti State. True to pundits postulation, Mr Ayodele Fayose of the PDP swept the polls and the beauty of democracy demands for the contestants to embrace the outcome of the election, a scenario that surprisingly played out and has since been acclaimed by Nigerians and foreigners as a wel-
Mu’azu
Oyegun
come development. Immediately it became obvious that Fayose will carry the day, members of PDP in Osun State started jubilating as if their candidate, Senator Omisore has been declared as the winner of the governorship election of the state. Their joy was anchored on the fact the odds that faced Fayose in Ekiti is not far from the one Omisore is battling with in Osun, yet he won.
It is equally obvious that the loss suffered by the APC in Ekiti state adversely affected the morale of members of the party in Osun who had variously boasted that their party will carry the day in Ekiti State. Having realized this, the leadership of APC in Osun, and it candidate, Aregbesola at a rally in Ikirun few days after the victory of Fayose, charged members of the party not to be intimidated by what happened in Ekiti saying that what happened there cannot happen in Osun. He was quick to fault the election already ad to be one of the best in recent time, as widely acclaimed by election observers both foreign and local and political analysts across the country. Aregbesola insisted that the election was rigged in favour of the PDP and threatened that any attempt to repeat such will meet stiff resistance in Osun. However, observers believe that in Osun today, it will be difficult for any party to record a landslide victory as was the case in Ekiti state under a free and fair election. They based their analysis on the premise that though, the then ACN had an overwhelming victory at the 2011 general election largely because of their love for Aregbesola and peoples rejection of PDP government, the situation has changed. There is no doubt that Aregbesola within the three years administration has turned the state around positively with his massive investment in infrastructural development, which even his adversaries cannot shy away from. It is believed that nobody rightly ignore the on-going projects that are been adjudged to be of very high quality and of unquestionable quality. Aregbesola it is said has been able to touch every household positively, through one programme or the other apart from his projects that are spread across the nooks and crannies of the State. Of all these, he is said to be carrying the populace along in his programmes courtesy of massive media coverage through sponsored programmes by every ministry and departments ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 19
Gov Yari, Apc And The Challenges Ahead > 20
18 politics
Sunday, July 6, 2014
All Eyes Now On Osun After Ekiti Governorship Election ➔ FROM PAGE 18
Successive government, particularly a government that is coming to seek the mandate of the electorate should stop thinking that the percentage of workers among the electorates is insignificant, they can wreck havoc if care is not taken
thereby registering his achievements in the heart of his subjects. He has equally been able to reach the core masses, whose voting capacity has been taken for granted by previous administration, he not only relate with them but has embarked on programmes that touched their lives. The core masses, petty traders, especially in Osogbo, despite several difficult decisions that has been taken by Aregbesola that has adverse consequence on them and their businesses still have relatively high confidence in him. He may not have problem along religious line because he has ensured equal treatment for all religion while it is equally believed that some Muslims will still prefer him to anybody from other religious inclination. Many people are still comfortable with Aregbesola because the state has witnessed peace since he assumed office even when election is at hand because despite many projects and programmes he embarked upon, yet he invested heavily on security which makes it possible for people to sleep with their eyes closed. Aregbesola also hales from the biggest senatorial district in the state and Ilesa, one of the three biggest towns with the highest number of voters in the state. It is worthy to note that he has financial capacity to cope with financial demands of election, He has good team and structures that can sway things in his favour to the extent that one of the gubernatorial aspirants of PDP, Hon. Wole Oke described him as the best election organizer in Nigeria. In essence, when Aregbesola talks about winning election, it is difficult for a sane soul to ignore his statement. Besides, the power of incumbency resides with him, which he is using maximally. However, some of those issues that led to the rejection of APC in Ekiti state are rearing their heads in Osun, for example, it is obvious that Fayemi incurred the wrath of workers by virtue of his determination to bring sanity into civil service and teaching profession. In Osun, despite the fact that government workers are aware of the paucity of fund and lateness in the disbursement of federal allocation to states, they are not happy with the current delay in payment of their salaries and the opposition is promising them prompt payment of their salaries and allowances. Also, senior citizens in the
state are apprehensive about delay in the payments of their entitlements while the opposition has assured them of their entitlements in arrears, though government has seen the signal and taken steps to redeem its image by making payments this week. Though government has consistently denied any attempt to sack workers, introduced new tax regime that will make them pay from their nose, reduce service years and review retirement age, cancel commercial motorcycle operation, the feeling of the workers is that if Aregbesola is re-elected, he has the tendency to implement them. Successive government, particularly a government that is coming to seek the mandate of the electorate should stop thinking that the percentage of workers among the electorates is insignificant, they can wreck havoc if care is not taken. The urban renewal policy of Aregbesola’s administration negatively affected some traders. Most of who have not been able to found their feet since the demolition of their structures despite the compensation paid by government, no good thing comes without making sacrifice. It is unfortunate that the urban renewal programme is largely appreciated by the elitists who have travelled far and who really know what a modern city suppose to look like, while the masses are of the opinion that it is only a person that is well fed that can appreciate beauty. The educational policy of Aregbesola is no doubt alien to the larger percentage of the people, recalled that during the process of implementing the policy, government stepped on toes and the consequence may not be palatable if those affected fails to share the vision of government. Governor Aregbesola has managed the resources in the state prudently, but he may suffer from the hands of his party members who believed that he has not done enough for them. Some of them are saying that most of those that are benefiting in terms of public office holders and contractors in his administration are not home-based, but are Lagos based thereby encouraging capital flight. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore unlike Governor Aregbesola who has a lot of programmes and projects to point to in all the constituencies of the State is at a disadvantage. It is difficult for him to lay claim to projects executed by the administration under which he served as deputy governor. Little could also be pointed to in terms of infrastructural development because he lacked executive power as a Senator of the
Aragbesola
Fayemi
Federal Republic of Nigeria, but can only lay claim to projects he facilitated, which he has consistently been selling to the public. Those who are close to him knows Omisore to be a philanthropist who is not tight fisted and therefore in a position to tare the stomach than get himself busy tarring roads, when it is obvious that people are hungry. While Aregbesola told the people that he want to complete his numerous projects and do more, Omisore came up with eight point agenda to rescuing the state, which he kept on explaining. However, the toga of violence put on Omisore by his adversaries may work against him in certain quarters, but feelers revealed that people are now seeing him as a non-violent person
and rather one that visits violence on any camp believed to be preaching violence. Nonetheless, the PDP hierarchy is said to have failed to act proactively to unite aggrieved members of the party after its primary election. It is a development observers posit is very dangerous for the party. It is also on note that prominent members of the party that are yet to officially defect to other political parties have refused to identify with the party’s candidate. While it can be said that Aregbesola has the machinery of government in the state to his advantage, conversely however, the federal might can easily be deployed for Omisore. It could be recalled that APC had decried the seeming heavy militarization of Ekiti during the Ekiti gubernatorial election. There are fears that such may be the case it in Osun state. It may look like an ordinary routine work for the law enforcement agents, but the truth is there going by the maxim; “that he who pays the piper dictates the tune”. That notwithstanding, the Labour Party candidate, Alhaji Fatai Akinade Akinbade may replicate the Otedola scenario that played in Lagos in the botched third republic, where frontline contenders lost out to late Chief Michael Otedola of the National Republican Convention (NRC) as governor of Lagos State, though the crisis then was more of an internal party squabbles in the Social Democratic Party (SDP). It could be recalled that the LP candidate was a member of PDP before he defected to the Labour Party following internal wrangling within PDP. He is home-based and cut all his political teeth in Osun as commissioner in various ministries under successive military regimes. Akinbade was Osun State chairman of PDP during which time Chief Bisi Akande was voted out from office as governor. He was also Secretary to the State government for over seven years under the administration of Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola. A grassroots politician to the core on who impacted positively people that come his way. Observers say he is genuinely loved by his followers and has faithfulls among all the parties in the state. Though he lacks the financial capability required to prosecute a high profile election but his supporters are loyal to his course and are ready to stake all they have to see him emerge victorious. The pendulum is swinging fast, everybody is apprehensive of where it will stop. The build to the d-day has heightened and the people wait fervently.
interview 19
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Consensus, Not Election Was The Only Way To Keep APC Together – Tajudeen
sue threat, you are only adding fuel to fire. The way we solve the problem in Niger/delta through dialogue, I think we should toe that path again. We need to understand their ideology so that when we know what they stand for, we can come up with constructive solution to the issue. It was once predicted that Nigeria is likely to disintegrate by 2015, with the crises we have on ground, do you think this is a nation that is heading towards disintegration.
Hon Abbas Tajudeen is representing Zaria federal constituency of Kaduna state and in this interview with Ruth Choji, he commended the National Executive of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and their state governors for using the consensus method at the party’s congresses and national convention As the deputy chairman, house committee on legislative compliance, most Nigerian thought by now, the House would have enacted law that will compel the executive to implement budgets fully, what is happening?
I think the major problem of the 7th National Assembly is party loyalty and losing of focus on so many facets. People in the house don’t look at issues from partisan point of view. Most lawmakers want to explore issues for their own advantage. If for example, a motion is moved on the presidency lapses that are visible and real, the APDP member’s will try to suppress it. Like when we are supposed to meet with the minister of finance, we couldn’t meet because some PDP members were saying that if we invite her and embarrass her, they will come out in the open to condemn us. We had to decide to go back and educate ourselves on the truth. Nigerian interest, not party interest should always prevail. That is why I think today, to a large extend, we are not able to compel the executive to do certain things. But most Nigerians are of the opinion that speaker, Tambuwal seems to be sympathetic to the opposition, APC, what is your take on this
I do not think so, at my age, I have seen leaders in my life, but I have never seen anyone like Tambuwal, he is a just leader and is accessible to everybody. Why People think he is being sympathetic to the APC is because he gives members room to express themselves. And I think that is the kind of leader Nigeria needs at this moment in time. Are you satisfied with the just concluded APC congresses and convention that took place in Abuja Recently?
If you know how the congress were done, particularly in states with sitting governors, you will lose fate in Nigerian politics. What happen in those states goes completely contrary to what we have been preaching as opposition party. We had lots of unholy congresses. To this date, so many states as I am talking to you, some are yet to complete their congress. If we go by that, we now understand why the national convention was allowed to be by consensus. Most states governors just wrote down the names of their cro-
nies, some without governors just pick out people from the legacy parties and presented them as winners of the elections. If you go to Sokoto, nobody can tell you that there was any contestant for any position, from the ward to other levels. It was more or less a consensus issue. The issue of consensus is in the constitution, it is advisable that candidates should go for consensus for every position, but if you cannot get the people to agree, then go for elections. What is going to be the effects of that on our nascent democracy?
If you look at where we are coming from, parties that were merged, the ACN, ANPP and others, I think members first look at themselves, considering where they are coming from, if you are coming from the PDP, you will want to protect your people that came with you. I think it is the best thing for now. If we go for elections, from what happen during the congresses, then we will have problems. But some of the party faithful are not happy over the issue of consensus, don’t you think this will bring a division with the party?
If those people are coming to the party because of what they want to get, because we all know that, it is not all that join the party that has the interest of Nigeria at heart. But I will advise such people to think and really appreciate the precarious condition the party is and change their ways. What are those precarious condition?
Like I said earlier, when you have two or more parties coming together you will not expect unity to be entrenched at once, it will take time to solidify and people will forget where they are coming from. In situation where that is not achieved, elections will further separate the parties, that is why I must commend the action of our leaders in states with sitting governors who went for the consensus and I can tell you, most of our members are happy because no election took place. They pick who they felt is best for the state. So looking at the stage we are now as a party, consensus is the best way for us to go … Do you think this consensus will work out in the presidential elections?
I will love that at the end of the
If you look at the indices of a failed nation, how many of them have Nigeria not passed through? A failed nation by the definition of the word, look at what we have on ground, you will realize that we are already a failed nation. My fear for 2015 is the issue of PDP, trying to always describe the APC as a religious and tribalistic party. If that kind of notion enter the head of the average Nigerian, it will have far reaching consequences for the2015 elections. People will now begin to look at their next president along that line. There is a need for the parties to watch their utterances and think of national interest first, we need to be careful as leaders so that we will not worsen an already a bad situation. 2015 will be difficult but it is entirely in the hands of the parties.
Tajudeen
day, that there will not be presidential primaries because I know that many who join the party see it as a platform to fulfill their personal ambition, they didn’t come because they believe in the ideology of the party. So if you allow election to take place, you will definitely lose more than you will gain because may be the wrong candidate will be the one that will emerged. Some people have come with lots of money, waiting for the right opportunity, they will use their wealth to hijack the party. We also know that there are some people who are seeking for that seat without money, they have only the goodwill of the people. So if you allow them to contest along those money bags, the wrong candidate will emerge for the party and all that has been built so far will be destroyed.
There seems to be relative peace in Kaduna state, what will it take to sustain it?
People have been praying and reaching out to each other. If you look at the genesis of what brought crises in Kaduna state, it is nothing more than ‘sharing of the national cake’. Where you have a state where 50% are Christian, another 50% are Muslim, as a leader, one has to be very careful. Any action you take will be misinterpreted by any of the parties. I will also attribute the peace to what the last governor and the current one is doing even though they are the PDP government. There is now equity in the distribution of resources, if it we maintain it, I think this problem will disappear in the future.
There has been this talk of muslim-muslim ticket, how true are these reports
That is mere speculation because the party has not come out officially to say that this is the person that will represent us as president or vice president. We must understand that in country like Nigeria, if we continue to play the politics of religion, then we will have problems. On the other hand, the plan is to take the presidency to the north and the slot of vice presidency to the south. Even in the north, there is this understanding that, it is the north/west that will present the president and the south/west will present the vice president. If you look at the composition of the executive, the north/east was not given much. The positions given to them was not much. The North is under siege, do you harbour any fears on the fate of the region
Absolutely. I think the federal government to a great extent are not using the right solution. The right solution as Mr. Speaker said recently is to get this people since we cannot conquer them. You cannot conquer a faceless enemy. Even America that has spent years in Afghanistan have not been able to conquer them. First you to is-
The vice president, Namadi Sambo is from Kaduna state, has that fact brought any positive impact to the state
If we go for elections, from what happen during the congresses, then we will have problems
I want to believe that, there has been some dividend, some of his aides are from the state and once they are empowered, they will go down and empower others. But politically, the vice president does not have that influence because he is coming from a constituency that has always been known for its opposition. In the first republic, we had NPC, and if you look round, there is no constituency that has benefited in that republic than Zaria. There was ABU, College of Aviation is there, Institute of Management is there, Nigerian railway is there and many other goodies, but in the history of NPC and even the second republic, no ruling party has ever won any election in that area. So being the vice president will not make the PDP stronger there because of our ideology.
20 politics
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Gov Yari, Apc And The Challenges Ahead Ahead of the 2015 general elections, many politicians are clamouring for juicy seats why many incumbents are fighting to stay put . ABBA ABUBAKAR KABARA writes on the struggles in Zamfara State
W
ith only a year ahead of the 2015 general elections, it would appear very ridiculous to watch an incumbent governor helplessly losing political grip, particularly at a crucial moment when political parties are desperately shopping for more support in order to secure victory in the forthcoming elections. The political trend currently taking unusual shape in Zamfara State under the leadership of Governor Abdul-aziz Yari of the APC, raises a lot of questions just as members of his cabinet and a host of directorsgeneral, senior special assistants and special assistants from different parts of the state keep defecting to PDP, the opposition party in the state. This development is coming in the wake of commendations he received from prominent APC bigwigs like Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinibu, Gen. Buhari, Governor Kankwaso and many others who were recently invited to the state to commission the rural and township projects he executed during his last three years in office. Many political analysts within and beyond the state seam wary of this trend as it is capable of causing serious setback in the numerous strength and structure of the APC which may subsequently affect performance at elections. The most commonly speculated accusations against Governor Yari, which are often clandestinely discussed even among his cabinet members and close political associates include high-handedness, selfishness, unfulfilled promises and occasional boiling temperament. These attitudes were believed by many political opinions as responsible for the current gradual migration of prominent personalities of the state APC ruling party to, not only tender resignation letters from their various political appointments, but also renounce their membership of the party and unequivocally announced their cross carpeting to the PDP opposition party. The first shocking experience of Governor Yari occurred on May 23 this year when his commissioner of agriculture, Alhaji Malami Aliyu Yandoto suddenly announced his resignation from Yari’s cabinet and immediately crossed over to the PDP, the opposition party in protest against what he called “Yari’s undemocratic, inconsiderate and self-cantered administrative style’’. This development seemed to have opened the awaiting exit for other political officeholders who keep tendering letters of resignation addressed to the executive
governor, indicating their detests and protests for what they alleged as bad style of leadership. Some of Governor Yari’s aides who recently resigned include Shehu Adamu Yanware, director-general interparty relations, the director-general office of the governor, Mustapha Sani Bukkuyum, and the director-general non-governmental organisations, Haruna Muhammad Jangebe. Others include the special assistant to the governor on public enlightenment, Ahmed Dantabawa Gada, the permanent commissioner state Independent Electoral Commission, Abdullahi Garba Marmaro, and 10 other special assistants from Tsafe local government. At the moment, there are strong speculations that very soon, four or more serving commissioners are likely to resign their appointments and join the PDP. But the minister of works of state in the Federal Ministry of Works, Ambassador Bashi Yuguda, who has been the principal factor behind the decamping galore from the state APC, the ruling party in the state, told LEADERSHIP Sunday that arrangement has been concluded to receive six commissioners and a host of special advisers into the fold of the PDP. He said, it was evident that not only the close political associates and cabinet members of the APC ruling party in the state are fed up with the current administration, but majority of the citizens have been subjected to lingering uncertainty, poverty and gross leadership miscarriage since the inception of the existing government. A strong PDP governorship contender in the state, Alhaji Sagir Hamidu, also told LEADERSHIP Sunday that more embittered commissioners have indicated the willingness to resign and renounce their APC membership for the PDP opposition party. He said the PDP has a promising future as day by day, it keeps attracting thousands of new supporters and receiving other serving political office holders “who would not risk compromising their principles and philosophies to allow administrative miscarriage to ruin the future socio-economic prospects of the state,” he said. The most recent development was the mass decamping of over 2,000 APC members from Gummi local government area that paid allegiance to the PDP opposition party last Wednesday during a grand reception organised by the local PDP members in honour of one of the leading governorship aspirants in the state, Alhaji Sagir Hamidu. LEADERSHIP Sunday correspondent who witnessed the event observed that the PDP has strong-
Yari
Oyegun
ly taken advantage of the situation and judiciously used the opportunity to establish a deeply rooted grassroots political grip across all the local government areas of the state. At the presentation of the over 2,000 allegedly “disenchanted members of the APC ruling party’” to Alhaji Sagir Hamidu, the former council chairman of Gummi local government, who is now the party’s local caretaker chairman, Hon Sani Garba Gayari said the decamping members cut across all the eleven wards of the local government. He announced that the decamping galore which is daily manifesting across the state is evidently a reflection of the “peoples’ hope and yearning for a lasting liberation from elusive hopes, prevailing poverty and insensitivity to the aspects of human development”. Sagir also announced that the PDP in the state has concluded consultation with more intending decampees comprising of six commissioners from Governor Yari’s, cabinet whose names and portfolios would be made public as soon as arrangement for their formal re-
ception is concluded. One of the decampees and farmer, Mallam Bashari Garba Gummi, complained of a government policy that was responsible for killing the function of the state comprehensive agricultural revolutionary programme (ZACAREP), through which according to him, “farmers used to obtain required quantity of fertiliser on loan,” and the cost of the fertiliser was paid with quantity of crops after harvest. In the circumstance, it appears that Governor Yari may face a big challenge ahead, as again, he would have to contend with might of the teaming aspirants of the PDP who are now very busy shopping to garner more support for the party. The contenders from the PDP include the former governor, Mamuda Aliyu Shinkafi; the member representing Gusau/Tsafe federal constituency, Engr Ibrahim Shehu; the member representing Maradun/Anka federal constituency, Hon Bello Matawalle and two other prominent , Alhaji Sagir Hamidu and Alhaji Bashir Adamu, a renowned business executive.
Majority of the citizens have been subjected to lingering uncertainty, poverty and gross leadership miscarriage since the inception of the existing government
Abuja
06.07.2014
A-Z ALL THAT’S TRENDING
“Abuja is Fast Developing” Abdul Momoh BUSINESS MAN
Night Life In The Capital City Nightlife in Abuja is vibrant, explosive and chaotic. Wherever you find yourself, you are sure to get caught up in the infectious rhythms
WHAT’S UP? Life in My City Art Festival 2014 P30
WHERE’S BUZZING? Biobak Restaurant P31
WHAT TO BUY • Samsung Galaxy Gear Fit • Olympus SP-100EE • Samsung Galaxy S5 • LaCie Fuel P49
LISTINGS • Electronics
• Car Rentals • Airlines • Resturants P52
SPOTLIGHT • • • •
Papillon Restaurant Signature Spa Reiz Continental Hotel Hawthorn Suites P51
22 ABUJA A-Z/ WHAT’S UP?
Sunday, July 6, 2014
What’s Up?
City SIGHTINGS Chairman
The Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, Adamu Mu’azu was seen at Zone 3, Wuse. He was dressed in a white babarriga (agbada) with cream embroidery and a cream cap with golden embroidery. He looked very royal. He was in the company of some of his friends and colleagues.
upcoming events
Life in My City Art Festival 2014
Life in My City is an annual celebration of creativity and fresh talent in the Nigerian arts landscape . This year’s festival themed ‘Less is More’, is the eighth edition of the festival. Pyramid Art Gallery, 62 Parakou Crescent, opp. Hotel Dabras, Wuse 2, Abuja. Entry is free. Wednesday July 2-Wednesday July 9
“Generally” speaking
MUD Professional Makeup Course
MUD Academy has designed a free extensive range of workshops to serve as an introduction to the MUD Professional Courses. The free MUD workshop will give participants an in-depth insight of professional artist methods. 12:00 PM. MUD STUDIO, WUSE 2, ABUJA. Friday July 11
African Internet Governance Forum
The African Internet Governance Forum, is organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa with a view to dialogue with stakeholders on prevailing and emerging issues on internet governance, in order to foster the sustainability, robustness, security, stability and development of the Internet. NICON LUXURY HOTEL IN ABUJA, NIGERIA. Thursday 10th to Saturday 12th July.
Rtd Major General Lawrence Onoja was also seen at Zone 3, Wuse. He was wearing a brown babarriga with chocolate brown embroidery. He also wore the traditional red and black striped Idoma cap.
The Weekend
CSG and Press Play entertainment presents, ‘The Weekend,’ an exclusive premier party of the DNA twins. The event will feature Channel O TV presenter, Derenle Edun, ex Big Brother Africa housemate Beverly Osu, Wazobia FM on air personality Yayman, and Cool FM in house Disc Jockey DJ TTB. 9:00 PM TIVIOLI LOUNGE OPP DRUMSTIX 3RD AVENUE, GWARINPA. Saturday 12 July.
The Yard Sale
Trendelo’s Yard Sale is a monthly gathering of buyers and sellers which takes place on the 2nd Saturday of every month. It is a great place to network, grab bargains or grow your business. 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM, CITY PARK, WUSE 2. Saturday July 12
Recalibrating Marriage
Singer
Hip Hop Artiste and 1st runner up of the 2014 Mr Famous Nigeria 2014 was seen at Gwarinpa. Dressed in a black shirt and blue jeans, he was in the company of his friends.
Abuja
A-Z
Pastor Shola and Comfort Adesoye holds another amazing event. This time it is bigger. The event will feature question and answer sessions. 9: 00 AM. LIGHTHOUSE CHURCH, LADI KWALI, SHERATON HOTELS. Sunday July 13.
Nigerian Technology Fair
Nigerian Technology Fair is a three-day exposition of innovation. The event will showcase the latest practical technologies and designs in the technology sector. 9:00AM.ABUJA SHERATON HOTEL AND TOWERS, WUSE ZONE 4. Wednesday July 16 –Friday July 18.
The Africa Clean Energy Summit
The Africa Clean Energy Summit is positioned to be one of the world’s foremost annual climate solution events in Africa, dedicated to advancing green cities, energy efficiency and clean technologies in Africa. 5:30 PM TRANSCORP HILTON ABUJA1 AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. Monday, July 21, 2014 at 9:00 AM - Thursday, July 24 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, July 6, 2014
Where’s buzzing? Electronics, Car Rentals
Biobak Restaurant Biobak Is a great place to go for an exciting dining experience with its great customer service and featuring a wide variety of choices and prices to suit the common craving. You can either enjoy your meal at the warm and inviting atmosphere or the exclusive VIP section. The restaurant serves Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner plus an interesting take-away service. The restaurant is a great indigenous eatery that aims to deliver original home-based experience to their customers. Being health conscious, the restaurant also serves special menus to fit their customer’s special diet. Biobak Kitchen is just the place to be if you are seeking fresh, hot and tasty meals in a homely environment Address: Plot 1274, Nkwere Crescent, Garki II, Abuja.
electronics Samsung Samsung Electronics is one of the world’s recognised leaders in the digital technology industry which combines advanced technologies and constant innovation to produce competitive products. From its beginning as a small trading company, Samsung has evolved to a world-class corporation with businesses that span advance technology, semiconductors, skyscraper and plant construction, petrochemical, fashion, medicine, finance, hotels and more. Its discoveries, inventions and breakthrough products have allowed it to become a leader in these fields, and constantly pushing the industries forward. The technology giant follows a simple business philosophy, which is to devote its talent and technology to creating superior products and services that contribute to a better global society. To achieve this, Samsung sets a high value on its people and technologies. Its success in the electronics business, has earned the Samsung a globally recognition as an industry leader in technology and now ranks as a
top 10 global brand. Samsung has showrooms in different parts of the world and its sales outlets are popular in Nigeria. Samsung Service Center Plot 34, Aminu Kano Crecent, Wuse II, Abuja, Nigeria LG Electronics LG Electronics was established in 1958 and has since led the way into the advanced digital era. With its innovations and technological expertise, the brand has has unveiled many new products, in the form of mobile devices, digital TVs in the 21st century and has continued to reinforce its status as a global company. LG is committed to providing products that work best for the way you live and to keeping you updated with the latest technological advances. From TVs and innovative appliances to mobile phones and computer accessories, LG Africa delivers electronics that let you embrace life and prepare you for its greatest moments. 29 Aminu Kano Crescent, Abuja 234, Nigeria Midea Midea is a global electronic brand in air conditioning. Also in Nigeria, Midea is a popular brand of air
conditioners. Midea air conditioners are tropicalised and can handle power fluctuation. Both features are essential for air conditioners operating in Nigeria. Both features are essential for air conditioners operating in Nigeria. media electronics can be purchased 4, Morija Close, off Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Behind, OTI Carpel, Wuse II, Abuja Thermocool For over 40 years, Thermocool has been Nigeria’s most trusted brand. Their heritage means they are also the most established supplier in the Nigerian market. Thermocool’s manufacturing legacy combined with their history of consistent product innovation, means they can confidently say that they have always been there for their customer. Thermocool aims to provide the latest innovative products, ensuring customer satisfaction. Their reliable support team, after sales service and famous warranties guarantee that their product remains in good quality after purchase. Household appliances are not just another machine – they are the true and dependable supporter of family life.
24 ABUJA A-Z/ WHERE’S BUZZING
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Lily’s Cakes Discover lovely handmade cakes made by expert bakers and patissier using only fresh ingredients and traditional baking methods. Their famous chocolate mousse is set on a chocolate sponge base and some of their best finishing 3 include dark chocolate glaze, chocolate sprinkles
and glazed fresh fruits. However, you can choose your favourite topping from a wide variety available to you adding a message of your choice. They have other fantastic flavours and designs. to choose from. No 13 Banjul Street off Monrovia, Wuse 2 Abuja
Car Rentals
Novo Car Rentals
It Is Well Car Hire Services
City Care Hire Association
Novo Car Rentals Novo Car Rentals Limited is one of the foremost car rental, fleet management and outsourcing service providers in Nigeria. It started as a department within Cashlink Leasing Limited, the parent company, but was in 2003 formally incorporated a limited liability company. Over the years, the company has evolved and currently has over 800 vehicles under management in its fleet with offices both locally and within the West African sub-region. It specializes in the provision of the following services; Daily Car Rental Services, Short / Long Term Operational Lease, Provision of Corporate Staff Bus Service, Provision of Bus Shuttle Service, Fleet Management Service and Airport Transfer. The company employs cutting edge software and technology backup to enable it track every aspect of its operations and give accurate report which is analyzed in conjunction with the end user to continuously seek improvement in its service offering. The company is managed by seasoned professionals who have garnered experience in several sectors of the local and international markets. Suite B12 Tswanya Centre Mohamadu Buhari Way, Garki Ii, FCT, Abuja, Nigeria Prestige Transport and Logistics Company Prestige Transport and Logistics Company is a car rental outfit incorporated in Nigeria to provide quality and exceptional car rental and leasing service to complement the limited numbers of well-organized car rental companies in Nigeria. They provide and deliver tailor made services to suit their esteemed clients. At Prestige Transport and Logistics, you are sure of consistency and reliability. They have high premium vehicles to cater for the logistics of top business executives, expatriates,
corporate organizations, make transportation easier for multinationals, celebrities, their clients. In fulfilment of religious bodies, academic their objective, the organisation communities, diplomatic bodies, has an average of 80 operational government functionaries, vehicles in their fleet, which are professionals and all other fully air conditioned and are people who prefer to travel in certified fit for car hire services style. Their services include car in Nigeria and its Neighboring rental, vehicle easing, airport countries. Their drivers are transfer, tourist guide, group professionally trained to meet transport, intra and interstate up with safety standard. transport, protocol service, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, 1, Aguiyi round Trips, escort security Ironsi Way, Maitama, service and mini lease program Suite 26A Habiba Plaza, Osun Crescent, opposite Bureau of RTC Prestige Cabs Services Regional Transport Company Public Enterprise Maitama is an Abuja based, state-ofthe-art taxi service that is It Is Well Car Hire Services swift, dependable and most Shola It Is Well Car Hire Services importantly, affordable. The is one of the prime car rental company, strives to tailor services in Abuja. The company their business to the needs of has been in operation for five their customers. RTC provides years and deals in all kinds of complete taxi services using the car hire services such as airport latest equipment and technology shuttle, corporate outing, round to facilitate the travel of trip, pick and drop off and individuals in and around Abuja. tourist guide. The company’s . The company has drivers and fleet comprises various employees who are helpful, categories of vehicles which courteous, and fully trained includes: Land cruiser jeeps, on the use of the computer Toyota Avalon dispatch system. As an added Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla safety measure for both drivers and bus. The company is and passengers, RTC cabs are particular about safety, genuine, fitted with Global Positioning high quality, and honest Systems (GPS), which enable the services. All their vehicles are cabs to be tracked or located in air conditioned and they ensure an emergency. All vehicles will safety trips in all their services. be clean, well maintained, and They provide the drivers, inspected regularly for safety fuel the cars and carry out and comfort. maintenance throughout the 8 Dares Salam Crescent, off Amino period of the contract. They also Kano Street, Wuse II, Abuja provide drivers for companies and personal operation. Rhezon Rent a Car Transcorp Hilton hotel, Abuja Aguiyi Rhezon Rent a Car is a service Ironsi Maitama driven company established in 2005 in Abuja, the Nigeria capital city. Their chauffeurs City Care Hire Association are second to none owing to City car hire is one of the biggest practical experience gained car hire service providers in the over the years. Even in difficult Federal Capital Territory. The circumstances, they know organization which was created what to do notwithstanding in 1991 aims to be a world class challenges encountered car hire organization, providing navigating through difficult path. integrated car hire solutions In terms of safety, reliability to both co-operate and private and promptness our client are car hire needs. . City Car Hire certainly assured. Their services Association is a division of City include chauffeur services, car Car Hire and City Investment lease services, and reservation services. Limited. Their objective is to No. 3 Zignchor Street Wuse Zone 4 provide car hire services to
CEOConfidential #119, July 6, 2014
ESSENTIALS FOR ENTREPRENEURS BE TENACIOUS; GO FOR LARGER DEALS
>26
>27 POPULAR WITH CEOS
• Reana Rossouw, CEO, NEXT GENERATION
CASHLESS POLICY IN NIGERIA
>31 MISTAKES BUSINESSES MAKE
MISTAKE 38: DISRESPECTING THE CUSTOMER >46 TIPOFFS
5 TIPS ON HOW TO TRULY SHUT DOWN AFTER WORK
ROSSOUW’S DEDICATION TO SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS
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in brief ESSENTIALS
10 Questions for...
FOR ENTREPRENEURS
Hadiza Ahmed Hairstylist, Ladies’ Choice Salon
Be tenacious “Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goal: my strength lies solely in my teaching”
Louis Pasteur, 1822-95 French chemist and microbiologist, best known for inventing pasteurisation, named in his honour. Tenacity (noun): To hold persistently to something, such as a point of view. Ensure that you are doing everything necessary to demonstrate your unshakeable point of view, backed up by evangelical zeal. Outward emotion and passion show your commitment to the project and tie others into the opportunity. Critics will try to dissuade you with thoughts of difficulty and hardship – this is where you have to be strong. If you truly believe that your idea will work, stand firm, provide your critics with the opportunity to help you and push on regardless. This your idea and your opportunity to do something with it, so be tenacious.
Go for larger deals “Everyone lives by selling something”
Robert Louis Stevenson, 1850-94 Scottish novelist, poet, essayist and travel writer, author of Treasure Island and Kidnapped. Compete for large opportunities. Not only will they be a source of higher-value sales, but they will give your business the industry credibility it deserves. When you find yourself in a situation where a client is too large for you to handle alone, then find a credible partner to work with. Many start-up software companies have this issue when selling solutions to blue-chip multinationals. They are simply too small to deal with such a large company. The way past this hurdle is to sell your software to respected consulting organisations that have a history with your prospective blue chip and can incorporate your product as part of a broader overall solution.
IF YOU’LL BE... Jeff Immelt CEO, General Electric Stay focused. Be team oriented Immelt is the kind of leader that will work with you and encourage his team, but his decision making is highly driven by results. With a personable demeanor and likeness, he is one of the few CEO’s to exist that will place someone in a high level position and demote you from that position if you do not step up at the rate expected. He also observes high concern for his people but also carries a high concern for results. Bring out the best in your people Immelt is a dedicated leader that looks for anything that he can get a hold of to provide his employees with the tools they need to succeed. He shares what he has learnt to his staff and encourages them to succeed. It is important to make others aware of what they are doing wrong and if it doesn’t work out they need to understand it is not personal. Immelt does that too often. – By Olujide Olusola
TIMELESS TRUTHS When your intuition is out of sync with analysis ‘Here is an interesting though experiment: You have got to decide between two things– two executives to hire for a key position, two acquisition targets. You identify all of the factors, weighing each alternative, and your analysis says to pick A over B. but your intuition says B over A. so what do you do? Most people will go on their intuition – which raises the question: Why did you do all that work in the first place? One of these two options is wrong. So postpone your decision until you can determine why your intuition is out of sync with the systematic analysis.’ Max Bazerman, professor, Harvard Business School
2. Which TV or movie character would you like to go into business with? Mercy Johnson because she is very natural and zealous in her human endeavours. 3. If you were to start your own political party, what would be the platform? I don’t like politics. 4. Whom would you trade places with? Bimbo Akintola. She is an excellent actress and TV presenter. 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 and sleep afterwards. 6. If you could time-travel, where would you be? I’ll be in Dubai to explore the beauty and rich cultural heritage of the country. 7. What have you learnt about yourself as you serve in that organisation? I’ve learnt that I’m tolerant and perseverant. 8. What have you sacrificed for success? I’ve sacrificed pleasure and flamboyance. 9. What do you consider your favourite achievement? Still pressing on towards that mark. 10. What is your motto? In everything desire wisdom. Interview by Daniel Udechukwu
group
ceoConfidential ASST. EDITOR Daniel Udechukwu CORRESPONDENT Salome Anyasodo REPORTER Olusola Olujide GRAPHICS Igwe-Ngerem Michael
1. What business do you not want to start but wish someone else would? A supermarket. But considering its high financial implication and risks involved, I would want someone else to start it.
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, July 6, 2014
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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 A Million Ways To Die In The West
Point of sale (POS) machine
Naira currency
Cashless policy in Nigeria The Central Bank of Nigeria has commenced its cashless policy in the country after successfully mapping out and putting in place the modalities needed to introduce the cashless policy in 30 states of the federation. It has completed phases 1 and 2 of the policy in six pilot states – Abia, Anambra, Lagos, Ogun, Kano, Rivers and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) introduced a new policy on cash-based transactions which stipulates a ‘cash handling charge’ on daily cash withdrawals or cash deposits that exceed N500,000 for Individuals and N3,000,000 for Corporate bodies. The new policy on cash-based transactions (withdrawals & deposits) in banks, aims at reducing (not eliminating) the amount of physical cash (coins
Emefiele
BIZ Lingo
Bond
and notes) circulating in the economy, and encouraging more electronic-based transactions (payments for goods, services, transfers, etc). Increasing numbers of countries have adopted policies to accelerate the use of electronic channels and reduce the use of cash. The motivations for these policies vary: many are primarily concerned with reducing tax evasion; some with fighting crime and a few for these policies are now explicitly linked to financial inclusion, though the latter link is not necessarily immediately nor automatically achieved. The new cash policy was introduced for a number of key reasons, including: To drive development and modernisation of our payment system in line with Nigeria’s vision of
Godwin Emefiele, Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, “ByJuly, the policy would be spread across the country while charges on cash withdrawals will be reviewed.”
Okumagba
The financial meaning of a bond is normally a debt/investment instrument issued by a company or country for a period of more than a year, with fixed interest rates and a firm and full repayment date. Typically a bond will pay a stipulated rate of interest at fixed times, and the debt is repaid at a specified time, i.e., the investor is guaranteed to be repaid the amount loaned/invested in full. More loosely the word bond can
being amongst the top 20 economies by the year 2020. An efficient and modern payment system is positively correlated with economic development, and is a key enabler for economic growth. Others include the reduction in the cost of banking services (including cost of credit) and drive financial inclusion by providing more efficient transaction options and greater reach. Furthermore, it will improve the effectiveness of monetary policy in managing inflation and driving economic growth. Although the effect of cashless policy in Nigeria will temporary affect some businesses, especially in the rural areas, but with time it is believed to even-out as its merits outweighs the disadvantages of the policy.
Albert Okumagba, CEO, BGL Securities Limited, “The economy will benefit from the banking sector reforms in many ways with the combined entity offering unique value and opportunities for both institutions and prospects for growth for shareholders.”
refer to a mortgage in some parts of the world, for example South Africa. A bond may also refer to a legal deed or agreement by which one person or party is bound to make payments to another; or to an insurance contract; or (notably in the US) to a sum of money paid as bail. The specific and more general meanings of bond logically derive from the older and original sense of bond, meaning fasten together, or the tie/fastening itself.
Money is a terrible master but an excellent servant.
The 116 minutes movie directed by Seth MacFarlane was released on May 30, 2014 in USA. The plot surrounds a cowardly farmer who begins to fall for the mysterious new woman in town. He must put his new-found courage to the test when her husband, a notorious gunswinger, announces his arrival.
P. T. Barnum,
Showman
Good companies will needs. Great companies will create markets. Philip kotler,
Academic
A man generally has two reasons for doing a thing – one that sounds good and a real one. edgar bergen,
Ventriloquist
hear President & CEO, MSH, Dr Jonathan Quick at the 20th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2014) in Melbourne, Australia
The conference will address HIV co-morbidities in AIDS and nonAIDS related events; the role of health systems in integrating noncommunicable disease (NCD) care into HIV care models; lessons that can be leveraged and applied beyond 2015. It holds on July 20 through 25, 2014, in Melbourne, Australia.
taste Takoyaki/Octopus balls
Octopus balls are unpretentious globes of seafood and veggies bound in batter pancake topped with meat, squid, shredded vegetables and garnished with sweet brown sauce, mayonnaise, powdered seaweed and wafer thin flakes of dried tuna.
FEEL Tentsile treehouse
A portable treehouse called Tentsile, allows users to camp suspended above the ground. It has the comfort of a hammock and secured with three anchor points, floor straps that divide the treehouse into individual hammocks. It has insect mesh roof to protect users from bugs. It’s also waterproof.
SMELL I do not believe a man can ever leave his business. He ought to think of it by day and dream of it by night. Henry ford,
Industrialist
$499 Ambre nuit by Christian Dior
Ambre nuit is men’s fragrance launched in 2009. It opens with bright and luminous fresh notes of grapefruit and sunny bergamot as an exciting overture to intoxicating Turkish rose combined with citrus under notes. Ambre nuit gives a refined, friendly sensual scent.
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Sunday, July 6, 2014
The CEOConfidential interview Rossouw’s dedication to sustainable business Rossouw turns her passion into viable business to contribute to the future, growth and development of the continent. INTERVIEW BY ANYASODO SALOME
ROSSOUW IN SHORT Reana Rossouw has over 20 years wealth of experience assisting corporate South Africa to become more sustainable and responsible industry leader. She is the CEO of Next Generation, a management consultancy firm that specialises in development, more specifically in sustainable development, socio economic development and enterprise development. Reana has been nominated for the Shoprite Checkers Women of the Year Competition, Business Category, every year since 2004. She emerged winner of the South African Council for Business Women of the Year Competition. She is credited to have developed Africa’s first impact assessment model to measure the impact and return on investment of corporate/social/community investment and development.
Next Generation Company... Next Generation Company is based in Johannesburg – and only consist of women with a vision to contribute to the development of the continent. Next Generation Consultants specialises in development: Including Sustainable Development (economic, environmental, social and governance); Corporate Reporting (Sustainability and Integrated); stakeholder engagement and human rights management; social and socio economic development and business/enterprise and organisational/ leadership development. Running a business is an all-consuming task... Running a business is an all-consuming task which most people do not understand, and this is why most businesses fail. It requires diligent time, energy, and focus. If one is not prepared to do all these, then he/she
must work for someone else. Although I am from a corporate environment, I started my business at age 40; an age I consider late. A major challenge is access to capital and finance, because being a service-based business and financial institutions, do not provide finance. So it is a self-financed business right from the start to be able to be sustainable. I have turned my passion into my business... The drive that keeps me going is my passion, and I have turned my passion into my business, which is to make a difference in the society using a responsible business. It is my responsibility to cater for my staff. I am passionate about the youth – I believe they are our future and we need to mentor and coach them. I am passionate about women entrepreneurs – I believe they need all the help and support they can get to become
Sunday, July 6, 2014
CEOConfidential
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ROSSOUW ON CONSISTENCY
Being consistent is extremely important. Practising what one preaches to resonate with the business brand, personality and values is vital for every business successful business owners. I am passionate about development – I believe Africa presents opportunities for entrepreneurs – but we also have a responsibility to contribute to the future and growth and development of our continent. There is absolutely nothing wrong in making money, but... There is absolutely nothing wrong in making money but one cannot make money if one does not help others. I like helping companies all over the world to become more responsible and in the process help society with education, job creation, skills or youth development. Being consistent is extremely important. Practising what one preaches to resonate with the business brand, personality and values is vital for every business. Be persistent to keep on finding new customers. Also, have the ability to keep on promises made because all these come back to the value of the organisation and its ethical standards. Spending time with nature calms me down, reminds me of beautiful things... It is actually difficult, being 50 years old, and a single parent and the mother of a 24-year-old daughter, family comes first. But family still suffers when the focus is on external business and clients and business relationships. I hardly have time for leisure; though I endeavour to
take a weekend off every month and a month every year to refocus my energy. Spending time with nature calms me down, reminds me of beautiful things. My hobbies are reading, gardening and travelling. Faith is what gets me up in the morning and keeps me going in the hope that what I do has value, meaning and contributes positively to the society. However, I achieve balance by being extremely focused and live by ‘to-do’ lists to ensure I get everything done. Planning is the key. Contribute to the success of others, and your success will follow... There is a dark side to success. What makes us strong is also our greatest weakness; the absolute focus one has an entrepreneur means it is to the exclusion of other things. Understand yourself as a business owner because when you do, then you can lead. Lead with responsibility. Be authentic, persistent and consistent. Know that every day is a different day to strive. It may be a struggle, but do not lose hope. Use your skill and knowledge to help others and the next generation to be successful. With success comes a greater responsibility. Be a responsible leader. Remember always that trust and respect is earned. Make sure you contribute to the success of others, and your own success will follow.
CEOConfidential
Sunday, July 6, 2014
initiatives
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Lere Baale, lerebaale@gmail.com
Leadership Intiative For Excellence (LIFE) Series.
Leadership is everyone’s business(IV) Therefore, effective leaders must be able to manage their emotions as they lead their teams. The purposes are several: one is the goal of good client outcomes which reflects a job well done and another is to foster dynamic and well-functioning teams. In most executive positions, leaders are responsible for the survival and growth of the entire organisation. Always remember and act it. Leadership is everyone’s business. For example in healthcare team, effective leaders realise that there are many challenges to their work, but there are also rewards. Optimum treatment outcomes result in greater
client satisfaction and quality of life. In terms of the practitioner, effective leaders can improve staff morale, decrease staff turnover and foster adherence to the organisation’s mission. Competent leaders recognise the contributions of their employees by celebrating milestones and victories. They also build an atmosphere which encourages diversity and facilitates a positive collaborative environment. Capable leaders realise the importance of having health care team members who are active participants. An effective team member questions the status quo, reflects on their job performance regarding their
‘Competent leaders recognise the contributions of their employees by celebrating milestones and victories’ clients’ treatments and their participation in the rehabilitation environment. Team members should seek out leadership mentors and demonstrate an intense commitment to their position. If a practitioner is more seasoned in the field, they should assume a leadership role by sharing their knowledge and working collaboratively with the more junior team members. All Healthcare practitioners need to be active participants in leadership roles to varying degrees. Some practitioners enjoy spearheading new
organisational programmes, while others feel more at home being a leader (on a smaller scale) within their treatment teams. Everyone on the team has something of value to add to the larger picture. Whether the practitioner is leading their client in treatment or working on a larger scale project, everyone’s contribution is valuable and is part of what it means to be a professional. Leadership is everyone’s business. No matter what the position in the organisation, each has both a
right and responsibility to inspire the organisation to achieve its shared vision. Challenge yourself and others to embrace the idea of leadership as a process and continually work to better enhance your respective groups. Lere Baale is a Director of Business School Netherlands and Howes Consulting Group lere.baale@gmail.com
CONCLUDED
OTHER BIZ Ex-New Mexico Gov Johnson heads ‘marijuana’ company A Nevada-based start-up that plans on selling medical and recreational marijuana products named former New Mexico governor and U.S. Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson as its CEO and president of the company. The announcement came as Cannabis Sativa Inc. said it had acquired marijuana research business Kush while company officials work to navigate changing state laws on marijuana and potential challenges from the federal government, which still views marijuana as a controlled substance.
Johnson said he hoped to expand Cannabis Sativa into a major marijuana business and intends to work out of New Mexico to help develop products that are legal in states like Colorado and Washington. “I generally believe this is changing the planet for the better,” said Johnson, who will be paid $1 a year and receive equity in the company. “It also is a bet on the future … We think we have the creme de la creme of marijuana products.” Johnson, who owned a construction company that helped build Intel Corp.’s Rio Rancho, New Mexico,
plant before entering politics, said the company will make marijuanabased oils aimed at helping children with epilepsy. The two-term governor also said it will make cough drop-like products for recreational use. “Couple of things hit you when you try the product. One is, wow, why would anybody smoke marijuana given this is an alternative?” Johnson said. “And then secondly, it’s just very, very pleasant. I mean, very pleasant.” However, Johnson said he’s betting more states and the federal government eventually will allow Johnson recreational use of marijuana.
JP Morgan Chase CEO has throat cancer
Morgan
JPMorgan Chase chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon told the company’s employees and shareholders that he’s been diagnosed with curable throat cancer and that his prognosis is excellent. While Dimon’s diagnosis is not apparently life-threatening, it nonetheless prompted the question of who will succeed him at JPMorgan’s JPM -1.04% helm. A JPMorgan spokesman told Fortune that the company has no requirement that Dimon receive
regular check-ups. Though he gets regular exams anyway because, as a person close to Dimon told us, the JPMorgan CEO “focuses on his health, regularly playing tennis and running with his wife and kids.” While that’s the case at JPMorgan, practices certainly vary from company to company, says Dennis Carey of Korn Ferry, who has led CEO recruitment and succession planning efforts for companies like 3M, AT&T, and Office Depot. The JPMorgan spokesman said that
the bank has no specific insurance policy on Dimon, though he may be covered by a group plan for the bank’s top employees. Dimon’s announcement mirrors the approach Warren Buffett took when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2012. Even though doctors had said it was “not remotely lifethreatening or even debilitating in any meaningful way,” the Berkshire Hathaway chairman and CEO chose to announce his early-stage diagnosis in a letter to shareholders.
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situation reports Compiled by Olujide Olusola
Brand Beginnings VISA: Your easiest way of money transaction
V
isa, Inc. is a global payments technology
company that connects consumers, businesses, banks, governments and territories to fast, secure and reliable electronic payments. It operates processing networks, VisaNet, which offers fraud protection for consumers and assured payment for merchants. The company owns, manages and promotes a portfolio of well-known, widelyaccepted payment brands, including Visa, Visa Electron, PLUS and Interlink, which it license to its clients for use in their payment programs. It offers a wide range of branded payments product platforms, which its clients, primarily financial institutions, use to develop and offer credit, debit, prepaid and cash access programs, as well as digital, mobile and e-Commerce platforms for their customers. History A 1976 ad promoting the change of name to “Visa”. Note the early Visa card shown in the ad, as well as the image of the BankAmericard that it replaced. In mid-September 1958, Bank of America (BofA) launched its BankAmericard credit card program in Fresno, California, with an initial mailing of 60,000 unsolicited credit cards. [7] The original idea was the brainchild of BofA’s in-house product development think tank, the Customer Services Research Group, and its leader, Joseph P. Williams. Williams convinced senior BofA executives in 1956 to let him pursue what became the world’s first successful mass mailing of unsolicited credit cards (that is actual working cards, not mere applications) to a large population. Williams’ accomplishment was in the successful implementation of the all-purpose credit card, not in coming up with the idea. By the mid-1950s, the typical middle-class American already maintained revolving credit accounts with several different merchants, which was clearly inefficient and inconvenient due to the need to carry so many cards and pay so many separate bills each month. [10] The need for a unified financial instrument was already evident to the American financial services industry, but no one could figure out how to do it. There were already charge cards like
Diners Club (which had to be paid in full at the end of each billing cycle), and “by the mid-1950s, there had been at least a dozen attempts to create an allpurpose credit card.” Corporate structure Prior to October 3, 2007, Visa comprised four non-stock, separately incorporated companies that employed 6000 people worldwide: Visa International Service Association (Visa), the worldwide parent entity, Visa U.S.A. Inc., Visa Canada Association, and Visa Europe Ltd. The latter three separately incorporated regions had the status of group members of Visa International Service Association. The unincorporated regions (Visa Latin America (LAC), Visa Asia Pacific and Visa Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEMEA) were divisions within Visa. Operations Visa offers through its issuing members the following types of cards: Debit cards (pay from a checking / savings account) Credit cards (pay monthly payments with or without interest depending on a customer paying on time.) Prepaid cards (pay from a cash account that has no cheque writing privileges) Visa operates the Plus automated teller machine network and the Interlink EFTPOS point-of-sale network, which facilitate the “debit” protocol used with debit cards and prepaid cards. They also provide commercial payment solutions for small businesses, midsize and large corporations, and governments. Logo design The blue and gold in Visa’s logo were originally chosen to represent the blue sky and goldencoloured hills of California, where the legacy Bank of America was founded. The Visa symbol is used by merchants to denote the acceptance of Visa payment cards. In 2006, Visa removed its trademark flag logo from all its cards, websites and retailer’s windows. This was the first time that Visa had changed its logo. The new logo has a simple white background with the name Visa in blue with an orange flick on the ‘V’.
Management IDEAS
Brand
Apple has been running a transatlantic advertising campaign featuring two friends, Mac and PC. PC – he wears a tie- is nice enough but a little geeky and buttoned down. Doing what he has to, which is to be a computer, is a bit of a performance and ever-so-slightly perplexing. Mac – a casual shirt – is relaxed, cool, takes everything in his stride. Not smug, he is simply the sort of guy you wouldn’t mind meeting in a bar. Who would you rather have a
relationship with? The campaign, which has played around the world using well-known faces in the roles of Mac and PC, takes the next logical step in brand advertising. It does what another marketer have been urging, which is to ‘humanise’ the brand – except that Apple has done it literally. Brands have travelled a long way from the rear ends of Texas. Like the original, marketing brands are supposed to burn an image of the product into your brain.
ADVICE
‘I’m biased towards people who never give up’ When Facebook bought a fledgling company called WhatsApp for $19bn earlier this year, many analysts warned that Silicon Valley was in the midst of a bubble, not unlike the one that burst in the spring of 2000. Companies are wildly overvalued, they fretted, and the boom was bound to end soon. Marc Andreessen, coinventor of the world’s first commercial browser and cofounder of a leading venture capital firm, disagreed. Seek companies with real products, markets, and customers At the height of the bubble in the ‘90s, Silicon Valley tech companies “were building products that weren’t very good, and they were on a bomb run to go public as quickly as possible. The engineers hated it because the companies were so sales driven. “You’d hear catchphrases like ‘Build big or go home,’ or my favourite: ‘Forget details, do deals,’” Andreesen recalls. As a result, those companies vaporised. Today some of the companies people point to as being overvalued have billions in revenue. Facebook went from zero to $10bn in less than 10 years. And the market for tech products, especially apps, has only expanded. “You could take a position that a large-scale Internet service with a billion users isn’t going to be worth anything, but I wouldn’t recommend it,” Andreessen says. “At the same time, many large tech companies sport low multiples and high cash balances, hardly characteristics of bubble-era operations.” The odds of winning the tech startup game are still long There are about 4,000 tech startups each year that attempt to raise venture money, but his firm, Andreessen Horowitz, funds only about 20. The
Marc Andreessen
venture capital industry as a whole funds about 200 tech startups a year, but as few as 15 will generate approximately 95 percent of the returns. Do you have the qualities of an entrepreneur? “We are biased towards people who never give up,” says Andreesen. “That’s something you can’t find on a resume. We look for courage, and we look for genius. There’s all this talk about how important failure is, which I call the failure fetish. ‘Failure is wonderful, it teaches you so much, it is great to fail a lot,’ people say. But we think failure sucks. Success is wonderful.” Breakthrough ideas seem crazy at first “You don’t have to look hard to find wildly successful products and companies that initially seemed crazy,” says Andreesen. “Thirty years ago, the idea that people would have a computer in their home seemed bizarre. Just a few years ago the concept that people would share their homes and their cars with strangers--think Airbnb and Uber--to make money seemed crazy. The real breakthrough ideas seem really nuts the first time you see them, and the fact that they seem nuts can be a positive signal, because that can explain why that thing isn’t being done by any existing company.”
CEOConfidential
Sunday, July 6, 2014
getting ahead
31
Duncan Bannatyne, Britain’s best-known entrepreneur
Mistakes Businesses Make MISTAKE 38 Disrespecting the customer
DIFFERENTIATE OR DIE
‘Customers are not always right, but you must never treat them as if they are stupid’ I’ve got another question for you, and this one is really easy: who’s the most important person in your company? Is it you? Your top salesperson? The PA who holds everything? Wrong on every count. It is, of course, your customer. Your customer is your business A business without customers can’t exist so a business that doesn’t hold its customers in the highest esteem will soon run into trouble. If the customers of designer clothes shops felt that the sales assistants were making fun of them for spending such large amounts of money on clothes they will rarely wear, then they would be unlikely to shop there. Similarly, if they thought the owners of that business saw them as mugs for spending thousands on something that cost a fraction of that to make, then they would probably take their money to somewhere they felt their taste and decision-making was admired. Equally, you can bet
BUSINESS ICONS
Jack Welch, former CEO, GE
that the bargain hunters in Primark would think twice about shoving quite so many items into their baskets if they thought the owners and designers of the business thought they were tasteless idiots who will buy anything if the price is right. No one likes to be thought as a fool, and if you make your customers feel like one they will soon take their revenge. Just about the single biggest mistake in British was made by Gerald Ratner, the chief executive of Britain’s biggest jewellery retailer, Ratner. He famously gave a speech to the prestigious Institute of Directors (IoD) in which he attempted to explain why – in the middle of a recession in 1991 – Ratners was still increasing its profits. Instead of explaining the Ratners had reduced the cost of production to make cheaper jewellery that people could still afford, he said that the reason he could offer his products so cheaply was because they were, and I quote, “total crap”. It was a gag that got a big laugh
form members of the IoD, and when Gerald Ratner finished his speech he got a standing ovation. Ratner thought he was making fun of himself. At worst he had made fun of his products. What he didn’t realise – until the press got hold of the story and his takings went down – was that he had actually made fun of his customers. As one tabloid headline put it, he had turned them into ’22-carat mugs’. Gerald Ratner paid a very high price for his gaffe. The business’s turnover was slashed overnight, the share price slumped by half and he was forced to resign. Not long after he left the company, the Ratners name was taken down from over the door of the chain’s 800 shops. If ever there was a lesson in the importance of respecting your customers, Ratners is it. And you don’t have to be high profile like Ratner to suffer the consequences.
Heritage in politics and law Consider the instant success of George W Bush as a candidate for president. He was the ‘compassionate conservative’ from Texas. Just what is a compassionate conservative? Well, no one was quite sure. What they were sure of was that George W had a presidential heritage. (He even looks like his ex-president father.) He started off with a heritage that made him different from the other candidates. Unfortunately, we discovered that was all he brought to the job. The law firms of RisCasi & Davis and Trantolo &Trantolo – based in New England – are two strong examples of heritage marketing in this category. Both firms have strong ties to past generations and use those ties effectively to differentiate themselves from the competition. Trantolo & Trantolo has been particularly effective – using advertising that speaks to the ‘first’ Trantolo’s immigrant roots and his protection of immigrant families with little power of their own. The law firm’s positioning draws on both historical positions – long service to the less powerful – using the idea of ‘fighting for the little guy’ as their link to that heritage.
CONTINUES NEXT WEEK
Leadership lessons When Welch took over as CEO, he was concerned about he perceived to be an uncertain future. Welch feared that GE’s rivals would get stronger at GE’s expense and foreign competition would take a serious toll on the business. He wanted to make the company more competitive, and to achieve that goal Welch felt he needed a sleek and aggressive company. This meant a smaller GE – a much smaller GE. At the time Welch began his tenure as CEO, the company had 412,000 employees. There were an astounding twenty-
five thousand employees who bore the title of managers, and 130 at vice president level or higher. Welch believed that GE’s bloated ranks had become failed strategy, costing GE inordinate amounts of money. One of his main strategies involved cutting the workforce by a significant amount, and cultivating the best employees he kept. The nickname ‘Neutron Jack’ first appeared in Newsweek in 1982, an allusion to the neutron bomb that removes the people but leaves the buildings standing. Welch took pride in not implementing
too many corporate-wide initiatives, and the ones he did champion were very successful. He oversaw numerous acquisitions and was not afraid to mess with a stable, established GE. Managing people One of Welch’s driving philosophies is that leaders have to inspire their people with clear visions of how things can be done better. There should be constant improvements. CONTINUES NEXT WEEK
32 CEOConfidential
housekeeping
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Compiled by Olujide Olusola
Top 10 highest paid CEOs
Larry Ellison Elon Musk Company: Tesla Motors Compensation: $78.2m Tesla Motors CEO, Elon Musk made his first millions through developing the payment platform PayPal and his success and fame have only grown. The stock of Musk’s latest venture, Tesla Motors, spent much of 2013 soaring in value, helping to explain the visionary CEO’s robust pay package.
Company: Oracle Compensation: $77m Larry Ellison, the founder and CEO of software maker Oracle, has long made the lists of top-paid executives. But after several quarters of lagging sales growth, shareholders are growing weary of Ellison’s lavish pay package. The Silicon Valley boss’s pay was reduced from $96.2m in 2012 to $77m in 2013. A majority of shareholders still censured the board’s decision to be so generous in a non-binding vote recently.
Leslie Moonves
Mario Gabelli Company: Gamco Investors Compensation: $69m Through the ownership of 99 per cent of Gamco Investors Class B voting shares, founder and CEO Mario Gabelli has near total control of his company. This arrangement surely bolsters his ability to pay himself well: He nets 10 per cent of the firms pretax profits, plus further pay for his role as a portfolio manager. His $69m in take home pay in 2012 represented 20 per cent of Gamco’s total revenue, according to Morningstar.
Robert Kotick Company: Activision Blizzard Compensation: $64.9m Activision Blizzard – maker of wildly successful video game franchises Call of Duty and World of Warcraft – has rewarded its CEO Robert Kotick handsomely for the company’s swiftly appreciating stock price. The majority of Kotick’s compensation is paid in stock, which is up more than 60 per cent in 2013.
Company: CBS Compensation: $62.2m The fact that Moonves heads up America’s most watchedtelevision network is one reason for his lavish pay. Morningstar analyst Michael Corty argues Moonves “deserves a lot of credit for the strong performance of CBS broadcast network over the past decades.” Hit shows like “Under the Dome” keep advertisers flocking to the network, bolstering Moonves reputation in a time of generally sagging network TV ratings.
David Zaslav
John Hammergren Company: McKesson Compensation: $51.7m John Hammergren, CEO of the pharmaceutical and medical device distributor McKensson, has not only one of the highest pay packages in corporate America, but one of the most generous golden parachutes. He could make up to $303.4m if he is to leave the company, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
Company: Discovery Communications Class Compensation: $49.9m Research firm Morningstar calls Discovery Channel “the most widely distributed brand in the world.” It reaches over 200 countries. Add other niche but profitable cable channels like Animal Planet and TLC, plus ownership of much of the content those networks distribute, and you have the makings of a pay-TV powerhouse. Discovery’s stock is up roughly 500 per cent over the past five years, helping to boost CEO David Zaslav’s stock rewards and total compensation.
Gerald Rubin E. Hunter Harrison Company: Canadian Pacific Railway Compensation: $49.2m Hunter Harrison’s pay is inflated in part because of an agreement by Canadian Pacific to fund a pension he forfeited when he left his previous employer to join the company in 2012, but he still receives eight figures in stock options purely for his labor.
Richard Bracken Company: HCA Holdings Compensation: $46.4m It pays handsomely to run the nation’s largest for-profit hospital chain. Bracken is retiring at the end of the year after spending more than thirty years with HCA, but surely the $21.4m in stock options that recently vested will help tide him over in retirement.
Company: Helen of Troy Compensation: $41.6m Helen of Troy, which distributes name brands like Brut and Pert Plus, posted record sales in its fiscal year ending in February 2013, helping its CEO Gerald Rubin take home nearly $29m in performance-based stock options. Of the country’s most lavishly paid CEOs, according to data compiled by FindTheCompany. com, none are are women.
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et cetera A GIRL’S GUIDE
HOW TO TRAVEL
...AND OTHER THINGS July 06, 2014
Wish List
HOLIDAY IN NIGERIA: A NEGLECTED VENTURE
Kyauta Nawa says your watch speaks a lot about you P34
The Twitterati
Stephen Keshi expresses gratitude to football fans P39
Photo: .travelstart.com.ng
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How I feel about... BEING A BAKER AND WRITER SIFA GOWON, 33 There are two things in my life that I am good at and that I like to do (and no, eating is not among them even though I am quite the champion there). I bake and I write. I grew up watching my mother bake and always looked forward to helping her out when she did. She made mouth-watering Russian and Georgian pastries. Christmas, especially, was a time when she pulled out all the stops. I baked my first cake when I was 11 years old and made my first clumsy attempt at decorating one at 12. I haven’t looked back since. No matter what mood I am in, I leave all that aside once I start mixing batter, kneading dough or rolling out pastry. It soothes me and I have said on several occasions that I find baking cathartic. The warmth of satisfaction permeates my very marrow when I look at a cake I have finished and I’m happy with. It is the sort of work that brings joy to me; make no mistake it is indeed work. It is not enough to toss in flour, sugar and eggs and be done. Baking is almost an art form and that is even before you get to the icing bit. It takes practice, time and disappointment along the way as one deal with collapsed, burned or odd-textured pastries. But for me, it has been worth it all the way. I’ve been told that one of life’s blessings is to be able to do what you love and get paid for it. I’ve also been told that when you do something you love you’d be willing to even do it for free (on occasion). I’ve found both statements to be true. The Bible tells me to ‘work willingly at whatever I do, as though I were working for the Lord rather than for people, and it is indeed a blessing when work is also pleasure. I truly believe we are created with talent, drive and desire and to merge all that and be happy is quite the win! As for the writing well, I write inspirational messages, and I had fun doing it too.
Sunday, July 6, 2014
KYAUTA NAWA
WISH LIST
2014 Mini Cooper
Love the vintage look
A bottle of Clive Christian Imperial Majesty Perfume
The entrepreneur tells Zanswatt Bowsan her wishes
A flawless blue diamond ring Diamonds are a girl’s best friend
Hublot watch Your watch says a lot about you
A Swarovski Earring. Jewels are a final touch to dressing
Diamond Rose IPhone 4 It’s a beautiful piece
DILEMMA
SHOULD I END MY RELATIONSHIP?
In a light-hearted weekly column, to prove it. Honestly, I’m so angry with her we take a wry look at the problems for abandoning me and with my foster parents for lying to me, but thankfully I’m of modern life an independent man so I don’t need them. In fact, I have chosen to go ahead with my Dear sir, wedding without their presence. My wife How is it possible that one can live a lie to be says I should forgive them, but it is so for 30years? I have always thought that my biological parents were the same ones hard. I grew up with. I am the last of four children Garba from Kogi in my family. Life has been good because my parents gave us all good education and Dear Garba, the good things of life, until three weeks to I know you probably want to hear me say, ‘don’t forgive the woman who claims marrying the girl of my dreams. A woman she is your mother. How could she have showed up at our family house saying she abandoned you for so long only to show is my real mother and she has test results
et cetera group
up now? I am sure you must be doing very well, so she has come to reap where she did not sow.’ However, on the other hand you are not a perfect person, here is my candid advice, you should stop judging and forgive or else you just might end up regretting it. You should be grateful that you have two mothers instead of one. It’s not easy but nothing good comes easy. Forgiveness won’t cost you anything, follow peace with every one. 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
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Sunday, July 6, 2014
PEOPLE TRACKER
DAINTY Kemi Oyekola’s petite silhouette makes her look delicated
SPRUCE Doofan Takur’s yellow lace buba and blue wrapper are a neat collection
WELL-DRESSED Ahmed Bello is looking dapper with his sunshades
GORGEOUS Chisom Ezeoke’s red headtie makes her ebony skin sparkle
FASHIONABLE Odunola makes wearing animal prints so easy
You can send your pictures to ehiosezua@ymail.com
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PEOPLE TRACKER
CHARMING Ebere’s Smile Is Contagious
GORGEOUS Nwanne Otum’s braids sit beautifully on her head
GLAMOUROUS Ifeoma Mbonu’s green outfit creates a plush appearance
SERIOUS! Nafisa Muntaka: little smile will make you even prettier
TRIM Preye Orok is looking elegant in a slender figure
REGAL Blessing Maxwell gives a royal touch to her style
TASTEFUL Adebisi Aileru looks vibrant and colourful
STYLISH Theodora Okonko loves the South African tastes
SWANKY Osade Oladimeji loving her beautiful self
FANCY Chat B rocks a knotted wrapper on a white satin blouse
FRIENDSFOR-LIFE Amoge, Judith and Chidinma believe in live and let’s live together
HAPPYGIRL Enitan Fatuga says you are never fully dressed until you wear a smile
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Sunday July 6, 2014
35
MACHO
PEOPLE TRACKER
Gbenro Ajibade looking brave and cool
SMART
Kelechi Nwaogbo doesn’t make dressing up an herculean task
You can send your pictures to ehiosezua@ymail.com
SIMPLE Ada Oseiza in Denim pants and Sequence blouse
SHE IS LOVELY Chiamaka Njoku’s beauty blows the mind away
YOU CAN’T BEAT THAT
Maria Nepembe red carpet pose
STYLISH SULTRY
Amaka Eze looks amazing in a little black dress
Theresa Udie glows flawlessly on the red carpet
SWEET
Nancy Alele brightens up her mood with a subtle shade of colours
TRIM AND TALL Sandra Aniebonam’s height and figure will certainly intimidate a lot of people
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Sunday, July 6, 2014
INSIDE STORY
HOLIDAY IN NIGERIA: A NEGLECTED VENTURE BY ZANSWAT BOWSAN, Abuja
G
oing abroad on holiday has become a craze in Nigeria. People work hard all year round just to use the money on holidays in other countries. Samira Ahmed, a banker speaks, “It is no hype especially if you view traveling and seeing the world as another form of educating yourself and garnering exposure for your life. It’s good to travel; In fact, it’s a requirement I believe, if and when you can afford it. It broadens your mind and perspective on life. Getting to see how other people, cultures and societies live is a training that you’ll never get in a classroom. Please if you can afford it, by all means, travel”. Fiona Tarkur, Administrative Assistant says, “I think it‘s a nice idea. If you can afford it, why not! It varies for individuals though. Some go just to return to show off. Some go for educational purposes. I personally, would love to travel to explore. I have heard so much about Dubai. I have seen the pictures and I want to experience the city for myself. I enjoy travelling, so I might as well go and fulfil that part of my fantasy. Travelling broadens your paradigm and helps you see beyond your immediate surroundings and exposes you to people from all over the world. Travelling abroad is definitely good.” Survey has shown that most Nigerians like the idea of travelling abroad on holidays. There have been little or no objection on the issue. Busola Malomo, a Nigerian in diaspora says, “I think the problem is the inability to differentiate holidaying from shopping. If you travel and spend all your time shopping and come back even more tired than when you left, then you
What they said... Holiday In Nigeria: A Neglected Venture
were not on holiday and that is why going to Togo or Niger might not be considered a vacation for some. And we are all guilty of that, me inclusive. Blessing Ugo, a businesswoman tells Et Cetera that, “Every destination has its attractions. The only reason why I would go to the UK or US is to shop. Those destinations are busy cities and I don’t think that they are actually great places to relax from the tedious months of work. I don’t even see them as honeymoon destinations because I think there are too many distractions. Since the idea is for the couple to spend time together. On the other hand, places like Seychelles, Sao Tome and the Caribbean Islands are great escape destinations. Nigerians haven’t quite learnt how to ‘live’. We work long hours and when it
“It is no hype especially if you view traveling and seeing the world as another form of educating yourself and garnering exposure for your life... I believe, if and when you can afford it. It broadens your mind and perspective on life. Getting to see how other people, cultures and societies live is a training that you’ll never get in a classroom." Samira Ahmed, Banker
is time for vacation, we never really take one. Travelling is good. I recommend it for everyone; whether it is Togo or the North Pole.” Shadrach Saddih, an entrepreneur said, “I went to Niger Republic on official assignment and found it interesting even if not glamorous. The mix of French and Hausa cultures, just seeing another society that is so close to mine, yet very different was fun. I recall one girl saying to me “kana jin Hausa shi ne kake yi mani Anglais?” (So you speak Hausa; why then are you speaking French?) I found it highly amusing and interesting. Go anywhere!! It is worth it.” Nafisa Attahiru, a chef says, “As as long as I’m not spending my vacation in a commercial hub, it is fine by me. Holidaying abroad for me
“As as long as I’m not spending my vacation in a commercial hub, it is fine by me. Holidaying abroad for me means in touch with nature or historical monuments. In a nutshell somewhere you can reflect and have some soul healing, not a place you bump into traffic, people and noise.” Nafisa Attahiru, Chef
means in touch with nature or historical monuments. In a nutshell somewhere you can reflect and have some soul healing, not a place you bump into traffic, people and noise.” Jamilu Tanko, a civil servant also agrees with his fellow Nigerians when he told Et Cetera, “Experiencing other societies in real time is a great way to learn about different cultures and beliefs and a great way to also teach them about your own heritage. Travelling outside your country is always an eye opener and a wonderful experience. But when travelling outside your borders becomes a tool for arrogance and insensitivity and does not possess any new element of growth in learning, experiences or discovery and is just a means for expanding your ‘braggadocio’ to those who can’t afford to travel by
“But when travelling outside your borders becomes a tool for arrogance and insensitivity and does not possess any new element of growth in learning, experiences or discovery and is just a means for expanding your ‘braggadocio’ to those who can’t afford to travel by way of one million pictures of you in all the foreign shops... It is simply unnecessary and the aim is defeated.'
way of one million pictures of you in all the foreign shops; then you show off all the stuff you bought in another million pictures. It is simply unnecessary and the aim is defeated. In the midst of all the rave of travelling abroad on holidays, there are well meaning Nigerians who strive to make the nation a tourist attraction. Many of them are into the hotel business and are also very active in building resorts across the nation. There are resorts in Lagos like the La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Epe and the Obudu Cattle Ranch and Tinapa in Cross River State. Up north, in states like Bauchi, there is the Yankari Game Reserve which is a wonderful place for recreation and educational excursions. It is far from the town and all the noise. Tourists are in touch with nature and all its wonderful sceneries. In the north-eastern state of Taraba, there are the Mambilla Hills with their breath-taking sceneries. The weather is nothing like the rest of the country. A lot of foreigners visit the area a lot and it holds a lot of potential for boosting the nation’s economy. The minister of Tourism has described the place as “Nigeria’s Crown Jewel of Tourism”.Recently, more events are being organised to showcase Nigeria to the world. Nigeria is an untapped resource in the world of tourism and it takes the right moves to bring out the best in it. Travelling is a necessity. Going on holiday abroad is not quite necessary. There are a lot of wonderful places to see in Nigeria. Though our tourism is still growing and is on a slow pace but a steady climb, there is no doubt that one day, tourism will be a major source of revenue for Nigeria.
“Every destination has its attractions. The only reason why I would go to the UK or US is to shop. Those destinations are busy cities and I don’t think that they are actually great places to relax from the tedious months of work. I don’t even see them as honeymoon destinations because I think there are too many distractions."
Jamilu Tanko, Civil Servant
We want to know what you think about our inside story above. You can have your say by emailing osezua.gloria@leadership.ng
Blessing Ugo, Businesswoman
et cetera
Sunday, July 6, 2014
THE TWITTERATI CATCH UP WITH WHAT CELEBS HAVE BEEN TWEETING ABOUT
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@sinach When you seek reward from man your reward is limited. When you seek reward from God, your prosperity is unlimited #sponsoredbygrace Monday, June 2 Well said
@Soundsultan
DONT EVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF GOD THE POOREST MAN TODAY CAN BECOME THE RICHEST MAN TOMORROW SO STOP
Tuesday, July 2
That’s true because no one knows tomorrow
@realmercyj
Today will mark the beginning of a new me... I will do a blast from the past... want to remind you of the past so when new me emerge, u won’t forget
Wednesday, July 3
Sounds really interesting
@OfficialKeshi Friends, it has been a good run and I have enjoyed every moment. It’s been an honour coaching the Super Eagles. It is however time to bow out.
@DJINEE
Are you sure about this?
If only everyone could think same way
Monday, June 30
This is not a racist comment. The whites aren’t exactly smarter than us. They only PAY ATTENTION TO DETAIL. Let that sink in for a moment.
Monday, June 30 @BankyW
Enyeama has been our best performer in this tournament. End of story. Gbam!
Saturday, June 14
Only speak those that won’t put you in trouble
@EkuEdewor
@JimmyOdukoya
Even your native language isn’t yours alone
Wednesday, July 2
@MarcyDolapoOni
Please tell them again
It’s amazing how you can be having a crap day (yes I know it’s just past 12) and then you see someone and they make you smile #sigh
@B5sNadiaBuari
Keep that smile going always
There is only one place where I can keep my every strength, my every weakness, my every secret safe.
Thursday, June 26
And pray you trust the safe to the end
@TonyOElumelu
You are really patriotic
Nigerian girls refused to go to this world cup because they’re afraid they’ll meet the real owners of the Brazilian hair on their heads.
Monday, June 30
Tuesday, June 24
Monday, June 30
@Saka_Stic
When you think you’ve made up a word, Google it and it’s taken
Don’t expect to WITHDRAW from your spouse what you haven’t DEPOSITED!. If you want Love, Deposit Love! If you want respect, Deposit Respect!
@Omonioboli It was a tough one! Kudos to Enyeama! #SuperEaglesforlife #ProudlyNigerian
@OfficialOsas Life is too short to not live a fulfilled, happy and joyous life!! #GodIsGood Monday, June 3 Hope you are committed to this?
Monday, June 23
@Joselyn_Dumas
If you are spending all your relationship worrying and wondering if you’re with the right person, you are probably not #RealTalkKim#FridayWisdom
Friday, July 4
It’s a beautiful day in Kigali, Rwanda!
Why spend so much time on only an aspect of life?
Have an awesome experience
@ibiliciousxx
Thursday, July 3
@JuliusAgwu1
I sometimes wish my heart cud speak and say what my poor lips can never tell...
Thursday, July 3
I have learned that to have a good friend is the purest of all God’s gifts, for it is a love that has no exchange of payment
Tuesday, July 1
Only if you find real friends
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Sunday, July 6, 2014
LIFE101
A GIRL’S GUIDE
HOW TO TRAVEL This is up to you, as when you travel, you will obviously be doing it in style. However, that is not dependent on being in first class or having a complete set of Louis Vuitton luggage, although both of these certainly help. Do consider all your options: the most uncomfortable – the tandem (a bicycle made for two); then there is the most expensive – a private jet; the most environmentally friendly – the sail boat. The decision is yours. There is always a car, coach and train, but why not jazz things up and look at a trip on the orient express? Private helicopters are very nice. Horse-drawn carriages, elephants and camels are also options, but they are very slow and have limited on-board entertainment. Sailing encompasses everything from canoes to cruises. Then of course there is flying. Airport amusements It is essential to arrive early at the airport. Not only does it give you time to do all the necessary check-in and security rituals, but the early bird gets the best seats. Upgrading is not an everyday occurrence, but it is more frequent than winning the lottery. It is at the discretion of those behind the counter who gets the bulkhead and who gets seated next to the toilets. Remember that happiness is mainly dependent on the mood of the person at the check-in desk, rather than the number of seats sold on the flight. Be nice, ooze charm and dress smartly, but not so
smartly that you will feel uncomfortable; ball gowns are bulky, corsets and excessive metal bangles will set off all the metal detector alarms, and wide brimmed hat will prevent you from viewing the inflight movie. In economy, good seats to ask for are the ones next to emergency exits, as they often have more leg room, although they can be colder. On long haul flights opt for the middle section at the front of the plane, as this is where the fold –down area for tots is, so there is a bit of extra room. The downside is that a screaming infant may be brought on to use the area. But if you have to be ousted to make room, there is always a chance that you could be upgraded. Also try to have compact
Couch Potato
WHAT YOU CAN WATCH ON CABLE TV THIS WEEK
TODAY
She’s All That 12:20PM on Studio Universal
THE THREE DOLLS
MONDAY
hand luggage, ideally all contained in a fabulous designer label; but if you are on your way to Taiwan to get a knockoff, maybe save this for your next trip. Take a heavy moisturiser, face spray, a digital camera, a book to scribble in and a book to curl up with, a large bottle of water and an extra pair of socks. Don’t underestimate what can be found at Duty Free. This obviously applies only at main International Airports; at some out-backs you are lucky to get newspaper. It is worth holding out and getting a supply of Touché Éclat and a fresh bottle of perfume, or what ever your poison is, here. The shopping is akin to a few hours in a department store at rock-bottom prices. The only thing to
TUESDAY
Little Secrets 11:30PM The Runaways on M-Net Movies 10:15PM on M-Net Family Movies Romance
WEDNESDAY
Jersey Shore 10:15PM on MTV
be wary of is that they do not always carry the most up-to-the-minute colours, but when is red lipstick or Chanel No. 5 out of fashion? Accessories are key for the traveller. They are small and a great way to change and modify your looks (belts, jewellery and scarves all pack well). Dresses are also great travel items as you can roll them into your case, and they are a whole look in one. It is always good to have one dressy look, just in case you end up somewhere fancy. Lastly, a great pashmina or shawl is a must have. It is as stylish as it is adaptable, from wrapping round you on a plane, to draping over your shoulders in the evening. Culled from The Girl’s Guide to Almost Everything
THURSDAY
A sage presented a prince with a set of three small dolls. The prince was not amused. “Am I a girl that you give me dolls?” – He asked. “This is a gift for a future king,” said the sage. “If you look carefully, you’ll see a hole in the ear of each doll.” The sage handed him a piece of string. “Pass it through each doll.” – He said. Intrigued, the prince picked up the first doll and put the string into the ear. It came out from the other ear. “This is one type of person,” said the sage, “whatever you tell him, comes out from the other ear. He doesn’t retain anything.” The prince put the string into the second doll. It came out from the mouth. “This is the second type of person,” said the sage, “whatever you tell him, he tells everybody else.” The prince picked up the third doll and repeated the process. The string did not come out. “This is the third type of person,” said the sage, “whatever you tell him is locked up within him. It never comes out.” “What is the best type of person?” – Asked the prince. The sage handed him a fourth doll, in answer. When the prince put the string into the doll, it came out from the other ear. “Do it again.” – Said the sage. The prince repeated the process. This time the string came out from the mouth. When he put the string in a third time, it did not come out at all. “This is the best type of person,” said the sage. “To be trustworthy, a man must know when not to listen, when to remain silent and when to speak out.” Source - Academictips.com
FRIDAY
I Don’t Know How She Gary Unmarried Does It 6:30PM on 11:50PM on Comedy M-Net Movies Romance Central
SATURDAY
My Family 8:15AM on BBC Entertainment
CEOConfidential
Sunday, July 6, 2014
bottom lines N365, 000,000 404% Percentage increase in profits for full year 2013 as announced by indigenous oil and gas producer SEPLAT Production Development Company.
IN SHORT AFC grows balance sheet by 13 per cent The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) saw a 13 per cent growth in its balance sheet size in 2013, to $1.9bn from $1.7bn, according to data from the bank’s annual report. The Corporation’s underlying comprehensive income also grew by 5 per cent to $87.3m from $82.3m for the period. “This was driven by a significant increase in fees and commission income, combined with improved efficiency translating into lower operating expenses,” said Adebayo Ogunlesi, chairman of the AFC, in a statement to shareholders. “This is a creditable performance in the context of our transition in balance sheet composition. It also highlights the resilience of our core business as a strong foundation for continued profitability.” Earnings per share (EPS) increased by 5 per cent to $7.35 cents, in the period. During the course of the year, the Corporation focused on asset creation with a series of structured transactions. In total, AFC financed $385 million of new investments during the course of the 2013 financial year, with 30 per cent of disbursements made external to the host country (Nigeria). The AFC with a paid up capital of $1.2bn (N189.6bn), is a supranational financial institution set up in 2007, to acquire, finance and manage infrastructure, industrial and financial assets across Africa, and is majority owned by the Central Bank of Nigeria (42.5 per cent), a consortium of Nigerian banks (47.6 per cent) and several industrial and corporate shareholders (9.8 per cent).
COMPANY
SECRETS
Pleasant Rowland, best known for creating the ‘American Girl’ brand
Worth of Berger Paints Nigeria Plc pre-tax profit in 2013 compared to one recorded in the corresponding period of 2012.
Beta Glass first-half net income declines by 23.22 per cent
Chairman, Beta Glass of Nigeria, Chief Chris Ogunbanjo
Beta Glass of Nigeria plc says net income in the three months through March 2014, fell by 23.22 per cent to N479.79m from N625.25m a year earlier, according to a statement posted on the website of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. The company was however able to boost top-line performance as revenues spiked by 13.33 per cent to N3.91bn in the first quarter (Q1 2014) from N3.44bn as of Q1 2013. Based on BusinessDay analysis,
41
bottom-line performance fell due to cost pressures that culminated in lower margins. Cost-of-sales margin increased to 76.72 per cent in 2014, from 73.9 per cent in 2013, as cost-of-sales surged 18.57 per cent to N3bn. Gross margins decreased to 22.11 per cent in 2014, as against 26.51 per cent in 2013, which highlights the need for better management of direct material. Net margin, a measure of profitability and efficiency, also dipped to 8.77 per cent in Q1 2014, compared with 12.98 per cent as of Q1 2013. Beta Glass total assets reduced by 1.82 per cent to N26.67bn in Q1 2014, compared with N27.16bn as of Q1 2013. The current ratio, which measures the ability of a company to meet its short-term obligations when due, was 1.90x, below the 2.1x industry average. Trade and other receivables were up by 15.51 per cent to N14.0bn in 2014, from N12.11bn. This also suggests management tighten its credit policy to reduce money owned it by customers; this will boost revenue. The fixed asset turnover highlights the effectiveness of the company in generating turnover from investment in assets. The total asset turnover in the period was 0.14 times, meaning the company is underutilising its assets to generate sales. The company was incorporated in 1974, and is based in Lagos, Nigeria. Beta Glass is a subsidiary of Frigo Glass Industries (Nigeria) Limited. Nigeria, with a population of over 170 million and a growing middle, Beta Glass has enormous opportunities to tap into and also boost both top-line and bottom-line performances. The company’s share price closed at N16.59 on the floor of the NSE, while market capitalisation was N8.30bn.
BoostiNG Sales Coffee shops invite us to hang out Coffee shops tend to lean heavily on the hospitality model of promotions. It is sometimes hard to tell how they make enough sales to keep the places going. Their gestures relating to hospitality are so overt there is no mistaking their intent. For example: 1. They install free Wi-Fi so you can retrieve e-mail and visit websites, and you don’t really have to go your office at all unless your boss is old school. 2. They also provide newspapers and magazines just in case you did not bring enough of your own work. Some shops have a lending library. 3. They offer free coffee refills and will even make you lunch. 4. More and more coffee shops are staying open later in evenings and offering entertainment from local musical talent. The coffee shop theme is pretty consistent: Come early. Stay long. We love you around. Why? Because while you are there, they have a chance to sell more. Take time to allow this model to spark some creative thinking. It has not been that long since cell phones were only sold in speciality stores. Now you can get a phone and prepaid minutes at all the big box stores
‘A new twist on timeless toys’ I started Pleasant Company when I was 45 and I’d already had several careers. I’d been an elementaryschool teacher, a TV news reporter, the author of reading textbooks, and the publisher of a small magazine. I had no formal business education. In 1984, my husband invited me to join him at a convention at Colonial Williamsburg. Off I went, thinking I was going to have a nice little
vacation. Instead it turned into one of the seminal experiences of my life. I loved sitting in the pew where George Washington went to church and standing where Patrick Henry orated. Once the idea had had formed, I could think of nothing else. In one weekend I wrote out the concept in great detail. I defined the first three characters, the product line, the series of books, the matching girls’ clothing, the retail-
store concept; even the idea for a musical.my pen flew as I tried to capture the idea that was just given to me – whole. This was my business plan! Unlike most entrepreneurs, I did not have to beat the bushes for start-up funding. I had saved $1.2m from textbook royalties and American Girl seemed like a milliondollar idea. I put $200,000 aside in case all failed and plunged in.
42 CEOConfidential
Sunday, July 6, 2014
hub Compiled by Olujide Olusola
$140,000,000
Amount spent by Dangote Group for its cement grinding plant in the Cameroonian economic capital city, Douala.
L-R: Executive secretary, Nigeria Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), Hon Saratu Umar; the co-ordinator, Honorary International Investors Council (HIIC), Baronet Linder Chalker, and minister of trade and investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga jointly briefing journalists after their meeting with Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo at the State House Abuja recently. PHOTO: REMI AKUNLEYAN
L-R: Category manager, Fab Cleaning, Unilever Nigeria, Ibironke Ugbaja; brand building director, Unilever Nigeria, David Okeme; manufacturing director, Doyin Ashiru; and brand building director, foods, Nsima Ogedi-Alakwe, at the launch of New OMO and unveiling of brand ambassadors in Lagos, recently. PHOTO: GBENGA OLAJOBI
Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump Ask yourself: What am I pretending not to see? There may be some great opportunities right around you.
Harley Petersen @HarleyPetersen Do not let spacious plans for a new world divert your energies from saving what is left of the old.
fav
Daniel Akinlami Monique Hohnberg @DanielAkinlami tweets @ If INEC can sustain moniquehohnberg this new commitment Do you emotionally towards credible polls in react in a crisis? Or Osun and 2015, we would do you take time & choose begin to have few cases at the a solution based path? Be Election Tribunals! proactive, not reactive.
N800, 000,000
Amount a Chinese steel company, Pangang Group Limited, intends to spend on establishing a steel manufacturing factory in the country.
L-R: MD/CEO, Dufil Prima Food Plc, Mr Deepak Singhal; one-day governor of Lagos State, Master Edun Olabanji of Army Children Secondary School, Onigbongbo, and public relations/ event manager, Dufil Prima Food Plc, Mr Tope Asiwaju, during a courtesy visit to Dufil Prima Food Plc by the 15-yearold Olabanji at Dufil’s head office, Eric Moore, Lagos recently. PHOTO: GBENGA OLAJOBI
L-R: CEO, Mexicrone Nigeria Limited, Banimoh Onyinoyi Blessing; Chief Chike John Erokwu (displaying an award of excellence conferred on him for his humanitarian services); director, 360 Printing and Media Production, Austine Obule, and Stephen U. Osadebay, during the award ceremony organised by 360 Printing and Media Production in Abuja recently.
Tattersall’s Club, Australia Tattersall’s Club accommodation offers members, guests, corporate partners and guests of functions and weddings a choice of 18 spacious suites at a consistent room rate all year round, located in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD. Tattersall’s Club has an abundance of fine dining, classic and modern options for members and their guests. Choose your dining experience from a wide range of menus available throughout the various bar and dining facilities. The Business Centre serves as an office within the Club, providing Members with the opportunity to conduct business in a quiet and private space. The
centre provides the use of computers and a printer, plus desk and meeting spaces. The Club’s Billiards Room, located adjacent to the members’ Bar, offers members and their guests the opportunity to participate in a game of billiards, snooker or eight ball. The Health Centre provides you with a conveniently located gym, whether you wish to participate in a morning class, duck in quickly during lunch time or pump out an afternoon session. The Wine Room offers members and function guests a unique and private dining experience, in and amongst an eclectic selection of wine sourced locally and from around the world.
net
works
CEOConfidential
Sunday, July 6, 2014
N49,000,000,000 Amount the federal government has spent on the development of water transportation in the country.
14%
Percentage increase in cargo recorded by the Nigeria Ports Authority in the first quarter of 2014, according to its managing director.
L-R: Regional sales manager, Sweetco Foods Limited, Mr Tharun George; deputy manager, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Mr Niyi Adelekeb; brand strategist, NTA-Star TV Network Ltd, Ayokunle Idowu, and brand marketing manager, NTA-Star TV Network Ltd, Mr Habeeb Somoye, during the second draw of the on-going StarTimes ExtraTimes promo, held in Lagos recently. PHOTO: GBENGA OLAJOBI
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3,050
Capacity, in megawatts, of Mambilla Hydro Dam in Taraba State which will be built by the government.
YOUR FYI FOR INFORMATION Qi
Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, is known in the West as an ‘alternative medicine’. However, in China and Taiwan its very much part of the established healthcare system. TCM is based on the time-honoured philosophical concept that a healthy human body should be carefully balanced, particularly between masculine yang and feminine yin elements. The body’s qi (vital energy) must also be flowing correctly. The pulse and the appearance of the tongue are key diagnostic tools. Cures usually involve acupuncture and herbal medicine, with some unlikely ingredients, such as ground tiger bone or deer penis. These are simmered together to make a dark soup, which, as anyone who has tried such potions will tell you, can range in taste from quite vile to absolutely disgusting. Certain foods are also supposed to have medicinal properties: shark’s fin soup, for example, is thought to protect against cancer.
DoING Business L-R: Executive director/ chief financial officer, UAC, Mr Abdul Akhor Bello; GMD/ CEO, Mr Larry Ettah; chairman, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, and company secretary/ legal adviser, Godwin Samuel, during the 2014 annual general meeting of UAC of Nigeria Plc, held in Lagos recently. PHOTO: GBENGA OLAJOBI
HOW THEY
BLEW IT
Boris Berezovsky
Exile continueS FROM LAST WEEK
of Russia’s big businessmen that they could do either business or politics, but In the fog of war - particularly Russian not both. Sidelined, Berezovsky accused ones - it is difficult to be sure quite what Putin of returning to totalitarianism. He Berezovsky did or didn’t do, but one thing also complained that the Krernlin had is certain. When Putin came along as Yeltsin’s successor, he presented himself as threatened him with imprisonment unless he surrendered control of television station very much the tough-guy, pro-Russia and ORT. He refused. Soon afterwards, an anti the Chechen ‘rebels’. This posturing caught the mood of the public. And publicly, investigation into Berezovsky’s handling of Aeroflot’s finances was revived. He got he wasn’t best pleased with the likes of Berezovsky, who was quickly characterized the message - and fled to Britain. It is as representing all that was wrong in post- hard to discern exactly why Berezovsky was prepared to risk everything he had Soviet Russia. For Berezovsky, who had accumulated to that point. helped Putin in his rise to power, it was quite a blow. Putin reportedly told some to be CONTINUEd NEXT
Leadership and status with Czechs Czechs resent power imposed from the outside and never accepted inequality imposed by foreign rulers. The high rate of literacy and general excellence of education over the centuries have enabled the Czechs to acquire and enjoy knowledge and to seek egalitarianism and democratic institutions. Liberty is seen as something that may be assured by laws, procedures and regulations. Orderliness in society has long been a characteristic of Czech society, though this has often led to excessive officialdom and periods of stifling bureaucracy. The Soviet influence in the communist period was met by passive resistance rather than by open confrontation.
44 CEOConfidential
entrepreneur N34bn
Sunday, July 6, 2014
20
Value of asset Jaiz Bank grew in 2013.
SMALL BUSINESS Loss prevention If only catching the bad guys (and gals) were always so easy. Employee theft is the culprit behind 30 per cent of all business failures. Yep, you read that right, and the percentage is even higher for small businesses with scant margin error. The US Department of Commerce estimates that stickyfingered employees steal upward of $40bn annually from American companies. Collaring dishonest employees makes a dent, but the real cost savings is in prevention. Protect your business with these measures: Scrub rather than screen job candidates. You wouldn’t hand your house keys to someone you don’t know and trust. The keys to your business are no different. Question areas left blank on the application. It may be international. Gaps in employment history, while often innocuous, may indicate time spent in the slammer. Conduct background investigation. The cost is negligible – especially with volume discounts – compared to the messes made by bad eggs. At the very least, go deep into applicants who’d have access to assets, from a dockworker handling manufactured goods to an accountant with signature authority on bank accounts. Avert lawsuits by choosing a reputable sleuth. Distribute an ‘ethical conduct agreement.’ In job interviews, stressing your zero tolerance for corruption is a good start. But not all employees, particularly younger ones, know where to draw the line in the sand. continues Next week
HER STORY
Number of seed farms Jigawa firm has established, according to BusinessDay.
Inés Cuatrecasas
Targeting high-income Rwandan
In 2009 Spanish designers Inés Cuatrecasas and Marc Oliver started fashion label Mille Collines in Rwanda targeting high-income local residents. Today the company operates one store in the capital Kigali and four in Nairobi, Kenya. Outside of Africa, Mille Collines products are sold in the UK, Spain and the US. Speaking on what inspired her establishing Mille Collines in a recent interview with Dinfin Mulupi she said, “I travelled to Rwanda for the first time in the summer of 2005 with my mother, who runs a small NGO. While exploring the country, I met a dressmaker that would change the course of [my] life forever. Her name was Antoinette. She was strong, passionate and restless. We connected really fast. She had worked all her life as a dressmaker and was then involved in teaching… sewing. I was incredibly inspired by Antoinette and her determination to share with me the talent and skills of Rwandan artisans and tailors. “In 2008, I returned to Rwanda with Marc [Oliver], my partner in the business, and we created the first collection. The result turned out to be more positive than we could have expected. Products were tested with success and a year later we founded the Mille Collines
brand.” Cuatrecasas shed light on her perception of the Rwanda’s business terrain. She said, “Rwanda has successfully implemented a support system around businesses. Today, you can establish a company in one single location, the Rwanda Development Board, in less than a day. There are big incentives for medium to large foreign companies investing in the country and the levels of corruption are very low. We have never experienced corruption in the five years we have been operating in the country. She revealed some of the challenges while setting up the business. “One of them is the cost of transport which is still very high in Africa, especially in Rwanda, a landlocked country. Together with that, logistic procedures are very complex and time consuming which makes transport of goods a complex and slow process. A project has been signed to build a railway that will connect Kenya, Uganda and eventually Rwanda. That would lower the costs of import and export and place Rwanda as a potential candidate as the logistics centre between East and Central Africa,” she said. As one whose business has gained international appeal, she has the following advice for other entrepreneurs seeking such recognition. “There are so many entrepreneurs today working with local artisans, building brands that help local communities, and creating a product that reflects the people who are making it. We are proving that high-end clothing can be produced in Africa. “African fashion is not only aesthetically attractive to the western markets but it is also now going through incredible momentum, and this is just the start. We strongly feel that African-based designers and brands should focus all their energies in growing local markets in the continent. [They should] align their businesses and develop in an environment with less competition, a fast growing middle class and an existing loyal customer that is increasingly demanding locally made high quality products. These companies will… be a part of a pool of brands that 10 years along the line will have huge appeal for those international markets abroad. By then their operations will be solid and they will be ready to expand outside of the continent. The hunger for African products will only grow stronger,” Cuatrecasas advised.
Ottun Victoria Oluwaseun, CEO, Zeegavee Ltd How did you get to where you are today? I started running this business about 10 years ago but did an official launch in 2007. We are into productions, fashion designing, catering, events planning, and photography. I call myself the chief errand officer. What have you learnt over the years? I have learnt to be steadfast no matter what happens. I do a lot of research. I use Google, Wikipedia and YouTube almost
every hour. What were the challenges you faced? It’s not easy for a youth from a struggling background; the search for capital wasn’t easy. I had issues with workers messing up my clients’ works. How did you overcome the challenges? I just decided to start very small. And laid off all of them and got competent people. What are your future projections for your business? Basically, I want to touch every life in the world with my skills and intelligence.
How do you intend achieving these projections? Achieving my goals, I will have to kick the ball. Thanks to coach Keshi. Don’t mind my comic manners. Hard work, drive and passion will do the trick. Any advice for younger entrepreneurs? Write your role model’s name on the wall of your bedroom, when you wake up and see it every day. You will remain focused. Contact Ottun on 08029762908
46 CEOConfidential
Sunday, July 6, 2014
tipoffs $200,000,000,000 Compiled by Salome Anyasodo
SECRETS OF LONGETIVITY
The high price of artificial beauty
Ironically, when we use cosmetics we may be diminishing our actual well-being as we brush on that ‘healthy’ glow. One of the biggest user of harmful chemicals is the cosmetics industry, and regulation is almost non-existent. Examples are the formaldehyde in mascara, plastic resins in lipstick, asbestoscontaminated talc in eye shadow and blush, and chemical solvents in foundation makeup. All these substances are proven or suspected carcinogens. Natural alternatives found in health food stores use coloured clays, vegetable oils, and other natural ingredients in place of chemicals.
BOOKMARK
The Economy of You Kimberly Palmer, Publisher: AMACOM 2014.
With the American economy still recovering from the recent recession, many people feel trapped in unstable employment with shrinking prospects. The search for financial security and deeper meaning has created a rising interest in side-gigging, the practice of developing second ventures in addition to regular employment. With the Internet, social media, and digital solutions creating new and varied opportunities to connect with potential clients around the globe, side-giggers are living in a golden age of low costs, high potential, and incredible impact.
Estimated amount of global environment crime annually, according to United Nations Assembly.
40%
Estimated percentage of traffic of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) world news that comes from Africa.
5 tips on how to truly shut down after work When one has got a problem at work, and cannot stop thinking about it once one gets home. It fouls ones mood, distracts from paying good attention to the important people in ones life, and possibly even keeps one up at night. If this is a habit of anyone, be encouraged--it can be stopped, no matter how thorny ones work situation is. That is according to Peter Shallard, a former psychotherapist turned consultant who now describes himself as “the shrink for entrepreneurs.” Here’s his advice. First, identify if you are problem solving or ruminating The former is good use of ones time. Ruminating, however, involves thinking again and again about something without coming up with solutions or having any new insight. “If you’re coming home from work [with a lot] on mind,” Shallard says, “and it takes one a half an hour to work it out, and then one solve problems and feel great, maybe that is a way of processing. But if one is up all night stressing, then something needs to change.” Get a hobby Immersing oneself in something that occupies the mind can help surface solutions that may not have occurred to one before. “It forces you to think laterally,” Shallard says, “and to take more data in from around the edges, from around the periphery of what your actual problem is.” Shallard calls this “divergent thinking” and says a former client who had a highly stressful job used this strategy in the form of paying close attention to his swimming form and breathing. In doing so, he was able to subconsciously untangle
work issues, oftentimes having an “aha” moment through the exercise of distracting himself. “This is why people build little ships inside of glass bottles as a way of unwinding,” he says, “because when you can occupy that conscious side of your brain and allow the more intuitive creative processes to occur, that is often going to be a lot more relaxing [and] lead to better actual solutions.” Change your emotional state Ruminations go hand in hand with a particular emotional state, so if one leaves work stressed, frustrated, or anxious, one is going to continue uninterrupted on that psychological path unless one proactively does something to change the mood. You can do this in healthy or unhealthy ways. Consuming chemicals or cupcakes can make people feel better, but probably are not ideal as long-term mood enhancers. Instead, Shallard suggests exercising, eating healthy food, listening to good music, or any kind of emotional input that will change the tracks one is operating on. “Sometimes, the problem will just vanish, even temporarily, and give us
respite,” he says. “Then maybe in the better state we will find a solution that we could not have because those mental resources were not available to us in the negative, stressed, anxious state of mind.” Do not talk about the problems It can be particularly easy for people who work with a significant other to bring work issues home. Help to set rules about how much talking about work can be done at home. Though debriefing during dinner can be OK, talking about work problems reactivates the negative emotions associated with them. “It is actually serving to throw that person straight back into the same neurological state that they were in all day,” he says. Get outside perspective Whether he or she is a coach, therapist, or mentor, getting regular input and advice from someone outside the situation can be remarkably freeing. “Sometimes, having a weekly coaching session or just something to kind of anticipate really serves as a powerful container,” Shallard says.
ECONOMIC THEORIES Efficient market hypothesis These days finance seems to be the central issue in economics. But traditionally it was given attention once economists had developed theories to explain how the ‘real’ economy works. For a broad array of believers in the free market, financial markets hypothesis. This is more or less an adaptation of general equilibrium theory. It assumes that in a financial market, such as Wall Street, the
prices of traded assets-in the case stocks and bonds-already reflects all existing knowledge about them. Because of that, it is virtually impossible for any investor to consistently make gains by speculating on the prices of these assets. This is because until new information alters the value of an asset, no one will really know how its price will evolve. That means that only luck can
help you when speculating, or indeed possession of insider information, which is forbidden by law. The efficient market hypothesis had circulated among economics for many decades Eugene Fama at Chicago gave a standard version of it. It was the main theory for analysing financial markets until 1990s, when financial volatility and ‘irrational exuberance’ became the norm in finance.
CEOConfidential
Sunday, July 6, 2014
updates Compiled by Dan Udechukwu
20%
Estimated percentage by which Angola, Africa’s third largest diamond producer, is set to increase production this year.
Technology
Microsoft launches intellectual property hub for innovators
$25m
Worth of hotel Kenya’s Imperial Bank owners have partnered with Tune Hotels Group, a Malaysia-based hotel chain, to construct in Nairobi, Kenya.
$146m
Microsoft has launched the Microsoft 4Afrika intellectual property (IP) Hub to give local developers and independent software vendors in Africa the required tools to develop, protect and monetise their innovations. Microsoft said it designed the online IP Hub through its 4Afrika initiative to play a critical role in empowering African start-ups and innovators and help them monetise their innovations and ideas while availing them the opportunity to make and establish connections with the right investors. The initiative will flagged off in Kenya and will be in operation for two years before launching in other countries on the continent. It will be managed by the local government who will streamline and digitise the process of IP registration and educate young innovators on the importance of having IP protection.
15%
Percentage rise in the cost of petrol in Cameroon last Tuesday as Cameroonian government cut some of its costly fuel subsidies.
Telecel Zimbabwe losing millions of dollars to networking hacking
Zimbabwe mobile phone giant, Telecel Zimbabwe says it is losing millions of US dollars annually due to hacking of its network by international criminals. “There is prevalence of traffic refilling where unlicensed people who have devices are taking traffic from international calls outside the country and bring it to Zimbabwe and transfer it to our network such that it appears as local Telecel calls, ” Telecel Zimbabwe Angeline Vere told the country’s parliament.
Finance
Stanbic Bank Ghana introduces Diaspora Mortgage facility
Stanbic Bank has launched a Diaspora Mortgage product for Ghanaians living abroad, allowing them the opportunity to obtain mortgage loans for local housing development. The product is the first of its kind and could be used for equity release and buy-to-let purposes, with the bank providing up to Amount South African 90 per cent mortgage in some cases. hospital group, Mediclinic According to the bank, the new product offers lower interest International, said it had rates, greater flexibility, a safer and secure investment opportunity as well as a more cost effective means of keeping acquired Clinique La up with mortgage repayments. Colline (La Colline). Stanbic Bank’s Home Loans Officer, Ms Anna Owusu-Sekyere explained that there are no restrictions to accessing the product as long as the customer’s income can support the repayment schedule.
Public transport in Kenya is going cashless as buses switch to new electronic fare payments. From now on, the country’s famously chaotic matatus, the minivans and buses that are used widely by Kenyan commuters, have been instructed to change to the new system.
JP Morgan boss Jamie Dimon says he will continue to run the firm despite being diagnosed with curable throat cancer.
QUAD-WRANGLE
Telecommunication
UK data regulator probes Facebook over psychological experiment
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) in the UK is investigating whether Facebook Inc broke data protection laws when it allowed researchers to conduct a psychological experiment on users of the social network, the Financial Times reported. The data regulator is probing the experiment and plans to ask Facebook questions, the newspaper reported. It was too early to tell exactly what part of the law Facebook may have infringed, the FT quoted a spokesperson for the ICO as saying.
Technology
Microsoft, Cojengo develop app for African livestock healthcare Cojengo, a technology company based in Scotland has partnered with Microsoft and its 4Afrika initiative to develop a mobile app that will allow Vets and farmers in East Africa diagnose livestock disease and provide suitable drugs for farm animals. The VetAfrica app, which is designed as a decision support system for proficient farmers, animal health workers and veterinary professionals, gives users diagnostic advice on animal diseases as well as the most effective drugs for the ailment.
City search
Can you unscramble the letters to find ten world cities?
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=C2 plus D2. 2. A2=a third of B3. 3. A3=either D1 minus C3 or D1 plus C3. 4. A4=C1 times B3. 5. B1=either A1 minus C2 or A1 divided by C3. 6. B2=D2 divided by C1. 7. B3=either 11 or 12. 8. B4=B1 plus C1.
47
Last week’s solutions QUAD-WRANGLE 1. 2.
9. C1=either B3 times A2 or B3 minus A2. 10. C2=either A4 minus D3 or A4 minus D2. 11. C3=D1 minus C2. 12. C4=either B2 times C1 or B2 times D2. 13. D1=D3 minus B4. 14. D2=either half of D4 or half of A4. 15. D3=C4 minus a quarter of D2. 16. D4=A2 times B3.
Name of world cities: 1. B A D U P S E T 2. B E H I N D R U G 3. S T U B N A I L 4. O K T O Y 5. M A D M A S T E R 6. O P E N C H A N G E 7. L O W G A G S 8. R E A L B A C O N 9. S A W W A R 10. S H I N L I K E
3. 4.
All the numbers are whole numbers (intro), so A4=35 and C4=7 (clues 4 and 12). B2=28 (6). No two numbers are the same (intro), so D1=21 (13). A3=56 (3). D3=91 (15). B3=63 (7). A1=42 (1). D4=49 (16). C1=77 (9). C3=98 (11). D2=70 (14). B1=6 (5). B4=27 (8). A2=48 (2). C2=54 (2).
European cities 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
AMSTERDAM BUDAPEST BARCELONA LONDON MILAN
6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
BRUSSELS PARIS GLASGOW NAPLES VENICE
48 CEOConfidential
updates Compiled by Dan Udechukwu
Sunday, July 6, 2014
133%
40
Percentage rise in the pre-tax profit of SevenUp Bottling Company in the year to March 31.
Number of phone engineers SLOT system Nigeria, an indigenous telecom, says its new outfit in Aba has capacity to train annually.
ENERGY
Nigeria oil production rebounds to 2.15 mbpd in June
Nigeria’s crude oil production rose by 200,000 barrels a day to 2.15 million in June, a Bloomberg survey of Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) producers showed. The gain in Nigeria was the second-biggest in the survey and the highest output since September. Figures for Africa’s biggest producer are volatile because of unrest and theft in the Niger River delta, the main oil-producing region. Production by the 12-member OPEC rose by 278,000 barrels a day to 30.223 million, according to the survey of oil companies, producers and analysts. OPEC ministers kept their output target unchanged at 30 million barrels a day on June 11 in Vienna. The group next meets on November 27. Oil prices have remained elevated as output dipped by over 400,000 barrels a day in Iraq, due to turmoil in the country. Brent crude for August settlement dropped 94 cents, or 0.8 per cent on Monday, to close at $112.36 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange.
TECHNOLOGY
Low private sector confidence stalls $6bn local software industry
Widespread skepticism about the competence of locally developed solutions, especially amongst companies in the country’s major sectors, is hindering the development of Nigeria’s indigenous software market, industry insiders have said.
$3bn Worth of the two refineries the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), the umbrella body of oil marketers in Nigeria is set to construct in the country.
The software industry is potentially a $6 billion industry, and with the federal government earnestly seeking to diversify its economy from oil, according to them, the local software market could have a transformative impact in terms of contribution to GDP. Industry insiders are of the view that the indigenous software developers have the capacity to deliver quality and innovative software solutions that can drive the processes of critical sectors of the economy, and have been doing so.
ENERGY
Oando extends completion of ConocoPhillips acquisition to July end
One of Africa’s leading indigenous exploration and production Companies, Oando Energy Resources Inc. (OER) will not complete its acquisition of the Nigerian Upstream Oil and Gas Business of ConocoPhillips until July 31, 2014, the company has announced. OER said in a statement that the companies have agreed to extend the date for the completion of the proposed acquisition. The closing date for the completion of the ConocoPhillips acquisition was extended, according to the parties, to enable Value of money the Royal them finalise activities required to complete the transaction. Dutch Shell has offered One of such is an approval by Nigeria’s minister of petroleum to compensate Nigeria’s resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke, which has just been Bodo community for two obtained from the petroleum ministry. oil spills that destroyed the livelihood of INSURANCE Fishermen in 2008.
$51m
The federal government has disclosed its intention to come out with a financial instrument that will guarantee single-digit interest rate for investors.
With the desire to offer naturally well fermented wine to consumers, Intercontinental Distillers Limited, maker of the prominent Chelsea London Dry Gin and Squadron Dark Run, has introduced into the market Chapeau Red Wine.
Mansard Insurance gets NAICOM approval on micro insurance products
Underwriting firm, Mansard Insurance plc, has secured approval of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to roll out micro insurance products in Nigeria, becoming one of the first to get this approval after the guideline was released in November 2013. Micro insurance products are insurance products designed to be appropriate for the low-income market in relation to cost, policy terms, coverage and delivery mechanism. NAICOM classifies micro-insurance policies to cover little risks and therefore, exclude special risks like motor insurance (except tricycles and motorcycles), professional indemnity and other pecuniary risks with sums insured higher than N1m.
ENERGY
Mobil confirms oil spill in operational base
Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPN), operator of the NNPC/ MPN joint venture, has confirmed a liquid release from its Qua Iboe terminal facility last Sunday, June 29, 2014 following serious weather conditions and lightning strikes over the area. It, however, said it is doing everything to contain it. According to the company, when the incident happened it immediately activated its emergency response systems and contained the release.
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR SEMINAR
CONFERENCE
CONFERENCE
Banking & Mobile Money West Africa Accra, Ghana; July 9-10, 2014
International Congress On Business And Economic Research Abuja, Nigeria; July 7-9, 2014
International Conference On Turning the Knowledge of Science into Development Covenant University, Ogun State; July 8-11, 2014
Now entering its sixth year as the region’s leading banking forum, AITEC Banking & Mobile Banking West Africa 2013 will address the key issues faced by the region’s increasingly dynamic financial services sector. African banks have a great challenge in overcoming their heritage of colonial banking, which was designed to cater primarily for government, corporate and high-worth individuals.
The International Congress On Business And Economic Research, organised by the Mediterranean Centre of Social and Educational Research will take place on the above date at the above venue. The conference will cover areas like accounting, advertising management, and many more.
The International Conference On Turning the Knowledge of Science into Development, organised by the Covenant University will take place on the above date. It promises to be an interesting event.
WHERE TO BUY/ ABUJA A-Z 49
Sunday, July 6, 2014
What to buy July is here again! It is the month that ushers us into the second half of the year. It calls for celebration indeed. In this week’s edition, I bring you some of the best gifts you can get for yourself or your loved ones, to make the rest of the year delightful to everyone around you.
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Editor’s Picks 1. SAMSUNG GALAXY GEAR FIT- Samsung Gear
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Fit equips you with instant notifications of emails, SMS, incoming calls, and 3rd party apps to keep you connected. It also has heart rate monitor and water resistance. Available at Samsung Service Center Plot 34, Aminu Kano Crecent, Wuse II, Abuja, Nigeria. OLYMPUS SP-100EE-World’s first red dot laser sight camera. It features 50x optical zoom and image stabilization, track distant subjects and shoot without recomposing the shot. Whether you’re zooming in on a faraway subject or a moving object, dot sight framing assist makes sure you always have a target on the subject and get the precise photo you want, without weighing you down. Available at Gadget and More, ground floor Silverbed Galleria. SAMSUN GALAXY S5- 16 MP Camera shoots 30fps 4K video. The camera has evolved to give clearer and faster snaps. The Samsung Galaxy S5 can be defined by one word: evolution. A fingerprint scanner adds to the most secure Galaxy phone ever made. Available at Samsung Service Center Plot 34, Aminu Kano Crecent, Wuse II, Abuja, Nigeria LACIE FUEL- The LaCie Fuel is a central storage tank for your multimedia library, so you don’t need to load up all your gadgets with movies and music before you hit the road. The portable wireless hard drive, allows you take all your content with you, ten hour battery life, 0.3kg weight and Wi-Fi hotspot for up to five devices. Can life be easier? Available at Gadget and More, ground floor Silverbed Galleria. LINE 6 AMPLIFI- Combination guitar amp, Bluetooth speaker. 75W/ 150W of power, tone controls and a wide frequency range. Download and edit your sounds via the app. Gadget and More, available at ground floor Silverbed Galleria. EMPORIA SMART- A smartphone for senior citizens. Basic specs but look of touches simply the experience such as emergency call system, hidden menus and physical buttons.
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50 ABUJA A-Z
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Night Life In The Capital City STORY: CHYLA DUL
Mean time louge
Cubana Lounge
Nightlife in Abuja is vibrant, explosive and chaotic. Wherever you find yourself, you are sure to get caught up in the infectious rhythms and beats of the various clubs, bars, garden, lounges, life band music and loads of entertainment centres the capital city has to offer whether you are after a sophisticated evening with a cocktail or an all-night party. Unlike about a decade ago, Abuja nightlife has done a 360 degree turn for the better thanks to the sprouting up of all the new entertainment and fun places that have been springing up. If you are just looking for an evening to chill out, there are loads of gardens, parks and recreational centres sprinkled around Abuja that serve delicious fresh fish, barbequed on order and various cold drinks. One of the best gardens situated in the Maitama district of Abuja is called Circles Garden. Situated on Aguyi Ironsi near the Maitama General Hospital, people from all walks of life patronise Circles Garden where relaxation is at its best in a serene and secure environment. One can always find an array of local dishes, grilled fish, chicken and beef on offer. Fish dishes, including the popular “point and kill” fish pepper soup are readily available. Bukola, a Circles Garden patron says, “I always love to be at Circles Garden. I especially enjoy their fish which is really spicy, nicely prepared and combined with chips.” And if you are seeking a deep clubbing session, check out places like the Subterranean Lounge in the Asokoro District where the crowd is elite, hip and young The Kryxtal Lounge is one of the
more popular Abuja hot spots. Located in the commercial hub of the city Wuse 2, it is heavily favoured by the Abuja club goers. Some other renowned clubs are the Safari nightclub located in the Transcorp Hilton Hotel and regularly attended by expatriates and Nigerians alike. Beer Barn is a barn style liquor and sport bar located in Wuse 2, Abuja. They stock the best of foreign and local beer brands. The bar caters for people of different ages and taste. You may decide to sit in the beautifully furnished lounge or sit out in the balcony with a nice view of the beautiful city. Melvin, a patron says, “Beer Barn not only provides you with a good selection of beer brands from around the world, they also give you good music courtesy of the in-house DJ, nice cocktail, finger foods at the pool table and they also have television sets strategically located in the bar. You can watch your favourite team play with friends over a bottle of beer.” Play Lounge is located at Ademola Adetokumbo Crescent, Abuja. It is a night club with a lounge and event hall. At Play Lounge, there is never a dull moment as they have activities lined up from mid-week till the end of the week. They are also known for their annual black and white theme and pool parties. Tucano Bar and Grill is located in the highbrow area of Maitama, Abuja. Tucano is a restaurant and lounge bar, that has fantastic ambience and outdoor setting which gives dining and clubbing a new definition. Away from the usual air conditioned tight room, you can club and still have a panoramic view of nighttime in Abuja and they are opened any day of the week.
MY ABUJA
Abdul Momoh BUSINESS MAN
Abuja is the capital of Nigeria and it is one of the fastest growing cities in Nigeria. When I came to Abuja few years ago with my parents, the city was not very developed. But over the years, there has been a massive change. Abuja is now well developed. There are new buildings everywhere and more structures are springing up everywhere. Each day, we see a new project, a new hospital, a new shopping complex or remodeling of major roads and streets taking place. Another striking thing about the town is that it is a land of opportunities. Abuja is a city where you can become prosperous, if you are hard working. Given the fact that the city is still developing, there are several business opportunities unemployed people can venture into. Most importantly, there are several relaxation centers where one can go to and unwind. Abuja has several world-class clubs, and beautiful gardens people can visit and unwind after a hard day at work. In fact, at the rate Abuja is developing, I believe that in the nearest future the entertainment centres we have in the city, will be able to compete with the ones we have in the UK and Dubai.
LISTINGS/ABUJA A-Z 51
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Listings AIRLINES
SPOTLIGHT
Airlines, Resturants
Austrian Airlines enjoy an outstanding reputation in the market as quality airlines. In 2013, the airline group defended its leading role in Europe, again recording the greatest number of passengers and the highest revenue of any European airline. Ground Floor Transcorp Hilton Shehu Shagari Way, Maitama, Abuja
AERO CONTRACTORS Aero, West Africa’s 51 years old Aviation Company is well respected aviation service provider in scheduled commercial and helicopter offshore oil and gas sector operation. Aero is uniquely placed in the Nigerian market to offer both rotary and fixed wing KLM ROYAL DUTCH AIRLINES services to the highest KLM is one of the leading international standards of airlines with a vision to be at safety. Currently the fastest the front of the industry by growing Nigerian carrier being smarter than the rest. By passenger, Aero is focused merging with Air France KLM on bringing customers has come to occupy a leading world class aviation services position in the international with affordable fares, quality airline industry. KLM wants on-board services, good to be the customers’ first customer relations with choice, to be an attractive effective online services and employer for its staff and, a operational competence. company that grows profitably Transcorp Hilton Hotel, for its shareholders. With 1 ,Aguiyi Ironsi Street, smart partnerships and Maitama, pioneering new destinations, KLM offers global access AIR FRANCE through its extensive Air Franc is one of the leading network. By responding to airlines operating in market opportunities and Nigeria. Formally technological developments, Société Air France, S.A, KLM offers customers a and stylised as Air France, contemporary product. the French flag carrier Sheraton Hotel & Towers Shopping has its headquarters in Arcade, Zone 4 Wuse, Abuja Tremblay-en-France, north of Paris. It is a subsidiary ARIK AIR of the Air France-KLM Arik Air is a wholly-owned Group and a founding Nigerian airline with a member of the SkyTeam commitment to the people global airline alliance. As of Nigeria to deliver new of 2013 Air France serves standards in aviation. The 36 destinations in France Arik brand is synonymous and operates worldwide with efficiency, customerscheduled passenger commitment, adherence to and cargo services to aviation polices & standards 168 destinations in 93 and an avant-garde in providing countries including overseas quality aviation services. departments and territories The airline was founded in of France. The Abuja 2002 as the vision of Sir booking office is located at Arumemi-Ikhide, a leading Suite 15-17 Shopping Centre and well-respected Nigerian Plot 264 off Ahmadu Bello businessman who understood Way Garki ll, Abuja that if business was to succeed, there needed to be efficiency LUFTHANSA GROUP and quality of service. The arik The Lufthansa Group is an line is specific about safety. aviation group with global The airline takes great care in operations and a total of the safety of their guests and almost 500 subsidiaries colleagues by going above and and associated companies. beyond all compulsory safety It consists of five business precautions and regulations. segments, which encompass Transcorp Hilton Hotel, 1 ,Aguiyi the areas of passenger Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja transportation, airfreight and airline services: BRITISH AIRWAYS Passenger Airline Group, British Airways is a full service Logistics, MRO, Catering global airline, offering and IT Services. All of the year-round low fares with business segments occupy an extensive global route a leading position in their network flying to and from sectors and in some cases centrally-located airports. are the global market The airline began operation leaders. in 1972. British Airways (BA) The airlines constitute the is the flag carrier airline of core business segment the United Kingdom and its of the Lufthansa Group. largest airline based on fleet Lufthansa Passenger size, international flights and Airlines, SWISS and
international destinations. 1, Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Ist Floor, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Maitama, Abuja, Nigeria. SINONI RESTURANT
RESTURANTS Sinoni Restaurant is a superb restaurant located in the center of Abuja that provides exquisite Chinese and oriental cuisines to meet the taste of their customers. The restaurant is furnished with state of the art dining rooms that makes diners feel at home. The restaurant has private dining rooms for private and group dinners. At Sinoni restaurant, dishes are prepared by very experienced and professional Chinese chefs from Mainland China. They also offer out door catering services. Sinoni restaurant is opened from 12 Noon to 12 Midnight. Zeto Court, Oshogbo Close, Off Emeka Anyaoku Street, Area 11 OCEAN 11 Ocean 11 Seafood is a fine restaurant in the heart of Abuja, which deals on seafood. The restaurant has some appetizing seafood such as prawns, lobsters, crabs, salmon, croaker, catfish, snails, tilapia, fillet and mackerel made African style, on their menu. Their seafood are served with side dishes such as fried rice, noodles, roasted plantain etc. Ocean 11 is structured to meet and exceed the needs of their customers with the uniqueness that each one deserves. Ocean 11 Restruant believes in promoting healthy dieting, in view of this, they sell healthy foods such as their wide variety of seafood and healthy smoothies. Also on sale in the restaurant is seafood wrap similar to Shawarma, club sandwich, seafood salad and fruits platters. 135 Ademola Adetokunbo Crescent Wuse 2. HUNGRYMAN RESTURANT The Hungryman Restaurant started off in Owerri few years back, as a one woman business. Driven by passion for excellence and desire to offer her customers quality African cusines in a pleasing environment, today the restaurant has grown into a fine restaurant with an outlet in Abuja. The restaurant has over the years endeared its customers to with their quality continental and African dishes delivered fresh on A la Carte basis. Hungry man raised its bar by opening a 5- star standard restaurant outlet in Abuja, which offers healthy dishes in an ambience of comfort and relaxation. 24, Durban Street, OffAdemola Adetokuno Crescent
Papillon Restaurant Surrounded with greenery, beautiful flowers and an exquisite water fountain, Papillon Restaurant situated in Sheraton hotel Abuja is the ideal place for dinning. You can enjoy full breakfast, lunch and dinner from a variety of both international and traditional Nigerian dishes, wine, soft music, and impeccable service Ladi Kwali Way, Sheraton Abuja, Abuja
SPOTLIGHT
Signature Spa Signature Spa, combines the latest tecniques in skincare and body treatment with the use of quality products. The spa offers several packages to their customers. These packages are: The great escape, sugar and spice, simple pleasures, the great escape deluxe, couple’s special, ultimate escape, birthday 38 Lingu Crescent Off Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse II , Abuja package Alex Ekwueme Way, Jabi
52 ABUJA A-Z/LISTINGS
SPOTLIGHT
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Listings AIRLINES
Reiz Continental Hotel Reiz Continental Hotel is a hospitality brand that offers luxuriously furnished accommodation which includes executive suites, business suites and standard suites. The hotel is situated in a serene environment at the heart of Central Business District of Abuja. It is one minute’s walk from National Defence College (NDC), two minutes’ walk from Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Tower (Head Quarters), three minutes’ walk from Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Headquarters, two minutes’ drive from International Conference Centre (ICC), Three minutes’ drive from Federal Secretariat, Five minutes’ Drive from the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock and about thirty minutes’ drive from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. Plot 779, Cadastral Zone AO, Central Business District, Garki, Abuja,
SPOTLIGHT
Hawthorn Suites Hawthorn Suites offers modern conveniences and easy access to the best restaurants, shops and capital-area attractions. Tourists in Abuja can settle in the spacious suites available in the hotel, including a two bedroom suite and kitchenette loft. Need to work out? The hotel has a state of the art fitness center, where guests can have a nice work out. The hotel also has amenities that add up to a comfortable stay, including a microwave, refrigerator and 32-inch TV. Guests at the hotel also have access to a free Wi-Fi to stay connected from their rooms, and start off each day with a free hot breakfast buffet. The guest can also work out in the fitness center and unwind in the outdoor pool. Airport and local shuttle service as well as a 24-hour restaurant are also available at the hotel. Two bedroom suites and kitchenette lofts are available. Uke St, Abuja , Nigeria
SETERACO Setraco Nigeria Limited is a leading engineering company with a vision to touch the lives of all Nigerians positively by completing much needed infrastructure development in their region. The construction company was established in 1977 and over the years the company has rapidly grown to become one of the largest construction companies in Nigeria specialized in roads and bridges. Setraco ensures that all projects are successfully completed to specification and in line with the company’s sense of responsibility towards its Clients and host communities. It is the company’s belief that the success achieved by the company is a result of the management’s attention towards community relations, customer satisfaction, supplier relations and employee motivation. Seteraco’s vision is to build on its reputation and continue executing projects across Nigeria, in the hope of being able to touch the lives of all Nigerians positively by completing much needed infrastructure development in their region. Plot 526, Shehu Yar’Adua Way Kado District Abuja JULIUS BERGER Julius Berger is a Nigerian company offering integrated construction solutions and related services. The company’s value system is built on the belief that the company’s duty, apart from delivering the highest quality standards in work, is to support and advance the development of its staff, host communities and the country of Nigeria itself. The company’s business is built on the strategy of having vertically integrated operations,
Construction companies
which improve efficiency project types including but and timeliness of project not limited to Commercial execution. Additionally, Real Estate, Health subsidiaries support Facilities and Residences. Julius Berger’s ability to The construction company offer a complete range is committed to taking of construction related advantage of modern services. Julius Berger technology as well as holds itself accountable adopting an integrated for being honest, fair and approach which combines respectful in all aspects of the best in architectural its business, and operates in and engineering practice a zero tolerance atmosphere to resolving design and for any actions that could building issues aims be perceived as contrary to to deliver quality with these values. the highest standard of Head Office: 10 Shettima A. professionalism within the Munguno Crescent | 900 108 nation and beyond. Utako | Abuja FCT No 17, Parakou Cresent, Off Aminu Kano Cresent, Wuse 2, ARAB CONTRACTORS Abuja FCT The Arab Contractors is one Nigeria. of the leading construction companies in the Middle GITTO COSTRUZIONI East and Africa, committed GENERALI NIGERIA to providing high standards LIMITED services and products that Gitto Costruzioni Generali are fit for purpose. Its Nigeria Limited is a young 77,000 employees work and dynamic company in collaboration with its that is swift in taking esteemed customers, decisions and rapid in the partners, and suppliers in execution of commissions. more than 29 countries. Equipment and technology The Arab Contractor’s are always in the van of experience covers a the higher standards of wide spectrum of the quality, efficiency, industrial construction industry safety and respect for the and its ancillary services environment. The Company include public buildings, aims for the development bridges, roads, tunnels, of the potential, creativity, airports, housing, water energy and enthusiasm and sewage projects, water of a youthful staff, which, treatment plants, power supported by experienced stations, dams, hospitals, and skilful managers, sports building, restoration represent the driving force of monuments, irrigation, of the organisation. The producing ready to mix team has the capability concrete, ship building, to adapt itself to the electromechanical projects, unceasing evolution which engineering consultancy characterises the field of etc. civil engineering. 89 Alfagyum Street Wuse Zone The Company was founded 3 Abuja in 2002 with over 95% owned by the renowned EL-MANSUR ATELIER Civil Engineering Company, GROUP Italy which has been in El-Mansur Atelier Group existence since 1957. is an AEC (architecture, Within this short time engineering and span, the Gitto Costruzioni construction) company (in Generali Nigeria Ltd has Nigeria with international over 26 project sites with an affiliations) with a estimated value of $1billion commitment to providing within Nigeria. The growth bespoke design and of the Company is achieved construction services. The through increased volume construction is currently of business, qualified staff, working on its fourth enlargement of the fleet of airport project in Bayelsa vehicles and equipment and State of Nigeria and has the acquisition of vanguard also been involved in the technologies. successful delivery of other Plot 737 Mabushi Abuja. F.C.T
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Sunday, July 6, 2014
business
Central Bank o f Nigeria (CBN) Headquarters, Abuja . PHOTO BY Ajetunblogspot.com
Thrills, Challenges As Nigeria Goes Cashless This huge amount involved in cash servicing... formed part of the basis for the cash-lite economy being initiated by the apex bank that took off with a pilot stage in Lagos in 2012 and extended to other states last year
On Tuesday, July 1, 2014, Nigeria fully went live on the cash-lite policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) which places a limit on the amount of cash that is taken out of banks. BUKOLA IDOWU, writes on the implementation of the cashless banking policy across the 36 State and FCT The Apex Bank policy also opens up numerous options for Nigerians to transact business without the use of the physical cash. Not only is the move expected to reduce the amount being spent on cash handling, it is also expected to engender financial inclusion. Basically, the cash-less economy policy was designed to promote financial intermediation, financial inclusion, minimise revenue leakages and thus increase internally generated revenue, reduce incidences of robbery and also reduce
the amount of cash payment while encouraging electronic payments. Why Go Cashless In 2012, the CBN had estimated that over N192 billion was being spent annually on cash handling and management in the country, an amount that the regulator, the banks and their customers had to pay for a cash-based economy. The apex bank had in 2010 commissioned a study along with the bankers bank to identify possible ways to enhance
service delivery in the financial sector by reducing the industry cost to serve as well as institutionalise operational efficiency amongst banks and the study revealed amongst others, high cash usage in the economy and the attendant high cost implication in the financial value chain. As a cash-based economy, a rising volume and value of currency-in-circulation (CIC) will lead to a continuous increase in the cost of cash management and according to the CBN with retail and commercial payments primarily made in cash, the cash transactions represent over 99 per cent of customer activity in banks. The statistics from the study revealed that about 86 per cent of in-branch bank cash withdrawals are less than N100,000 in value, while less than 10 per cent of transactions are more than N100,000. But only 10 per cent of branch cash transactions are above N150,000 and make up 86 per cent of the volume of cash handled. This means that about 90 per cent of bank customers end up paying for servicing the cash of a minority 10 per cent who actually move the larger chunk of cash in the banking halls. It was also observed that high cost structures of banks were responsible for poor lending. This huge amount involved in cash servicing had kept on growing year-by-year and this
formed part of the basis for the cash-lite economy being initiated by the apex bank that took off with a pilot stage in Lagos in 2012 and extended to other states last year. According to the CBN, the policy is an arrow that will hit three main targets of significantly reducing the huge costs of handling cash and thus allow banks have more funds to lend out to the real sector. The cash-lite arrow is also expected to help establish a payment system that will instigate an economic growth and help attain Nigeria’s vision 20:2020 and lastly, with more cash within the banking sector, the apex bank’s monetary policies will be more effective. How It Works With the cash-lite policy, individual customers are allowed to make cumulative withdrawal of N500,000 daily across the counters and the ATM, however withdrawal above this limit will attract the payment of a processing fee of three per cent for the amount above the limit. Also corporate customers are allowed to make cumulative withdrawal of N3 million daily while withdrawal above the limit will attract a processing fee of five per cent. Although initially, deposits above the stated limits attracted similar charges, but the new ➔
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Sunday, July 6, 2014
Thrills, Challenges As Nigeria Goes Cashless ➔ CONTINUEd from PAGE
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CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele as part of efforts to further encourage the policy had recently scraped the charges on withdrawal. Emefiele in his maiden speech where he unveiled his vision for the finance industry, had mentioned customers’s complaints on the charges on deposits which had made many devise means to avoid the charges such as opening multiple account, a move which he described as detrimental to the cashless policy. Consequently, he had directed that all charges on deposits be stopped with immediate effect, while charges on withdrawals in view of their elimination will remain sustained at the current three per cent for individual transactions exceeding N500,000 and five per cent for corporate transactions exceeding N3 million. Also, the CBN has suspended the charges on withdrawals in the 30 states which would be experiencing the cashless policy newly. This means that withdrawal charges will continue to apply to transactions above the specified limits in Abia, Anambra, Lagos, Ogun, Kano, Rivers States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). With this, charges on withdrawals for both individual and corporate account holders will only take effect in the 30 States from July 1, 2015, to allow residents in the 30 states get accustomed to the policy.
As electronic banking continues to gain popularity on the back of the cashless policy, electronic fraud has also upped its tempo, with many unsuspecting bank customers falling victim to the fraudsters
What Other Means of Payment Since the commencement of the pilot stage in Lagos in 2012, many Lagosians as well as residents of the six other states, the Federal Capital Territory, Abia, Anambra, Kano, Ogun and Rivers states where the second phase kicked off, have made use of other channels of payment with many more making less use of cash for transactions. With the policy in place, mobile banking which allows individuals to send and receive money via their mobile phones have continued to gain popularity. Likewise many stores now possess point of sale (PoS) terminals which allows customers pay for goods and services using their ATM cards. Aside these, banks have continued to introduce various channels outside the banking halls that would not require cash handling and have continued to encourage their customers to make use of the various electronic means of payment. Cashless Success So Far Data from the FSR had revealed that a total of N80.35
Jonathan
Okonjo-Iweala
Emefiele
trillion passed through the ebanking channels during the first half of 2013 in 188.09 million transactions. Mobile payment system which is yet to be very popular and reach its optimum use, recorded the most improvement with 258.6 and 103 per cent increase in volume and value of transactions done on the channel when compared with what was done in the first half of 2012. The volume and value of mobile payments increased during the review period to 5,982 million and N51.79 billion, from
1,668 million and N25.50 billion, respectively, in the second half of 2012. The apex bank attributed the significant rise in the number of mobile payment operators, as well as improved public awareness in the use of mobile banking services. Data on various e-payment channels for the period under review indicated that ATMs remained the most patronised, accounting for 93.31 per cent, followed by mobile payments with 4.08 per cent and POS terminals, 1.85 per cent. The Internet was the least patronised, accounting for only 0.76 per cent. In value terms, ATMs accounted for 91.42 per cent; mobile payments, 3.68 per cent; POS, 3.43 per cent while the internet accounted for 1.47 per cent. Whilst the number of ATMs stood at 11,702 at end-June 2013 as against the revised figure of 10,727 at end-December 2012, reflecting an increase of 9.09 percent, the volume of ATM transactions decreased by 30.6 per cent to 136.663 million during the first half of 2013, from 196.995 million in the second half of 2012. Also, the value of transactions rose to N1.286 trillion at end-June 2013, from N1.046 trillion in the second half of 2012, showing an increase of 22.9 per cent. The cash-lite policy of the CBN also had greater impact on the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) Instant Payment (NIP) as the volume and value done on the channel rose to 5.924 million and N4.178 trillion at endJune 2013, from 3.293 million and N2.872 trillion respectively, at end-December 2012, reflecting increases of 79.90 and 45.46 per cent, respectively, in volume and value, respectively. Likewise, the volume and value of cheques cleared increased to 21.096 million and N11.492 trillion at end-June 2013 from, 18.988 million and N9.653 trillion as at December 2012, reflecting increases of 11.10 and 19.05 per cent, respectively. The volume of points of sale (PoS) transactions increased by 64.4 per cent to 3.207 million in the first half of 2013, compared with 1.951 million in the second half of 2012. Similarly, the value rose by 53.0 per cent to N57.2 billion over the level recorded in the preceding half year. The increase in volume and value was due to sustained public awareness and acceptance of its usage. POS deployment in the country has so far increased from over 5,000 in 2012 to 153,167 as at April 2014. “POS recorded transactions were 1,624,564 valued at N24 billion transactions in the month of April 2014 compared to 3, 197 trans-
actions valued at N99 million in January 2012. He added that 14 mobile money operators out of 20 licensed operators have gone commercial and account for 28,090 transactions valued at 596,173,990 in April 2014 and more payment terminal service providers (PTSPs) have been licensed to facilitate the positioning of POS’s for merchants who have indicated interest to their banks. The volume of web-based transactions in the first half of 2013 was 1.108 million, indicating a decline of 5.9 per cent, compared with 1.178 million in the second half of 2012. However, the value rose by 13.1 per cent to N20.7 billion, from N18.3 billion in the preceding period. The fall in volume was due to users’ preference for other payment channels. Challenges However, like all good things, the cashless policy also has its own challenges, some of which are currently being addressed. First on the list is the issue of security. As electronic banking continues to gain popularity on the back of the cashless policy, electronic fraud has also upped its tempo with many unsuspecting bank customers falling victim to the fraudsters. Unauthorized withdrawals from ATM have continued to be on the increase, even as fraudsters hack into the online banking platform to dupe bank customers. Aside this is the infrastructural challenges which apply to many of the channels as well as the charges that customers incur. Not all ATMs in the country function optimally and some are mostly without network frustrating bank customers who want to make withdrawals. This also applies to the POS terminals as many times the customer is forced to pay cash when network is down. For mobile money, inadequate capital and the poor infrastructure facility are major obstacles yet to be surmounted. According to the director Banking and Payments System Department of the CBN, Dipo Fatokun mobile money operators have inadequate capital having spent more on agent network, marketing amongst others than they budgeted for at the beginning, adding that this had led to inadequate agent network in the country. Noting that currently the country has about 65,000 agents, he said “there is a difficulty in reaching the unbanked especially in remote areas as agents are not available. Apart from being concentrated at the urban areas at the moment, the agents are grossly inadequate.”
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news
L-R: Deputy Director -general of International Atomic Energy Council (IAEC), Mr Kwanu Aning; minister of power Prof. Chinedu Nebo, and minister of state for power Muhammad Wakil when the IAEC delegation visited the power ministry in Abuja recently. PHOTO BY REMI AKUNLEYAN
UBA Customers To Get Notifications On Twitter By Bukola Idowu, Lagos
Customers of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc will now have notifications on their account transactions sent to their Twitter message box in addition to the text message and email alerts that already exist. The bank announced this in a statement made available to LEADERSHIP Sunday, saying that customers will now have the option of receiving transaction alerts in their Twitter direct messages inbox. Before now customers can only receive transaction alerts as text messages on their mobile phones and as e-mails, this is the first time any bank in Nigeria will offer customers a third option of receiving their transaction alerts via their twitter handle.
The bank said the Twitter Notification Service will not replace the current SMS alerts system in place for all of the bank’s customers, but will complement it for added convenience for all those who subscribe to the service. According to UBA’s director, Information Technology, Rasheed Adegoke, “Twitter is increasingly becoming a popular means of communication especially among the young adults. As a highly innovative bank, we are giving the Millennials, who are increasingly banking with us an option to get transaction alerts on their preferred platform.” UBA customers seeking to receive twitter powered transaction alerts through their twitter account should visit the UBA Group website or the
UBA twitter page to register. On the UBA Group website, customers will be requested to; click on the Twitter notification service page; enter their account number; click on submit. By following the displayed instructions to log into their personal account and enabling access, the customers can sign on to this service seamlessly. The alerts will only be seen by the customer, since it goes into his or her direct message box, just like an SMS message going to a phone. The introduction of this service reinforces UBA’s growing presence and engagement with its numerous customers on social media. UBA has been acknowledged as one of Nigeria’s leading banks in the social media space.
Forte Oil’s Stock Rises By 115% in 6 Months By Olushola Bello, Lagos
High demand for the shares of Forte Oil Plc lifted its price at the stock market by 115.35 per cent in six months. The company, whose share price opened the year at N92.87, witnessed a rally to N200 as at June 30, 2014 rising to N259. Market operators have said that high demand for the shares of Forte Oil, which propelled the rise in share price, was induced by the prospects they have seen in the company. Yesterday, the company joined the league of high priced stocks following the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) review of the prices of stocks, as part of plans to improve liquidity and market deepening. A development, market operators described as a testament to the fundamentals and strong growth potential of the energy company. The head, market operations of the NSE, Mr Ade Ewuosho confirmed, “way back, to move the price of any stock upwards or downwards, the brokers needed to have a volume of 50,000 shares and above. “However in September 2012, the NSE introduced a pilot pro-
gramme for its new market structure with the rollout of market making, where stockbrokers could move prices of some high priced stocks with 10,000 shares. These high priced stocks are securities that have traded an average of N100 or more per share in four out of the last six months period”. Justifying the inclusion of Forte Oil Plc in the High Priced Stocks, the bourse’s head of market surveillance, Mr Abimbola Babalola said a review of trading activities of the company in the last six months shows that the company met the criteria set by the exchange. According to Babalola, with this development, Forte Oil Plc has now become the 12th stock on the programme. We have observed that the prices of these High Priced Stocks have been rather stable with none falling below the N100 mark which is currently the benchmark. Forte Oil was recently included in the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Frontier Market 100 Index, which is a leading provider of investment decision support tools to over 6,000 clients worldwide, ranging from large pension plans to boutique hedge funds.
Nobel Carpet Thrills Customers With Unique Designs By Olayemi Sowunmi, Lagos
Lucky Fibers Nigeria Plc, manufacturers of Nigeria’s foremost carpets and rugs brand, Nobel Carpets has continued to ensure that nothing is spared in giving customers who have continued to throng the brand wow effect activation stands at the malls a wonderful opportunity to experience the beauty and texture of the new trendy rug designs. The on-going activation exercise which mainly holds during weekends in Lagos, commenced in April at Ikeja City Mall, followed by The Palms Lekki Shopping Mall, sees active brand ambassadors engaging and attending to customers enquiries at the stands. Since the commencement of the wow effect Mall activation which is also part of the company’s ground-breaking wow promo that kicked off in April, the Nobel Carpets stand at this separate locations have continued to witness a beehive of activities playing host to a multitude of customers who have come to check out the new designs while placing on-the-spot orders. Speaking at one of the stands,
the national sales manager , Nobel Carpet & Rugs, Mr Hemant Nahar explained the reason behind the wow effect Mall activation exercise, as he said, “rendering a service of utmost value is one passion we guard jealously and would spare no stone in ensuring that our growing customers are ultimately satisfied”. He continued, “It is often the little details of extra satisfaction you give customers that they recall and retain. Little details that they notice, makes them feel good about not only making a one off purchase, but also a memorable experience that makes them want to come back for a repeat purchase.” “That is why any request made at the stands, is treated with special attention, for example a customer who walks in to our stand to check out our designs and possibly places an order or indicates interest, eventually will enjoy the luxury of getting a call from us while having the chosen product delivered to his house. It doesn’t end there; he or she is also assisted in having the rugs professionally laid to his taste, in essence our representatives would continue to follow up until the customer is fully satisfied”.
Consat Vows To Break Cable TV Monopoly, Entrench Local Content By Chima Akwaja, Lagos
Cable television providers in the country are in for fierce competition with the launch of Continental Satellite Limited (Consat), an indigenous satellite television provider which has vowed to entrench local content programming for over 160 million Nigerians who have been deprived of watching satellite TV because of the high cost of ownership.
Consat is leveraging on global and reliable technology platform from Eutelsat to launch its channel cutting-edge satellite service to herald digital experience for Nigerian subscribers at a time Nigeria is joining the rest of the world to migrate from analogue to digital television transmission starting this month. Consat CEO, Mr Mayokun Okunola said they are focused on ensuring the growth of the Nigerian
entertainment industry by delivering the best in Nigerian culture, news, music, entertainment and lifestyle to a worldwide audience. He said the aim is to be the platform of choice by providing over 10 free channels for local and international content. Consat offers MPEG4 digital compression technology broadcasting of over 55 channels with a view to reaching 100 channels in 2015. Okunola said “Content is key to
this industry. Our investment cannot be fully maximised if new providers are not able to air compelling and relevant content. It would be an unfair start. There is a prevalence of exclusivity that is steering this industry in the wrong direction. These issues need to be discussed by the stakeholders; regulators and other content providers in the industry so that we can find an amicable solution. We need a fair start.”
“Nigerians have come to expect diversity in terms of what they watch and listen to. We are a nation that attracts the attention of people around the world; content providers like us are expected to provide the best in information and entertainment content that showcases why Nigeria is so important to the world. CONSAT will definitely resonate with viewers, especially working professionals seeking international exposure,” Okunola stressed.
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Sunday, July 6, 2014
Bauchi State In The Face Of Unending Insurgency Terrorism and insurgent activities in Bauchi State seem to have been on the rise in recent times. Obed Minchakpu writes on current security trends in the state
wounds.” The armed men stormed the town of Misau on the night of Wednesday, April 16 and attempted the attack but as already mentioned spirited efforts by soldiers and the police aborted the attack. Spate of kidnapping On March 3, a member of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, representing Lame constituency, Yusufu Nuhu, was kidnapped by unknown gunmen in his house in Zalau village in Toro LGA. The lawmaker was held in captivity for 11 days before he was eventually released. A day before the kidnapping of the lawmaker on Sunday, March 2, some unknown gunmen ambushed a local government health team in Dayi Village of Tauya ward in Darazo LGA of Bauchi State, taking hostage one of the health workers, Ali Garba while two others in the team, Ubaya Mallam Dayi and Hauwa Garba, escaped with injuries. Ali Garba eventually escaped from his captors days after he was kidnapped. A month afterwards, unknown gunmen kidnapped a popular businessman in the state, Alhaji Manu Soro in Soro town of the state. The businessman was kidnapped on Saturday, March 29, 2014, at about 8:10pm as he left a mosque close to his house after evening prayers. Alhaji Manu Soro regained his freedom on Saturday, April 5, 2014, at about 7am after being held captive for one week. Soro town was again in the news on April 15, when some gunmen snatched a UN vehicle killing one person in the process. The gunmen made away with three vehicles and killed one Bose Bappa Kari. The police in Bauchi while confirming the incident said: “On April 15, 2014 at about 5pm, unknown gunmen numbering about 20 stormed Soro town in Ganjuwa LGA of Bauchi and snatched three vehicles which include a white Hilux with Reg. No. 206 UN 139 belonging to the United Nations, a white Toyota Hilux belonging to BATV Bauchi with Reg. No. 04C04 BA, and another yet to be identified vehicle, all stolen at gunpoint.” Soro town has become a hotbed for gunmen as apart from the kidnapping and car snatching. Unknown gunmen also attacked the Soro town police station and burned it down. The station has remained in that dilapidated state without police personnel since then.
A
bomb blast occurred on Friday night, June 27, 2014, in Bauchi, the Bauchi State capital killing at least 10 persons and injuring 14 others. This is the second time that such an attack was carried out in the Bayan Gari area of the city of Bauchi. Prior to that Friday night bomb attack, there have been series of security breaches across the state. These security challenges have manifested in different forms, ranging from terror attacks to kidnapping and from armed robberies to ritual killings, among others. With this sad development, questions that are being asked by the residents of the state are: Is Bauchi State sliding into a state of anarchy? Will the state soon become one of the North east states overwhelmed with terrorism? And what is the way out of this quagmire? In February, the Bauchi State police commissioner, Mohammed Ladan, while speaking at a public function organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for political stakeholders in Bauchi State, observed that the people of the state were law abiding citizens and that Bauchi state was rated as one of the very few in the country that were peaceful. The police commissioner however, warned at the time that because of the problem of insecurity in three states in the North east geo-political zone, there is the likelihood that the effect of the insurgency could force some criminal minds in these states to relocate to Bauchi State and this could result in increase in crimes in the state. Mohammed had sternly warned that, “The population of Bauchi State is increasing and this may portend increase in crime. So, be watchful and inform the police appropriately.” This appears to indicate that this police officer is indeed an expert in criminology, as recent increase in crime related attacks in the state have confirmed the fears expressed by the police boss. A brief review of security breaches in state in the past five months would highlight the quagmire in which the people of Bauchi State have now found themselves. Incessant attacks Unknown gunmen in the early hours of Sunday, April 20, 2014, attacked the town of Yana in Shira LGA of Bauchi State, where
Yuguda
they destroyed buildings at the Government Secondary School and Police Barracks and also destroyed communication masts of many telecommunication firms. They also broke into First Bank. A month before the Yana town attack by these gunmen, the Misau-Kari road was blocked by yet a group of unknown gunmen. The blockage led to exchange of gunfire between the gunmen and soldiers and as a result, there was pandemonium in the town on Misau as residents in the town fled their homes while students at the College of Islamic and Legal Studies and those of the faculty of law of the Bauchi State University were thrown into confusion as many of them sustained injuries as they scampered for safety. Provost of A. D. Rufa’i College for Legal and Islamic Studies, Misau, Dr Mustapha Isa Qasim, while speaking with LEADERSHIP Sunday about the incident said: “There was a robbery at about 11pm on the night of March 10 at a point between Misau town and Kari. Soldiers on patrol received distress calls and this forced them to rush to the spot where the robbery occurred. They exchanged gunfire with the robbers as the soldiers tried to clear the road. “Sounds of gunshots between the soldiers and the robbers on that road caused panic not only in the Islamic college but also in Misau town, forcing our students to scamper for safety. About 13 students sustained injuries as they tried to escape from the school out fear”. A month after this incident, armed men again attempted to unleash terror on Misau town but they were repelled by security agents. The Bauchi State PPRO, DSP Haruna Mohammed, had told Leadership at the time that: “Combined security forces comprising the police and the military who were on red alert engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun battle and many escaped with bullet
We must all intensify our prayers so that Bauchi State and this nation will experience peace
Police advisory Disturbed about the prevailing state of insecurity, the Bauchi State police command issued an advisory to the residents of the state advising them to be cautious of happenings around them. In a statement issued on Wednesday, March 30, 2014, the police said recent spate of kidnapping, attacks on public institutions and robberies in the state, have forced them to issue the ad-
visory in order to curtail such occurrences in the future. It appears that despite police warnings and the efforts being made by security agencies to curtail these security challenges, the insurgents and their collaborators are bent on pushing Bauchi State into a state of chaos and anarchy. What is to be done? The spate of attacks in Bauchi State has become so disturbing that fears are being expressed by the people of the state that if nothing is done, and urgently too, to contain these incessant and unabated attacks threatening the very existence of the people, this could force the state into anarchy and extinction. Proprietor, Al-Ameen Hospital, Bauchi, Dr Yusufu Abdu Misau, believed that a major contributory factor to the problem of insecurity in the state has to do with unemployment. The way out of the quagmire he says, is the creation of employment opportunities and empowerment of the people. “There is need for government to address social injustice to create opportunities for middle and low income social class citizens to be able to live above waters. Youth unemployment is high as well as poor social infrastructure and social support. There is need for government policy that will empower the private sector to be able to contribute more to the socioeconomic development of the state,” Dr Misau said in an interview with LEADERSHIP Sunday in Bauchi. On his part, Rev Elisha Samson of the ECWA Goodnews Church, Bauchi, told LEADERSHIP Sunday that the spate of bombings, attacks and kidnapping in Bauchi State are not a good omen as he believed the state was under the firm grip of evil forces. “This is not a good development and this may be the beginning of the birth pains talked about in the Bible. We are calling on all Christians in the state and across the nation to pray for the peace of Bauchi State and the country. We must all intensify our prayers so that Bauchi State and this nation will experience peace,” the pastor added. Also, Harsanu Yunusa Guyaba, from Kirfi local government area, believed that by the mere fact that Bauchi State is at the brink of becoming one of the three north eastern states under state of emergency, concerted efforts must be made by all stakeholders in order to arrest the situation. “A meeting of all stakeholders should be convened as a matter of urgency to discuss and advance solutions to the insecurity that is ravaging the state,” Guyaba said. It is hoped that the concerns expressed by these noble men in Bauchi State would draw the attention of the good people of the state to the fact that there is the need for all to form a united front and embark on the war against insurgency and other sundry crimes in the state.
FEATURE 57
Sunday, July 6, 2014 Despite the condition of our moribund industries, the federal government through the ministry of agriculture announced its plan to ban importation of food items into the country. Investigation by LEADERSHIP Sunday revealed that since the federal government disclosed its intention to ban the food items, there has been 30 to 50 per cent marginal increase in the prices of commodities as against the initial price before the ban. It was also discovered that 50kg of Mama Gold rice that was sold for N8500 in 2012 has risen to as high as N12, 000 and above while a big bag of stockfish that was also sold for N180, 000 in 2012 has increased to N250, 000 in 2014. The prices of these items would keep increasing as long as the country cannot grow enough food to feed its populace not to talk of exporting to other countries. Though the initiative was targeted at encouraging local manufacturers to market their products better, since the country is still battling to feed the over 160 million citizens, most Nigerians are of the view that the federal government is proceeding in error.
The challenge ahead of the federal government is to call the Chinese government to order and possibly sanction importers bringing in substandard goods into the country because that is an act of greed and corruption
Traders Regret A cross section of traders who spoke with LEADERSHIP Sunday regretted that the ban may cause food crisis in Nigeria saying that most traders that imported the banned items have had their goods worth millions of naira confiscated by custom officers. Mr Ikenna Obiekwe, a trader at Utako market who deals in foodstuffs such as rice, beans, garri and among others, said that since the federal government publicly announced the ban on importation of certain food items into the country that the traders were forced to jerk the prices so as to cover up for expenses incurred from custom officers and transportation. “I can boldly tell you that after the federal government made known their plans to ban importation of food items that importers were forced to increase the prices of such commodities so that they can cover their transportation cost and expenses incurred from Custom officials while bringing the items into the country. According to him, “For instance in 2012, a 50kg Mama Gold rice was sold at the cost of N85,00 but the same quantity of rice is now sold for N12, 500 due to the ban. How can a nation that is still grappling to provide for its citizens place a ban on importation of food when there are few industries and farmers producing as well as processing these food items. He suggested that the Ministry of Agriculture should provide farmers with soft loans that would improve farming activities and boost food production in the country. Another trader at Utako market, Mr Henry Udeme also sells semovita, semolina, wheat, rice and provisions also aligned with Obiekwe’s views. He maintained that the federal government should boost agricultural activities especially in the rural areas by making fertilisers and seedlings available at a highly subsidized
Front section of Wuse Market. PHOTO BY CHIKA OKEKE
How Ban On Food Importation Inflated Prices Of Commodities
The federal government’s plan to end importation of rice and other food items has continued to generate heated argument across the country. CHIKA OKEKE writes that the ban which has already inflated the prices of foodstuffs may lead to food crisis soon rates. “Since it’s the duty of farmers to produce and harvest enough food that can feed the nation, the federal government through the ministry of agriculture should do everything possible to encourage the farmers by providing enough seedlings and fertilizers at subsidized rates that will enhance agricultural activities”. Udeme noted that the ban would increase patronage of locally manufactured products adding that the ailing industries should be resuscitated to ensure food sufficiency before placing a ban on importation. “The idea to ban food importation is good because it will increase patronage of our locally manufactured products and producers will also make more money to take care of their immediate needs but my appeal is that the Federal government should resuscitate the ailing industries first before the ban. This can be done by ensuring that there is steady power supply because without electricity, the cost of doing business in Nigeria will be unbearable for owners of industries. On the inflated prices of foodstuffs, he stressed, “We calculate every cost incurred while trying to bring the goods into the country, and then spread it among the items so that we can make little profit. For Madam Dorcas Ejenebor, a trader at Wuse market; the federal government have taken a bold step by announcing the ban on importation of certain types of food because foreigners already have the mindset that Nigeria is a dumping ground for different types of rubbish. According to her, “Though the ban has affected our businesses greatly, we are still excited to hear that because business men import
all manner of rubbish inside the country in the name of foreign products since foreigners believe that Nigeria is a dumping ground. If we keep importing everything, how will we encourage local production?” Ejenebor who sells rice, stockfish and condiments regretted that despite efforts to distribute fertilisers and other agro-allied products to farmers at subsidized rates, such gestures were usually hijacked by middlemen as a result of corruption. “The greatest problem we are facing in this country is greed and corruption. This has also extended to the process of distribution of fertilisers and agro-allied products to farmers in the rural areas. How can representatives of government hijack the distribution of fertilisers while the farmers suffer to get these products? “Since the discovery of oil, youths are no longer interested in agriculture. Today, most farmers still use crude methods of agriculture to grow and nurture their seeds. I am appealing to the Ministry of Agriculture to change the perception of these youths by making farming implements available at a subsidized rate. This will go a long way in improving local production and reducing ban on importation of food items. Sanction Chinese Government Another trader at Kado fish market, Mrs Maria Ufot who sells frozen fish and meat was further upset about the attitude of Nigerian business men especially those importing from China insisting that the federal government should sanction them accordingly as well as caution Chinese government on poor quality products imported into Nigeria. She said, “If you go round big shopping malls and markets across
the states, you will find many substandard goods manufactured in China that may not be healthy for human consumption. The challenge ahead of the federal government is to call the Chinese government to order and possibly sanction importers bringing in substandard goods into the country because that is an act of greed and corruption”. Agric Ministry Responds A source at the ministry of agriculture who pleaded anonymity said that federal government didn’t ban the importation of rice, stock fish, ice fish and wheat but stressed that their plans was to regulate the importation of these items into the country. “Who told you that the federal government placed a ban on importation of these food items? There is no ban but what we are trying to do is to regulate the importation of food”. On why customs officers confiscate imported rice since it was not banned, he said, “They are smuggled rice but what the federal government has done is to review the rice policy and introduce sanity into the system. They (ministry of agriculture) are encouraging the production of rice through the growth enhancement programme. That is why they give farmers seeds and they pay 10 per cent for the price of seedlings and 50 per cent for the price of fertiliser as well as other agro-allied products. “Government also cleared the lands to make it easier for cultivation. They are also encouraging the private sector to establish machinery hiring companies where farmers can hire equipment at a reduced rate. Government is also establishing staple crops processing zones and has made it possible for farmers to access loans,” he concluded.
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e-train
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Nigeria’s Divas And Complicated Relationships Lately, husband snatching and divorce have become the trend in the Nigerian entertainment industry. In this piece, Patience Ivie Ihejirika recalls some cases of such that especially involved divas.
T
he entertainment industry in Nigeria is getting messed up with what many have described as decadence. The practice of Nigerian divas settling for a married man and becoming a second wife or husband snatching gradually becoming a syndrome in the industry. While some have attributed the trend to the influence of western culture, which is creeping into the industry, others see it as pride. Tiwa Savage Tiwatope Savage popularly known as Tiwa Savage, is one of the most celebrated Nigerian female artistes. When news of her romance with her manager, Tunji Balogun broke out, her fans were happy for her but the story changed soon after a woman in the United Kingdom came up with a claim that she was Teebillz’s wife and that she even had kids for him before he relocated to Nigeria. This reminded many of the case of Mercy Johnson, Ini Edo and others and the big question on the lips of their fans is how long is this going to continue? Even though it was later said that Teebillz had divorced the lady, the fact remains that he had been married. Mercy Johnson Mercy Johnson, one of the most attractive nollywood actresses, had a similar situation with that of Tiwa Savage. The moment the news of her wedding with Prince Odianosen Okojie broke out, a lady in U.S., Lovely Okojie, surfaced, claiming she was still married to Prince Odianosen and that she had two kids for him. She even accused Mercy Johnson of trying to destroy her home. In spite of the controversy, Mercy still went ahead and got married to the prince. Whether the prince, Odianose had divorced Lovely before marrying Mercy or not or whether he married her by his father’s wish or not, he cannot
Tiwa Savage
Funke Akindele
Mercy Johnson
Ini Edo
deny the fact that he had married her and that she had kids for him. Ini Edo Another nollywood diva, Ini Edo, also found herself in the same controversy. Her husband, Philip Ehiagwina, was also said to have been married to a lady called Ruth. So, when the news of her marriage with the American based business-
man broke out, Ruth accused Ini Edo of snatching her husband. In spite of the drama, nothing could stop Ini from saying “I do” to the man of her heart. Funke Akindele Funke Akindele, the comical actress, was enmeshed in a husband snatching scandal. It was reported that her husband had several baby mamas who had several children for him. Funke
was allegedly aware of it and yet welcomed him. Unfortunately, the marriage did not last. There are some other actresses who are also in this mess, like Mercy Aigbe and others. Who knows which among the remaining unmarried celebrities is going to be next? Nigerians can’t wait to witness a female celebrity wedding in Nigeria that would be void of claim from another woman.
sunday e-train 59
Sunday, July 6, 2014
We Are Hungry For More Success – El-Phlex El-Phlex is one of the hip hop groups ruling the airwaves. The group, made up of two brothers, Adeniyi Emmanuel Ariyo and Oluaseun Ariyo, was nominated as promising singers in the Nigeria Entertainnment Awards. Their new video, Low Waist is getting massive airplay and the group is setting higher standards for themselves, as they plan to rule Nigeria and beyond with their brand of music. In this chat with SAMUEL ABULUDE, El-Phlex, who started since 2010 talk about their music and upcoming album, among other issues Congrats on your nomination in NEA, how do you feel and what does it mean to you?
It means so much to us. It shows we have been recognised as one of the rising stars and as a brand, while the music we do is being appreciated. We hope we get the Award. So if you get the award, how will it affect you?
Definitely, it will boost our musical career profile and also make us to work more to get more awards.
It is a contemporary song, it is somehow like an Afrobeat sound and it is a song that relates with everybody. We met a producer sometime back and he was playing a good beat with a guitarist and it sounded lovely. That was how it all started and before you know it we created something that went with the beat. Low Waist, is a contemporary song which people are dancing to right now. Which songs have you released?
We have been working hard. We are always trying to put out something good, something which will connect us to our fans. We just dropped a new single called Low Waist and hopefully, we will drop an album this year. It is an overdue album; we have gone on tours with a couple of other artistes, but finally we are ready to drop it. It will be out in the next couple of months, although, we are yet to decide on the date.
It is a growing process. Each single we drop is always better than the last one. From Jamalo ft Skales and Sheyman to Home & Away ft Reminisce and Low Waist, the acceptance has been very encouraging. All our videos and audio releases have been receiving massive airplay measuring with the amount of views on Internet and downloads on digital music marketing platforms. It fetched the El-phlex brand some positive recognitions, gigs performances and we are hoping for more success.
You recorded Low Waist recently, what inspired it?
What is unique about El-phlex and your songs?
What has El- Phlex been up to?
Is music your first love?
That was all we wanted to do, before our parents insisted we got back to school first and back to music after our graduation. What other things do you do apart from music?
Music is all we do, but one of us is a Disc Joker, DJ Elshawn, he is a professional DJ. What’s your take on the music industry?
The music industry in Nigeria has reached a point where everyone has a destination. As long as one does not allow the fame of others to be a source of concern and keep the hard work on, one will excel
El-Phlex
There is the uniqueness factor. We have been trying so hard to climb the ladder of success in the music industry and I can tell you that everything we have done till date is on point. We will entertain you with our kind of music which is Afro-pop and I also tell you that you will hear the message in it. Just like Amen which we dropped in 2010, it was our first official single and it had messages in it. It had content. It wasn’t just about booty, so you will always find something to like in any of our songs. When is your debut album dropping?
The Album, School of Thought, will be dropping this year. It will be featuring a whole lot of popular producers and artistes. Who are the other artistes on this album?
We worked with a lot of artistes such as Sheyman, Reminisce, Skales and we are still working on some international collaboration.
Please let us into your background?
We have been trying so hard to climb the ladder of success in the music industry and I can tell you that everything we have done till date is on point
We are siblings. Our names are Ariyo Oluwaseun, popularly known as ‘DJ Elshawn’ and Ariyo Adeniyi Emmanuel, known as ‘Phlexdenary’. We hail from Irepodun Iberekodo South LGA, Ogun State, Nigeria. I obtained a Diploma in Banking and Finance from Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, while my brother, Ariyo Adeniyi Emmanuel holds a degree in Sociology and Anthropology from the University of Benin. We are from a family of five. Which music and artiste influenced your growing up?
Over the years, we have been influenced by so many great artistes in Nigeria, and its has really built our music and brand. Artistes like 2face Idibia, D’Banj, P-Square, Ruggedman among others influenced our kind of music and our growing up.
I’m Setting A Standard In The Music Industry – Ruthex Fast rising music sensation Ruthex otherwise known as “Daughter Peace” because of her love for unity, peace and good music, has just dropped a peace song that is intended to unite the country. She speaks with ANTHONY ADA ABRAHAM A member of Grand Music Group (GMG), record label and a big figure in Nigerian Entertainment industry, Ruthex is coming up with a new single, Make we love. According to the young act,whose real name is Ruth Emmanuel, the objective of the song Make we love is to encourage people to embrace peace, talk about peace, and learn to show love for one another irrespective of cultural and religious differences particularly in Nigeria She said the new song is also to promote worldwide peace, cultural acceptance and understanding. A multi-talented entertainer with good sense of humour, and additional skills like dancing, acting and poetry, Ruthex is a final year student of Kogi State University (KSU) studying English. Ruthex is fresh in the game but not new in the music industry. She
has worked with several known artists like Dekumzy, Knight Jimmy and is currently working on a song with Sammy Gyang. When asked what she’s been up to, the petit lyrical act responded; “after the release of my Kpelenje single, I shot a video for the song. The video was shot in Lagos and directed by Dede Orji. But it didn’t turn out well, so I refused to release it. However, that didn’t stop me from focusing on my career because music is all I’ve always wanted to do. I, also released and produced a couple of songs in 2013,’ she explained. Ruthex also had a near-death experience at the EMAB plaza bomb blast and she explained how it all occurred ‘Looking at what is happening in our country, I decided to do a peace song. It’s not like it’s the first peace song I’m composing, but it’s the first am releasing. All I
Ruthex
want and which majority of us want is peace and that is what the song is preaching, peace and harmony. Though the song was composed and produced before the June 25 bomb blast in Banex, I was actually planing to release the song that same week. But for some personal reasons I deferred it to next week. She added that “I was very close to the bomb scene, I went out for shopping at park and shop, when the bomb exploded, it almost threw me off my feet, the whole area was in a mess, I thought it was an earth quake, we later drove out of the complex with my friend, the sce-
nario inspired me to release one of the songs I recorded, titled: Make we love. For how long she has been doing what she knows best in the industry she said ‘Professionally, I’ve been in the industry for four years but I’ve been working underground before then. The song Make we love was produced by T-stuff and she said that her future in the industry would be brighter and better than where she had gotten before. “I see myself at the peak of my career. I see myself as a role model. A multi-talented super diva. Also, I see myself in the near future as an international and well respected artiste.’ When a puncher was thrown at her on what difference she thinks her song could make in changing the mindset of youths who now think fame must be gotten at all cost, she preemptively and scrupulously responded that “standard is what she wants to set.” “I’m trying to set standard in the industry by preaching peace and unity through music unlike all other artistes that are strictly entertainers.”
60 KIDDIES
Sunday, July 6, 2014
kiddies kingdom
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE
BY CHIKA MEFOR
08156719304 (SMS ONLY)
The King’s Youngest Wife ➔ FROM LAST WEEK
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. Boni with the stolen baby was received with a lot of partying. The king was happy that he had finally gotten a male child to take the throne. He felt bad for his favourite wife, Amani whose child had (supposedly) died. He would have accepted any child God gives him from her. He comforted her, urging her to be patient that she would get a child of her own. The boy child was named Nunga. During his first birthday, he fell seriously ill. All efforts to get him better proved abortive. Everyone was confused as to what was wrong with him. The chief priest of the town, Agwo was consulted and he stated that the child must be returned to his real parent before he would be cured. “Real parent? But he is with his real parent,” the king que-
ried.” No, he is not,” the chief priest replied. Gandu came back and called his wives and told them what the chief priest had said. He asked Boni if the child was really hers and she insisted that it was. The king went back to the chief priest to tell him what happened in his palace. The chief priest told him to invite his peo-
ple at the village square the next day where the truth would be revealed. The next day, everybody gathered at the village square with keen interest and anticipation. The chief priest drew a line with white chalk and everyone was wondering about what was going to happen. He called on the king’s wives to step over the white line. The chief priest had told the king that the culprit would be revealed. The first wife did, so did the second and the third remaining Amani, Boni and the other wife. The other wife passed, including Amani. When Boni wanted to pass through the line, she fell down and started to confess her crime. She revealed that the baby boy was not hers but Amani’s. The King banished her from the village while the son who became well immediately was returned to his real mother. After, Boni’s episode, the people of Ganduwa lived happily ever after. Concluded.
PUZZLE
MAZE
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Andrew Michael Eghosa turned 5 on June 10, 2014. May God continue to bless and protect him. Kiddies Kingdom wishes him long life and God’s blessings.
Sunday, July 6, 2014
zonal watch
61
NIGER STATE KWARA STATE KOGI STATE BENUE STATE NASARAWA STATE PLATEAU STATE FCT ABUJA
KWARA: Govt To Overhaul Primary Education
KWARA: Ramadan: Pray For Nigeria’s Restoration, Saraki Urges Muslims
BY ABDULLAHI OLESIN, Ilorin
Pray for restoration of Nigeria and importantly a terror-free Nigeria
The chairman, senate committee on environment and ecology, Dr Bukola Saraki has urged Nigerian Muslims to use the opportunity of the month of Ramadan to pray for the res- Saraki toration of Nigeria. Saraki in a Ramadan message he personally signed urged Muslim faithful to pray for a terrorfree Nigeria. The statement reads in part: “I give thanks to Almighty Allah, the most beneficent and merciful; for keeping us alive and healthy to witness and partake in another month of Rama-
BY ABDULLAHI OLESIN, Ilorin
dan; the month of forgiveness, mercy and abundant blessings. “As we begin this holy month with Bizimillah, Insha Allah, we shall conclude it with Alhamdulillah! “I urge all muslim brothers and sisters to use the opportunity of this month’s divinity to get closer to Almighty Allah and seek renewal with Allah that will outlive the month of Ramadan; pray for restoration of Nigeria and importantly a terror-free Nigeria. “I wish all Muslims a successful month of holiness Insha Allah”.
The Kwara State government has announced its resolve to overhaul primary education in the state with a view to ensuring qualitative education at that level. The state commissioner for information and communications, Mr Tunji Moronfoye, stated this during an interview with LEADERSHIP Sunday in llorin. He said the restructuring would bring about the desired improvement on the dwindling standard of education at the basic level. He said the government will ensure that only competent hands with requisite qualifications teach at the primary school level in the
state. On infrastructural development, the commissioner said that in spite of seeming shortfalls in its allocation, government will not renege on its efforts to complete and initiate viable projects in the state. Moronfoye while restating the government’s commitment to the welfare of workers gave the assurance that the increment in salaries already being enjoyed by ministries and teachers in the state would also be extended to workers at government parastatals. He called for collaborative effort from Nigerians to curb terrorism, and appealed to Muslim faithful to use the Ramadan period to pray for the nation’s stability.
NASARAWA: College Of Agric Graduates 8,838
HEADS FROM THE ZONE
BY DONATUS NADI, Lafia
➔ The Kwara State Police Comand during the week discovered a criminal dungeon suspected to be hide-out of sellers of human parts along the Airport road, Ilorin
Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura shaking hands with the emir of Lafia, Alh (Dr) Isa Mustapha Agwai I, during the combined convocation ceremony of Nasarawa State College of Agriculture held in Lafia. PHOTO BY DONATUS NADI
KWARA: Godfatherism Impedes Sustainable Devt – Don
BY SAM EGWU, Lokoja
➔ The Kwara State government has announced its resolve to rejuvenate primary education to ensure qualitative teaching and learning in primary schools in the state
A law lecturer at the Kogi State University, Anyigba, Dr Olufemi Abifarin has identified god fatherism as the greatest obstacle to the socioeconomic and political development of the country. Abifarin made the observation while presenting a paper titled,“Democracy, godfatherism and the imperative of good governance in Nigeria” at a political summit in Arandun, Irepodun local govern-
ment area of Kwara State. He noted that godfathers have seized the sovereignty of the people which the constitution vested in them to freely elect their leaders, by imposing their cronies or godsons on them because of their economic power which has placed the godfathers in vantage positions to manipulate the political process. He averred that the interest of godfathers is inversely opposite to the interest of the people, adding that while the
latter voted in order to get democracy dividends by way of infrastructural development, the former imposed candidates so as to recover their financial investments. According to the don, since it is difficult, if not impossible, to completely eradicate the ugly trend, there is the need for the emergence of good, resourceful and ideologically sound as well as people-oriented godfathers to engender good governance in the country.
KOGI: Community Decries Deplorable Condition Of Road BY SAM EGWU, Lokoja
The people of Ichalla community in Ikah, Ankpa local government area of Kogi State have appealed to the state governor, Capt Idris Wada to urgently come to their aid as they may soon be cut off from the rest of the local government because of the poor condition of their road. Making the appeal at a press briefing in Lokoja , the leader of
the community, Dr Paul Akpa stated that in the last couple of years, due to the condition of the road, Ikah community has suffered neglect. He said the people who are mostly farmers have the products like rice, cassava and yam perished as there was no way to transport the products from hinterland. Akpa stressed that this is the only community in the state where is no state’s presence, even the local gov-
ernment has failed in its responsibility of ensuring that the people were carried along in all state and local government matters. He stated that being the birth place of the present governor, Capt Idris Ichalla Wada, the people of the community were supposed to feel the presence of the present administration, especially in road construction to link the people with their kinsmen outside.
Nasarawa State College of Agriculture, Lafia, has finally graduated a total of 8,838 after 15 years of anxious wait by the graduates. During its 20th-34th combined convocation ceremony, 705 were for certificate programme and 4,779 for national diploma programme while a total of 3,354 bagged higher national diploma certificates. The acting provost of the college, Associate Professor Mohammed Danlami Salihu, described the event as significant, adding that the graduates have fulfilled all the requirement for graduation in both learning and character. He explained that the ceremony was made possible by Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura’s resolve that all the state-owned tertiary institutions must conduct convocation for its graduates, stressing that the resolve was fortified with the release of funds to that effect. The provost commended the state government for the award of contract for the construction of two new 250-capacity hostel accommodations for students of the college and the release of funds to enhance the status of the college laboratories. He said the gesture has enhanced the accreditation visit to the college by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). Speaking at the occasion, Governor Tanko Al-Makura underscored the importance of colleges of agriculture and other institutions offering agricultural courses in the development of the economy maintained that such institutions remain the cornerstone for the realisation of mechanised agricultural goals. He restated his administration’s commitment to equip the state-owned institutions with necessary facilities and manpower for effective teaching and learning, noting that his administration has embarked on robust infrastructural development of the college for optimum productivity. The governor revealed that plans have reached advanced stage by his government to release two additional tractors to aid training, research and farm operations for the benefit of the students.
62 zonal watch (North-Central)
Sunday, July 6, 2014
news behind the news
News Behind The News A cross-section of members of the sect. PHOTO BY Abu Nmodu
Insurgency: Why Niger State Govt Sacked Nibrassiya Huda Group BY Abu Nmodu,
The members of the group did not resist the actions of the security officers, as they maintained that their practice and ways were peaceful
Minna
As Nigerians get wary of eccentric groups operating under the guise of religion, the Niger State government has again dislodged another Islamic group, Nibrassiya Huda Islamic group based in Lapai, Lapai local government area of the state. The dislodgement of the group came barely four years after the state government dislodged another Islamic group, Daru-salam in Bokani Mokwa local government area of the state for the same alleged eccentric and aberrational Islamic practice. Nibrassiya Huda has been operating since 2008, indoctrinating and building followers who now see Sheikh Mohammad Abubakar, the head of the group as their ultimate spiritual leader. The base of the group is in a forest around cheche, a suburb of Lapai near the state University in the town. LEADERSHIP Sunday investigation showed that the state government moved against the group because of the unfavourable security reports reaching it about the activities of its members. The sect members it was claimed include, some students from the University and other higher institutions in the state, as well as children, teenage, adult and the elderly ones who were deeply rooted on the belief of the group. Already it was gathered by LEADERSHIP Sunday that membership of the sect in their base has grown to no fewer than 300 and allegedly engaged in aberrational practices that further heighten the fears of the government. Consequently, a combined team of security officers in the state led by Lt. Col Adamu Yakubu stormed the base of the group on June 3, 2014 to dislodge the members residing there and destroyed the camp made up of over 30 thatched roof houses built with
straw. The team set up by the state government to dislodge and evacuate members of the sect out of the camp took all the members from the state to their local government areas and two members who were said to be indigene of Kwara State to their state. The members of the group did not resist the actions of the security officers, as they maintained that their practice and ways were peaceful and could not be linked with any thing capable of breaching the peace of the people. However, the government believes that the group’s teachings contravened conventional Islamic practice. The sect, under the leadership of Sheik Mohammed Abubakar, according to government report was allegedly at logger head with some members of the public and the Etsu Lapai, Alhaji Umar Bago Tafida, who accused the leader of the sect of teaching and propagating wrong doctrines that have no root in Islam. Members of the group were also accused of fomenting trouble, attacking people who do not share their views, engaging in promiscuous activities and forcefully conducting marriages and dissolving marriages at will, while members see other Muslims as not well informed about Islam like them. It was learnt that the situation was gradually getting out of hand thereby making the state government to revoke the certificate of occupancy of the land on which the camp was situated and even gave them two weeks ultimatum to vacate the camp in August 2013. It was also gathered that the development did not go down well with members who vowed to stay, leading to the government to set up the team to forcefully evict them. The Etsu Lapai, Engineer Umaru Bago Tafida who spoke to the
members before leaving his Emirate supported the action of the state government, noted that, “if no action was taking now, the sect will grow to become a terror that will consume all”. All efforts made by journalists to get the spiritual leader of the group, Mohammed Abubakar to state his own side of the issue proved abortive but referred journalists to the group’s spokesman, Sheik Yusuf Usman. Sheik Usman however denied all the allegations leveled against the group; saying that, the group had never engaged in anything that is anti-Islam. He insisted that the sect members have rather confined themselves to the teaching and propagation of Islam as stipulated by the Holy Quran. Usman distanced the group from the activities of Boko Haram, declaring that, “We have nothing to do with Boko Haram, we don’t share the same belief and have nothing in common. Boko Haram has no agenda but destruction while we are peaceful Islamic scholars and farmers”. He declared, “it is not a new thing for a prophet or messenger of Allah and those spreading the good words to the people to be persecuted but it is very unfortunate, we have explained extensively to the security agencies, we are Nigerians and Nigerlites, the Emir of Lapai and state government are aware of our presence here and we have C of O for this land we occupied here”. The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon. Idris Ndako Kpaki disclosed that the sect members were occupying the land illegally as the C of O has been revoked since last year August. Also speaking, the secretary of Lapai local government, Alhaji Mohammed Evuti said the government’s move against the sect members became imperative as the sect members were becoming security threat to the people and their activities were capable of breaching the peace of the area.
Boko Haram, A Product Of ‘Do Or Die’ Politics – Don By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin
A Professor of Biblical Studies, United Missionary Theological College of Africa (UMTCA), Ilorin, Michael Akangbe has opined that the activities of the Boko Haram insurgents stemmed from the ‘do or die’ politics of the elites. He also blamed the country’s current challenges on cultural, linguistic, religious and historical heterogeneity. Akangbe stated this while presenting a paper titled, “Essentials of managing national security,” at the third joint national conference of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin organised by the Institute of General Studies and the Institute of Finance Management Studies. “Politics has become more complex in our hands from local to national and global levels; it is now more than simple acquisition of power for the administration of men and materials. It has become a big time politics where all sorts of vices are employed to play. Politics is made up of series of promises not fulfilled, denials of previous statements made by leaders and blame games. “Religion has become a stormy petrel, a harbinger of evil and a source of insecurity in our hands. It has not become volatile alone, but also dicey and difficult to define and handle well. There can be as many streams as possible of a single religion without a clear understanding within their theological differences and ideologies. “When religion steps out of the domain of providing explanation to the mystery of the divine entering into human and co-exist peacefully, the end result is always chaos, catastrophe, maiming of people and outright killings in some cases or even war. In this regard, governments at all levels are to walk softly where angels are careful to walk at all otherwise we shall be having a big religious insecurity in our hands,” he submitted. The religious teacher added that, “Corruption is the major bane of our activities in this country. While there may be pocket of honest individuals here and there, corruption surely pervades almost every area of our economic and political spheres. In as much as it may be argued that corruption is a worldwide phenomenon, its high level in Nigeria has affected our development grossly.” He added that, “Like politics and religion, unemployment can become explosive and constitute a heavy security threats and Gordian knot on our hands. We need to handle with not an array of modern and sophisticated weapons but with great tact and wisdom of God before the bubble blows open.
Sunday, July 6, 2014
zonal watch (North-Central) 63
project report
The Nasarawa Peace And Reconciliation Summit
Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura (right) and the Emir of Lafia, Alhaji (Dr) Isa Mustapha Agwai I. PHOTO BY Donatus Nadi
BY Donatus Nadi, Lafia
Following repeated cases of violent communal clashes in the past two years, the Nasarawa State council of traditional rulers recently convened a security summit of all the major stakeholders to brainstorm on the remote and immediate reasons why vicious crises in the state have defied solutions despite government’s efforts to resolve the conflicts. Various stakeholders and interest groups at the summit who took turns to make their submissions were frank and blunt and were unanimous in calling on the state government to implement, in full spirit, recommendations of the Peace and Reconciliation Committee appointed by the traditional rulers. The chairman of the reconciliation committee, Alhaji Zakari Yakubu, in his remarks said until recently, the state remained largely peaceful where communities were tolerant, amiable and accommodating of one another notwithstanding differences in ethnic, religious, political and other persuasions. Lamenting the ugly turnout of events which has relegated the state to the doldrums, Yakubu said, “It is heart rending that barely two decades after the struggle to free ourselves of collective victimhood, suffering, neglect and denial, we could so abandon the spirit of togetherness and sense of community that knitted us together and made our struggle for emancipation cogent for the bait of hate, bigotry and acrimony”.
Yakubu, an elder statesman and veteran broadcaster, added that the summit was conceived by the Nasarawa State council of traditional rulers under the leadership of the Emir of Lafia, Alhaji Isa Mustapha Agwai to seek ways of healing the wounds of needless bloodshed that was visited on the state and to bring to an end mutual suspicion and distrust that has befallen the citizens of the state. The paramount rulers mandated the committee to interact with members of the various ethnic groups, religious bodies, cultural associations, youths and women bodies with a view to baring their minds on whatever misgivings they harbour or fears they entertain so that a lasting solution could be reached. He said the ethnic nomenclature of the state is such that no single ethnic group has the needed majority to guarantee the election of a governor, adding that producing a governor must be through a synergy of mutual respect, persuasion and other civil means of attaining political goals. Dr Iliya Bello who represented the Onyankpa kingdom, said one of the problems encouraging impunity is the seeming inability of the state government to prosecute perpetrators of criminalities which has further emboldened them to constantly challenge the constituted authority. He said the prevailing atmosphere where others take their religion more superior than others and act as if they alone have the divine mandate to rule over others is one of the prima-
ry reasons for frequent violent outbursts. In his remarks, representative of Panda chiefdom, BalaRex Ahmed II, stressed that desperation by politicians for power is responsible for the rising cases of politically motivated violence. He also lamented that smaller ethnic groups in the state are systematically being marginalised to the point of total exclusion by the larger one, especially when allocating public and political offices and other resources. As part of suggestions to prevent the reoccurrence of similar incidents, stakeholders blamed much of the killings in the past three years to rumours churned out through the social media, and the manipulations of politicians. They urged the youth to see the social media as an avenue for the promotion of peace and collective prosperity rather than a medium for inciting hate and mutual distrust. The district head of Wakama, Prince Peter Bala Angbazu, one of the five delegates from Nasarawa-Eggon local government said the youths have not used the instrumentality of the social media to develop their society, but have rather turned it into an instrument of spreading dangerous rumours, sparking violent reactions in the state. This is just as he said political leaders seeking to make political capital out of the crises, introduced ethnic hatred among the diverse ethnic groups, and turned them against each other in the bloody hostilities that killed hundreds in three years alone. Stakeholders at the summit
which included members of the various ethnic groups, religious bodies, cultural associations, youths and women bodies observed that the Eggon ethnic nationality has turned the state, which was once a bastion of peace “into a despicable theatre of rancour, foreboding, disquiet and communal strife in their effort to get one of theirs elected as governor of the state”. The paramount ruler of Obi local government, the Osuko of Obi, Alhaji Dangiwa Ogiri, who was represented by Musa Abdullahi, said the state government and citizens of the state are faced with the singular challenge of genuinely recognizing and accepting that these abominable and horrendous acts are halted quick enough, adding that government and community leaders must be truthful and fearless in their handling of the spiraling orgy of violence in the state. In his submission, the chairman of Lafia local government, Alhaji Ahmed Suleiman Wambai, blamed the recurring violent clashes in the state on politicians was full of admonition, adding that, “We know that the Eggon and Alago are the largest ethnic groups in the state but even their combined efforts cannot produce a governor for the state just as no single religion can”. Alhaji Adamu Oga, who represented the district head of Agbashi, condemned leaders in the state for shying away from the truth by refusing to prosecute those who have perpetually been accused of perpetrating violence in the state.
Desperation by politicians for power is responsible for the rising cases of politically motivated violence
64
for the record
Sunday, July 6, 2014
By femi fani-kayode
One day we shall return to our island and enjoy one last night of unrestrained pleasure and passion where our bodies, souls and spirits will be as one again
I sit in my study silently: headbowed, pensive and all alone on a pitch-black, cold and wet December night sometime in the distant past. It is after midnight, the guard dogs are on the prowl and have long been released, the wind is blowing fiercely and it is pouring with rain outside. What a fearful and stormy night this is: it feels as if the elemental forces have unleashed their full power against we mortals and all the occupants of the earth. Such a sad, angry and lonely night. Everyone in the house is fast asleep except for me. I sit back, meditate and reflect. My sadness almost overwhelms me as I think of the ugly events of the last few weeks and months. I ask myself, who was right and who was wrong? Where did the two of us go so badly wrong that we cannot even talk again or care to find out how one another are faring? Where did all the suspicion, bitterness and hurt suddenly spring from? Where did it all start and when did our love suddenly end? Is it possible for love to turn to such deep hatred overnight? Can three years of love, friendship, fellowship, special moments and trust be wiped away by three months of doubt, betrayal, acrimony, deceit and a frenzy of blind rage, harsh words and mutual suspicion. All these thoughts race through my mind as the tears silently run down my cheeks on this lonely and stormy night. My soul is deeply wounded and my spirit weeps and groans with pain. In truth my heart has been broken. Yes, I too can talk about “this heart of mine”. I too have a heart just like the one she often writes about in her short yet beautiful prose. And this heart of mine has been shattered into a thousand pieces. All appears to be lost and there seems to be no longer any reason to live. Then suddenly and out of the blue I remember St. Barts. That distant West Indian island where it all began many years ago. I remember the white sands, the deep blue sea, the peaceful and empty beaches where no other soul could be heard or seen for many miles around, the thousand stars that lit up the night, the bright and warm morning sun, the gentle breeze of the summer wind, the starchwhite seagulls hovering to and fro: that was the paradise called St. Barts. It was our island. It existed for just her and I. I remember
Fani-Kayode
The Princess Of The Delta And The God-ent Child the ecstasy that we both shared there. I remember the levels of passion that we attained. I remember how our souls touched with orgasmic pleasure. I remember that refreshing “La Vie En Rose” smile from this Princess of the Delta and this God-sent child. That smile that filled me with joy and made me throw back my head and roar with laughter. She brought passion, hope, strength and inspiration into my life. She ushered in a refreshing wave of blissful love and proved to me that I had every reason to live. We made love on that beach over and over again and the light blue sky, the deep blue sea, the beautiful white sand, the twinkling stars and the bright yellow sun of St. Barts bore witness to our conjugal nights and our sacred union. This is a memory that I shall never forget and it is one that I shall cherish
till the day that I die. The Lord may take La Vie En Rose away from me but He will never take away the joyous memories of our time together in St. Barts. Those memories alone wipe away the misery of this sad, lonely and stormy night. Those memories alone are the evidence of the love that we once shared. Those memories alone are what shall give me strength and keep me going until I find love again. Those memories alone are what will sustain me through the darkest hours of each lonely night. Those memories alone will give me the courage to move on and live my life without La Vie En Rose by my side. I love you, O God-sent child. I always will. And one day we shall return to St. Barts and have one more night of making love on that beautiful beach under the light of the moon and a thousand
stars. One day, we shall return to our island and enjoy one last night of unrestrained pleasure and passion where our bodies, souls and spirits will be as one again. One day, we shall return to our dream and on that day we shall look into each others eyes and once again roar with laughter as if we had no care in the world and as if there were no tomorrow. I thank God for the time we shared at St. Barts and I thank Him for the three beautiful, tumultus, tempestuous and delightful years that I spent with La Vie En Rose. She was vivacious, fresh and effervescent. She had more passion and drive than anyone that I had ever met. For her, the sky was the limit and no one could hold her down. She was wild and free. She was indeed the God-sent child. – Fani-Kayode is a former Aviation minister of Nigera
SPECIAL FEATURE 65
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Security guards conducting stop-and-search inspection at the entrance of Wuse market in Abuja. PHOTO BY CHIKA OKEKE
The Beefing Up Of Security In Abuja Markets Parks Following renewed threats by Boko Haram, to bomb markets and other vital places in the Federal Capital Territory, there is palpable fear among the residents who now find places like ordinary markets and motor parks a ‘no-go’ area. CHIKA OKEKE and Michael oche write that the fear has resulted in increased security surveillances in these public places
Our customers are now scared of coming to the market ... after the EMAB Plaza bomb blast which took people unaware, because they never expected that something like that would ever happen in Abuja
S
ince the deadly twin bomb blasts at Nyanya, a suburb in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the recent blast at EMAB Plaza along Aminu Kano Crescent in Abuja, there is increased tension in the once peaceful capital city. Investigations made by LEADERSHIP Sunday revealed that there are serious security lapses in some markets and motor-parks as neither closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras nor other bomb detecting machines are presently available in most of these places. However, despite these lapses, there is increased security presence along the streets leading to some of the markets, a situation that has led to persistent traffic jam on roads around some marketplaces, especially along the popular Wuse Market. It was also discovered that residents are now conducting their day-to-day activities in fear, while a good number of
them have decided to shun public gathering and other places like parks and garden. A cross-section of respondents who spoke with LEADERSHIP Sunday suggested that the security personnel should synergise to rid the country of all forms of insurgents’ attacks, even as they called on the FCT Administration to make effort at installing functional security gadgets at strategic places across the federal capital city. Garki Market At the popular Garki market, security guards were spotted conducting stop-and-search routines with their metal detector scanners on motorists before allowing them to drive into the market. Due to the presence of automated machines at the gates, motorists would also be required to place their pass card on the machine after undergoing security checks, and allowed to gain access inside the market. For customers and traders
on foot, they were searched thoroughly at the gate and compelled to pass through the entrance gate while entering the market, and follow the exit gate while leaving the market. Other security guards were also on ground inside the market to direct customers on how to park their vehicles at designated parking lots. Speaking on the security situation in the market, the chairman of the Electoral Committee in Garki Market, who is also a trader, Reverend Augustine Ugwu, complained that the market managers, Abuja Market Management Limited (AMML), had made little effort in securing the market, arguing that the security guards’ gadgets could hardly detect an explosive. “They have taken little additional step to beef up security in the market, but that is not the issue, because the people they deployed are not experts, and even if they see a bomb, they may not be able to detect it. So, they are supposed to recruit security experts that can detect explosive devices.” On how traders are contending with the security hiccups, he said, “The traders on their part are trying, because if you carry a bag to the market now, a trader must ask question and will want to know the content of the bag, unlike before where you will go to somebody’s shop and they will not ask question.” Though he believed that insurgency would phase out soon, Ugwu noted that since the insurgents’ attacks in Abuja, customers shopping in the market had reduced. “Our customers are now scared of coming to the market to patronise us, after the EMAB Plaza bomb blast which took people unaware, because they never expected that something like that would ever happen in Abuja, irrespective of adequate security and combined efforts
of police and other security agencies. We believe God that He will take control.” Ugwu, who is also the chairman of the Informal sector, appealed to the FCT minster, Bala Mohammed, whom he described as FCT landlord, to use his good offices to monitor the activities in Abuja, while further appealing to the market managers to install bomb detectors in line with global best practices. “I am appealing to the FCT minister, because he is the landlord of FCT, to tell the federal government to buy enough security gadgets that can detect possible attacks, so that people will be alerted while the security agents move to disperse the bomb before explosion. “Without installing bomb detectors, the issue of using manual gadgets to open and close the boot of a car is analogue system, but we are now in digital age. So, they have to adjust for something that is digital so that they will remedy the situation. I am appealing to the FCT minister to use his good office and solve the problem, not just in Garki market, but in other markets and plazas in the FCT,” he said. Wuse Market At the ever busy Wuse Market, LEADERSHIP Sunday noticed that the security officials have started conducting comprehensive stop-and-search checks with detector scanners on motorists before they are allowed to drive into the market. Customers and traders on foot, especially ladies, were searched thoroughly at the gate, while the contents of their bags would be revealed before they are allowed inside the market. There were also fewer cars parked at the parking lot, while the number of customers shopping in the market had reduced as at the time
66 SPECIAL FEATURE
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Abuja Markets, Motor-parks Beefing Up Security Against Insurgents’ Attack
A security guard conducting a stopand-search routine on vehicles at the entrance of Wuse market in Abuja.
LEADERSHIP Sunday visited the market. A trader at the market, Mr Alfred Obong, commended the facility’s managers for taking additional steps to improve the security situation, even as he expressed regrets that shops were burgled constantly without the private guards apprehending the suspects. “I want to commend AMML for taking additional steps in providing security in the market, but more efforts are needed to ensure that the market is well secured. Our biggest problem is that shops are burgled almost every time and nobody has been caught by the security guard. In fact, there is no security in Wuse Market. So, we are appealing to the FCT Administration to act fast because of its strategic location. “They can assist the traders by installing functional CCTV cameras and bomb detecting machines inside the market,” he said.
Don’t say motorparks are the target, because they are targeting everybody. Whenever I am in a hold-up now, I’m usually scared
NANTS Reaction The chairman of National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS), FCT chapter, Prince Edozie Ugwu, however, condemned the spate of bombings in public places by Boko Haram insurgents, saying that it has led to the death of innocent traders and the destruction of their hard-earned investments. NANTS, as the umbrella body of traders in Nigeria, intends to organise a solidarity programme in a bid to assist in the treatment and rehabilitation of the injured victims of the bomb blasts in Abuja. He said that NANTS has concluded plans to shut down all FCT markets and plazas for one day in honour of the gallant traders that lost their lives during the EMAB bomb blast in Abuja, noting that traders would sit-at-home while the mourning
exercise lasted. “The FCT chapter of NANTS shall set aside one day to honour the gallant traders who were killed while in active trading. On the said mourning day, all FCT traders shall sit-at-home, while markets and plazas are shut down,” he said. Ugwu further stressed that it was part of the resolution reached at an emergency meeting conveyed by the national president of NANTS, Barrister Ken Ukoha, with the executive members of NANTS. On the proposed day for the mourning, he said, “We are yet to agree on the exact date, but I can assure you that it will be soon.” While calling on security agencies to synergise and be proactive in tackling the security challenges, he was optimistic that the traders union would parley with relevant stakeholders on security of markets and plazas so as to prevent future occurrence. He further advised traders to remain calm, be law-abiding and go about their normal businesses, stressing that they should report any suspicious movements by unknown persons to security agencies. “Every trader should be more security-conscious now and report any suspicious movement, parking of cars or placing of bags by unknown persons to security agents close to them,” he concluded. At Motor-parks At the Life Camp/Jabi/Airport Road Motor-park, located at the Airport Junction, LEADERSHIP Sunday also observed that the park has already been fenced, while drivers barricaded the park with used tyres to prevent vehicles not used for commercial purposes from driving inside the park. At the Jabi Motor-park, touts were seen scouting for passengers, while security
officials were carrying out surveillance within the park. One of the chairmen at the Jabi Motor-park, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the insurgents were targeting everybody and not just motorparks, and frowned that efforts by the union to upgrade the park always met with stiff resistance by the government. “Don’t say motor-parks are the target, because they are targeting everybody. Whenever I am in a hold-up now, I’m usually scared. So, we pray that bad people will not remember this park. “We have been talking to the press for the past two years concerning the state of Jabi Motor-park, but nothing has changed. We want action first, so I don’t have anything to say to you,” he lamented. AMML’s Response When asked why the facility managers at Wuse and Garki markets were still finding it difficult to install security gadgets like bomb detectors inside the markets since the Nyanya bombings, the head, cooperate affairs department of Abuja Market Management Limited (AMML), Mr Innocent Amechina, said that a lot have been done to make the markets safer and more secured. “You may not immediately notice it as you go into the markets, but I can assure you that between Nyanya bombings and now, a lot has been done and is still being done to make the markets safer and more secured,” he assured. Apprehension In Suleja Following the state of insecurity in the country and several bomb attacks in churches, mosques and marketplaces across the country, residents of Suleja, an ancient town in Niger State close to the FCT, are now apprehensive and
have taken measures to ensure their safety, especially in places of worship, markets or schools. In most churches, during services, worshippers are not allowed to drive into church premises with their cars, while women are discouraged from coming to church with their handbags. Also, most churches now engage police officers who are stationed around the church to provide security during church services. Also, during Friday Jumat prayers, roads leading to mosques are barricaded, while vehicles and motorcycles are not allowed to drive through. The local vigilantes are deployed to some of the mosques to provide security and ensure worshippers are safe during prayers. As for schools, most private schools have ensured that their premises are fenced and security guards employed to ensure that nobody without authorisation is allowed into the school premises. A resident of Suleja, Sunday Okoye, said, “All these measures are important. We have heard of threats from these terrorists and nobody is safe. The only way is to be vigilant and ensure that we take security measures.” He stated further that, “the security people are doing their best, but we have to complement them. They can’t be everywhere. However, our prayer is that God will expose these evil men who take pleasure in killing innocent souls.” Another resident, Ijeoma Ifeanyi, said she has since stopped spending much time at the market. “I used to shop a lot, but since the bomb blast at EMAB Plaza and the messages that have been circulating about another plan to bomb an unknown place, I have stopped spending much time at the market. If I need something, I just go, get it, and return home quickly.”
Christian perspective 67
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Pastor W.F. Kumuyi The Study Of God’s Word info@deeperlifeonline.org
Laying Up Our Treasures In Heaven
Those who lay up treasures for themselves upon earth are thinking of their future on earth. Those who lay up treasures for themselves in heaven are thinking and planning for their future 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. The poor and the rich, the young and the old, all have treasures they can lay up either on earth or in heaven. The first part of Christ’s command teaches us not to lay or store our treasures on earth, and gives us the reason for the teaching. The second part instructs us where to lay or keep our treasures, and He gives us the reasons for the instruction. Those who lay up treasures for themselves upon earth are thinking of their future on earth. Those who lay up treasures for themselves in heaven are thinking and planning for their future in heaven. Both are thinking of
the future, but one is earthbound, while the other is heaven-bound. One is foolish, because his labour and treasures will perish with the earth; the other is wise, because his labour is eternally rewardable and his treasures are imperishable in heaven.
Temporal Things Termed Treasures On Earth Matthew 6:19-21; Genesis 43:19-23; Proverbs 15:16; 21:6; Ecclesiastes 2:8-10; Isaiah 30:6,7; Jeremiah 41:8; 48:7; 49:4; Acts 8:27; James 5:1-3; Hebrews 11:24-26. From the earliest of times, from the time of Jacob in Genesis, the term, treasure, had been identified with money. Other passages or references of Scripture identify treasure as riches, wealth, possession, produce of the farmer’s field for sale, profit or gain through labour, monetary reward of labour, silver and gold, gifts and inheritance. In ancient times, treasures also included clothes or changes of raiment as well as gold, silver, gems, lands and oil. It meant anything possessed which could be used to provide present and future comfort or convenience in life. Men often lay up these
treasures – money, earthly possessions – like Achan hid the “goodly Babylonish garment, and 200 shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of 50 shekels weight” or like the treasure of “goodly pearls of great price”... “hid in a field”. Here, our Lord cautions us and warns us against hoarding our money or other valuable possessions when there are needs to be met all around us. Laying up treasures for ourselves on earth is an evidence that our hope, faith and trust are in our wealth and riches. We must provide for the present and future needs of our family (2 Corinthians 12:14; 1 Timothy 5:8), but we must not put our hope or trust in riches (Job 31:24-28; Mark 10:24,25). Tragedy Of Laying Treasures On Earth Matthew 6:19; Ecclesiastes 5:10-15; 2:18-21; 1 Timothy 6:6-10; Luke 12:15-21; Jeremiah 51:13-18; Psalm 39:47; John 6:27; James 5:1-3; Job 31:24-28; Mark 10:17-27; 1 John 2:15-17. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal.” The self-
ish practice of laying up treasures or riches for ourselves only, without any regard to using our wealth for the good of our generation, the support of the Gospel, or the glory of God, is forbidden and condemned by Christ. Everyone of us is only a steward, to spend or dispense God’s treasure entrusted to us for the glory of God, the gospel of Christ, and the good of our fellow-men. The Lord has given us a three-fold reason for the divine precept not to lay treasures for ourselves on earth. Treasures laid up on earth are liable to destruction – can be eaten up by moths. There is also the inherent decay which pertains to all earthly things – treasures laid up on earth losing value because of rust, destruction or inflation. These earthly treasures laid up for many years can be stolen away or the owners can be taken away from the earth, leaving the treasures behind. “Then, whose shall those things be, which” are “laid up for many years”? Heaven is the only safe place in which to deposit or keep our treasures, riches and wealth. ➔ TO BE CONTINUED
Rev. Dr. M. Udochi Odikanwa Bold Before Christ www.therestorationlifeassemply.org udodikanwa@yahoo.com
Spiritual Maturity Spiritual maturity, the quality of thinking and behaving in a sensible adult manner towards the things of the spirit, is a fundamental moral fibre in the life of a believer. But the question is, how many believers are spiritually matured? One can be matured in his reasoning, age, academic prowess without understanding the things of the spirit. So, spiritual maturity is far beyond the number of days you have spent on earth, is about how too well you know, understand, believe and observe circumspectly, the things of God. The Bible says, a carnally-minded person cannot understand the things of
the spirit. One of the things that make you spiritually-matured is your ability to remain resolute and unyielding to fear of the weir of the devil. In the case of Saul and David in the Book of Samuel, though Saul was a king while David was still a bush boy, David was more matured; he understood the things of the spirit better. David, as a little boy, was able to remove the reproach that had lasted for a long time from his people. The Bible recorded that a giant called Goliath would always rise up every morning to intimidate the Israelites. But a little boy called Da-
vid refused to be intimidated by the size of the giant, but he focused on the size and power of Jesus; why because though he was a little boy but his spiritual maturity was the motivating factor behind his monumental and historic triumph over Goliath. 1 Samuel 17:1-50. Psychologically, David would have been demoralised, but he stood tall through the word of God. In spite of the fact that Saul later strived to kill David, David never revenged; no wonder the Bible says, it only takes a spiritually-minded person to understand the things of the spirit. 1 Samuel 24:5; now, it
happened afterward that David’s heart troubled him because he had cut Saul’s robe and he said to his men, “the Lord forbids that I should do this thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed.” David maintained his vow by blessing Nechibozec, the grandson of Saul. The skills that David acquired while rearing animals boosted his courage. So, whatever you are going through today is the special training God is giving you; it is for a purpose. When God finishes with you, you will become a resource person because your experience would always make you a guru.
It only takes a spirituallyminded person to understand the things of the spirit
68 Christian perspective/opinion
Public Officers’ Conducts Worthy Of Emulation
Brother Gbile Akanni Living Seed
Ada Stella Apiafi
trifect2000@yahoo.com +234 806 126 1907
Daniel: What Made Him Great (6)
G
od 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. “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 Congratulatory greeting cards were flying everywhere for all the successful candidates. Orientation programme was planned on campus for the new intakes ... Job opportunities were exhibited for them to choose carefully relevant courses in the university. They came to the cafeteria and were shown everything that they had free right to. Their identity cards were actually their meal tickets. It was always a buffet: take as much as you can; go as many times as you want. Order for any drink, assorted and of any brand, at the king’s expense. While they were being conducted through every of the university establishment for their benefit... Daniel was in another world. He was estranged from all the excitement. He saw a greater destiny than service in the king’s palace. He actually envisioned service with the King of kings and Lord of lords ... in the Shekinah glory. He saw a higher qualification of consecration and holiness to bear the mantle of divine service in God’s own court... Daniel reasoned with himself: “What shall it profit me if I load my system with these foods that defile and render my soul lean before God? What do I gain by building a plump physique, rounded handsome face, but with a battered weighed-down Spirit; with an obtuse heart that cannot fly high with God as an eagle? Who among these classmates of mine do I compete with, since they have no vision beyond this temporary palace?” He was cut off from the scene and possibly fell into a trance in his imaginations. He saw men
like Moses, like Elijah, Jeremiah etc, who spoke for God ... Isaiah flashed through his mind with the vision of God’s holiness ... He saw Samuel, the great intercessor pleading the cause of Israel. Noah was busy building an ark, and he saw Enoch who walked with God ... and then, an advert boldly written on the platter of gold, “... who shall I send and who shall go for us? Who will take their place in this Kingdom service? These all laboured to advance this eternal Kingdom: Which man will choose to be the next voice for God in this generation?” At this, a colleague tapped Daniel, saying, “Won’t you fill up your own form and sign so we can submit to the chief eunuch? Why aren’t you excited about all these goodies of the king at our disposal? You seem withdrawn ... Are you seeing something else? Are you hallucinating about the holocaust that routed out Jerusalem...? Forget about that. Relax and enjoy! This is our own turn and time to bask in the bliss of Babylon”. Daniel was jolted back to the reality of a necessary choice he must make; rose up as if he had seen what he must decidedly do now. He purposed in his heart, “I would not defile myself with all these meat and drink. I will not sign this form... I must explain my determined conviction to the chief eunuch! Though in this class, I am in another class. “I have a destiny to fulfil, which none of these knows about. For me and for the vacancy I desire to fill up for my generation in the King of kings’ palace, these foods and drinks would be a defilement. “Samson, an old hero who fell and became a ‘sport’ for the Philistines, was defiled when he began to eat these delicacies and to drink these assorted wines. I mean to do exploits for God and for His Kingdom; rather than do sports for Babylon. “I will not defile myself. I will not go the way of Samson,” he reasoned with himself. What are your own thoughts? As a man thinketh, so he is! Your thoughts may be the reason why you will become a great man in God’s purpose, or remain a nonentity. Give careful and prayerful thoughts to this matter.
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Samson, an old hero who fell and became a ‘sport’ for the Philistines, was defiled when he began to eat these delicacies and to drink these assorted wines
Two incidents occurred recently that showed us all that leadership can change the way we do things in this country, and within a short period. In fact, the entrenchment of a “new order”, in the way we carry out our respective assignments – at any level, or even in our individual businesses – could be much sooner than we can ever envisage. The history of elections in Nigeria is almost that of violence and rancour. Since the pre-independence days leading to the First Republic, the Second Republic, up to the aborted Third Republic, and now the Fourth Republic, election periods have been characterised by popular apprehension among citizens. It is easy to recall the cross-carpeting episode at Ibadan, “Operation Wetie” in the First Republic that eventually led to the truncation of that republic, the landslide victory of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in the Second Republic, and the annulment of the June 12 presidential election of 1993. And since the return to civilian rule in 1999, there has not been any single election held in any part of the country which was not eventually been adjudicated upon by the law courts. It was, therefore, a pleasant and most welcome surprise when the incumbent governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi’s first reaction to his defeat by Mr Ayo Fayose, at the recently held gubernatorial election in the state, was that of concession of defeat, even before most of the electorate became aware of the final results. It was a very rare show of patriotism and nationalism by a politician, as well as, a gallant sign of respect for the electorate itself, when he actually expressed in his concession speech a willingness to work with the incoming governor, “to institute a smooth transition programme”. Fayemi’s acceptance speech itself gave kudos to his sense of sportsmanship: “I stand in deference to your will. If the result of the election is an expression of the voice of our people, we must all heed your voice…” The second incident occurred at the 17th Hotel Kaduna, the venue of the International Conference on Security and Development Challenges of Pastoralists in West and Central Africa. Against official protocol, some overzealous security personnel insisted on searching the vehicle conveying the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, to this event. The speaker, who was one of the keynote speakers at the conference,
had arrived the hotel at about 9:16am, but was accosted and his car allegedly barred from entry by the security personnel at the gate. A visibly shaken Tambuwal stormed out of his car and walked the remaining distance to the event venue. Even as controversy raged over the issue, and many began to see the issue from a partisan angle, the convener of the event, Mr Sambo Dasuki, the national security adviser, ordered an immediate probe into this breach of protocol, and went even further to forward an official letter of apology to the speaker. Dasuki tendered an unreserved apology to the speaker, and stated that the action of the security personnel was not directed at the person of the speaker but was just a case of poor discretion. He therefore regretted any embarrassment it could have caused. We at I-Nigerian Forum would like to commend the rare show of humility displayed by these two gentlemen – Dr Kayode Fayemi and Mr Sambo Dasuki. We, in particular, commend them and the maturity displayed in the discharge of their positions, to all public officers, and the rest of Nigerians, as worthy of emulation. Their behaviour only goes to emphasise to us all, irrespective of level in society, but more importantly, to our public officers, that issues can be dealt with and addressed in a manner that reflects our collective national interest, and in fact the good name of Nigeria, that Nigerians are all deserving of. This could not have come at a better time. At a time like this, we all agree that such encouraging behaviour is much needed to uplift our sense of patriotism and belief in ourselves; to calm all frayed nerves; and most of all, to show example to the rest of the citizens, that change is possible, and that it starts from us. It is observed that Malam Sambo Dasuki is a gentleman of standards, ethics and values, and has raised the standard of the code of behaviour, conduct and practice of public officials. I-Nigerian Forum also lends its voice to this call for us all, and for our public servants in particular, to make it a point to address issues that concern us – regardless of how aggrieved one might be in any instance – with a high sense of decorum, humility, maturity, and in the highest interest of the nation, in which we all, either by “accident or by design” have found ourselves as its citizens. That “tipping point” is possible! Apiafi wrote in from Abuja
Fayemi’s first reaction to his defeat by Ayo Fayose ...was a very rare show of patriotism and nationalism by a politician... as well as, a gallant sign of respect for the electorate
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Sunday, July 6, 2014
Zainab Jaji Zee’s Corner zeescorner@gmail.com,Twitter. @addazee
For Safer Schools Unless you are living under a rock, you are likely to have heard of the abduction of over 200 school girls in Chibok, Nigeria. We must assume that due to a total failure of both state and school leadership, the safety of the girls was compromised and we know the rest. The reputation of Nigeria has not been the same since. We also know that Nigeria hosted the World Economic forum on Africa in May 2014 at the height of the protests relating to the abduction of the girls, so much so that the forum literally became a world referendum on our country and leadership. However, within all the furore and darkness, we had a glimmer of hope. Former British prime minister, Gordon Brown, as the UN special envoy on Global Education in collaboration with the Nigerian government, private sector and aid organisations launched the “safer schools initiative” with the sole aim of creating a safer environment for learning, in particular for the girl child, replicating what had been done in the volatile regions of
Pakistan and Afghanistan. A trust fund was set up and Nigeria pledged $10 million to the cause with the initial focus being on schools in the north east. Two weeks ago, we saw the Minister of Finance leading a delegation to President Jonathan with Mr Brown in the company of the Governors of Yobe and Borno to kick-start this initiative. This trust fund will be kitted with an initial pledge of N3.2 billion combined. This should be seen as a great initiative. It is never too late to implement positive change especially where the lives of our children is concerned. The primary responsibility of any government is to protect the lives and property of its citizens. The current security challenges means that the time, energy and resources of government is diverted. It gladdens me that this project is under the watch of the aid agencies. It is not directly under the ministry of education or state governments so hopefully the work will be done to international standards with proper monitoring and evaluation,
not some ubiquitous consultants regurgitating the same papers and reports under different titles. The whole aim of the safer schools initiative is to do what it says. Making schools safer through the provision of better and secure premises and infrastructure, training of security personnel and arming them in more volatile areas, creating a more effective and simpler early warning system, implementing a rapid response drill, guidance and counselling for both students and teachers, and also getting the community involved. With 10.5 million boys and girls of school age out of school in Nigeria, we can no doubt see the time bomb we are sitting on. How do we expect to be a huge economy with no education to fall back on? If these out of school kids do not get access to education, then what chance two decades later will their own children have? About 500 schools will initially be part of the pilot project starting with schools in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe. This project has no choice but to be successful. Failure
is not an option here especially if we clearly recognise what is at stake. This is also not a project to be used to measure political success or transformation. We did not do enough to protect our children in the first place, so we cannot take the glory in an area we should have paid attention to. Now, the safe schools initiative will not only give parents the confidence to send their daughters to school, but will ensure that they at least complete what is known as basic education. We all want to ensure that once our children leave home they are safe. Yes the initiative is a good one, but the federal government must ensure that its own commitment becomes permanent. As long as we have kids going to school, a threat remains. UBEC should also be a partner on this project. Their role as a government agency must move beyond counterpart funding for infrastructure, increased school enrolment and teacher training. If they can build schools, security must also be part of their consideration.
Hamza Atta Isn't It Funny? hamzolo@yahoo.co.uk 08181091784
Religion And Compassion
Religion is what is supposed to bring us into the presence of God
Judaism, Islam and Christianity are all sister religions but if I were to ask a Muslim about Christianity or Judaism and vice versa, what would each actually know about the other, apart from what they see and hear on the various news channels every day? What a very narrow view of a melee of the opinions and viewpoints of others. Is this why these religions struggle against each other? For if we look at our own faith, it will be clear that our judgment is somewhat flawed. In all religions, paramount in their doctrines, what is given pride of place is compassion. The ability to feel with the other; to “love thy neighbor” is the true test of any religion, yet what do we see every day, people who have supposedly committed themselves to these beliefs, become quarrelsome and stupidly sectarian and use it to only divide us. Religion is what is supposed to bring us into the presence of God, so it is not possible for one who claims to be a Muslim, Christian or Jew, a committed one of any of these faiths, to do what is hateful to them to their neighbour. Any interpretation of
any of these faiths therefore, which interpretation leads to hatred or division or contempt of the other is illegitimate. Religion is supposed to clear our minds and give us inner peace. Its aim is to suppress the ego and in guiding us asks us to look for compassion in everything that we do. Religion – every religion – preaches love and compassion and is their underlying principle. We would do well to always remember this. What we see today in Nigeria and many other parts of the world is religion hijacked. Terrorists recite quranic verses to justify their atrocities (can you believe it?). They do despicable things that are abhorrent to us all and carry out revenge killings and use the Quran, Islam to justify their actions. Christians sit by and judge other people. They use the scripture to argue and put other people down. But this is not religion; it is just human greed and ego. Why because pick up your Bible, your Torah or your Quran and read it. It will become quite clear to you that what we are doing is ignoring the underlying principles of “love thy neighbor as thyself” and all
over the world we are messing up something God-given that is quite wonderful and is the perfect dress rehearsal for living in harmony. Where do we go from here? Let me suggest that perhaps the mistake that we make is that we confine our compassion to only our own group. We should have compassion for everybody. Welcome the stranger and love your perceived enemy. The Lord divided us into tribes, nations and races so that we could know one another. I speak of religion because it is what we use now to cloak our dagger. It is our veil. Religion is not the cause of our present situation, however where there is a regional crises, it is quite easy for religion to get sucked in, just as in football, the beautiful game, the pinnacle of which we are watching now with the World Cup can cause a riot, where people will be injured and can lose their lives, but is this football? We are capable of messing up even this wonderful game, played to bring us together and not possible without two opposing sides, who come together for the love of the game. Religion can also
be affected by this violent ethos. We have come to a situation where religious illiteracy has brought us to a place where we prefer to be right rather than compassionate. What can we do to change things? Where are we going wrong? Where is religion failing? We need global understanding. We need to know one another; we need appreciation of each other. Religion has a wide following. People want to belong; we want to be religious and should be made to be a force for change. We should simply not treat others as we would not want to be treated ourselves. We need to build networks of understanding and move beyond toleration to the appreciation of each other. We need to think about our father, mother, daughter and son, and weep for the Chibok girls and weep for those who terrorise us. This will create a bond amongst us. To do this, it is clear that we must overcome the human that we feel when under threat of our enemies, no matter how imminent we perceive this threat to be and begin to appreciate the other. Stop the bombing and bring back our girls please.
We did not do enough to protect our children in the first place, so we cannot take the glory in an area we should have paid attention to
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Sunday, July 6, 2014
FIFA To Probe Neymar’s Tackle FIFA’s disciplinary committee is looking into Colombia defender Juan Zuniga’s challenge that left Neymar and the Brazilian nation in agony. Zuniga bundled into the back of Neymar two minutes from the end of Friday’s World Cup quarter-final, putting the Brazil superstar out of the rest of the tournament with a fractured vertebra. “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee is analysing all the elements provided, the videos and the match reports and will decide whether or not to take action,” FIFA spokeswoman Delia Fischer said. Zuniga defended the challenge after the match, saying he had not deliberately hurt Neymar. “I never wanted to hurt the player. When I’m on the pitch, I do
everything to defend my country and the shirt I wear, but always without intent to injure anybody,” said Zuniga, who has received a flood of death threats and racist abuse on social media. “It was a match both teams wanted to win. It got a bit heated. There were strong tackles but the Brazilians were doing the same. It’s normal. I didn’t make that challenge trying to break his spine. I was defending my country. “It’s a very sad thing. I hope, with the help of God that it’s not too serious because everyone knows he’s a great talent for Brazil.” However, Brazil’s former World Cup-winning striker Ronaldo and Italy’s Fabio Cannavaro - who led his country to the ultimate global
prize in 2006 - both felt there was culpability on the part of the Colombian. “The injury was very violent,” said Ronaldo. “I believe there was an intention to hurt by the player. I believe it was very aggressive and very violent.” Cannavaro said: “I didn’t like that very high knee. That leads me to believe it was a foul with a prior intention to cause harm. It didn’t give me a very good impression. It’s a very evident foul.” We’ll Win World Cup For Neymar - Brazil Meanwhile Neymar’s World Cup heartbreak has given Brazil another reason to win a sixth title, according to his team-mates. Politicians, sports stars,
celebrities and even opponents offered their sympathy in the hours after it was confirmed a back injury would rule the World Cup’s poster boy out of the rest of the tournament. Brazil’s team doctor confirmed Neymar suffered a fractured vertebra when Colombia’s Juan Zuniga kneed him in the back during Friday’s quarter-final win in Fortaleza. And the social media tributes were led by striker Fred, who wrote: “We have one more reason to play with heart in this Cup. “Neymar, rest assured that our group loves you and give life to win this title for you. You were and continue to be the ace and the soul of our team. The whole of Brazil is praying for you!”
Benzema
France Can Be Proud – Benzema Karim Benzema has suggested a slow start from France cost them a place in the World Cup semi-finals. The single goal from Mats Hummels that saw Germany through Friday’s quarterfinal clash came inside 12 minutes and Benzema thinks a more positive early approach could have changed France’s fate. “We are disappointed that the adventure stops there. We gave everything, but we couldn’t score,” said the France forward. “The first period was quite difficult, we didn’t have enough attempts for my taste. “We had more in the second half, they were endangered, but they have a very good goalkeeper.” France sailed through Group E and saw off Nigeria 2-0 when the teams met in the tournament’s last 16. Real Madrid star Benzema also proved himself on the biggest stage of all, contributing three goals and two assists.
No Reason To Change Appiah – GFA Boss
Argentine players celebrate with Higuain after his strike produced the only goal for the team
After 24 Years, Argentina Reach World Cup Semis By Salifu Usman, Abuja
Yesterday’s results • Netherlands 4 - 3 Costa Rica (Penalty) • Argentina 1 - 0
Argentina reached the World Cup semifinals for the first time in 24 years yesterday after an early goal by Gonzalo Higuain and a strong defensive display proved enough to beat a disappointing Belgium side 1-0. Lionel Messi’s close control and a fortunate deflection opened the way
for Higuain to shoot home the only goal after eight minutes, and the striker should have added a second early in the second half when he grazed the bar after a driving run. Kevin Mirallas and Marouane Fellaini went close with headers as Belgium tried to force their way back into the game but with key midfielder Eden Hazard anonymous they never
really looked like doing so against a well-drilled and hard-working Argentina. Messi undid Belgium with an inspired first half performance yesterday and the best Argentina have produced so far at this World Cup, with some excellent supporting roles from Gonzalo Higuain and Lucas Biglia.
There is no reason to change Kwesi Appiah as Black Stars coach, Ghana Football Association (GFA) president, Kwesi Nyantekyie has insisted after the World Cup campaign. Nyantekyie will address a press conference alongside Kwesi Appiah, with the coach’s future likely to be a major subject, but the GFA president is certain he is the right man to continue despite Ghana’s worst campaign at the tournament which was affected by player indiscipline and official incompetence in dealing with it. “We decided that he will stay. I don’t think that there is any reason to change him. When you don’t do well at the World Cup people have all sorts of opinion about the coach, the team, management and others. Sometimes it is done out of emotions and passion for the game. But I think people should be cool headed and we will see that we will do well in future,” Nyantekyie said. Despite the apparent breakdown in discipline in camp, Nyantekyie claims the former Black Stars captain had a firm grip on discipline and suggested his problems were down to the unwillingness of players to accept being benched in the tournament. “At every material point as leader you have to establish your authority. It is important for the players to appreciate that he is the one in charge. If you leave that in doubt then there are problems. He established that he is the coach and the players respected him for that,” Nyantekyie said.
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Sunday, July 6, 2014
NFF Congress Sacks Maigari’s Board by Salifu Usman, Abuja
The congress of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dissolved the Alhaji Aminu Maigari –led NFF Executive Committee. Rising from its extra-ordinary congress held at the Bolingo Hotel & Towers, Abuja yesterday, the congress also endorsed immediate termination of the employment of all management Staff and the dissolution of the Boards of the Nigeria Na-
tional League, Nigeria Women League and the Nigeria Nationwide League. The Secretaries are to take over the running of the Leagues and report to the Acting General Secretary of NFF. In a communiqué issued at the end of the congress and signed by Chief Obinna Ogba, the congress also among other things, approved the appointment of Mr Lawrence Katken as Acting General Secretary of the NFF, pending the appointment of a substantive General Secretary.
It accused the Maigari administration of shortchanging grassroots development by failure to regularly avail State Football Associations of annual grant, and abuse of NFF Statutes in its constitution of NFF Electoral Committee, by altering the list of persons approved by the Congress at the 2013 General Assembly in Warri, Delta State, and inaugurating a different Committee. A new NFF Electoral Committee and NFF Appeals Committee were constituted.
Kurfi Wants More Africa Slots For World Cup By Salifu Usman, Abuja
Alhaji Aminu Balele Kurfi, president Future African Sports Academy and philanthropist has said that it’s prudent for the African continent to demand for more slots at the FIFA World Cup. In an exclusive interview with LEADERSHIP Sunday Sports, Kurfi said Africa continent with the highest memberships deserve an increased representation at the biggest football tournament irrespective of what people feel about the performance of the continent over time. He said it is not logical that out of 54 Africa’s nations affiliated to FIFA only five are allowed to represent the continent in the World Cup. “Africa teams have done well over time at the World Cup, but that was not the issue. The issue is that Africa deserves more slots. FIFA should accord Africa its right status in the FIFA World Cup. Africa is largely under represented, and at least three more slots should be giving to the continent to make it eight. If you look at the 209 member nations that are af-
Kurfi
filiated to FIFA, 54 are from Africa. Europe has 53 affiliated member nations and they have 13 slots in the World Cup. “Far more than that is that, Asia and North America which 45 and 35 members respectively, have four slots each in the World Cup, while South American continent which has only 10 members, have five slots and plus Brazil now as a host, six teams in the ongoing World Cup,” he said. According to him, unless Af-
rican nations use their voting strength to address the injustice, the continent may never produce World Cup winner. “As long as this remains the case, Africa will never win World Cup. This flawed state of affairs must be rectified and Sepp Blatter be made to accord Africa their rightful status in the global soccer showpiece. “Amost member associations, Africa has the highest number votes in FIFA and should use their voting strength as bargaining power to ask for slots before voting for any president of FIFA,” he stated. He said it is wrong to judge the African continent basing on performance because that is not the best method to measure which continent needs more slots. Kurfi reasoned that if some sectors of people think Africa should be given more slots based on performance, he wondered if Europe, Asia should also lose some slots because the likes of England, Spain and Italy fell out in the group stage and none of the Asian teams reached the second round of the ongoing 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Kvitova Claims Wimbledon Title
Kvitova
Petra Kvitova secured her second Wimbledon title in double-quick time after romping to a 6-3 6-0 success over Eugenie Bouchard in just 55 minutes. It was a chastening experience for Bouchard in her first grand slam final, the 20-yearold Canadian simply unable to do anything to counter the brilliance of her opponent. Kvitova had gone into the 2011 final as a big underdog against Maria Sharapova but played a nerveless match, and she was doing the same as the favourite. Bouchard, the Wimbledon junior champion two years ago, came into the match with the best record in majors this year at 16-4 and was the only player to reach at least the semi-finals of the first three grand slams. The Montreal resident stuck to
her style of standing right on the baseline, but instead of applying pressure, it was giving her no time to counter Kvitova’s huge hitting. The match was threatening to get away from Bouchard quickly as Kvitova raced into a 2-0 lead in the second set, this time her backhand finding the baseline. Bouchard looked set to stop the rot in the fourth game but Kvitova was relentless, a stunning forehand pass making it deuce and two more huge forehands giving her a 4-0 lead. The crowd tried to lift Bouchard’s sagging spirits with cries of “Come on Genie” but left-hander Kvitova ended her victim’s ordeal with a sizzling backhand crosscourt winner two games later with her first Championship point.
Maigari
$90m Ticket Scam Hit World Cup A FIFA staff has been linked to a $90m ugly practice of tickets racketing in the ongoing Brazil World Cup. According to Rio police, they have identified the first name of a FIFA employee who helped illegally resell World Cup tickets, including some originally allocated to players. The police said they have identified a Fifa official allegedly involved in a $90 million ticket scandal. An investigation earlier this week led to the arrest of 11 suspected ticket touts, and police claim they have identified the first name of the FIFA employee who helped illegally resell World Cup tickets. The suspected ringleader of the ticket scandal was named as Mohamadou Lamine Fofana, an Algerian man who had stayed at the Copacabana Palace hotel with top FIFA executives. The suspected official, said Rio police investigator Fabio Barucke, enjoys clearance for FIFA offices, stadiums and other administrative areas where he would have access to game tickets. The official, Barucke added, is not a Brazilian but in the country for the World Cup. Reacting, FIFA released a statement on Thursday night saying they will assist Brazilian security authorities in identifying the source. But Barucke believes Fof-
Blatter
ana is only middleman with the ticket source “someone higher up” the chain. “He [Fofana] has tickets from hospitality, from Match, and he was close friend with someone from FIFA who was in the middle of that negotiation - who was helping out with that negotiation. We were able to identify there is the participation of someone from FIFA.” As investigation is ongoing, FIFA spokeswoman, Delia Fischer claimed they are still awaiting information from the Brazilian police identifying the official who allegedly helped the ring. “Maybe it’s not from FIFA. It’s often easy to come to a conclusion about who is FIFA.”
Men Final: Djokovic Wary Of Federer Novak Djokovic came into Wimbledon as the favourite to win the title but he knows he has his work cut out to prevent a resurgent Roger Federer making Centre Court his stage once again. Federer is bidding for an unprecedented eighth Wimbledon crown 11 years after his first and has been the most impressive player throughout the men’s tournament, dropping just one set. In contrast, Djokovic has ground his way through the draw but should take confidence from the fact he has beaten high-calibre players including Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Marin Cilic and Grigor Dimitrov
without playing his best. The Serbian is in his third Wimbledon final in the last four years, having won the title in 2011 and lost to Andy Murray 12 months ago. In 2012 he lost in the semi-finals to Federer, their only previous meeting on grass. Djokovic has been impressed by his rival’s form this fortnight, saying: “His level has been very high, I have to say. “I’ve been watching him in a few matches. He didn’t have many tough matches up to the quarterfinals. Against Stan (Wawrinka) he played well.
AMUSEMENT PARK
the best way to remember your wife’s birthday is to forget it once — Joseph Cossman
FOR GOD AND COUNTRY
06.07.14 No. 439 N300
Aniebo Nwamu
The Sunday Column aniebo@leadership.ng
M
Certificates were once meal tickets; today, they have become bad stimulants
any a parent feels he’s throwing money into a waste bin whenever he’s paying the fees for his child/ward in any of Nigeria’s tertiary schools. Anyone who could would send her child to a school across the borders – in Europe, America, Asia or even Ghana. That is the truth almost everyone knows but only a few are ready to admit in public. At a time western nations are questioning their own education systems, leaders in Africa are playing the ostrich – burying their heads in the sand – and pretending that all’s well. I will cite four events I’ve watched in the past four days to show that the Nigerian education system has since died. I think the undertaker has already come, but the politicians have been asking him to wait while they pray for the system’s resurrection. Come and see… First, I watched education minister Nyesom Wike on television as he was ranting like a wicked bee on Thursday. The occasion was the “presentation of the education sector’s transformation” under President Jonathan. And what was this transformation? The same campaigner, who admitted there were over 10 million children that were out of school, flaunted the building of 120 almajirai schools in the north as a response. While he was speaking, all polytechnics and colleges of education in the country had been closed for one year. Judging by the amount of billions he was reeling out, you would understand the source of the funds used in erecting private houses in highbrow districts of Abuja, Port Harcourt and Lagos. According to Wike, state governments were yet to access N53bn from the UBE. TETFUND, he said, had been splashing N3bn on each university and N1bn on each poly and CoE on a regular basis, apart from the FG’s N229bn in three years. Labs in polys took N15bn, he added. Second, at a meeting with teacher and labour unions on Thursday, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State announced
Dead Education
with glee the reversal of the sack of 936 teachers who had falsified their ages or forged their certificates. The state government, he said, had also put on hold a planned competency test for teachers. For political expediency, it seems, Oshiomhole has chosen to “pardon” supposed criminals so they could continue to teach children how to cheat. The man who had sworn to “restore dignity to the education sector” is no longer interested in having good teachers who are willing to teach but would rather train and retrain deadwood. The products of such schools will, in the years to come, seek admission into universities, polytechnics and CoE. Third, during a conversation with a friend yesterday, I had a glimpse of what is taught in Nigerian universities these days. Twenty years after obtaining a Bachelor’s degree, my friend went back to the same university to get his Master’s and PhD so he would append the title “Dr” to his name. To his surprise, he was being “taught” how to use the Pica rule to count words for newspaper headlines. This is a subject that had become obsolete even 30 years ago – the computer had rendered it useless. In 2013, with all that the internet and ICT have done, a Master’s student was being taught the Pica rule! Well, my friend did the needful: he abandoned the programme and returned to his business of publishing a monthly paper. Someone else has noted this deficiency in the university system; he now seeks a degree certificate as a label for his trainees. The man is Aliko Dangote… Fourth, there is a plan to transform the Dangote Academy in Obajana, Kogi State, into a university. The future “Dangote university” will be the equivalent of America’s Harvard University, said the Academy’s director, Paramjit Pabby. The philosophy behind the establishment of the Dangote Academy, according to Pabby, is “to help get the required skills for our companies which are in short supply in Nigeria”. So, of all the universities in
Nigeria – over 120 of them now – and all the polytechnics, the Dangote companies still lack skilled manpower. Yet, the graduate unemployment rate in the country is said to be in the region of 80 per cent. Who is fooling whom? Dangote himself confessed, a few years ago, that PhD and Master’s degree holders applied to work as truck drivers in his companies when vacancies were advertised. The clock is ticking away. The bag of tricks used by visionless leaders and clever crooks to hoodwink the ignorant ones will soon be empty. Parents of the world, know this: certificates were once meal tickets; today, they have become bad stimulants because the education system is dead and jobs have vanished. Nigeria’s case is pathetic because we have reached a point we are eating ourselves up. It is this foolishness in education planning that has invited, and now fuels, Boko Haram. Indeed, if all that western education produces is a gang of thieves, then, it should be forbidden on the African soil. After high school, a child should be able to read and write well. He should not step into another class without having a good idea of the skill he would acquire and the job he would do thereafter. Any education system that is in conflict with this proposal is nothing but 419! Boko Haram would have attracted sympathy to itself if it had sold this message without the murders and the terror unleashed on innocent people. After reading previous articles, young people had called me to say that all I’d said was true but they didn’t know the alternative step to take. Thirty-two years ago, I too was confronted with the same question; now, I’m struggling to answer the question for my own children – at a time Nigeria has degenerated to a dangerous level. Institutions like the Dangote Academy are the answer. Most of them are known by the appellation “institute” or “school” or “academy”. The duration of the courses they offer is between a few weeks and a few years. Nobody leaves a good institute
0805 410 0220 (sms only)
without acquiring skills that would lead her throughout life. Some are classified as “finishing school” – they fill the void left by universities. It is to these schools or institutes that wise employers now send their employees to be trained. But one has to be careful in choosing institutes to attend: crooks are everywhere and are threatening to bastardise the system. Besides, there is nothing wrong in going to a “roadside” motor mechanic to learn a trade if it’s one’s passion. Masons, carpenters, welders, painters and electricians will always be in demand. I predict that, in a few years from now, the ultimate truth will emerge. Already, the Nigerian government has indicated that it cannot fund education, health care, security and other bare necessities. That’s why the polys have been closed for one year – after universities were closed for six months – but nobody seems bothered. That’s why doctors in public hospitals are now on strike. That’s why policemen and the military people appear overstretched – and threaten to strike at times. By the time oil funds diminish further (thanks to theft and sabotage) or oil prices plummet, there would be no government in place to address grievances. As I have always said, the day of reckoning is near. A word is enough for the wise.
GHANA MUST GO Money is the problem of state assemblies — Benue Speaker
Contact Diezani!
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