3rd october 2014

NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS

Friday, October 3, 2014

Vol. 1 No. 227

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N150

Akpabio, Amaechi, Mimiko, Dankwambo laud New York Times /New Telegraph deal Biodun Durojaiye

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head of the debut of the international edition of the New York Times in New Telegraph on Monday, political and business leaders in Nigeria have continued CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Akpabio

Amaechi

Mimiko

Dankwabo

Shekau gone forever

lDHQ insists Boko Haram leader was killed last month lNew leader appears in fresh video }5

Quick Read Vice-President Namadi Sambo (left) presenting Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag to Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, who defected to the party in Abuja... yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Oil price crashes to two-year low lNigeria’s revenue threatened Adeola Yusuf

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he 2014 budget yesterday faced its biggest threat of the

year as oil, the main source of income for the country, sold at $90 per barrel, the lowest price in two years.

Nigeria, Africa’s biggest crude exporter, which de-

pends largely on proceeds from crude to service over 85 per cent of its budget, has not met up with the plan to produce 2.3 million barrels per day as it

projected in the budget.

Besides, crude exports to the United States also fell from about one million barrels per day to zero level for the first time

in the history of Nigeria’s crude transactions with Washington.

The US agency, Energy Information AdministraCONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Editorial

Growing national economy through SMEs }19

Finally, Mimiko returns to PDP }14 NJC asks IG to probe attack on Ekiti judges }2 PDP bars aspirants’ endorsement }14

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News

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

NJC asks IG to probe attack on Ekiti judges lAPC insists on Fayose’s arrest, trial

Tunde Oyesina ABUJA

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he National Judicial Council (NJC) yesterday demanded a probe into the recent attacks on judges in Ekiti State.

The NJC, at the end of an emergency meeting in Abuja, condemned the attacks on the judiciary and judicial officers in general nationwide and asked the acting Inspector General of Police, Mr. Suleiman Abba, to carry out a thorough probe into the attacks on Justices John Adeyeye and Olusegun Oguyemi at the High Court Complex, Ado-Ekiti, to ensure that the culprits and their sponsors are brought to book.

The NJC push for a probe of the incident just as the All Progressives Congress (APC) asked that the state Governorelect, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, whom it accused of masterminding the attacks on the judges, should be arrested and prosecuted.

Following the assault on Justice Adeyeye, Fayose was said to have petitioned the NJC to investigate the activities of the

Chief Judge of the state, Justice Ayodeji Daramola.

Justice Daramola had in turn forwarded a petition against Fayose, accusing him of being the mastermind of the assault on Justice Adeyeye who was reportedly beaten by some people whom Justice Daramola in his petition said acted on the orders of Fayose.

The council, in a statement by its acting Director of Information, Soji Oye, also requested the IG to urgently provide adequate security to judicial officers and the judiciary in Ekiti State.

The NJC urged the IG to personally lead investigation into the attacks on Justices Adeyeye and Ogunyemi, some members of staff of the court and the vandalism of property of the High Court of Justice, Ado-Ekiti and bring the culprits to justice.

It, however, assured the people that all petitions forwarded by all parties to the council on the matter are being looked into.

Also reacting to the attack on the judges, the APC reiterated its earlier call for the arrest and prosecution of Fayose for

L-R: Former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s friend, Chief Femi Olopade; Obasanjo and Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, at the inauguration of Bi-axially Oriented Polypylene (BOPP) in Ota, Ogun State…yesterday

allegedly leading thugs to attack the judges on September 25.

The party, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, warned that failure to act decisively now over the matter would spell danger for judges and democracy.

The party said the issue

of the security of judges and the unfettered administrative of justice transcends politics, hence no politician, no matter his status, must be allowed to go scot-free after attacking judges.

It said any delay in taking action would mean that Fayose, who is billed to assume office in the

next two weeks, would be conferred with immunity that would stop him from facing justice for “egregious contempt of court.”

APC also called on the Abba to punish the policemen who stood idly by as thugs were attacking judges, lawyers, litigants and others, saying the police must always carry out

their constitutional duties, no matter which politician is flouting the law.

The party urged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to take the lead in ensuring that those behind the attack on Ekiti judges are made to face the full wrath of the law, irrespective of their status.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

News

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

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‘Slain’ Shekau appears in new video lWe killed Boko Haram leader last month, DHQ insists

Emmanuel Onani

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oko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, has appeared in a new video to disprove claim by the military that he has been killed.

Shekau, in the video obtained by Agence France Presse (AFP) yesterday, said he could only die when it was his divine time to go.

Though, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) had last week, announced that

troops prosecuting the war on terror in Konduga, a town about 35 kilometres to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, had killed one Mohammed Bashir, who had variously posed as “Shekau, the suspected terrorist leader’s appearance in the video has added a new twist to the controversy surrounding his death.

However, the DHQ, in a swift rebuttal, faulted his claim, saying troops killed him last month.

Shekau said the insur-

gents had grabbed more towns and had started implementing Sharia law in the seized towns.

“Here I am, alive. I will only die the day Allah takes my breath,” Shekau said, adding that his group was “running our… Islamic caliphate” and administering strict Sharia punishments.

The military had last week said Shekau was dead and that a man who had been posing as the group’s leader in the videos had been killed after

fighting with troops in the North-East.

However, security analysts and the United States have questioned the credibility of the military’s claim.

Nigeria journalist, Ahmad Salkida, who has good contacts within Boko Haram, said on his Twitter account last week that he had it “on authority that Shekau is well and alive.”

It is not clear when or where the video, obtained by the AFP news agency, was made.

The new 36-minute video showed Shekau, in combat fatigues and black rubber boots, standing on the back of a pick-up truck and firing an anti-aircraft gun into the air.

Shekau, standing in front of three camouflaged vans and flanked by four heavily armed, masked fighters, spoke for 16 minutes in Arabic and Hausa.

There was no indication of where or when the video was shot.

The heavily bearded Shekau, who appeared to

L-R: Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Edo State, Mr. Emmanuel Ademokun; Chairman, Joint Negotiating Council, Mr. Shaka Otoide and Edo State Governor, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, at a meeting between labour and the state government in Benin City…yesterday

Oil price fall threatens Nigeria’s revenue CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

tion (EIA), which revealed this hinted that Washington had hitherto imported over 1 million barrels of oil per day from Nigeria.

Although the US had set a five-year plan, ending in 2018, to totally squeeze Nigeria’s oil from its market, the country appeared to have fast-track this major economic stance.

The global oil prices have fallen to their lowest level in more than two years after Saudi Arabia cut its official selling price.

Brent crude fell by more than one per cent to $93 a barrel, its lowest since June 2012.

US light crude fell below $90 for the first time in 17 months.

This is the first time in two years that the average oil benchmark of $77.5 per barrel by Nigeria is being closely challenged.

On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia announced it was reducing its selling price for oil in a move to protect

its market share, analysts said.

“This is a structural change in the oil market, with Saudi Arabia explicitly stating that they are willing to compete on price,” said Bjarne Schieldrop, a commodities analyst at SEB. According to a report by Reuters, concerns of oversupply after higher output in the US, together with forecasts of lower global demand by the International Energy Agency, are driving prices down.

The drop in price comes at a time when the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the US are increasing output.

The extraction of shale oil in the US has increased the country’s production of oil significantly and the International Energy Agency (IEA) has forecast that the US will soon overtake Saudi Arabia and Russia to become the world’s biggest oil producer.

The EIA, however, revealed that US imports rose to 7.623 million barrel per day (b/d), up from 7.054 million b/d in June.

Despite being at their highest since December 2013, imports are down from 8.058 million b/d in the same month a year ago.

Imports from Nigeria fell to zero in July, down from 89,000 b/d in June, all of which had gone to the US Atlantic Coast (USAC).

US Atlantic Coast refiners have been increasingly turning away imported light sweet crudes in favour of domestically produced barrels, mostly railed from North Dakota.

While the EIA data does not include crude shipped by rail, it does show USAC imports at just 59 per cent of gross crude input in July, down from 70 per cent in July 2013 and 100 per cent in July 2004.

It was discovered the USAC cracking margin for Bakken averaged $5.31 per barrel in July, according to

Platts data, a bit under the $5.65 per barrel average for Nigerian Bonny Light, but over the $2.91 per barrel average for Hibernia.

The Bakken cracking margin has averaged $10.99 per barrel so far in September, while Bonny has averaged $14.01 per barrel and Hibernia $12.09 per barrel.

Platts Flow shows just two vessels entering the USAC from West Africa in September, down from five in August.

It was revealed that while the rise of Bakken has appeared to spell doom for grades like Bonny Light, USAC refiners did import from Angola, Chad, and Congo Brazzaville.

Meanwhile, some OPEC countries are calling for supply cuts after a drop in oil prices, but core Gulf members are betting winter demand will revive the market, suggesting the group is no closer to any collective steps.

The differing views

within the 12-member OPEC highlight a split between Saudi Arabia and its Gulf Arab allies and other members, such as Iran, who face greater budget pressures from sub$100 oil.

“It is really bad that prices are falling, which is a result of increased US production, slower economic recovery of the EU and lower growth in China. I think that the next OPEC meeting will have to deal with the matter,” said a delegate from one of OPEC’s African members.

OPEC meets to set its oil output policy on Nov. 27.

A second source familiar with OPEC policy said while the market was weak, with supply exceeding demand, it was too early for OPEC to think of joint action to bolster prices “A collective OPEC decision needs clear signals from each country, which is not there yet,” the source said.

be the same as those in previous clips, said the military’s claim that he was dead was propaganda.

He said: “Nothing will kill me until my days are over… I’m still alive. Some people asked you if Shekau has two souls. No, I have one soul, by Allah.

“It is propaganda that is prevalent. I have one soul.

I’m an Islamic student.”

“I’m the Islamic student whose seminary you burnt… I’m not dead,” he added, apparently referring to the destruction of the group’s mosque in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, in 2009.

There have been two previous claims by the military that Shekau was dead — once in 2009 during unrest in Maiduguri — and again in 2013.

Following each previous claim Boko Haram has issued denials in video messages.

Elsewhere in the new video, the militant leader said the group had implemented strict Islamic law in the towns that it had captured in recent weeks.

“We are running our caliphate, our Islamic caliphate. We follow the Koran… We now practise the injunctions of the Koran in the land of Allah,” he said.

The sect also said it shot down a Nigerian air force jet that went missing nearly three weeks ago.

“For any group to claim they shot it down is mere propaganda and rubbish,” Air Commodore Dele Alonge told AFP. But reacting to the Boko Haram’s latest video, the DHQ maintained its earlier position that troops had killed one Mohammed Bashir, who had been masquerading as Shekau.

It expressed the belief that the controversial video may have been “cloned” or “manipulated.”

The reaction was made known in a post on the official website of the DHQ, by the Director of Defence Information (DDI), Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade.

While doubting the authenticity of the video, as it relates to the existence of Shekau, Olukolade said the controversial video did not indicate when it was shot; neither did it show any semblance of life in it.

He added that the video did not make reference to any activity after Shekau’s death, hence, the dispute of its veracity.

He, however, said the DHQ was studying the video and would make its position known afterwards.

“The Defence Headquarters is studying the CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

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News

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Pain, anger one year after for Flight 361 victims’ families lAirline working on 75% compensation target Wole Shadare

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xactly one year today, Associated Aviation Flight 361 heading for Akure from Lagos crashed barely a minute after takeoff, killing 18 people with four survivors.

One year after the crash, the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), the government’s agency responsible for investigation of crashes, is yet to come up with final report on what led to the accident that threw the nation into mourning.

The AIB had, however, come up with preliminary report, listing likely causes to include crew decision making and training with respect to proceeding with the flight, in spite of concerns regarding the aircraft’s suitability for the flight.

In short, AIB stated that the plane crashed due to human error or human factor.

The Embraer 120 Brasilia aircraft with registration number 5NBJY was conveying the body of former Minister of Aviation and erstwhile governor of Ondo State,

Dr. Olusegun Agagu from Lagos to Akure for burial.

It took off from runway 18L of Murtala Muhamed Airport at about 09:32 local time (08:32 UTC).

The light airplane crashed very close to fuel depot located at the Joint Users Hydrant Installation (JUHI).

Today also brings back sad memories for families who lost their loved ones.

Experts and aggrieved families carpeted the airline for shirking in its responsibility.

But spokesman for the carrier, Alex Emode, told New Telegraph yesterday that the carrier was concerned about ensuring that it reaches the 75 per cent compensation target,

adding that it was indeed a sober moment for the firm.

In May this year, the airline made a cash payment of $30, 000 to each of the victims’ families stipulated by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the global aviation regulatory body. It is the first tranche of compensation.

The Montreal Convention of 1999 states that airlines wishing to operate on domestic routes shall pay compensation in the case of death, or injury of passengers of $100, 000 per person.

There are indications that some families of the victims could ask for more than the statutory $100, 000

for the loss of their bread winners and relation if the accident was caused by negligence by the airline or any of the aviation agencies.

Some of the families who spoke to New Telegraph under condition of anonymity said they have studied the “whole content of Montreal Convention as it relates accidents and compensation.”

They stated that they were waiting for the final accident report before they know the next line of action to take to seek justice.

Article 17 of the convention stipulates that the airline or its servants or agents if liable would exceed for each passenger

$100, 000 Special Drawing Rights if it is proven that, “Such damage was due to the negligence or other wrongful act or omission of the carrier or its servants or agents; or such damage was solely due to the negligence or other wrongful act or omission of a third party.”

Former commandant, Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, Group Captain John Ojikutu (rtd) said families of victims of aircraft accidents are entitled to unlimited amount of compensation within Montreal Convention, especially if any of the operators responsible for providing established services are found to be negligent.

28oC

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PORT HARCOURT

22o C 17oC Storms

KANO

35oC

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Partially Cloudy

ENUGU

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Sunny

IBADAN

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Thunder Storms

CALABAR

29o C 22oC Storms

MAIDUGURI

ONITSHA

35oC 23oC Partially Cloudy

30o C 22oC Storms

AEROCONTRACTORS LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 06:50; 13:30; 16:30; 19:45 (SAT/SUN) 12:30; 16:45 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 07:30; 13:00; 19:00 (SAT) 12:30 (SUN) 15:30

OVERLAND AIRWAYS LAGOS-ILORIN (MON-FRI) 07:15 LAGOS-IBADAN (MON-FRI) 7:00 IBADAN-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 08:00 IBADAN-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 16:30 ILORIN –ABUJA (MON-FRI) 08:30 ILORIN –LAGOS (MON-FRI) 17:00 ABUJA-ASABA (MON-FRI) 10:00 ASABA-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 14:15 ASABA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 11:30 LAGOS-ASABA (MON-FRI) 13:00 ABUJA-ILORIN 16:00 ABUJA-IBADAN 15:00

Storms

ABUJA

FIRST NATION AIRWAYS LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 06.50; 09:30; 11:45; 16:00 (SAT) 06:50; 11:45 (SUN) 11:45; 16:00 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 09:00; 11:30; 13:40;18:30 (SAT) 09:00; 13:40 (SUN) 13:40; 18:30 LAGOS-PORT-HARCOURT (MON-FRI) 14:45 (SAT) 16:15 (SUN) 14:45 PORT-HARCOURT-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 16:50 (SAT) 18:20 (SUN) 16:50

MEDVIEW AIRLINES LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 07:00; 08:50; 12:00; 15:30 (SAT) 10:00; 15:00 (SUN) 17:30; 18:30 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 09:00; 14:00, 15:00; 18:30

TODAY’S WEATHER FORECAST LAGOS

FLIGHT SCHEDULE

President Goodluck Jonathan (left) with Nigeria’s Ambassador to Gambia, Esther John Audu, at the conferment of the National Honour of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on the ambassador in Abuja.

Akpabio, Amaechi, Mimiko, Dankwambo laud New York Times/New Telegraph deal CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

to laud the partnership between the two newspaper organisations.

Those who lauded the partnership yesterday included Governors Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo) and Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo (Gombe).

Speaking on the development, Akpabio described the partnership as good and historic, expressing the hope that New Telegraph will borrow from the strengths of New York Times to further endear itself to its target audience.

Commenting on the

partnership, Amaechi said just like New York Times is a household name in the United States, New Telegraph must, to become a household name in Nigeria, follow the three principles of objectivity, fairness and balance in the way it reports issues.

He said issues that would project the image of Nigeria and protect the country’s name, and not any individual, should be at the forefront and the newspaper must be on the side of the people at all times.

“New Telegraph must be pro-people if it wants to be taken serious by Nigerian readers and the

international community,” he added.

On his part, Mimiko urged New Telegraph to always stand by the ideals of journalism by reporting the truth always for a better country.

The governor said responsible journalism must strictly be adhered to for the partnership to be sustained.

According to him, in the current global news media, where stories have consequences beyond national borders, the partnership is a welcome development and truth telling must be the watchword for New Telegraph if the partnership must be sustained.

Dankwambo, who also spoke in a similar way like his other colleagues, said New Telegraph had carved a niche for itself as a pacesetting and forward-looking newspaper within just eight months of hitting the newsstands.

He lauded the partnership, saying it is good for the socio-economic development of the country as the alliance will open a window of opportunity for the Nigerian business and political classes to interface with the bests from other parts of the world.

He added that in no time, New Telegraph should be the newspaper to beat.

ARIK AIR LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 07:00; 08:00; 09:00; 11:00 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 (SAT) 07:00; 09:00; 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 (SUN) 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 07:00; 09:00; 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00; 20:00 (SAT) 07:00; 09:00; 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 (SUN) 09:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 LAGOS-PORT-HARCOURT (MON-FRI) 07:00; 09:30; 11:00; 13:30; 15:00; 17:30 (SAT) 07:00; 11:00; 15:00 (SUN) 09:30; 11:00; 13:30; 15:00; 17:30 PORT-HARCOURT-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 07:30; 09:00; 11:30; 13:00; 15:30; 17:00 (SAT) 07:30; 11:30; 09:00; 13:00; 17:00 (SUN) 11:30; 13:00; 15:30; 17:00 ABUJA-PORT-HARCOURT (MON-FRI) 06:45; 10:10; 13:30; 16:50 (SAT/SUN) 06:45; 10:10; 13:30 PORT-HARCOURT-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 08:30; 11:50; 15:10; 18:30 (SAT/SUN) 08:30; 11:50; 15:10

News

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

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15 officers, 82 soldiers for mutiny trial Oct 15 lArmy, defence counsel disagree over judge-advocate membership

Emmanuel Onani

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newly-constituted General Court Martial (GCM) will on October 15 begin trial of 97 officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army.

The affected personnel are standing trial for offences bothering on alleged mutiny, assault, absence without leave, house breaking, conduct prejudicial to good orders and service discipline, as well as offences relating to service property.

The new date for arraignment and commencement of trial, was arrived at, after the prosecution team led by one Capt. J. A. Orumor, informed the Brig. Gen. Musa Yusuf-led ninemember GCM, that they were yet to serve the accused persons with copies of the charges as well as evidence the prosecution intends to explore to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

This is as defence counsel, including Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), raised ob-

jection to the membership of the Judge-Advocate, LtCol. Ukpe Ukpe.

Out of the number facing trial, 15 are officers from the rank of Lieutenant Colonel below, while 82 others fall within the rank and file category.

This is coming 16 days after a similar GCM sentenced 12 soldiers to death by firing squad.

In his inaugural address, the president of the court, Brig. Gen. Yusuf, promised to do justice in the case, without fear or favour, adding that the

matter will be given accelerated hearing, having regard to the fact that justice delayed is justice denied.

Consequently, he urged lawyers from both sides, to avoid the temptation of making frivolous applications or seeking unnecessary adjournments, noting that the panel will ensure that necessary materials were made available to the accused persons, before their arraignment on October 15.

Yusuf assured the accused persons that “ev-

L-R: Former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s friend, Chief Femi Olopade; Obasanjo and Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, at the inauguration of Bi-axially Oriented Polypylene (BOPP) in Ota, Ogun State…yesterday

NJC asks IG to probe attack on Ekiti judges lAPC insists on Fayose’s arrest, trial Tunde Oyesina ABUJA

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he National Judicial Council (NJC) yesterday demanded a probe into the recent attacks on judges in Ekiti State.

The NJC, at the end of an emergency meeting in Abuja, condemned the attacks on the judiciary and judicial officers in general nationwide and asked the acting Inspector General of Police, Mr. Suleiman Abba, to carry out a thorough probe into the attacks on Justices John Adeyeye and Olusegun Oguyemi at the High Court Complex, Ado-Ekiti, to ensure that the culprits and their sponsors are brought to book.

The NJC push for a probe of the incident just

as the All Progressives Congress (APC) asked that the state Governorelect, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, whom it accused of masterminding the attacks on the judges, should be arrested and prosecuted.

Following the assault on Justice Adeyeye, Fayose was said to have petitioned the NJC to investigate the activities of the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Ayodeji Daramola.

Justice Daramola had in turn forwarded a petition against Fayose, accusing him of being the mastermind of the assault on Justice Adeyeye who was reportedly beaten by some people whom Justice Daramola in his petition said acted on the orders of Fayose.

The council, in a statement by its acting Director

of Information, Soji Oye, also requested the IG to urgently provide adequate security to judicial officers and the judiciary in Ekiti State.

The NJC urged the IG to personally lead investigation into the attacks on Justices Adeyeye and Ogunyemi, some members of staff of the court and the vandalism of property of the High Court of Justice, Ado-Ekiti and bring the culprits to justice.

It, however, assured the people that all petitions forwarded by all parties to the council on the matter are being looked into.

Also reacting to the attack on the judges, the APC reiterated its earlier call for the arrest and prosecution of Fayose for allegedly leading thugs to attack the judges on Sep-

ery one of you shall be presumed innocent by the Court until it is proved otherwise.”

The court martial was convened pursuant to Section 131 (2d) of the Armed Forces Act (AFA), CAP *20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN), 2004.

Before its formal inauguration at about 11:16a.m., however, preliminary objections bordering on the membership of the Judge-Advocate, Ukpe, were raised by the defence counsel.

Specifically, an Assistant Director in the Legal Unit of the Army Garrison Command and counsel to Lt-Col. S. Tilawan, Col. Godwin Anyalemechi, raised objection to the membership of the JudgeAdvocate, who he argued, would have provided legal advice, that may have facilitated the drafting of the charges against the accused persons.

Falana, who informed journalists that he is counsel for 68 of the soldiers, aligned himself with the submission of Anyalemechi, adding that by virtue of section 134, the legal department, which Ukpe belongs, may have given legal advice to the drafting of the charges.

It was, therefore, their reasoning that having allegedly offered legal advice, the Judge-Advocate should disqualify himself, in line with the principle of natural justice.

But, Ukpe countered, noting that objections can only be raised on three conditions, that is:

We killed Boko Haram leader last month, DHQ insists CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

tember 25.

The party, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, warned that failure to act decisively now over the matter would spell danger for judges and democracy.

The party said the issue of the security of judges and the unfettered administrative of justice transcends politics, hence no politician, no matter his status, must be allowed to go scot-free after attacking judges.

APC also called on the Abba to punish the policemen who stood idly by as thugs were attacking judges, lawyers, litigants and others, saying the police must always carry out their constitutional duties, no matter which politician is flouting the law.

if the judge advocate was a Commanding Officer when the offence was alleged to have been committed, whether he was among those that investigated the alleged offences, and if he was a Commander at the time the alleged offences were said to have been committed.

To support the position of the Judge-Advocate, the prosecution counsel told the court that section 134 distinguishes “enquiry and investigation” from legal advice.

She further submitted that cases are investigated by a specialised department of the Army called Military Police.

Meanwhile, the GCM yesterday, ordered that “all the lawyers must be given unhindered access to their clients, while accused persons were granted leave to appear in their “uniform four”.

The court also granted the prayer for the prosecution to serve defence counsel, all necessary processes, even as it held that applications before the court, could be made orally.

The GCM, which held at the Army Headquarters Garrison Conference Room, at the Mogadishu Cantonment, was guarded by heavily armed soldiers.

Some of the officers and soldiers standing trial are: Lt. Col D. B Danzang, Lt.Col I. C Ogamanya, Lt. Col S. Abubakar, Maj I. Sakaba, Capt M. Abdullahi, 3:47:28 PM D. Wunuji, W O Benedict Okoye and Pte Ogai Douglas.

claims made in the video purportedly released by the terrorists showing their leader Abubakar Shekau as dismissing his death.

“From immediate observation and what some online news outlets claimed to have seen, the video did not indicate when it was shot neither did it show any proof of life or currency such as screen time or date.

“The video also did not make any reference to anything that has happened since the impostor’s reported death.

“It is also noteworthy that the air plane said to be mentioned in the video had been missing before he was killed.

“It should not surprise anybody if the terrorists decide to manipulate

pictures, clone another Shekau or upload a prerecorded video all in a bid to prove invincible.

“As far as we are concerned, the individual who was appearing in video and claiming to be the leader of the terrorist group was killed in the Kondunga battle in September.

“The resemblance of the corpse and that of the eccentric character was incontrovertible. His identity was equally corroborated by people who knew him before we announced his death.

“So, while waiting to see the new video before any further statement.

Our message to them is that justice will be served to whoever bears that name or designation and whoever engages in act,” Olukolade stated.

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News

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

N107m fraud: Court discharges Ogbulafor, jails Ebila freedom

Former PDP boss will be thanking his stars for not going in as a prisoner Tunde Oyesina Abuja

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n Abuja High Court yesterday discharged a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor of all the 17 criminal charges slammed on him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission over an alleged N107 million fraud.

The court, however, sentenced the second accused person, a former Secretary of the National Economic Intelligence Committee, Emeka Ebila, who came to court on a wheel chair to five years imprisonment without an option of fine having been found guilty of all the 17 count charge.

It will be recalled that the court had on Tuesday

issued a bench warrant on Ebila after he had absented himself from the court for three consecutive times.

The court, however, mandated his counsel to ensure the appearance of Ebila in court. The anti-graft agency had arraigned the duo on May 10, 2010, alleging that Ogbulafor, while serving as Minister of State for Special Duties in 2001, conspired with others to float three fictitious companies with which they perpetrated the fraud.

The accused were alleged to have used Henrichiko Nigeria Limited, DHL Consultants and Chekwas Industries to fraudulently obtain N82.6 million, N11.5 million and N6.2 million in 2001.

Delivering judgement on the matter, the trial judge, Justice Ishaq Bello, held that there was nothing in the argument of the prosecution that linked the first accused (Ogbulafor) to the crimes alleged.

He further held that going by the confessionary statement of the second

accused person (Ebila), it was clear that there was no conspiracy between him and the first accused person.

The court also held that the prosecution also failed to prove the ingredients of conspiracy before the court.

“It is clear from the evidence that the first accused person was not given any money, even the second accused in his evidence stated that he did not give the first accused any money.

“Prosecution did not tender any bank account showing lodgement of any money to the benefit of the first accused.

“The only money given by the second accused person to the first accused person was N2 million and that was after the first accused had left office as a public servant.

“From the evidence, the second accused person is the mastermind of all the allegation on which this charge is predicated.”

“I did not see any conspiracy as alleged by the prosecution on the first accused person.

Agbaso files N20bn libel suit against Ihenacho Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

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ormer Presidential Adviser, Chief Martin Agbaso yesterday in an Owerri High Court instituted a N20 billion libel suit against Captain Emmanuel Ihenacho, former Interior Minister over alleged defamation.

Also joined in the suit is an Owerri-based newspaper, Nigeria Newspoint and its former editor, Mr. Emmanuel Iheaka.

Agbaso alleged that Ihenacho had earlier granted an interview to another Owerri-based newspaper alleging that he demanded N1 billion (One Billion Naira) from him in order to be handed

over the machinery of the Imo State chapter of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and to secure the party’s ticket in view of his governorship ambition.

While reacting to the statement credited to the ex-minister that he demanded the sum of N1 billion from Ihenacho, Agbaso had alleged that Ihenacho was heavily indebted to banks and the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON).

Apparently angered by the statement credited to Agbaso that he was indebted to banks and AMCON, Ihenacho had instituted a N10 billion suit against Agbaso and an Owerri-based newspaper , National Gazette in

suit no HOW/402/2014 before Justice Ngozi Ukoha of the Owerri High Court.

When the matter came up for hearing yesterday, Mr. Chijioke Emeka, counsel to Agbaso informed the court of Agbaso’s suit in a counterclaim against Ihenacho for re-publishing the libellous statement alleging that Agbaso demanded money for APGA governorship ticket.

In spite of arguments from Ihenacho’s counsel that the suit was belated, Justice Ukoha admitted the application of counter-claims explaining that the process was filed within the stipulated time frame. He adjourned for pre-trial conference on November 6, 2014.

War of words over consensus candidate in Enugu Uwakwe Abugu Enugu

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he Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Enugu North senatorial zone represented by Senator Ayogu Eze in the National Assembly, Chief Mike Ejinima, yesterday dismissed the senator’s allegation of plans to hire thugs to protest his rejection of the adoption of a consensus governorship candidate for next

year’s election in Enugu State as unfounded and mischievous.

The state PDP has zoned the governorship ticket to the senator’s Enugu North senatorial zone but last Friday’s decision of the zone’s PDP caucus to adopt Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, a three-time member of the House of Representatives, did not go down well with the senator, who has rejected the development and alleged in a statement

in Abuja that there was a plan to hire thugs to protest his stance, so as to cajole him into abandoning his protest and scare him away from the coming party primaries in November.

However, in a statement yesterday, signed by Ejinima, the party denied the allegation, arguing that it was a desperate move by the senator to whip up sentiments that would advance his ambition to become governor, come 2015.

News

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

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OLUREMI OYO: 1953-2014

Jonathan, Obasanjo, NGE, others mourn as Oyo dies at 61 Anule Emmanuel and Mojeed Alabi

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resident Goodluck Jonathan and former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday mourned the passing away of the immediate past Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mrs. Oluremi Oyo, who died early yesterday at the age of 61.

Also yesterday, members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and others, extoled her virtues as a trailblazer, describing her as dedicated, loyal and

a core professional.

This was even as the family of the late journalist described her as the family’s rallying point, “who gave everyone her listening hears and offered them the opportunity to aspire to greater heights.”

In his condolence message to the family yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, President Jonathan described Oyo as one of the most eminent female journalists in the country.

The President on behalf of his family and

the Federal Government, extended sincere condolences to her husband, Vincent, her children, Otome and Okiemuote, and other relatives.

He also commiserated with the Nigerian Guild of Editors, who he said Oyo served most admirably as a two-term president in the course of her journalism career, the management and staff of NAN as well as the many colleagues and friends.

Meanwhile, former President Obasanjo in his condolence letter, which he personally

signed and addressed to the deceased’s husband, described her as a thorough-bred professional in journalism. He said the late Oyo was not only dutiful but loyal to the core.

The letter reads in part: “The sudden demise of this thorough-bred professional in journalism, where she had very successful endeavours, left a very sour taste in our mouths. Today, journalism has remained dominated by those who had been positively influenced directly or indirectly, by her great professional sa-

gacity and integrity.

“Through her distinguished public service as my Senior Special Assistant on Media while I was at the helms of affairs, Remi earned the recognition and admiration of many of her compatriots across the length and breadth of Nigeria.

President of Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mr. Femi Adesina, on his part, said the Guild had lost a pillar, saying she transformed the Guild and will always be remembered for her valiant roles while in active service.

Adesina said these were sad times for Nigerian editors, who had lost three key members in their ranks.

He said: “Within

four weeks we have lost Dimgba Igwe, the ViceChairman of the Sun Group, we lost Mike Akpan (Editor-in-Chief of Realnews online magazine) and now Remi Oyo. “It is a sad season for Nigerian journalism and editors; we pray God to spare us.”

The President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Malam Mohammed Garba, described Oyo’s death as shocking and devastating. He said as a very senior colleague and a veteran, the deceased was very active in the journalism profession.

“She believed in professionalism and the ethics of the journalism profession.”

She died too soon, says Obuh

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Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr. Ima Niboro, signing the condolence register for his predecessor, Mrs. Oluremi Oyo, at NAN’s Headquarters, Abuja ..,.yesterday. With him are some management staff of the agency. INSET: The deceased

PHOTO-NAN

Fashola shocked, Amosun sad Fayemi: Bitter pill to swallow

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agos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, yesterday expressed shock at the death of the former Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and a past President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Oluremi Oyo. Describing the late Oyo as a forthright journalist, who practiced journalism driven by values and comported herself as a worthy role model in the profession throughout her life time, Governor Fashola in a press release signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Hakeem Bello, said Oyo would be sorely missed by all.

Recalling the dynamism which she brought to bear in her national assignment as the spokesperson of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and her leadership of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and the News Agency of Nigeria, the governor said her passage, while being very painful, should also

serve as inspiration to all media professionals to always strive for excellence.

Meanwhile, Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, also expressed sadness at the death of front line female journalist and former Presidential Spokesperson, Oluremi Oyo. In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Wakama, Amosun said he was shocked by the sudden death of the veteran journalist, describing it as a big loss to journalism in particular and the media in general.

“Oyo was not only an ideal journalist, but also a trailblazer in the pen profession, who was well respected in the media world. I recall those days at the Villa, when I was a senator; I used to marvel at her energy and dedication to duty as senior special assistant on media and publicity to President Olusegun Obasanjo between 2003 and 2007.”

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kiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has described the death of former presidential spokesperson, Mrs. Oluremi Oyo, as a great loss to the state and Nigeria as a whole.

The governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, said Mrs. Oyo’s death is a bitter pill to swallow at this critical period in the history of the state and the country.

Fayemi said the death of the former Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has robbed Ekiti State of yet another shining star at a period

the state is yet to recover from the mourning of the loss of some of its illustrious citizens, who died recently.

He noted that Oyo bestrode the journalism profession like a colossus, rising to the pinnacle of the profession as President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Senior Special Assistant (Media) to the President and Managing Director, NAN. Governor Fayemi said Oyo positively projected the image of the state in the various capacities she served her nation and humanity and had a stellar career in the public service.

elta State governorship aspirant, Sir Tony Obuh, has expressed shock over the death of the former Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria, Mrs Oluremi Oyo, who passed on in London, where she was undergoing treatment for cancer.

Obuh, who described Oyo one of the most eminent Nigerian female journalists, lamented that she died too soon, noting that she served the country selflessly.

“Remi Oyo was a special person, who would be deeply missed and be always remembered as a hardworking and dependable professional. As we all

Senate extols her virtues Chukwu David Abuja

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enate President, Senator David Mark, yesterday lamented the death of the former Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mrs. Oluremi Oyo. Mark said the late Oyo distinguished herself as a professional journalist and a successful administrator of very high repute at various levels she served the country.

In a condolence message issue by the Chief Press Secretary to the President of the Senate, Mr. Paul Mumeh, Senator

A role model for professional women, says Atiku Johnchuks Onuanyim Abuja

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ormer Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, yesterday described the death of former Presidential Spokes-

person, Mrs. Remi Oyo, as a loss to Nigerian journalism, but also to Nigerian women at large.

Atiku, who disclosed this in a condolence message released by his media office in Abuja, noted that

mourn her, we should also have it at the back of our mind that she lived a purposeful life in defence of the truth and public interest as well as the promotion of the highest standards in her chosen profession of journalism,” Obuh said.

He prayed God to give Mr. Vincent Oyo, husband of the late seasoned journalist and her two children, Otome and Okiemute the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

“Although no words can take away the pain of the family over the loss of Remi, I want the family to know that our hearts and thoughts are with them in this moment of grief,” he said.

the late former Managing Director of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), had distinguished herself as an excellent and hardworking journalist, who rose to the position of President of the Nigeria Guild of Editors.

Mark said: “As an Editor, she was a pathfinder, as the President of the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE), she provided exemplary leadership that took the Guild to a higher level.

“She was a great asset to the Nigerian media and a worthy daughter of the nation. We shall miss her robust and intellectual contributions to national development.”

The senate president further recalled Oyo’s role as Media Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, during which she exceedingly deployed her professional competence to the service of her fatherland.

According to the former vice-president, Oyo’s rise to prominence in her chosen profession was a testimony to the fact that women could attain any position through excellence, once the opportunity was given to them.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

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Metro

Synagogue: My children and I need help, cries widow SOS The widow of one of the victims of the September 12 disaster at the Synagogue Church says it has become pretty difficult taking care of the berieved family Shola Adefuwa

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wenty-one days after the collapsed of the guest house of the Synagogue Church of All Nations at Ikotun, Lagos, a woman, whose husband was among the 115 victims, has implored the state and Federal Governments to come to her aid.

The widow, Mrs Esther Kukoyi, a mother of four, said that her husband, Mr Sunday Kukoyi, a carpenter, died when he went to the guest house to collect money for the work he had done.

Mrs Kukoyi, whose last child is just seven-months-old, said she was a full time housewife and needed financial assistance from the government or well-meaning Nigerians to take care of her children.

The Kukoyis

The widow recollected how happy they had been after her husband received a call, asking him to come and carry out carpentry work in the guest house.

She never knew that would be the last job the man would ever do.

Although the family badly needed any penny coming through the husband’s work, she said she now wished the job offer, which later turned fatal, had never come.

The woman added that the deceased was even through with the job, but only went over to collect his payment when he met his death.

She said: “After working there on Thursday, he was not paid. He was, however, asked to come back the following day, Friday, to collect his money. I waited throughout that Friday for his return. I called his phone several times, but the line was switched off. I kept

trying his line until midnight.

“I called his extended family members but they said I should go to bed that he would come home. They said he could have been held up in traffic jam.”

Mrs. Kukoyi said that on Saturday morning, she went to the church. When she got to the place, she saw a lot of people. It was then she realised that the guest house where Mr. Kukoyi told her he worked and gone to collect money, had crumpled

like a pack of cards.

She said her husband was among the dead. While she mourned her husband, she also worried over how to take care of the four kids, especially since she is a full time housewife and had no educational qualification.

She said: “We urge the authorities to allow us to take his body, so that his children will know where he is buried. His kids need to know his gravesite. He was their father.

“My second child has been asking me the whereabouts of his father. I can’t still believe it.

My husband was a young man.

His parents are still alive.”

NT met Mrs. Kukoyi at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), where the state government has asked family members of people who died in the incident, to submit blood samples which would aid forensic identification and DNA analysis of the bodies.

She said: “My husband’s death is painful. He was not sick and wasn’t even looking for miracle. Our daily bread was what he went to source for. Let the Federal and state governments, including wellmeaning Nigerians, come to our aid. All my children are still in primary school. I urgently need support.”

Rivers Poly students protest colleague’s killing Emmanuel Masha Port Harcourt

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uthorities of Rivers State Polytechnic, Bori, have shut down the institution, after students’ violent protest on the main campus.

The students were asked to vacate the campus before 2pm yesterday after destroying valuable items.

Crisis erupted in the institution, which is in the middle of its second semester examination, after students and officials of

Amaechi

the security department clashed over the alleged death of a student, who the authorities had handed

S ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

abiodun.bello@newtelegraphonline.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

over to the police for interrogation.

It was rumoured that the student from neighbouring Akwa Ibom State was allegedly tortured to death while in police custody.

Most of the students fled the campus after some of their aggrieved colleagues stormed the office of the Chief Security Officer (CSO), urging him to facilitate the release of their colleague, who he allegedly handed over the police.

Sources said that some of the students, who had grudges against the CSO,

ome armed men suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 69-year-old woman, Mrs Rachael Hazzan, in Omu-Ijebu, Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The incident, according to her son, Pastor Remmy Hazzan, happened about 8:10pm on Wednesday in front of her shop on Tai Solarin College of Education (TASCE) Road, Irete, Omu. Hazzan, a member of the

destroyed some properties in his office and marched to other departments where they equally damaged things.

The Rector, Obianku Elechi, who announced the shutting down of the institution in Bori, said the management took the decision to prevent a total breakdown of law and order.

Elechi said problem started when the election of Akwa Ibom Students’ Union was disrupted by one of the students.

According to him, the

student was arrested by the police to avert break down of law and order.

He said: “As a result of this rumour, the Akwa Ibom students in the polytechnic shut down the entrance gate and started destroying school properties.”

Efforts to get the reaction of the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ahmed Mohammed, were futile as calls to his mobile phone were forwarded to another line, which did not connect eventually.

Ogun lawmaker’s 69-year-old mother abducted Ogun State House of Assembly, representing Odogbolu State Constituency, said the incident happened shortly after he spoke with his mother on the telephone.

The lawmaker said that the police and men of the Department of State Security (DSS) had been duly informed about the abduction.

Hazzan added that he was informed about the development by his mother’s neighbour shortly after the incident.

He said: “I saw my mum’s missed call when I came back from church last night and I called back and we spoke till around 8pm only to receive a call some minutes later from her neighbour

that she was abducted.”

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Muyiwa Adejobi, said that the lawmaker informed the police about the development.

He promised that the police were already trying to unravel the circumstances surrounding the abduction.

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NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

EFCC arraigns fake car dealers for N6.1m fraud Juliana Francis

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wo men, Alhaji Abdul Amadu and Bello Isah, have been arraigned before Justice Farouq Lawal of the Kano State High Court on a three-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and obtaining money by false pretence.

The alleged fake car dealers were arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), yesterday.

The accused allegedly induced one Alhaji Mohammed Sani Utai to part with N6,100,000 under the pretext that they were going to sell a Mercedes Benz GLK car

Flora Onwudiwe

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riends, relatives and senior military officers yesterday poured encomiums on the late Brigadier General Benjamin Adekunde at his lying-in-state held at the Abalti Barracks, Surulere, Lagos.

Brigadier General Michael Toki (rtd) said the late Adekunle had a small stature but made a huge impact on Nigeria’s unity.

He said: “But for him, the Civil War would not have ended at the time it ended. Although some other people took the glory for what he did.

“He was the one who put fire on the ‘Biafrans’ before they surrendered.

The late General Philip Effiong surrendered and General Olusegun Obasanjo had to take the glory.

“Have you seen Obasanjo here? Have you seen Abisoye here? These

to him. After obtaining the money in various tranches, the car was neither delivered nor was his money returned.

One of the charge reads, “that you Alhaji Abdu Amadu and Bello Isah sometime in 2012, at Kano within the jurisdiction of the High Court of Kano State, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of N2,600,000 from Mohammed Sani Utai by falsely representing that you had a Mercedes Benz GLK for sale and that you were capable of securing delivery of the said Mercedes Benz car to him, which pretence you knew to be false and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and

Lawmaker donates rams, cash, to constituents Muhammad Bashir Lokoja

A Amadu

Isah

Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act”.

The accused pleaded not guilty when the charge was

read to them.

Lawal adjourned the case till October 13 for hearing of bail application and commencement of trial.

Encomiums for Adekunle at lying-in-state are the people that took his glory and they retired him unceremoniously after doing what he did for the Army. It pains me.”

Toki expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Kenneth Minimah, who, on two occasions, sponsored Adekunle’s trips to India with his wife Folake. “I was involved in the last trip with the Chief of Army Staff to send him to India with his wife, Folake, who we recognised.

“It is Folake that the Army knows. When the Army said that they were going to take over his burial that was when other children and wives started resurfacing.”

Mr Kanmi Onipede, who said he had known the late Adekunle since 1972, described him as a loving and caring father.

Senator Ayo Ademola

The late Adekunle

Adesewa, representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, said that it was unfortunate that people do not celebrate Nigerian heroes in their lifetimes.

He said: “Nigeria was unfair to Adekunle. He created, led and nurtured the Third Marine Commando Division. He fought in the most terrible terrain of our land and helped to stop the Civil War early. If he had not

gone to Bonny to cut off the supply route for those fighting againt their brothers, the war, which ended after 30 months, could have lasted five years or more.

“There are a lot of them who are office military men; they never went to any war. Adekunle served in Congo and Nigeria.

Whenever the war was hottest, he was there. He led his men from the front; he was never a commander who sat at the back and sent his men to war.”

Adesewa called on the Federal Government to immortalise Adekunle by naming a major military facility after him.

He also said that the late Adekunle’s family should be catered for.

Two of the late general’s wives were at the lying-in-state.

The first one, Madam Comfort Adekunle, who some relatives claimed left the deceased 40 years ago and Mrs Folake Adekunle, who was said to have been with the late Black Scorpion for 28 years.

Alao-Akala sets up radio station

Alao-Akala

Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

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ormer Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala of Oyo State has inaugurated ‘Parrot FM’,

the first private radio station in Ogbomosho area of Oyo State.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony on Wednesday, Alao-Akala said that the station was established to fill the communication gap existing in the area, adding that a television station would soon be established also.

He thanked the people of the community and neighbouring communities for their support towards the realisation of the project.

In the same vein, Mr Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, the chairman of the radio station, said that the establishment of the station was inevitable to stop the travelling of people to

places like Ilorin, Osogbo and Ibadan to seek information.

The station, according to him, was also established to serve humanity in all ramifications, as well as to promote the emancipation of the common man from all forms of oppression.

He said: “Parrot FM is the first private and independent commercial radio station in Oyo North Senatorial District of Oyo State. We shall uphold the tenets of the practice of journalism and abide strictly by the ethics of the profession.”

The chairman also promised that the station would concentrate more on talent hunt

among its target audience.

“We will provide a veritable platform for young artistes in the communication industry living within the community to showcase their talents,’’ he added.

Olamijuwonlo said that it was disheartening that a greater part of the cultural values of the people was unknown to the children and younger folks, while the youth appeared to have been indoctrinated by foreign culture.

He said: “Our focus will therefore be promotion of local folklores and cultural heritage to enhance the knowledge of the upcoming ones in the areas.’’

legislator, representing Lokoja/ Kogi Federal Constituency on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the National Assembly, Hon Buba Jibril Umar, has distributed rams, rice and cash to people in his constituency.

Umar d o n at e d N150,000 cash, 15 bags of rice and rams to each of the 21 wards in the two local government areas that make up the constituency.

Shortly before the items were donated to the people at Felele Primary School, the party delegates from Kupa North, Kupa South, Oworo, Kakanda, Eggan and Lokoja, endorsed Umar’s second term bid in the National Assembly.

Responding, the lawmaker expressed the confidence that the APC would win overwhelmingly at both the state and national levels in Kogi State in the 2015 general elections.

Insecurity: ‘FG needs retired security personnel’s contribution’ Juliana Francis

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he Federal Government needs to employ the services of retired security agents to effectively tackle insecurity problems confronting the country.

A security analyst, Mr Folorunsho Atta, who made this assertion, said that insecurity in the country would have been a thing of the past, if the right calibre of security experts had been involved in national security issues.

According to Atta, past Inspectors-General of Police such as Mr Sunday Adewusi and Mr Tafa Balogun, retired Commissioners of Police like Alhaji Abubakar Tsav and Mr Yakubu Adamu Alkali, among others, still have what it takes to check insecurity, crime and criminality.

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

2014 eid-el-kabir celebration

Glo celebrates with Muslims

Over two million pilgrims set for Arafat

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Ibrahim Abdul

elecommunications company, Globacom, yesterday congratulated Nigerian Muslims as they celebrate this year’s Eidel-Kabir, an important festival in the Islamic calendar.

“We warmly felicitate with our Muslim brothers in Nigeria as they celebrate the 2014 Eidel-Kabir. As they savour the joy of the occasion, we call on the Muslim Ummah to continue to live up to the tenets of the Islamic faith through acts of charity, peaceful co-existence with their neighbours and obedience to the injunctions of Holy Quoran,” Globacom said in a press statement released in Lagos.

The company also rejoices with all Nigerians, who successfully performed the hajj this year in fulfillment of a key injunction of the Islamic faith and urged them to imbibe the lessons of commitment, dedication and obedience to higher authority inherent in Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in deference to the will of God, which Eidel-Kabir commemorates.

According to Globacom; “It is a season of charity, peace and forgiveness; we must remember to fend for the poor and the needy in line with Allah’s injunction to be our brothers’ keeper.”

Globacom wished all the Muslim faithful a happy sallah celebration and urged them to use the occasion to rededicate themselves to the service of Allah and humanity, while praying for the unity, progress and development of the nation.

Saudi Arabia

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t least two million pilgrims yesterday stormed Mina, Saudi Arabia, ahead of Arafat, on the first leg of their journey of a lifetime.

Our correspondent, now covering the event, said that Saudi government’s agencies have made elaborate arrangements to ensure the smooth flow of pilgrims from Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, Riyadh, Taif and Dammam, into the tent city.

The pilgrims are to spend the day and night in prayers and then head

Abuja

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he Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) yesterday deployed 18, 000 personnel, comprising of regular and special marshalls to patrol critical corridors of the highways and other strategic places to ease movement of people and vehicles during this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

Also 800 patrol vehicles, 60 motorbikes, 54 ambulances and six heavy duty tow-trucks were in deployment.

This was contained in a press statement issued by the agency and signed by Corps Public Education Officer, Stella Uchegbu.

Speaking on the sallah

happy and also a little nervous,” said Mustapha Aliyu, 34, a pilgrim from Jimeta, Adamawa State.

“Hajj is not easy,” he said in an interview in Mina’s tent. “It is physically demanding, but spiritually exhilarating.” Umar Ahmad and Mustapha Matazu, were happy to be here.

“We can’t describe our feelings,” said Matazu, who said his relations and acquaintances have asked them for prayers.

“We have a long list of requests. We will beseech Allah from Mina and the plains of Arafat to answer our prayers,” he said. “We have come all the way from such a distance to seek forgiveness and Al-

This ram costs one hundred and seventy thousand naira only in Lagos…yesterday.

FRSC deploys 18, 000 personnel, 918 vehicles Obinna Odoh

to the plains of Arafat today, the standing at Arafat is the high point of hajj.

Since Wednesday, thousands of young men employed by hajj operators and pilgrim establishments had work assiduously to receive pilgrims, just as the traffic police, civil defense personnel, Hajj Ministry officials, doctors, nurses, paramedics and media personnel, continued to work.

“It’s interesting to see male pilgrims adorned with the ihram, two pieces of white seamless cloth that is mandatory before undertaking the journey, the ihram for women is different.

“We are excited and

special patrol, the FRSC Corps Marshal and Chief Executive, Boboye Oyeyemi, said the nationwide exercise forms part of the corps sustained efforts to build on its ‘Ember months’ campaigns, which will be sustained till the end of the year to also mitigate auto crashes during the yuletide season.

He added that; “The FRSC has a consistent tradition of enforcing traffic rules and regulations throughout the year to avoid a one-off approach to road safety management in Nigeria.”

Oyeyemi also spoke specifically on speed limit violation, he said: “Our findings indicate that speed limit violations remain a prevalent factor on road traffic crashes.”

LAGBUS offers free ride to residents Muritala Ayinla

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agos State government-owned LAGBUS mass transit service yesterday said it would provide free bus rides to Lagosians during the Eidel-Kabir celebrations.

The Federal and Lagos State governments have declared Monday, October 6 and Tuesday, October 7, 2014 as workfree days to mark the celebration.

A statement by LAGBUS Managing Director, Mr. Babatunde Disu, said LAGBUS and its franchise would provide free service to the residents, saying the free bus ride would run from 6.00am to 10.00pm.

Disu in a statement said: “It is a move aimed at promoting the use of public transport as well

lah’s mercy.”

“It is the love for our Prophet (peace be upon him) and our beautiful religion that has brought us to the holy land,” said Muhammad Haruna Miga.

The weather was pleasant yesterday and is expected to be moderate today. A visit by our correspondent to some Nigerian tents was full of pleasant feelings. “Excellent arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth hajj,” said a Nigerian pilgrim, who simple identified himself as Ibrahim.

In Jeddah, Riyadh and other cities, men and women could be seen in cars and buses heading for Makkah to

as reducing traffic congestion on Lagos roads during the festivities.

LAGBUS and its franchise will provide free transportation in their designated routes across the metropolis. The move was aimed at promoting the use of public transportation as well as reducing congestion on Lagos roads during the festivities.”

According to him, the free rides are parts of LAGBUS’ contribution towards a successful Eidel-Kabir celebration.

While urging Lagosians to make use of the services, Disu said the free rides will be provided on all LAGBUS routes across the metropolis, assuring the people that the free bus ride would run within LAGBUS operational hours.

perform the hajj. They were chanting “Labbaik Allahuma Labbaik,” while onlookers were encouraging and smiling at the pilgrims and asking them to pray for world peace.

Meanwhile, the Saudi Interior Ministry’s Public Security Department has stopped 145,354 pilgrims from entering Makkah, because they did not have hajj permits.

In a statement issued by the department, it said its officers also barred 51,112 cars without entry permits. “The department also arrested the operators of 40 fake hajj service companies and launched investigations on them.”

PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Alaafin urges Muslims to embrace peace

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he Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, yesterday called on Muslim faithful across the country to embrace peace and entrench mutual coexistence among their neighbours, so as to engender progress and development for the nation.

The chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, who stressed that it is in the atmosphere of peace and love that any nation can grow, urged Nigerians to emulate the peaceful character of Prophet Mohammed to attain harmony in the country in the face of the travails bedeviling her.

His advice was contained in the message signed by his Media Assistant, Alhaji Azeez Fehintola, and made avail-

able to New Telegraph in Ibadan yesterday.

Describing Islam as a religion of peace, saying: “I use this medium to congratulate our brothers and sisters in Islam on the celebration of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir. Islam is a religion of peace, and so I enjoin all our Muslim faithful across the country to embrace peace and allow for harmonious coexistence among all citizens, so that the country could continue to record progress and development.”

The monarch, who appealed to the Islamic fundamentalists, Boko Haram, to totally cease fire, used the occasion to call for prayers from Nigerians for a smooth transition as the 2015 elections draw near.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

Nigeria’s unity

Independence

Constitution making

Foreign policy

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Zik will turn in his grave if Nigeria disintegrates, says widow

Mike Ozekhome believes that Nigerians must agree on terms for staying together

X-ray of serveral constitutions, challenges since Independence

What manner of foreign policy has Nigeria been pursuing 54 years after?

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Politics Balewa

Azikwe

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s Nigeria marks 54 years of independence from its colonial masters, a good number of Nigerians feel it is high time the nation and its people took a step back and ruminate on whether or not the dreams of the founding fathers of the nation, who fought assiduously for that freedom have been achieved. It is their contention that the people and its present crop of leaders, look around them at what has become of the country after 54 years of self-government, and make an appraisal of how far they have come as a people, and a nation, based on the dreams and aspirations that motivated the fight and struggle for freedom from the British.

The founding fathers in their efforts to ensure a free united country under one law made a lot of sacrifices by sideling their comfort, tribal and religious identity to ensure that Nigeria was free. They had dared to dream of a nation, united and strong being the pride of every black man the world over, where justice, equality and dignity of men was guaranteed, and the re-

AYODELE OJO

DEPUTY EDITOR, PoLITICS ayodele.ojo@newtelegraphonline.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Awolowo

How far with founding fathers’ dreams?

At independence in 1960, the founding fathers had hopes and aspirations for the new nation and its role in the comity of nations. As the nation celebrates another independence anniversary, ETAGHENE EDIRIN reports on how far the dreams of the founding fathers have been realised sources of the land were used for the benefit of the people, and development of the society.

In his speech to commemorate Nigeria’s 51st independence anniversary, President Goodluck Jonathan said, “As your president, let me reassure all Nigerians that I remain resolutely committed to the ideals and dreams of our founding fathers.”

However, many contend that one problem that has bedevilled the country has been the absence of a true patriotic spirit on the part of the leadership, and citizenry alike, due to a lack of communication of these ideals and dreams which should also encompass the vision and core values of the polity to her citizens.

In the beginning, the founding fathers of the geographical area today known as Nigeria were mostly referred to as nationalists, and they took up the gauntlet because they believed, and rightly too, in the ability of

Nigerians to manage the political affairs of Nigeria.

The founding fathers were patriotic men dedicated to the development of Nigeria. They were determined to build a prosperous and united Nigeria, one under a federal system of government, where even though the people are divided by ethnicity and language, they will take themselves as brothers and live together under the entity called Nigeria as one nation.

So, it was common in those days to find leaders of people say ‘One Nigeria, One People, One Nation, One Destiny’. Also, it was agreed that they should practice what they called ‘Unity in Diversity’. The founding fathers realised that Nigeria is made up of different ethnic groups, but in spite of that, they still believed that Nigeria, having been created and declared an independent nation must survive.

Where, the early nationalists saw it as a privilege to

serve their fatherland, without monetary reward, many present day leaders, who also pride themselves as nationalists, see service to the fatherland as an avenue to amass wealth, resulting to looting and maladministration.

In his Independence Day speech, delivered on October 1, 1960 at Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Prime Minister of Nigeria who said words could not adequately express the joy and pride he felt being a Nigerian, at that point in time, also noted that every Nigerian had dreamt of that day, when the Union Jack would be lowered, and the green white green flag, symbolising the birth of a new nation, would be hoisted.

According to him, the Constitutional Instruments symbolising Nigeria’s Independence which he accepted from Her Royal Majesty “gives me strength and courage as I dedicate my life to the service of our country.”

Balewa noted: “At the time when our constitutional development entered upon its final phase, the emphasis was largely upon self-government. We, the CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

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Politics

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Mimiko dumps Labour Party for PDP Wale Elegbede and Anule Emmanuel

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fter months of speculation over his defection to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko has finally ditched the Labour Party (LP) on whose platform he won the 2007 and 2012 governorship elections.

He stated that the imperative of a new broader platform prompted his

decision.

Describing the Nigerian political system as a bipolar environment made up of two political parties, he noted that operating fringe parties has not only been expensive but usually ended with muted success.

He added that aligning with either of the two dominant political forces in the current dispensation is the correct democratic position to take.

Mimiko said: “I must confess that it surely was

tempting and perhaps more fulfilling to continue as a national leader in our smaller, calmer and quite promising ocean represented by the Labour Party (LP). But this decision to return to the PDP, we have taken in the overall interest of our people and our nation, and its democracy which for those who are perceptive enough to notice, is now mortally endangered by a constellation of forces which must be confronted.”

The governor announced his decision after a meeting between the reconciliation committee of the PDP chaired by Senate President David Mark and members of the party from the South-West held at the presidential villa.

While making the declaration which was witnessed by Vice-President Namadi Sambo, Mimiko said members of the National Assembly and State House of Assembly from Ondo State on the Labour Party have

also defected to the PDP. Mimiko said the immediate target would be to help the process of getting Jonathan re-elected in 2015.

According to him, the Labour Party has always supported President Jonathan’s presidential projects.

“We hope to be part of a process of creating, especially in the South West, a solid and robust platform of involvement in the election of the President, governors and

2015: PDP bans officials from endorsing aspirants lWarns govt aides from interfering in party affairs Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

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he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has banned its officials from endorsing or supporting any aspirants on the platform of the party for the 2015 general election.

The party also insisted that the October 30 deadline for the sale of nomination forms to aspirants wishing to contest on its platform remains sacrosanct.

In a statement issued yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, PDP condemned the activities of some persons and groups supporting some aspirants for the 2015 general election at the state level.

It noted that while it could not stop individuals, groups or communities from endorsing persons of their choice, “the national leadership wishes to restate in the strongest possible terms that elected party officials at the state, local government and ward levels must not be involved in such, as they must remain unbiased umpires in the nomination process.”

PDP reminded them that only the National Executive Committee (NEC), as an organ of the party, can officially endorse a candidate under the PDP constitution.

According to the statement, there shall C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 3

elected representatives of the people of Nigeria, concentrated on proving that we were fully capable of managing our own affairs both internally and as a nation.”

On his part, late Premier of Western region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo at the 1958 Constitutional Conference in London noted that “the welfare of millions of people for generations to come may be affected by the wisdom we here display. If Nigerian leaders and their British partners are to prove themselves worthy of their trust, now is the time for us solemnly and truly to dedicating ourselves to seeking the greatest good of the greatest number of our people in Nigeria.”

According to him, “independence for Nigeria in 1960 is imperative but it is not enough. The people of Nigeria must at the same time be guaranteed their freedom. We must ensure that in an independent Nigeria, individual citizens throughout the land enjoy liberty, human dignity and equality under the law. There must be one Nigeria, with one constitution and one law for all.”

At another event, while on a campaign trail, Awolowo stated: “It is our duty that

Metuh

Alkali

be no extension on the sale of nomination forms beyond the October 30 deadline, and advised all aspirants to adhere strictly to this directive.

“The National Working Committee (NWC) urges all aspirants to carefully study the guidelines and party’s code of conduct for elections and ensure that they conduct their campaigns accordingly as the PDP shall not condone any aberration or abuse of its internal electoral process,” the party stated.

In another development, the PDP has warned aides of elected government officials to desist from making comments relating to the administration of the party and its official position on issues.

The party’s position was in response to statement credited to the Political Adviser to the President, Prof. Rufa’i Ahmed Alkali last Wednesday.

Alkali had told newsmen that the adoption of President Goodluck Jonathan as sole presidential candidate of PDP was to affirm the party’s maturity in political game based on its rich experience of being in power for the past 16 years.

But Metuh said it is absolutely unacceptable for political aides to dabble into party affairs.

He added that such statement “is capable of conveying wrong messages regarding the position of the party especially on nomination issues.”

legislators and post-election governance structure which will help to engender rapid socio-economic development,” the governor said.

He said decision to defect to the PDP was taken after a period of consultation with major stakeholders in Ondo State including traditional, religious leaders, artisans, market men and women.

“But this decision to return to the PDP, we have taken in the overall interest of our people and our nation, and its democracy which for those who are perceptive enough to notice, is now mortally endangered by a constellation of forces which must be confronted,” Mimiko said.

While welcoming Mimiko into the fold of the PDP, Sambo said that the defection of the governor would raise PDP to a higher level.

He urged Mimiko to embrace all the party members in the PDP. Also speaking on the occasion, Senator Mark assured that Mimiko would bring advantage into the PDP in the state.

Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan said the defection of Governor Mimiko to PDP was an indication of a brighter future for the ruling party in 2015.

Present at the occasion were Chief of Staff to the President, Brig.

Gen. Jones Arogbofa; Deputy National Chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus; former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel; Senator Bode Olajumoke and Dr. Olu Agunloye among others.

Unfulfilled dreams of founding fathers we owe to our great motherland to boost her and to enhance her in the eyes of the entire world. Egalitarianism is our watchword; equality of good fortune must be to each sure reward. Liberty and brotherhood are the goals, for which we strive, plus progress, plus plenty and all the good things of life. Up, up, Nigeria, and take thy rightful place. It is they birthright and thy destiny, Africa’s leading light to be.”

However, former Vice-President Alex Ekwueme voiced disapproval of what the present crop of leaders have achieved, as far as the polity is concerned. According to him, “no one present when the Union Jack was lowered in 1960 would be happy with the present level of development in Nigeria.”

Ekwueme told newsmen during his 80th birthday reception organised in his honour by his kinsmen in Lagos, that Nigeria was yet to get it right after all the years of independence from the colonial masters.

On his part, Tajudeen Olusi, former national vice chairman (South-West) of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), said the dreams of the founding fathers who agitated and fought for the country’s Independence, have been put to waste by succeeding administrations.

He noted that because of the diversity, the leaders agreed that Nigeria were to have regions made of different tribes, but all under a unified populace. “These founding fathers not only had dreams, they also worked towards the development of these dreams,” he said.

Many argue that amongst the dreams of the founding fathers was to have a united Nigeria based on a federal system of government that would allow each develop at its own pace and ensure that no section of the country would lord things over others.

The aspirations of the founding fathers, especially Awolowo, was to minister unto the needs of the people, hence the concepts of ‘Welfarism’ and ‘Demo-

cratic-Socialism’, aimed at improving the lots of the common man, to uplift them from the lowest ebb, and give them meaningful education.

A number of Nigerians, however, feel that all hope is not lost. And that though the country still has a long way to go in the journey of developing the desired ideals, it is still achievable if the present crop of leaders are willing to redirect their efforts. This group further contends that the foundation has been laid by the founding fathers of Nigeria, and that it is left to Nigerians to continue where they stopped, and that with devotion, determination, and seriousness, we can have the Nigeria of our dream.

Nigeria’s first president, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, in one of his speeches stated that “the love for our country should outweigh the love of our parties, the enjoyment of individual freedom under the law should mean more to us than our selfCONTINUED ON PAGE 16

Politics

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

Prof. (Mrs.) Uche Azikiwe is the widow of nationalist and a founding father of Nigeria, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. She told UWAKWE ABUGU that the first president of Nigeria would turn in his grave if disintegration of the country was ever mooted. Excerpts: Can you recall what it was like during Nigeria’s independence celebration in 1960?

I recall I was quite a young girl. I was born in 1947. So, I was just about 13 during that independence celebration of 1960. By that time, my father, Chief Lawrence Azuewa, had retired as a sergeant from the police and he was then involved in politics. He was a member of the NCNC (National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons). Before 1960, there were a lot of political activities, a lot of movements here and there.

So, how did you take part in the celebration?

That day, I could remember we all went to the Government Field, Afikpo. Since my father had retired, we had relocated home to Afikpo in present-day Ebonyi State from Lagos. So, we were in the Government Field and there was parade, and we held the national flag, had normal parade and march past and there was happiness in the air. Though I didn’t know so much about what independence meant, we all joined and we sang the old national anthem. There was this feeling of elation and freedom in the air, that at last our country was free from the colonial masters.

My father worked under the colonial masters and he used to tell us how they were lording it over the blacks, whether or not such a white man knew better than the blacks under him. So, it was a moment of immense joy and celebration. And all Nigerians were happy.

Considering our present level of development, would you say the nation has any cause to roll out drums as we clock 54?

I would do the assessment by looking at the whole thing from the point of view of good and bad. You see, there are improvements here and there. We have achieved a lot considering what was available at that time. Now, a lot of infrastructures are in place showing that there is progress. For instance, the roads and health facilities have improved greatly. In most parts of the country at that time you had just single roads compared to some network of roads that we have today, though some may not be in good shape. In educa-

15

Zik will turn in his grave if Nigeria disintegrates, says widow Leading Woman tion, check out the number of schools now as compared to the very few we had then.

You would see that somehow, there is improvement. Same applies to the health sector where there is also much improvement.

However, the down side of the nation’s journey to development in the past 54 years are also many, but I would think most of the factors that pushed Nigeria downward stemmed from prolonged military rule.

That factor set the nation over 100 years backwards. Democracy as we have read over the years is best practiced by continuous trials; occasioning falling, getting up again and falling again and getting up stronger each time until you get it right. But those days of military rule never gave room for learning on the job as democracy demands, especially in our clime. Even when the civilians have taken over, that siege mentality of the military still haunts the environment.

And you recall that with the intervention of the military, there was no rule of law except as it pleased the rulers.

It was unfortunate that after Independence, we did not learn enough before the military came to power and we all saw that in 1999. That mentality still hung around in the new polity, and it was difficult to go direct and apply all tenets of democracy.

tions. They would put hurdles on the way and that is why it is difficult.

Another October 1 had passed.

Considering all these negative tendencies, should the country celebrate our independence?

Yes, we should celebrate and thank God that we are no longer under the colonial masters.

Some countries got theirs only about 10 years ago but we got ours 54 years ago. There is freedom no matter how you look at it, freedom of the press, free speech, freedom of movement.

Generally, there is a reason to celebrate, but we don’t have any reason to really roll out the drums. It should rather be a period for sober reflections and not for fanfare.

The great Zik of Africa was one of the founding fathers of Nigeria. Looking at leaders then and now, how would you assess the two eras?

Those who fought for independence did that selflessly and they pursued their noble goals; people like my husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Belo and the rest of them. That crop of leaders fought for freedom and for the people. They did not go into leadership to amass wealth.

If you compare their salaries with what obtains today, you would see the difference.

But so many years after the military left the scene, corruption is still rampant. What is your take on this?

Yes, it is true, but you can’t wipe out the ills and rots created by military rule, including corruption within a short period. The mentality of corruption has permeated the society and its institutions and you can’t wake up now to abolish it with ease. You need to reorient the people and every aspect of our lives to purge the society. If you look around, a lot of our leaders have military background, so they can’t change immediately. It is not easy to change vices already rooted within a society.

Are the present leaders doing enough to check corruption and other ills plaguing the nation?

If those who want to fight corruption are in the minority, it will be difficult to fight it. And in our own case, it appears many Nigerians are involved in corruption and they would want to fight anti-corruption crusaders and institu-

Azikiwe

My husband will turn in his grave at the mere suggestion of that... He sacrificed much of his personal comfort and many a time, even those with whom he fought for independence of this nation would not agree with his tenacity of saying that all Nigerians were one in spite of the ethnic differences

Clearly, the leaders then were exemplary characters. There is no basis for comparison.

Some of our leaders now, it’s like they are there just to share the national cake.

If you are a leader and you perform well nobody would want to pry into what you are doing, provided you are serving the people creditably.

Some of our present leaders are selfish, greedy and would always plan for the next position to grab while serving on a substantive one. For instance, a governor would serve up his term and would plan his way to the Senate or ambassadorial position. But there are so many other persons in that society who could be groomed to come to those positions. And they are quite eligible.

Sometimes, these leaders would want their wives or sons to grab those positions. It is a disturbing sense of my own, my own and it is not good at all. Other persons in the society should be allowed to grow and learn leadership. It is unfair to other Nigerians. Some of our leaders today only think of how much do I make, how much do I grab. And we have to change this.

In view of so much insecurity and discord arising from diverse ethnic cleavages, there have been threats of disintegration of the country as a way of settling the differences…

(Cuts in) My husband will turn in his grave at the mere suggestion of that. You know how passionate he was in fighting to ensure that this country remained one. He sacrificed much of his personal comfort and many a time, even those with whom he fought for independence of this nation would not agree with his tenacity of saying that all Nigerians were one in spite of the ethnic differences. He used to tell us that on certain occasions, his northern colleagues would tell him bluntly that actually we are not one. But his belief in one Nigeria was something like a passion he could not do away with. That informed his political exploits beyond Eastern Nigeria in those good old days.

Your final words for the nation and its leaders To the leaders, remember that we voted you in so that you’ll provide facilities and amenities of life that fall under your responsibility to provide. Think of the people first and not your comfort as is the case in many instances today.

Remember that no condition is permanent. You would one day descend from that your height, and only your good deeds would give you a soothing balm on your way down the ladder of life.

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Politics

Nigeria at 54, where are we as a nation?

As a nation, I believe we have not landed at the Eldorado. We are having a lot of security, leadership, infrastructural, followership and corruption challenges.

The good thing, however, is that despite all of these challenges, there seems to be a glorious light at the end of the dark tunnel. I say this because I am an incurable optimist and a passionate believer in the Nigerian project. That notwithstanding, our 288 ethnic groups that speak about 250 languages with variegated cultures, traditions, foods, clothing, habit, idionsycrancies, mannerisms, ethnic groupings and religions; we have still managed to stay together as one strong indivisible country. We have fought with ourselves and disagreed; we have engaged in physical combat and we have even prosecuted a three-year bloody civil war, but God in His mercies continues to say Nigeria must remain as one country.

The fact that today we are the most prosperous country in Africa, the most economically prosperous by the World Bank rebasing which placed us ahead of South Africa with over $500 billion in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the fact that we are over 174.9 million people, making us the seventh most populated country in the world, the fact that we have the best intellectual brains in the world, the fact that aside all our natural gas, we have some of the greatest mineral deposit in the world with Nassarawa State alone controlling 34 different types, followed

by Plateau 28, Kaduna 27, Sokoto 26, Oyo, Osun, Edo with over 20 each. The fact that Nigeria is the only country where you can be eating a fruit and the seed that falls from you grows and germinate in another four days without manure or fertilizer, Nigeria is so blessed that we should be thanking God that we are so blessed with such a beautiful country.

Have we gotten it right as a nation?

Like I said, we have not gotten it too right. But for the military intervention on January 15, 1966, we probably would have been better today than we are now.

That military truncation was in itself a major setback but we have been able to overcome it. The way the federal, state and local governments in Nigeria fought the entire Ebola virus which has led to the United States of America publicly commending Nigeria, shows that when there is political and leadership will, we can do it right. If some small West Africa nations with less than two million population can be so ravaged by the virus, you can now imagine a huge population of over 170 million people, being totally free of Ebola virus, which is because you have square pegs in square holes. Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, the Minister of Health in aligning with President Goodluck Jonathan, shows that when we have good leadership we can do it. The way they went after the contacts in Lagos, Enugu, Port Harcourt and mopped them up and even treated

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Ozekhome: We must agree on terms for staying together For constitutional lawyer and human rights activist, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), the different ethnic nationalities that make up the country must agree on terms for staying together as a nation.

He also told WALE ELEGBEDE that the nation has not gotten it right after 54 years of Independence be one of the 20 greatest countries in the world by 2020.

Ozekhome

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 4

centred parties’ programmes and manifestoes. Common dangers and common enemies alert us on the need for common securities.”

He added: “Nigeria believes passionately in the fundamentally human rights. We regard all races of the human family as equals.” He went on to call on the Sadauna of Sokoto, Alhaji Ahmadu Bello and Awolowo to join in the national task of reconstruction and the great adventure to restore the dignity of man.

He further stated that when Britain transferred power to Nigerians on October 1, 1960, “we were no longer an expression of geography, but a reality of victory. During all our years of political battling, we became socially and economically integrated. We have also brought an identity of interest, and we have crystallised common nationality.”

The fathers of Nigeria’s independence are regarded

those who contacted it with Nigeria recording only seven deaths from that Patrick Sawyer’s imposed virus, shows that Nigeria can get it right when we all decide to put our hands on the plough.

It is the same way I am calling on Nigerians to put our house together and deal with the insurgency in the country.

It is a war that Nigeria must win and we mustn’t see it as a Federal Government or North-East problem but as a collective challenge to the entire Nigeria’s security situation. These people are not ghost, they are not lice that cannot be seen, we should now learn whistle-blowing to give information to security agencies.

We should therefore see the insurgency in the North-East as insurgency in every part of Nigeria. We must see the killing of a citizen whether in Chibok, Gworza or anywhere, whether of a Christian or Muslim as a killing against all of us. I am optimistic that Nigeria will get it right, that insurgency and corruption will be things of the past and that Nigeria will

Those who are in charge of reins of power today, where were they when we were fighting for the heart and soul of this country... some ran away abroad, some were trading with people’s mandate

Do you think the National Conference has addressed issues affecting the nation in the past 54 years?

If the National Conference had failed as Nigeria’s last bus stop, the country would have been plunged into severe cataclysm.

That conference was the last hope of Nigeria and thank God we had it so well. The conference was a child of necessity and it had to be convened by the president. In fact, one of the greatest achievements of President Jonathan is the convocation of the conference because it allowed us to dialogue rather than engaging in monologue. Nigeria’s problem is not just leadership, it’s also about followership. How do we hold the leadership responsible and accountable to the people? How many of us were ready to lose our freedom as civil liberties during the military juntas in this country? We were not more than 10 who were fighting the military juntas. Those who are in charge of reins of power today, where were they when we were fighting for the heart and soul of this country.

Some of them hid behind their wife’s back, some ran away abroad, some were trading with people’s mandate.

So, it is not just only a leadership problem, it’s a problem of Nigerians agreeing on certain terms to remain one country, of having genuine peace and not what the late MKO Abiola called peace of the graveyard. It was a question of Nigerians who was forcibly amalgamated in 1914 by Lord Lugard agreeing that the different ethnic nationalities that were already independent of each other, that we have decided to come together and stay together on agreed terms.

So, the relevance of that conference is historical. I therefore called on Mr. President to be bold enough, as he has set up a technical committee, to implement all our decisions, but importantly to subject the decision of that national conference to the people of Nigeria in a popular referendum or plebiscite. It is the people who must breathe oxygen of acceptability and legitimacy into the national conference decisions to give birth to a homegrown constitution. This is an opportunity that we cannot allow to escape because the process by which a constitution comes into being is even more important than the context of the constitution.

How far with founding fathers’ dreams? as simple but remarkable men of character and commitment to service. Who, though of different tribe and tongue and saw the path to this great new nation of their dreams differently, were united in their determination to build a prosperous nation to hand over to their children. And like men hungry for development, competed healthily on who would most bring the gains of development to their people.

Analysts insist that Nigeria’s founding fathers knew that the task of nation building was not going to be easy because of the differences in tradition, culture, religion and interests, and so focused their minds and resources on creating a country of one love and national unity of all peoples merged into one family regardless of the diversity in religion, culture and language.

They contend that division and segregation were not in the plan of the founding fathers, as anyone who was advocating division, violence and segregation in Nigeria was not regarded as a true Nigerian.

Some are of the view that the unwavering nationalism and patriotism shown by the founding fathers if adopted as a model by the present day leaders of Nigeria would go a long way to restore the march to muchneeded development, and ensure an improved quality of life for the people. They earnestly support calls for renewed movements that support Nigeria’s dream of a nation united in love, with social justice and sustainable progress as the bedrock of its existence, while setting aside greed, pettiness and personal interest, for nationalistic concerns that would help build a better nation.

Politics

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

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Unending constitutional process 2005 and Third Term The fifth National Assembly made conscious efforts to amend the 1999 Constitution. The process was almost successful but for the plot to insert a third term clause into the constitution, the entire effort was aborted.

Then Senate President Ken Nnamani sided with the anti-third term forces and that constitutional amendment could not see the light of day. Like the Abacha’s era, the amendment process began with the National Political Reform Conference convened by the Obasanjo administration. It was from the conference that the idea of third term was said to have been hatched.

The National Assembly is in the process of altering the 1999 Constitution again.

PHILIP NYAM periscopes the history of constitution making in the country

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he history of Nigeria is replete with different attempts aimed at fashioning an acceptable constitution for the nation. It is a fact that eight constitutions have been operated in Nigeria since the colonial era. The first attempt began with the Sir Frederick Lugard’s Amalgamation Report of the 1914. Consequently, there were Sir Clifford Constitution (1922); Sir Arthur Richards Constitution (1946/5); Sir John Macpherson constitution (1951), Oliver Littleton Constitution (1954), the Independence Constitution (1960); the Republican Constitution (1963) and the 1979 Constitution (1979).

During the regime of former President Ibrahim Babangida, there was another draft constitution in 1989. This constitution was never put to test until late Gen. Sanni Abacha toppled the Interim National Government (ING) of Chief Ernest Shonekan in November 1993. The Abacha administration subsequently convoked the 1994/95 constitutional conference, which laid the foundations for the 1999 Constitution.

The Clifford constitution 1922 Sir Hugh Clifford introduced the Clifford Constitution in 1922, replaced both the Legislative Council of 1862 which was subsequently enlarged in 1914, and the Nigerian Council of 1914. It was under the Clifford Constitution that a Legislative Council was for the first time established for the whole of Nigeria, tagged ‘The Legislative Council of Nigeria.’ However, its jurisdiction was confined to the southern provinces, including the Colony of Lagos, whose Legislative Council was later abolished. Although, the Legislative Council did not legislate for the Northern provinces but its sanction, signified by a Resolution was necessary for all its expenditure out of the revenues of Nigeria in respect of those Provinces.

The Richard Constitution 1946 The controversy generated by Clifford Constitution fuelled agitations for another constitution. Hence, when Sir Richards became the governor of the colony of Nigeria, he began the process to draft a new constitution. In March 1945, through a sessional paper number 4, the chief secretary to the government, Sir General Whitely, initiated a motion in the Legislative Council which was passed unanimously in the House. This motion for a new constitution gave birth to the Richards Constitution. In this constitution, there was one legislature for the whole of Nigeria. It also made provisions for three delineated provinces, namely – North, West and East. There was an overwhelming African majority, but were not to be elected in the provinces and the Central Legislative House.

The Macpherson Constitution 1951 Due to the massive opposition

Ekweremadu

against it, when Sir Macpherson became the Governor of Nigeria in 1948, he championed a new Constitution.

Macpherson Constitution (1951) was a marriage between federal and unitary legal frameworks. It introduced majorities in the Central Legislature and the Regional Houses of Assembly.

Other provisions of the constitution were a Central Legislative Council, Central Executive Council, Regional Executive Councils, Regional Legislature and the establishment of the Public Service Commission. One shortcoming of the constitution which was conspicuously highlighted was the establishment of a Regional Legislature. As a result, there emerged ethnic-based parties such as the National Council of Nigerians and the Cameroons (NCNC), Action Group (AG) and the Northern Peoples Congress (NPC).

The 1960 Independence Constitution The Independence Constitution was crafted after the British Westminster Model. Some of its innovations and provisions were the creation of the office of Governor-General who was the non-political Head of State, while the Prime Minister was the Head of Government. Even when Nigeria became a republic in 1963, the Republican Constitution did not change this position but merely removed the constitutional umbilical cord binding Nigeria to Britain.

Unfortunately, within just six years of independence, the constitution had failed with the collapse of the First Republic due to the nature of political authority within the state. Expectedly, there were ‘clashes between the president and the prime minister, the climax of which was the federal elections crisis of 1964. The consequent collapse of the First Republic in January 1966 and the assumption of position of governance by the military dealt a fundamental blow on constitutional development in Nigeria.

The 1979 Constitution Under the Murtala/Obasanjo regime, the 1978 constituent assembly was convoked, which led to the 1979 Constitution. The 1979 Constitution made provision for federal character principle aimed at national integration and equitable representation of all the ethnic groups. However, the 1979 Constitution abolished ethnic-

Ihedioha

based parties, which was an observable feature of the First Republic.

This constitution was put to use for only four years and the Second Republic collapsed and the military returned to power.

The 1989 Constitution The regime of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida drafted another constitution in 1989 to replace the 1979 Constitution as his unending transition programme was on course. The 1989 Constitution was promulgated through Decree Number 12 of 1989. Unfortunately, this constitution was never put to test as the originator; Gen. Babangida was forced to ‘step aside’ in August 1993 following the annulment of the June 12, 1992 presidential election.

The 1999 Constitution In less than a year after usurping power, Abacha convened a constitutional conference in 1994, which produced the 1995 draft constitution that eventually metamorphosed into the 1999 Constitution. After the conference submitted its reports, Abacha appointed a 40-member Constitution Review Committee (CRC) to fine tune the report. In spite of this, the Abacha junta had a hell of time with pro-democracy elements until he died in June 1998.

When General Abdulsalami Abubakar succeeded Abacha, he set up the Justice Niki Tobi Constitution Amendment Debate Coordinating Committee on November 11, 1998 with the mandate to aggregate new ideas on matters highlighted in the 1995 Draft Constitution in relation to the 1979 Constitution. After consultation, Justice Tobi in December 1998 submitted that an overwhelming majority of Nigerians preferred the 1979 Constitution over the 1995 Draft Constitution. That report and the input of the military culminated in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which was signed into Law on May 5, 1999 and came into effect on May 29, 1999.

But as soon as the civilian administration of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo came on stream in May 29, 1999, agitations became rife against the 1999 Constitution. The argument was that it was not the ‘people’s constitution’. The dominant opinion has been that the constitution was imposed and cannot serve as the foundation for a new Nigeria.

The 2010 Amendment The Third Assembly of the National Assembly made history when for the first time since Nigeria’s independent gave the country a new constitution in the form of the first amendment to the 1999 Constitution.

The amendment process began in September 2008 with the inauguration of the Senator Ike Ekweremadu ad hoc committee, but it was partially halted in January 2009 when the House of Representatives walked out of the retreat in Minna, Niger State, claiming equality with the Senate in the joint constitution review committee. Consequently, both houses carried out separately and later harmonized at a conference committee with Ekweremadu and the deputy speaker of the House as co-chairmen.

Ongoing amendment/National conference When the Fourth Assembly was inaugurated in 2011, it again initiated another process for the alteration of the 1999 Constitution. Both houses have carried out extensive consultation and are awaiting a conference committee to harmonise the different versions they passed. The 44-member House ad hoc committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution led by Hon. Emeka Ihedioha voted on 71 items tabled for amendment. The 44-member constitution review committee was inaugurated in 2011 but commenced work in early 2012. On November 10, 2012, it conducted a Peoples Public Sessions (PPPs) in all the 360 federal constituencies across the country. The PPPs offered Nigerians an opportunity to express their views on how they should be governed. The results of the PPPs were openly collated with all the major stakeholders participating actively. They were also published in the media and unlike other activities carried out by the House, no group however came out to dispute the result. Following that, the House on July 24, 2013, voted on the various sections proposed for amendments.

Again, on January 30, 2014, the House also voted to alter more sections.

The Senate constitution review committee headed by Deputy Senate President Ekweremadu has also concluded its assignment and is waiting for the House to harmonise their differences.

The National Conference Similarly, the 492-member National Conference, preceding the impending amendment of the constitution has just ended in Abuja. President Jonathan has promised to forward the report to the National Assembly to be included in the amendment.

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Opinion

Pastor Oritejafor’s pastoral guffaw

Emissary EMEKA OBASI

emobas2003@yahoo.com 08094457557 (sms only)

I

knew him to be more of a showman than a preacher. Too close to those who were full of life and enjoyed it to the hilt. I think he wore jerry curls, then switched to afro before changing to today’s punk style. Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, that is.

When the issue of Christian Association of Nigeria [CAN] came up, I thought it was for such orthodox denominations as the Roman Catholic Mission[RCM], Church Missionary Society [CMS], Methodists and Presbytarians. It did not occur to me that the Pentecostals would be part of the arrangement.

We could hear of CAN presidents like Archbishops Olubunmi Okogie, Sunday Mbang and Peter Akinola.

As our value systems changed, other things came up.

I doubt if anybody could have stopped Oritsejafor , of Pentecostal background, from being CAN president.

Give it to the Pentecostals. Their style is different. I was brought up as an Anglican. We were taught to talk to God in our quiet moments. The next person did not need to hear your supplications. We were trained to sing from the book, read the bible and listen to the choir do their thing with a touch of African instruments.

The Pentecostals emerged from the blues. They made some of us believe God was not hearing enough of our prayers because we were not shouting on top of our voices. Make some noise somebody, became a slogan. Speaking in tongues sounded more fashionable than our Lord’s prayer. Signs and wonders, miracles, anointing oil and handkerchiefs took over the congregation.

Every available space became a place of worship.

You would not find an Anglican church in a shop. Roman catholics did not convert a beer parlour to a parish.

That is not the way of the neo –christians. They could worship anywhere. Hotel,brothel, rooftops, even in the mosque.

So give it to Pastor Oritsejafor. He became CAN president when Christianity was fighting a battle of survival. Christians in Northern Nigeria were losing their heads more than Fulani cattle chewed grass. The Kingdom of God suffereth violence, and the violent taketh it by force. The Warri man was not going to let people trample on Christians.

Where Okogie would have preached peace, Oritsejafor preached tit for tat. Where Mbang called for dialogue after persecution, Oritsejafor took the bull by the horn.

So to those who loathed Christianity, the Pastor was ready for them.

Oritsejafor is always in the news. Yes, he is a newsmaker. He lost his wife, he remarried. He got a jet, even if he is parrying the question of how it came. From Warri to Abuja, North America to South Africa, he is available.

The newsmaker is in the news again ,over cash and cargo. His private jet was in South Africa. Full of 9.3 Million Dollars[about 1.5Billion Naira], the aircraft was also carrying two Nigerians and an Israeli, whose mission was to procure arms for the Nigerian government.

That is the government version.

Oritsejafor is under public scrutiny for admitting that his jet was on charter. In the layman’s language, we call it kabukabu. And it is when you need extra cash that you use your private vehicle for commercial purpose.

You knows these aircraft are not so easy to maintain.

And the Pastor just needed some money to add to the little he earns from church offerings and tithes.

That is a hard sell though. It sounds strange that the Federal Government would fly to South Africa to procure arms. The South Africans were struggling with apartheid when the Defence Industries Corporation [DIC] Kaduna was established in 1964.

During the Liberation struggle, Nigeria sent arms

to the Freedom fighters. And those were weapons that had overstayed their welcome in our armoury. What a twist of fate that the same Nigeria would go to South Africa to buy weapons.

In 1964, the Brazilians, also set up their Defence Industry. Today, they are producing war planes and armoured tanks. DIC is busy manufacturing tables and chairs.We really do need prayers from Oritsejafor to deliver this country from the devil called corruption.

And you know, Lucifer wears black, so the white Christians painted him while the Pastor has a good number of red flowing gowns and cassock. Battle royale, you should expect.

Nigeria is signatory to international conventions.

Money laundering is criminal. South African laws could also have been breached since cash at hand was more than the law could permit.

So much has transpired. Oritsejafor has enemies walking up and down ready to devour him. Some say he should face the church and leave politics alone. I hear he is close to President Goodluck Jonathan. A few say he is more like a party member.

That is in order. Christianity is politics , so is Islam.

You can not separate anything.The first Muslim Kaliph, Abu Bakr was a good politician who initiated Arab domination all over the Middle East. The Prophet Mohammed married his daughter Aisha.

I like to talk about Nicaragua, majorly because I had a friend at the United States Information Service, Lagos in 1987. Steven Smith gave me one interesting book, Nicaragua: Revolution in the family, by Shirley Christian.

There is a lot to take from the book.

Those who think clerics do not play politics should hear this. Father Gaspar Garcia Laviana, a Spaniard, died fighting for the Daniel Ortega led Sandinista Guerillas. Archbishop of Managua, Miguel Obando y Bravo turned down President Anastasio Somoza Debayle’s Benz car gift in the 1970s.

For Pastor Oritsejafor, some may now say in Spanish, se acabo la piñata [the party is over].

On Nigeria’s 54th independence anniversary Chiedu Okoye

B

efore the British imperialists came to Nigeria, the disparate ethnic and cultural entities that occupied the geographical space called Nigeria had their distinct types of political leaderships. The northern Muslims were ruled by Emirs; the Yorubas in the west by Obas and, the Igbos of the South-East were republican in nature.

Lord Frederick Luqard wielded the Northern and Southern protectorates together, and his wife christened it Nigeria. Perhaps, the name was derived from River Niger.

For years, Nigerian nationalists and freedom fighters, such as Azikiwe, Awolowo, Tafawa Balewa, Anthony Enahoro and others fought for the political emancipation of Nigeria. Our fight for political freedom was chequered and dogged.

Upon our attainment of political sovereignty on October 1,1960, Nigerians from diverse ethnic cum social backgrounds heaved a sigh of relief and expected that Nigeria would become a better country as the imperialists had handed the baton of leadership to its Leaders. Their belief was that the leaders were filled with nationalistic fervor and zeal, and that they would put the country’s interests above their selfish materialistic and ethnic interests.

But, soon after our attainment of political freedom, our disunity, traceable to ethnicity and religious intolerance, became manifest with its devastating implications.

Political parties were formed along ethnic

and religious lines. In the First Republic, AG was to the Western Region what NPC was to the North and NCNC was believed to be an Igbo party. Those parties were not nationalistic in outlook. So, clannishness and ethnic rivalry eroded the foundation of our country’s unity. Not surprisingly, the Nigeria-Biafra Civil War erupted, claiming the lives of millions of people resulting in the depredation of the southeast.

Again, the June 12, 1993 presidential election imbroglio nearly caused another civil war in Nigeria. It took the deaths of Sanni Abacha, a maximum military dictator, and Alhaji MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, for Nigeria to be brought back from the precipice. General Abdusalami Abubakar hurriedly conducted a general election, which brought Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to power and ushered in the Fourth Republic.

Nigeria has not become a truly peaceful and united country, although we have enjoyed 15 years of unbroken democratic governance. We still view one another with hatred and ethnic distrust. In order to allay the fears of the minority group about their being dominated, and to erase the feelings of marginalization among them, the ruling PDP introduced the political formula of rotation of power among the six geopolitical zones in the country. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo benefitted from that unwritten political arrangement and initiative. He ruled for eight years, and his third term gambit was scuttled.

His successor, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’adua died while in power. The doctrine of necessity was invoked, and it facilitated and paved the way for the emergence of Dr. Good-Luck Jonathan as our president in 2010. In 2011, he contested the presidential election and won but, a low-intensity war that is being prosecuted by the Boko Haram group has trailed his victory at the polls. Some people with the mindset that the leadership of Nigeria is their birthright perceived him as an interloper in AsoRock, the seat of power. So, there is nexus between the Boko Haram insurgency in the north and the occupation of the highest elective post by a man from a Southern minority ethnic group. The north-east is now a theatre of war and consequent bloodletting.

The seemingly intractable Boko Haram insurgency has compounded our national woes. The presence of anarchic situation in a country is a disincentive for national development. Terrorism puts growth into abeyance in any country.

In addition to the Boko Haram insurgency, inept and corrupt political leadership has beset Nigeria since it became a sovereign nation-state. The imposition of leaders by political godfathers, which was entrenched in the country by the departing British imperialists, has dealt a severe blow to Nigeria. Consequently, the country has never been led by its first eleven. Alhaji Tafawa Balewa beat his political and intellectual superiors and became our Prime Minister in 1960. A political dark horse, Alhaji Shehu Shagari emerged as

our president in 1979. In order to placate the indignant Yoruba over the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential elections, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was helped to become our President in 1999. But, did these leaders who got into the saddle of political leadership through imposition transform Nigeria to a great country? The answer is a categorical no.

President Jonathan inherited most of the problems that are afflicting us today.

But, has he done much to tackle them, effectively and decisively? Nigeria has the potentialities to become an economically and technologically advanced country, but inept and corrupt political leadership stands in our way to development. Our leaders, who are the third eleven, perceive leadership as an opportunity to amass wealth by corrupt means.

So, Nigeria is stagnated. Our educational system is in tatters with millions of unemployable university graduates roaming the streets. Power supply, which is the chief driver of industrial development in any country, is erratic. Some major federal roads in the country are so dilapidated that they bring back memories of collapsed thoroughfares in war-ravaged countries like Afghanistan, Cambodia and others.

In order to become the true giant of Africa, Nigeria needs fixing. But, achieving national integration and unity and having a competent and patriotic political leadership are keys that will unlock our potentialities and take Nigeria to a great height.

• Okoye wrote from Obosi, Anambra State

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

19

EDITORIAL

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Nigeria’s most authoritative newspaper in politics and business

Growing national economy through SMEs

S

mall and medium enterprises (SME’s) are the backbone of any economy. In the United States, for instance, SME’s accounted for 63 per cent of the net new jobs created between 1993 and mid-2013 (or 14.3 million of the 22.9 million net new jobs).

According to the Small Business Advocacy office (SBA), since the end of the recession--from mid-2009 to mid-2013--small firms have accounted for 60 per cent of the net new jobs in the United States, with firms in the 20-499-employee category leading the job creation drive. Similarly, SME’s are the secret of the economic success of many Asian countries.

That, largely, is also the narrative here, although the Nigerian experience is not as upbeat as obtains in the West. For, the SME’s in Nigeria are confronted by a myriad of problems, which include lack of capital, restricted access to institutionalized credit and management skills. The problems also include deficiencies in marketing, accounting and finance, human resources and production.

Therefore, for the SME’s to succeed in Nigeria, the government must provide adequate finance for the sector and foster understanding between funds managers and operators of the SME’s for the scheme to materialize.

In 2001 when the Bank of Indus-

try, an amalgam of the former Nigeria Industrial Development Bank (NIDB), Nigeria Bank for Commerce and Industry limited (NBCL) and National Economic Reconstruction Fund (NERFUND), was established primarily to fund SME’s, many a development expert had heaved a sigh of relief: finally, a new lease of life that the SME’s in Nigeria needed to excel as in other climes, had arrived.

But, with a combined debt profile of N17.7 billion inherited from the three merged financial institutions, the BOI turned out not to be a Daniel come to judgment after all!

Neither did the Small and Medium Industry Equity Investment Scheme (SMIEIS), a N500b scheme set up by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to enhance efforts to revive SME’s in the country. Access to SME’s funds remains one of the most intransigent problem entrepreneurs face here.

The government must, thus, match its words with action by repositioning the SME’s to play a greater role in economic development in Nigeria. Part of the action government must take in this regard is to ensure that there is constant power supply and availability of other basic amenities that can take away the burden and stress of investing in a hostile environment. It is instructive that multinational companies have left Nigeria for some other climes, as the cost of doing business in the country escalates by the day.

There is no doubting the fact that SME’s are crucial to the development of Nigeria. A study conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics shows that 97% of all businesses in Nigeria employ less than 100 employees. It then means that 97% of all businesses in Nigeria are, to use the umbrella term, “small businesses”. The SME sector provides on average 50% of Nigeria’s employment and 50% of its industrial output.

No government can afford to ignore such a high contributor to its GDP? The proportion of Nigerian SMEs and their impact on the economy is pretty much similar to those in other countries of the world, especially in the advanced economies.

There are approximately 23 million small businesses in the US. These altogether employ more than 50 % of the private sector workforce, and generate more than half of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP).

In the European Union, SMEs are seen as largely essential for European employment.

Each year, one million new SMEs are set up in the European Union. SMEs account for 99.8% of all companies and 65% of business turnover in the European Union.

As a matter of urgency, the government should prioritize the SME sector, giving it devoted attention with a view to making it virile, vibrant, focused and productive. This calls for a creative funding scheme that would make for easier access

to funds by genuine SME investors and entrepreneurs. We believe that if the sector is adequately funded, more Nigerians would set up small businesses that would absorb the millions of unemployed youth roaming the streets in search of non-existent jobs. As many smallscale enterprises are agro-based, gainful youth employment engendered by small firms would in turn stabilize the community, reduce poverty and generally promote rural welfare.

One of the major problems facing SME’s is lack of managerial skills. Government should shore up this shortcoming by encouraging the universities and other tertiary institutions in the land to begin to develop curricula that would encourage teaching students to become job creators rather than job seekers, at their graduation. Those institutions should be encouraged to develop more ties with local businesses and hold more business related activities on campus. Students should be encouraged to take business study modules as part of their main courses. This will help develop their interest in business and provide the basic understanding of what to expect when going into business. The knowledge gained will help provide them with a ready option when they graduate, rather than wasting their time looking for jobs that are not available.

Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief n Eric Osagie Deputy Managing Directors n Gabriel Akinadewo

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20

Politics

Over 54 years of nationhood, Nigeria’s foreign policy template has indeed evolved - and not without some controversies.

LOUIS ACHI analyses its ‘experimental’ trajectory

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

What manner of Foreign Policy, 54 years on…?

Africa-centrism, Nigeria got involved deeply in the anti-colonization struggles in Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, and anti-apartheid struggles in South Africa.

In the process, she was labelled a ‘frontline nation’. Many observers have alleged Nigeria wants to present an image of a big brother image before the other African countries.

A

country’s foreign policy or foreign relations policy essentially consists of self-interest strategies chosen by the state to safeguard its national interests and to achieve goals within its international relations milieu.

More currently, due to the deepening level of globalisation and transnational activities, the states will also have to interact with non-state actors. Since the national interests are key, foreign policies are designed by the government through high-level decision making processes.

The accomplishment of national interests can occur as a result of peaceful cooperation with other nations, or through exploitation. Usually, defining a foreign policy is the job of the head of government and the foreign minister. In some countries, their national parliaments can wield considerable influence.

Against this background, the analysis of 54 years of Nigeria’s foreign policy hardly lends itself to a simplistic scrutiny. The former Minister of Foreign Affairs Olugbenga Ashiru attempts to clarify this topsy-turvy trajectory.

His words: “Nigeria’s fundamental principles of foreign policy have been fairly consistent since they were first espoused shortly after independence in October 1960. Yet the specific interests, priorities and emphasis of Nigeria’s foreign policy have continued to change and evolve in the context of the domestic and international environment.”

Notwithstanding Ashiru’s position, but perhaps in significant consonance, four broad philosophical streams would appear to capture the substance of the major transitions of Nigeria’s foreign policy footing. These include Dynamic Foreign Policy, Afro-centricism, Economic Diplomacy and more recently, Citizen Diplomacy.

A defining feature of these transitions is that they are mostly regime-specific and largely meant to shore up a regime’s identity. The core criticisms that this footing have often attracted is that they are not necessarily outcomes of deep and profound philosophical reflection.

Dynamic Foreign Policy According to Atah Pine of the Department of Political Science, Benue State University, “the concept of a dynamic foreign policy first crept into intellectual discourse on Nigerian foreign policy in the First Republic. It was during the parliamentary debates of Nigeria foreign policy, wherein the then Foreign Minister, Hon. Aja Wachukwu, moved a motion. In his motion he held that, ‘this Honourable House reaffirms the foreign policy of the Federal Government as declared by the Right Hon. Prime Minister and approved on August 20, 1960 by this Honourable House and hereby declares its approval of the government’s interpretation and conduct thereof, and congratulates the government on its achievement in the international field since the independence of this country’”.

Responding to the motion, the then shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Anthony Enahoro moved an amendment to this motion to read that: “The Honourable House is of the opinion that the foreign policy of the Federal Govern-

Ashiru

Aminu Wali

ment as declared by the Prime Minister and approved on August 20, 1960 by this Honourable House lacks dynamism and regrets that the government’s interpretation and conduct thereof is out of step with progressive opinion in Africa.”

By putting the concept of dynamism at the centre of this discourse, particularly making it appear as a core requirement of any foreign policy endeavour, the streak of dynamism gained currency as a fundamental basis of foreign policy making and evaluation in Nigeria. The debate failed to operationalise the concept of dynamism and its utility and importance in the foreign policy process.

From the foregoing, foreign policies of successive administration are perceived as either being conservative or dynamic. For example, while the Tafawa Balewa, Yakubu Gowon and Shehu Shagari regimes were perceived as conservative, that of Murtala/Obasanjo, Obasanjo/Yar’Adua were deemed dynamic. Because of the public appeal of the appellation of radicalism/dynamism, it is politically popular for successive regimes since independence to tag their foreign policies as a being dynamic.

Nigeria’s foreign policy 54 years on could be perceived as a mishmash of regime-specific philosophies

Afro-Centrism as foreign policy From independence in 1960, Nigeria made the liberation and restoration of the dignity of Africa the centre-piece of its foreign policy and significantly played a leading role in the fight against the apartheid regime in South Africa.

It was one time Foreign Affairs Minister, Wachukwu, that elucidated on Nigeria’s Afrocentric policy by stating that “charity begins at home and therefore any Nigerian foreign policy that does not take into consideration the peculiar position of Africa is unrealistic.” This enunciation is the philosophical origins of Afrocentrism in Nigeria’s foreign policy thought; it was however, the Adedeji Report that coined the concept: ‘Africa as centre-piece’.

Analysis of the key issues that birthed African-centred policy had linkages with remnants of colonialism on the continent, apartheid in South Africa, liberation wars, ideological and proxy conflicts among others.

Under the structure of its new defined

Economic Diplomacy It was the General Ibrahim Babangida regime that incepted the concept of economic diplomacy as a foreign policy philosophy. It tends to validate the initial allegation that each regime tried hard to stamp its identity on broad policy templates.

Babangida conceptualized economic diplomacy policy as, ‘the promotion of export trade, investment and increased financial assistance from friendly countries’. Building on this, the then Foreign Affairs Minister, Ike Nwachukwu in his June 1988 speech entitled: The Dynamics of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy, provided the policy direction when he stated that: “It is the responsibility of our foreign policy apparatus to advance the course of our national economic recovery.”

The imperative of an economic diplomacy foreign policy framework was inspired by the economic pressures that were exerted on the Nigerian economy as a result of the introduction of the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP).

The focus was on export promotion, encouragement of direct foreign investment, debt rescheduling, embracing of neo-liberal economic measures and deep involvement in the interplay of the capitalist international political economy.

Enter ‘Citizen Diplomacy’ The inception of ‘Citizen Diplomacy’ as foreign policy philosophy came along with the return of democratic governance in 1999. Its key conceptualisation was spearheaded by the Olusegun Obasanjo administration and honed by Chief Ojo Maduekwe, former Foreign Affairs Minister and now Nigeria’s Ambassador to Canada.

It outlived Obasanjo and continued in the regime of Umaru Yar’Adua and President Goodluck Jonathan. As a concept, citizen diplomacy holds that Nigerian citizens are the centre piece of Nigeria’s foreign policy.

Through the instrumentality of the citizen diplomacy, it is envisaged that Nigeria will harness the resources and potential of her diaspora, mainstream the doctrine of reciprocity, and create an enabling environment for her citizens to prosper and engage in broad issues of human importance at both the national and international levels. In the event too, it will enhance Nigeria’s export portfolio and attract foreign direct investments.

Ashiru further clarifies the diplomatic footing birthed by return to democracy in 1999 and the new constitution.

Nigeria’s foreign policy 54 years on could be perceived as a mishmash of regime-specific philosophies. But it can hardly be denied that it boasts of some positives, pimples, warts and all. Moving forward, the emerging consensus is that it must address the extant crisis of leadership, poverty and political development.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

Festival

21

Tourism

Yearly festival of Arts, MUSON Coming of Age

Thrills, colours of World Tourism Day celebration

23

24

Arts

CULTURE

Nigeria @ 54: Ray of hope, but….

Tony Okuyeme, Ebere Ameh and Moses Kadiri

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ifty-four years in the life of a nation is no doubt epochal, and it naturally calls for celebration. For stakeholders in the Art and Culture sector, it is time for appraisal.

How has the arts and culture sector fared in the last 54 years of Nigeria’s independence as a nation; and 37 years of the hosting of the 2nd World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture tagged FESTAC 77?

Indeed, the biggest art festival hosted by Nigeria, no doubt remains, the FESTAC 77 which brought together dozens of countries in Africa and across the world. The epochal event led to the establishment of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), which is today, arguably, one of the most vibrant parastatals in what is now known as Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation.

Prior to 1977’s FESTAC, Nigeria held the annual All Nigeria Festival of Arts and Culture, aimed at re-unifying Nigerians after the divisive era of the 1960s. The inaugural festival convened at Ibadan in 1971, with subsequent sessions in Kaduna and Lagos…

Since then, various events have been put together by government at different levels, corporate organisations, institutions, groups and individuals to not only showcase the beauty in diversity, the rich cultural heritage of the most populous nation in Africa, Nigeria (aptly tagged ‘Giant of Africa’), blessed in human and natural

TONY OKUYEME tony.okuyeme@newtelegraphonline.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos

resources. Nigeria abound with talents in every area of the creative arts – literary, performing and the visual art – and many of them have brought and continue to bring honour and glory the country. The Nigerian movie industry, Nollywood, has continued to receive global acclaim.

The imperative of culture to the development of a nation and indeed, Nigeria continue to be brought to the fora. Despite the series of achievements, the art and culture sector still begs for attention and continues to be mired in bureaucratic bottleneck. This perhaps explains why opinions are divided on the need for celebration.

While some of the stakeholders argue that there is indeed a lot to celebrate, others insist that nothing has really changed.

They argue that government attitude or policy towards the sector has not changed.

Former Sole Administrator of Culture, Col. Tunde Akogun whose tenure is widely regarded as golden era of the arts and culture sector, said there is something to celebrate. According to the former member of House of Representatives, there has been a lot of improvement and a lot is being achieved in the sector.

“What that era brought was the creation of a separate Ministry of Culture rather than being an appendage to another

A dance troupe in performance during Festac 77

Ministry. I think that was one of the greatest achievements; and there were activities in the art sector such as the journal, stage plays, among others. We also contributed to the establishment of the Copyright Commission, as well as the Department of Tourism from the Ministry of Trade and Commerce. A lot of things were done at that time, and I think since then there has been a lot of improvement and a lot is being achieved. I only hope that we work harder because what gives one joy is to see that what one did is being improved

upon and getting better and better by the day. It is not enough to talk about the good old days, but that it should be better. And I think those in charge now are doing just that,” Akogun said.

For renowned theatre technician, scholar and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), University of Lagos, Prof. Duro Oni a lot of progress has been made in the sector. “If you look at the art scene in Nigeria, at least there is one thing that Nigeria has become famous CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

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Arts

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 1

worldwide for, which is something that has come out of the theatre scene, and that is the Nollywood industry. In that regard, a lot of progress has been made.

“If you look at the Nigerian music, a lot of progress and development has also been made. What we used to have in those days, even up to the university, a lot of music that we had and listened to and danced to were all foreign. They were reggae, rock and the rest of them. But if you look at the situation now, if you are a party goer, the whole of the music that is played now are all Nigerian music. So we have made a lot of progress there.

“Then the Nigerian arts and craft have also made tremendous progress. We have some very famous Nigerian artists, looking back from 1950 to the present, the Ben Enwonwus of this world, the Dele Jegede, Kolade Oshinowo, and quite a number of them contributed a lot to the development of arts and culture in Nigeria,” Oni said, adding that the cultural parastatals namely, the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC), National Theatre, National Troupe of Nigeria, National Institute for Cultural orientation (NICO), National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), are all doing well.

“We are glad that they are still doing very well and waxing stronger. Of course there are some problem areas in terms of funding. A lot of these parastatals are underfunded; the amount of money that government budgets for arts and culture are at times, not adequate. We are aware of the fact that there are contending demands on state resources; the fact that the demands can also be conflicting. But development has to be total. While you are putting money into science, you are also putting money into the arts and humanities. So there is a need for the government to do their very best towards improving all the sectors of the country and not to in any way neglect arts and culture.

UK-based Nigerian artiste, and foremost dancer and choreographer, Mr. Peter Badejo OBE posits that some of the major problems confronting the sector, notably, funding and non-implementation of the Cultural Policy, still persist.

“The interesting part of it is to even look at the policy that established the National Theatre and National Troupe of Nigeria for example, how can you establish such an important aspect of human development and you don’t assign money to make it survive; no resources for it. It doesn’t work like that. Where in the world do you have a National Troupe of Nigeria and no money is assigned to it, no funding from government. That is one aspect.

“Provision and implementation of the national Cultural Policy is very important. The cultural Policy affects all the arts; it doesn’t discriminate one from the other. However, if you look at the art, take the visual art for example, in comparison to dance, visual art has transcended just that utility; people are beginning to even pay money for it, even if you look at it from the craft point of view, people pay for particular crafts. But how many people pay for dance. People assume everybody is a dancer.

“Celebration really depends on who is celebrating. Yes, in the art, if one looks at it largely, yes we can celebrate; at least our art is still alive. The question becomes in what form? That is where the celebration becomes defined. Has art done what it is supposed to do in our society? Has art fulfilled its role even from the traditional contest to our contemporary contest? When you begin to ask critical questions, then you begin to find out whether it is worth saying we should celebrate or not. What do we as Nigerians have beside our arts and culture, that we can be proud of.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

‘Ray of hope’ for Art, Culture sector

Kelani

“We will celebrate that we are alive.

But are we where we are supposed to be?” Badejo asked.

Veteran filmmaker, Mr. Tunde Kelani whose career spans more than four decades said the film industry has really improved. Mr. Kelani whose movies promote Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage declared: “It has been the good, the bad and the ugly.”

Renowned Nigerian flutist with crosscultural Itsekiri and Swiss roots, Dr. Tee Mac Omatshola Iseli (MFR), bemoaned the state Nigerian music after independence. He said most of the songs are too sexy. “l must be frank with you in the 70’s and in the 80’s the showbiz business was good, but it started to go down and down, it got to the level where the videos have become too sexy,” he noted. “if you remember the songs of Sunny Okosun, Bongos Ikwue, they are nice songs; they tried to put good lyrics, the songs have good beginning and end, nowadays, everybody is copying everybody, poor rhythm; what is produced at the moment most of it is qualified as commercial trash.”

He however, added that “there are some people and a few gospel artistes who are trying, spending time and money to do good production, but 90 percent of the songs are quick rubbish into the next one.”

For veteran actor and a lecturer in the department of Creative Art, University of Lagos, Tunji Sotimirin, there is indeed, something to celebrate about.

According to him, there is more awareness now especially with regards to manner in which people focus on the importance of arts in the society. “They are beginning to realise that arts cannot be pulled aside when it comes to creating awareness, educating and informing people about the realities in their environment - their political, social and cultural realities. And also it helps them to understand better who they are as a people, gives them more a sense of identity, which hitherto, most of them may not really get to identify with, through the production of music, plays, poetry, and literature.

“There are so many reality shows going on. A lot of people are beginning to come up with ideas to project talents that abound in Nigeria. You would realise also that most of the artists, especially musicians are focusing on indigenous lyrics. Even though some of them are still trying to find their feet, but the consciousness is there now – we do less of foreign things and more of our own

Tee-Mac

54 years down the line, I can say that the visual art remains in a state of stasis

things. That’s what I feel,” Sotimirin said.

However, dramatist and actor, Femi Robinson argued that Nigerian culture has been destroyed. According to him, he does not believe that we are doing the right thing that will move this country forward.

“It has been destroyed by Nigerians themselves. It has been destroyed by us especially those of us who call ourselves professionals. We have imported foreign ideas about arts and culture and we have allowed foreign ideas to so dominate us that we are not ourselves again. They don’t want us to talk about our own culture and other things that are indigenous to us.

“Fifty years before independence, they were watching us to ensure that we don’t say anything. And even after independence those people that they left the place for are also watching to see that we don’t say anything. It is what they left them to tell us to say. That is the way I see it. We have thrown what would have saved us away; like throwing the baby and the bath water,” Robinson said.

For the founder and Director of the Centre for Contemporary Art, Lagos, Ms. Bisi Silva, “in the past we had some important initiatives that have been developed. But years down the line, the visual art remains in a state of stasis.

“After independence, we had the National Arts and Culture Festival, which was set up to unite Nigerians and to foster unity so we get to know each other, which was fantastic. Then we had FESTAC, which was and remains the biggest event of Black and African people in the world.

That was an incredible achievement.

“However, in recent years, (I’m talking about the visual arts, I don’t know about the other sectors), the state of the visual arts is deplorable. We have yet to see a museum of modern and contemporary art built in this nation. That is inexcusable, in spite of having the so called National Gallery of Arts.

“54 years down the line, I can say that the visual art remains in a state of stasis,” she said.

For Reggae star Rymzo, the industry has really come of age. “I think the industry has come up well and good”, he enthused, reiterating that the music scene needs to be taken more seriously.

“Our system and the authority need to take the industry serious, so that it can edify and inspire all music lovers by encouraging the practitioners to become CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

Arts

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

Tony Okuyeme

A

s the annual Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) Festival of the Arts returns for its 18th edition, the stage is set for a ‘sumptuous’ feast of music (classical, jazz, folk and popular), dance, drama and the famous MUSON Orchestra. Added to this is an art exhibition which is being coordinated by the Visual Arts Society of Nigeria (VASON), and featuring works by notable Nigerian artists.

Themed “MUSON Coming of Age”, this year’s edition of the festival is particularly symbolic and special for the Society. As the General Manager of MUSON, Mr. Gboyega Banjo puts it, “this year’s edition of the festival is “very significant” in the history of the organisation which was established 31 years ago. “There is a convention, particularly in western societies, to associate 18 with the age when adolescents are generally no longer considered minors and are granted the full rights and responsibilities of an adult. Although, the Musical Society of Nigeria was founded in 1983, its concerts have matured in frequency and quality in the last 18 years. They are now held more frequently and are incrementally of higher quality and increasingly feature outstanding Nigerian artistes and performers.

“An important watershed, in this trajectory, was the establishment of the MUSON Symphony Orchestra in 2005. The MUSON Orchestra, together with the MUSON Choir, have since become platforms for training and grooming promising young artistes for performance on their instruments at the highest level,” he said, adding that the orchestra’s establishment has also contributed to the frequency and improved quality of the concerts organised by MUSON. Above all, MUSON’s School of Music, founded in 1989 as a modest effort at providing training for children interested in playing musical instruments, has now grown into a Diploma-awarding professional School of Music. The alumni now contribute significantly to the pool of teachers in public and private music schools in Nigeria and form an increasing proportion of players in

23

Yearly festival of Arts, MUSON Coming of Age

MUSON Symphony Orchestra in performance

the MUSON Choir and MUSON Symphony Orchestra and other choirs and orchestras now springing up in key Nigerian cities.

After reviewing these developments, the Festival Planning Committee decided that the 18th year of the MUSON Festival is an appropriate occasion to announce MUSON’s Coming of Age,” Banjo said.

A statement by the Chairman, 2014 Festival Planning Committee, Kitoyi IbareAkinsan, said this year’s festival kicks off on Thursday October 16 with one of the Festival’s favourites: My Kind of Music, the personality programme where a select cast of eminent Nigerians, provide a rare glimpse of their persona to an invited audience. Against the backdrop of their favourite music, they discuss their musical preferences and how they relate to aspects of their lives, personal beliefs, philosophies and more.

This year’s star-studded cast include the former SecretaryGeneral of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; scion of the Awolowo family and former Nigerian Ambassador, Dr. (Mrs.) Tokunbo AwolowoDosunmu; former University of Ibadan Vice-Chancellor,

After reviewing these developments, the Festival Planning Committee decided that the 18th year of the MUSON Festival is an appropriate occasion to announce MUSON’s Coming of Age

We must celebrate Nollywood C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 2

more innovative and secured in their profession in terms of royalties and piracy...they still treat music business as joke business, that should change in our scheme of things as it is currently, the most obvious employer of Nigerian youths, the award-winning reggae star noticed.”

Chairman Actors Guild of Nigeria, Lagos Chapter, Mr. Don Pedro Aganbi declared that the industry deserve to be celebrated as Nigeria turns 54. “If you compare the dark days of the military, Nollywood did not experience much progress due to the ban on cinema screenings. But democracy has been quite fair to Nollywood particularly the government of President Goodluck Jonathan,” he said.

He noted that apart from the boom in movies,

“our colleagues are now getting government appointments and national awards which are signs that we are getting the confidence of government and making progress.”

According to Aganbi, as the country celebrates 54 years of independent, the movie industry needs to look more inward now than ever. “As we speak there is no proper structure and support system for Nollywood. It is a wakeup call.”

Aganbi also noted that the N3 billion grants

by President Goodluck Jonathan during the celebration of Nollywood at 20 in April, 2013 should also be celebrated. “And to cap it all one of Nigeria’s movie greats Kunle Afolayan is releasing a movie titled October 1, what more can we ask for?,” he asked.

Emeritus Prof. Ayo Banjo, and former Federal Minister of Housing, Lands and Urban Development, Chief (Mrs.) Mobolaji Osomo.

This year’s Festival Drama follows on Saturday, October 18, with the stage presentation of Jagua Nana – the Musical, an adaption of Cyprian Ekwensi’s famous novel, Jagua Nana, produced and directed

by Wole Oguntokun.

Lovers of visual arts would indeed welcome the return of the Visual Arts Exhibition to this year’s Festival programme. The opening ceremony is on Sunday, October 19 and the exhibition will run until Wednesday, October 22.

The event is organised in collaboration with the Visual Arts Society of Nigeria.

This year’s Classical Concert comes up on October 19 featuring the MUSON Symphony Orchestra conducted

by MUSON’s new Artistic Director, Composer, Cellist and Kora player, Tunde Jegede.

The Orchestra will perform the very popular Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin and other works by renowned international and Nigerian composers.

MUSON Festival devotees will be treated to a new and exciting festival offering on Monday, October 20. The Society of the Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN) an esteemed partner of MUSON is contributing to this year’s Festival programme a dance workshop and concert.

The workshop, which is free for all interested participants, will take place at 2.00 p.m. on that day and it will focus on Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary and Latin.

The dance concert which will follow at 6.00 p.m. on the same day, will feature “IO” a mini production described as “a non-stop, breath-taking theatrical production, a merging of different genres of Arts, ranging from drama, to dance music, to spoken words and

singing, to live painting” It promises, according to SPAN, to be “an entertaining, innovative, and crafted production that will keep the audience smiling and applauding through the night.”

The grand finale of the MUSIQuest, the annual talent competition for Youths, will feature the best candidates from the earlier stages of the competition in a concert. The event is scheduled for Thursday, October 23.

This year’s Jazz Night, which comes up on Friday, October 24, is designed to showcase two young promising Nigerian Jazz artistes. The opening act will feature a MUSON alumnus, Jazz Saxophonist, composer and arranger, Imoleayo Balogun. Balogun and his Big Band will perform Jazz music “blended with African philosophy”.

The main act will feature Bez whose music has been described as an “unusual hybrid of Soul, Rock, Jazz and R&B music that sets him apart from mainstream Afro hiphop movement”. His debut album Super Sun was listed on the Boston Globe as one of the Top 10 “World Music albums of 2011”.

This year’s MUSON Day Concert and Cocktails come up on Saturday, October 25. To underline the Festival’s theme ‘MUSON, Coming of Age’, members of MUSON and their friends attending the event will be entertained to music provided by artistes who are all alumni of MUSON’s Diploma School.

The Festival will close with the traditional Gala Choral Concert on Sunday, October 26. The Concert is in two parts.

Part 1, described as “Pop Choral Music”, will feature the works of Andrew Lloyd Weber, E di Capuo, and Andre Van Der Merwe among others. Part 2, described as “Nigerian Choral Music”, will feature the works of Laz Ekwueme, Ayo Bankole, David Aina, among others.

24

Tourism

Andrew Iro Okungbowa

L

ast Saturday was World Tourism Day (WTD). A day set aside since 1980 when the first event held, by the World Travel Organisation (UNWTO), to focus on, create awareness and draw global attention to the importance of tourism as a tool for both economic and human development of the society.

Rich, vibrant, colourful, robust and exciting celebrations were held across the world as the different countries of the world gathered at various locations and under a cheerful and joyous setting to celebrate the riches and beauties of the industry.

On focus this year was ‘Tourism and community development.’

The city of Guadalajara in the state of Jalisco, Mexico where UNWTO staged the official global celebration, was all lit up as leading figures headed by the Secretary General of UNWTO, Dr. Taleb Rifai led a powerful and colourful throng, consisting of leading officials of the government of Mexico, headed by President Peña Nieto, tourism ministers and private sector representatives from around the world. They converged in the city, which has a rural outlook to enjoy the blissful event..

The Mexican president, Nieto expressed great joy over the successes that the country has recorded in tourism, which he described as a rapidly growing sector.

In his message at the occasion, UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, said that “this year´s observance of World Tourism Day focuses on the ability of tourism to fully empower people. Engaging local populations in tourism development builds stronger and more resilient communities.”

On his part, the UNWTO scribe, Rifai highlighted that “there can be no real tourism development if it damages the values and culture of host communities, or if the socio-economic benefits generated by tourism do not trickle down to the community level. I would like to invite all tourism stakeholders and host communities to come together and celebrate this day as a symbol of our common efforts in making tourism a true pillar of community development and the basis of a more sustainable future.”

A major focus during the event was the high level think tank, which brought together ministers of tourism from nine countries and the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), among others. … In Nigeria, government, private operators toast tourism In Nigeria, the national celebration was held at the Arts and Craft Village in Abuja, with the collaboration of the Federal Ministry of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation and the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC).

It was an enthralling and celebratory event to behold as it was held amidst cultural entertainment – dancing and music and an array of arts and craft including Nigerian cuisine, which was on display at the village.

It was not also devoid of speech making sessions with the message of the UNWTO secretary general read by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Mrs. Nkechi Ejele.

She asserted that the event this year offered an opportunity to further advance tourism’s contribution to economic, social and environmental sustainability. “On the occasion of World Tourism Day 2014, I would like to invite all tourism stakeholders and host communities to come together and celebrate this day as a symbol of our common efforts in making tourism a true pillar of community development and community is the basis of a more sustainable tourism sector.”

The permanent secretary also appraised

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Thrills, colours of World Tourism Day celebration

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Mrs. Nkechi Ejele (4th left); Director General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs. Sally Mbanefo (5th left) and the Executive Secretary / Chief Executive Officer, National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Dr. Barclays . F. Ayakoroma (3rd left) with other directors/staff from the tourism ministry and NTDC at the NTDC Stand during the WTD national celebration in Abuja.

the effort of the Director General of NTDC, Mrs. Sally Mbanefo, in developing and promoting tourism as a laudable one, especially her commitment to domestic tourism, which has been at the core of her activities since assuming office a little over a year ago.

While in her presentation, Mrs. Mbanefo, ascribed the successes so far recorded by her and her team to the support she has received from the president, insisting that the president has done a lot to boost the development and growth of tourism in the country, she added that conscious efforts have been made by the president to create the enabling environment for the industry to thrive.

She listed the privatisation of the energy sector, upgrade of the airport terminals, construction of new roads and rehabilitation of old ones and overhaul of the rail system as some of the landmarks of the president, which has fuelled some level of activities and improvement in the tourism sector.

The DG also pinpointed the fact ‘‘that tourism can only prosper if it engages the local population by contributing to the social values such as participation, education and enhanced local governance,’’ adding that “there can be no real tourism development, if such development damages in any way the value and the culture of host communities or if the socio-economic benefits generated by the tourism sector do not trickle down to the community level.’’ … In Lagos, a promise of better days ruled the air Aside the national celebration, there were also celebrations held across the various states and local government councils where both the government and private sector took time to pay homage to the sector and call for better cultivation of its socio – economic benefits in the days ahead.

In Lagos, the state Ministry of Tourism and Inter – governmental Relations held a colourful and entertaining event to mark the day at the Freedom Park, Broad Street.

In his speech, the tourism commissioner,

NTDC DG, Mrs. Sally Mbanefo showcasing her dancing talent as she takes on the male dancers during WTD celebration in Abuja

There can be no real tourism development if it damages the values and culture of host communities, or if the socioeconomic benefits generated by tourism do not trickle down to the community level

Mr. Oladisun Holloway, said the theme of the celebration is quite apt and in tandem with the various strides of the state government in developing the different communities across the state.

He also used the occasion to draw attention to the various activities of the tourism ministry, especially those of destinations’ creation. In focus were the Badagry Tourism Development projects, a multi-faceted destination under construction by the state government. According to him, the project on completion will annually yield over two million visitors to the state, as it is centred on promoting regional traffic.

Holloway also spoke on activities at the hospitality sector, “our effort in the hospitality industry also include enumeration, grading and classification of hotels in the State, so that visitors are better informed as to what to expect in hotels.”

He revealed that despite the many challenges in the world, tourism if properly harnessed, could transform the globe and shape the world. He added that tourism has become one of the fastest growing economic sectors that drives global growth and development, creates millions of jobs among others.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

Utere family is MDA 8 champions

The 2face Foundation formally launches Vote Not Fight, Election No Be War campaign 26

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Lyrics for the week

25

AMEN— Dammy Krane

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Entertainment Don Jazzy, Davido, Mafikizolo, others make AFRIMA 2014 list

DEL’ B

Tiwa Savage

Stories by SOny neme

N

igeria’s whiz kids, Don Jazzy, Del B and Davido, lead a park of established Africa musicians that were nominated in the first ever All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, with six nominations.

Others top notch artistes listed are Mafikizolo (South Africa), Amr Diab (Egypt) and Angelique Kidjo (Benin Republic). Others are Sakordie (Ghana), Tiwa Savage (Nigeria) and Uhuru (South Africa) among others.

The unveiling took place in Lagos, Nigeria last week, thereby starting up a second phase of an event that is bound to reshape awards ceremonies in the continent. Barring any hitch, music professionals, stakeholders and fans will converge in Lagos for AFRI-

sony neme

Editor, entertainment sony.neme@newtelegraphonline.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

MA from November 4 to 9 in a five days thriller that has been promised by organisers of the Africa’s prime entertainment event.

A review of those nominated reveals that the five regions of Africa gave an impressive account of their respective music industry that will be vying for the coveted AFRIMA trophy in 32 categories. It is divided into the regional and continental categories, as well as the AFRIMA Legend Award – a honour for a great African who has contributed immensely to the advancement of African music, the creative sector in general and impacted on the positive image of the continent and its global reckoning.

The continental award categories are: Best Male Artiste - Inspirational Music, Best Female Artiste - Inspirational Music, and Best Inspirational Music Group. Others are Best Traditional African Artiste, Best African Contemporary Artiste, Most Promising African Artiste, and Revelation of the Year. There is also the Producer of the Year, Artiste of the Year and Song of the Year. Also inclusive are Video of the year, Song Writer of the Year, Album of the Year, R ‘n’ B Song of the Year, Pop Song of

the Year, Rap Song of the Year, and Collaboration of the Year, as well as Best African Ragga/Reggae/Dancehall Song, Best African Group, Music/ Entertainment Journalist of the Year and AFRIMA Legend Award.

Regional categories are: Best Male Artiste East Africa, Best Female Artiste East Africa, Best Male Artiste Central Africa, Best Male Artiste Central Africa, Best Female Artiste Central Africa, Best Male Artiste Southern Africa, Best Female Artiste Southern Africa, Best Male Artiste North Africa, Best Female Artiste North Africa, Best Male Artiste West Africa, Best Female Artiste West Africa, In partnership with the African Union Commission, All Africa Music Awards promises to be a premium star-studded event on November 9, preceded by the AFRIMA Music Village between November 4 and 7, a four-day festival style open concert of non-stop music, fanfare and exhibition from countries in Africa and performances

by African artistes. There will also be an African Music Summit, November 6 to 7, themed “Reviving the Business of CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

The AFRIMA voting online platform opened on Tuesday, September 30 for the fiveweek voting process, while encouraging the public, fans and followers of African music to visit the AFRIMA website

16 garlands for Cool FM as it celebrates on October1

C

ool FM 96.9 is one of Nigeria’s premier radio stations broadcasting in major cities across the country, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Launched on October 1, 1998 in the heart of Lagos, followed by out-stations in Abuja in November 2001, Port Harcourt in November 2008 and then Kano in October 2011.

This year, Cool FM marks its 16th Anniversary with a flurry of activities lined throughout the week, including a football friendly match between OAPs and fans, and a cinema hangout session with OAPs, guests and fans at the Genesis Cinemas.

With promises of special prizes and giveaways to listeners, alongside hosting celebrities, special guests and well-wishers at the Cool FM station, AIM Plaza, Plot 267A Etim Inyang Crescent, Victoria Island Annex, Lagos, excitement is in the air.

The week-long fest culminates with an exclusive party hosting employees, guests and fans at Rhapsody’s, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Currently, Cool FM has more than 892,000 online visitors and followers, with more than 1 million listeners monthly on air. A winner of numerous awards to date, including Celebrity Media Awards “most popular Radio station” in 2011 and Nigerian Broadcasters Award for “Best Radio station” in 2013. After sixteen years, the station is still fondly called “Your #1 hit music station.”

The station continually delivers a cool blend of urban, adult contemporary, new Nigerian and African music, with a fusion of global, national news, topical issues, sports, interviews and entertainment gist to US, Europe, Asia and the continent of Africa.

Davido

26

Entertainment

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

‘AFRIMA honours Del B, others’ CO NT INU E D FRO M PAGE 2 5

some of the nominees Mafikizolo (South Africa) Davido (Nigeria) Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania) Amr Diab (Egypt) Zahara (South Africa) Angelique Kidjo (Benin Republic) Fally Ipupa (DRC) Sakordie (Ghana) Tiwa Savage (Nigeria) Uhuru (South Africa) Mi Casa (South Africa) GO TO PAGE 28 FOR FULL LIST OF NOMINEES

Music in Africa”. The two-day conference will be a platform for the music industry stakeholders to engage and deliberate on how the industry can be nurtured and be a major contributor to national and continental economies.

Present for the AFRIMA Panel of Jurors at the unveiling event was jury member Mr. Oscar Kidjo, a seasoned music producer, representing West Africa (Benin Republic). Also representing the International Committee of AFRIMA were: Executive Producer/President, Mike Dada; Director Brand Communication & Sponsorship, Matlou Tsotetsi; Chairman, International Media Committee, Steve Ayorinde and Co-Producer/Country Director, Nigeria, Kingsley James. Other attendees included African music industry personalities, heads of partner corporate organisations and music industry stakeholders.

While 30 of the 32 award categories will be open for voting by the public and AFRIMA Academy of Voters, Mike Dada revealed that recipients of the AFRIMA Legend Award and the Africa Entertainment/Music Journalist Award will be decided by the International Committee of AFRIMA and announced at the main awards ceremony on Sunday, November 9, 2014.

Dada said that, “The AFRIMA voting online platform opened on Tuesday, September 30 for the

Mafikizolo

Amr Diab

five-week voting process, while encouraging the public, fans and followers of African music to visit the AFRIMA website, www.afrima.org, to view the nominees in the 30 categories of the award and vote for their favourite artiste (s)”.

The award project entries started on May 15 and closed the submission of entries on July 21 in the process receiving a staggering total of 2,025 works for assessment submitted by African music industry artistes, profes-

sionals and journalists.

The AFRIMA Jury, made up of seasoned African industry practitioners, were in Lagos, Nigeria, between July 31 to August 6 for the week-long adjudication of entries from artistes, songwriters, video directors, producers as well as journalists.

In addition to Oscar Kidjo, the other jury members include: Kawesa Richard (Uganda) Eastern Africa; Tabu Osusa (Kenya) Eastern Africa; Laolu Akintobi (Nigeria) Western Africa; Rob-

Vote not Fight crew with 2Face (fifth from right) and Ms Yemi Ransome Kuti at the unveiling...on Tuesday

The 2face Foundation formally launches Vote Not Fight, Election No Be War campaign

T

he 2face Foundation in partnership with Young Stars Foundation, National Democratic Institute, NDI, United State information Services, USIS and other partners, have flagged off the “Vote Not Fight – Election No Be War” campaign. The initiative is geared towards a violence free electoral process in 2015.

This timely ingenuity was officially unveiled at The Events Centre, Alausa, Ikeja on the September 30.

As the 2015 elections gathers momen-

tum with its attendant apprehension it stirs within the polity, the “Vote Not Fight, Election No Be War” campaign, championed by the music star, is targeted primarily at the youths that constitutes the largest voting population in the country, and ironically are the main culprits in election violence.

In attendance were a cross section of the media and a heavy representation of civil society organisations, as well other concerned citizens including the matriarch

It is obvious that they are united by one common cause - a desire to work towards violence-free elections in 2015

ert Esong Ekukole (Cameroon), Central Africa; Kiki Toure (Equatorial Guinea) Central Africa; Delani Makhalima (Zimababwe) Southern Africa; Chris Syren (South Africa) Southern Africa; Angela Martins African Union Commission; Rab Bakari (USA) Diaspora and Rita Ray (UK), Diaspora. The result of the Jury’s work and the thorough collation by AFRIMA’s Kenya-based internal auditors has produced the AFRIMA 2014 Nominees’ List.

of the Kuti family, Ms. Yemi Ransome kuti, among others. Also on hand to lend support to the campaign was the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle, who delivered a pre-recorded speech via multi media.

From each speaker, it is obvious that they are united by one common cause - a desire to work towards violence-free elections in 2015, Also unveiled at the launch was the project theme music recorded by 2face Idibia as part of the Million Voices for Peace (MVP) project, and a Public Service Announcement video by the BBC Media Action aimed at sensitizing the electorates on the need to vote, not fight, as the message goes.

The panel made up of 2face Idibia, Maxwell Machill (Senior Program Manager – NDI) and Mrs. Ijeoma Okey-Igbokwe (HOD, Voters Education – INEC), as well as Kingsley Bangwell (Youngstars Foundation) and Efe Omorogbe, representing The 2face Foundation, gave insightful answers and offered clarifications where required, while fielding questions from the press as well other civil society organisations.

According to Machil, “NDI is a platform through which we engage yong people on the need for participation in civil duties, ironically, same people has been tools in violence. but that has not deterred us as we are on in a process for engaging them in a particular manner that will help them to engage political actors for an acceptable electoral process. For us it is all about participation, not just having a voice without demanding for accountability.. But a process of having Nigeria to become what they want it to be as we are now at a point where they can lend their voice.”

He further urged Nigerian youths, “To key into the project with an understanding that they will vote, and not fight because election no be war.”

Entertainment 27

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

MultiChoice intensifies care services in Nigeria Stories by SOny neme

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ultiChoice, providers of premium pay-TV content on DStv and GOtv platforms, has stepped up its consumer engagement drive in Nigeria with its DStv open house initiative. In furtherance of the company’s commitment to enriching lives, the DStv open house will provide consumers with instant access to a range of services, including customer care, subscription payment, self-help channels, technical support and much more.

Accordingly, the activation began in residential estates across selected areas in Lagos State from September 27 and will continue till November 1.

In her speech at the flag off of the initiative at Victoria Garden City in Ajah, the Public Relations Manager, DStv, Caroline Oghuma, reiterated the company’s commitment to deepening its engagement with its subscribers while providing

Caroline Oghuma

them with platforms to access sound and convenient sales and service infrastructure.

Oghuma said, “Given the overwhelming support that we have received from our customers, we have decided to bring our services to your doorsteps.

This initiative amplifies our customer-centric approach to business. With us, the customer comes first. Our customers in Ikeja, Egbeda, Ikoyi, Festac Town, Mafoluku and many more can look forward to the

road show in their neighbourhoods in the weeks ahead.”

She further explained that in addition to providing immediate resolution to customer queries, the DStv open house entails an experience centre, where visitors can enjoy the exceptional viewing experience of the Explora decoder.

The road show also features a children’s play area as well as a self-service centre where customers can resolve technical issues including clearing error messages on their decoders and retrieving information on payment due dates.

Her words: “The open house will serve as a feedback mechanism by addressing firsthand whatever issues subscribers have regarding the company’s services, besides the accompanying bonding opportunity that it provides. Visitors will also be able to access information on how to make the best use of the DStv Explora by utilizing accessories, content and service offerings that are available on the platform.”

Where is Elisa

GOtv provides great family entertainment this month

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his October, GOtv has lined up the best entertainment for the whole family, as subscribers are in for a bigger dose of telenovelas and comedy. Top on the brass is, Where is Elisa that premieres on Telemundo, just as the first season of the Bernie Mac Show kicks-off on Sony Entertainment. Kids will be kept entertained with their favourite shows on Disney Junior, Nickelodeon and Jim Jam. For the best EPL action, football fans are to stay tuned to SuperSport Select.

Where is Elisa tells the story of Elisa Dominguez. Elisa, eldest daughter of the celebrant disappears during her father-Raymundo Domínguez’s birthday festivities, thereby turning the celebrations into a tragedy.

Police detectives begin to investigate, initially tracing an alleged kid-

napper. But they soon discard him as a suspect and they began going down a long list of possible suspects, which includes Elisa’s schoolmates, former employees of her father’s company and even friends as well as family members; including uncles and cousins.

The Bernie Mac Show, on its part is a sitcom, starring stand-up comedian Bernie Mac, which is loosely based on his stand-up routines. Mac and Kellita Smith star as a married couple who take in his sister’s three children when she enters rehab. Much of the series’ comedy arises from how he adjusts to parenthood.

The series has won a number of industry accolades, including an Emmy® and a Peabody Award, three NAACP Image Awards and the Humanitas Prize.

The series has won a number of industry accolades

DSTV Sony Entertainment Freedomland When a single mother is hijacked and her son kidnapped, an African-American man is blamed, sparking racial controversy in the town. Freedomland stars Samuel L Jackson (Pulp Fiction, Star Wars Episodes I, III and III) a detective who, together with a researcher, sets out to investigate the case. Freedomland airs on Sony Entertainment today, Beverat 7pm.

The Bernie Mac Show This sitcom, starring stand-up comedian Bernie Mac, is loosely based on his stand-up routines.

Mac and Kellita Smith star as a married couple who take in his sister’s three children when she enters rehab. Much of the series’ comedy arises from how he adjusts to parenthood. The series has won a number of industry accolades, including an Emmy® and a Peabody Award, three NAACP Image Awards and the Humanitas Prize.

Mac passed away in 2008 from pneumonia complications, but his comedy legacy lives on in this classic sitcom. Season 1 starts October 8, weekdays at 6:35pm.

E! Entertainment Rich kids of Beverly Hills As the second season of extravagance and drama begins on E! This month, Dorothy invites her friends to China for the opening of her father’s new retail store.

When Cooper bails on her, she starts to reconsider their relationship. Roxy throws a tantrum that soon escalates to a fight with Dorothy, but tries to repair their friendship when she discovers the drama Dorothy is dealing with in her personal life. Starts October 5, at 9:00pm Keeping Up with the Kardashians The ninth season continues on E! This month, Kris encourages Kourtney to put her foot down and shut down Scott’s lavish and unnecessary plans for their new backyard. Khloé continues to struggle with moving out, and things get more complicated when some of Lamar’s things go missing. Later, excitement builds as the family prepares for a long-awaited vacation to Thailand, but the holiday suffers a bumpy start when Kourtney, Scott and Rob decide not to go. Sundays at 8pm on E! Entertainment.

Al Jazeera Viewfinder Asia Al Jazeera’s Viewfinder project invites lo-

Freedomland

cal filmmakers to tell the stories that are important to their region, and showcases them to a global audience. Working with the Asian Network of Documentary 2013, Al Jazeera has carried out a workshop with selected filmmakers to develop these stories and observational filmmaking techniques, resulting in this series of seven 25minute films.

Starts on September 29 and continues throughout the month of October every Monday at 10:30pm.

Kids Entertainment Nickleodeon The new series of the Breadwinners premiers on October 8. Catch SwaySway and Buhdeuce, two carefree ducks who fly around in a super sweet rocket van, delivering bread to hungry beaks everywhere. These best buds live together, laugh together, and get into all sorts of ridiculous adventures together on their planet Pondgea.

Airs Monday to Friday at 2:45pm.

Disney Junior Every Sunday in October at 9:30am, there’s a great movie on Disney Junior. The Emperor’s New Groove is on Sunday, October 5. This film, regarded by many as the grooviest Disney film ever is a crazy mixture of fun and fantasy, told with stunning animation, top line talent and great music. It tells of a mythical mountain kingdom, where arrogant young Emperor Kuzco rules the roost - until one day he’s transformed into a llama by his power-hungry adviser Yzma! Finding himself stranded in a jungle, the regal llama Kuzco must find his way back and regain his kingdom.

BlackBelt TV’s Best Of: Africa Ep. 5 BlackBelt TV’s new show features the best local Pro-Am MMA fighting in South Africa with bouts from Africa Fight League (AFL) out of Durban and Cape Fight League (CFL) out of Cape Town. Airing October 6, at 6:30pm.

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Entertainment

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

COSON slams Sheraton Lagos with billion naira lawsuit Stories by SOny neme

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opyright Society of Nigeria, COSON, Nigeria’s sole collective management organization for musical works and sound recordings has filed a landmark copyright infringement action against Ikeja Hotels Ltd, owners of Sheraton Lagos.

They are asking the hoteliers to pay a whooping N1.04 Billion. This is in tandem with its recently launched copyright enforcement initiative, ‘Operation No Hiding Place’.

Also joined in the suit is Sheraton Overseas Management Corporation, which manages hundreds of hotels in several countries across the globe and Mr. Barry Curran, General Manager of Ikeja Hotels Ltd. This is contained in suit No. FHC/L/ CS/1475/2014 filed at the Federal High Court, Lagos by Lagos IP lawyer, Mr. Justin Ige of Creative Legal on September 29.

In the suit, copies of which was made available to New Telegraph, COSON is asking for the award of N1.04 Billion in, “Unpaid royalties and damages against Sheraton Lagos, its owners and managers for the unauthorized copying, communication to the public, permission to perform and infringement of the copyright in the musical works and sound recordings belonging to COSON members, affiliates and assignors.”

COSON also pleaded that, “The 2nd and 3rd Defendants, Sheraton Overseas Management Corporation and Mr. Barry Curran, General Manager of Ikeja Hotels Ltd. have done nothing to end the brazen abuse of the intellectual property rights of owners of copyright in musical works and sound recordings at Sheraton Lagos Hotel, the huge facility, which they operate and manage in Nigeria respectively and have rather continued to enjoy the profit emanating from such abuse. COSON maintains that by so doing, the hotel and its owners have continued to defy the laws of Nigeria, which demand that creative people should be duly compensated for the exploitation of their works, an act which the organization would not dare to carry out anywhere else in the world.”

The statement dated September 29, 2014 and signed by Mayree Uket, stated that, “COSON is requesting a perpetual injunction restraining the Defendants, their agents, privies or servants from the unauthorized copying, communication to the public, permission to perform and infringement of the copyright in the musical works and sound recordings belonging to its members, affiliates and assignors.”

In his reaction, COSON Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji said, “Nigerian law is not a piece of artwork to be placed on the wall and admired. It is made to be respected and obeyed.

Amin

[CHORUS]: Help me say Amin O, Amin, A ma kole mole, Amin, A ma bimo l’emo, Amin, Asiri wa o ni tu, Amin, Help me say Amin O, Amin, A ma ri ba tise, Amin, Gbo gbo nawo nawo, Amin, We go buy Bugatti, Amin, Help me say Amin O. Verse1.

Ile wa wa wale, Owo wa wa wale, Ife wa wa wale, Ibukun wa wa wale O, Look your side and tell your neighbour, Jehovah don sugar my tea, Look your side and tell your neighbour Do you want to be favoured like me?

(Agbeti lukere ba jere, gbe mi leke ade) x2 Back in the book of Isaiah, it’s all in the eyes, I see what I desire, so I turn am to prayer.

Utere family is MDA 8 champions

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is sponsored by Maltina; a premium malt drink from the stable of Nigerian Breweries Plc. 10 families were admitted into the famed Maltina dance academy from where the four families – Utere, Uzodinma, Odigie and Unanka emerged to participate in the grand finale.

Expectedly, the show which was beamed live across select TV stations came with excitement as the families competed in Rhythm of Naija and Hiphop dance styles.

They first stepped out in the “Rhythm of Naija with the Utere family to set the tone with a dazzling performance to Shake Bodi by Skales. The Unanka family were with impressive performance to Mavin’s Dorobucci hit song. Then came the Uzodimas who danced to Lil Kesh’s Shoki, before the Odigies danced to Ukwu by Timaya The next dance was the hip-hop style with the Uzodinmas, Uteres, Unankas and Odigies in that order.

— Dammy Krane

Intro Listen, Spellz, Dammy Krane, Ayomikun, Emmanuel…

Oro kan o gbe mi lo kan Oro kan o gbe mi lo kan Oro kan o gbe mi lo kan gidi gan

Marketing Director Nigerian Breweries Plc, Walter Drenth (middle) Host of the Show, Osas Ighodaro at the presentation of 10million cheque to the Utere Family winners of the Maltina Dance All 8 in Lagos

ourney of a million mile starts with a step, says a time tested adage. That precisely was the case of the Uteres when they took that bold step of registering for the dance reality TV shows in Africa, the Maltina Dance All Season 8.

For their efforts at the end of the competition on Saturday, the family from Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, walked away as winners of the 2014 edition with N10 million. The grand finale that took place last weekend at Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos was the culmination of weeks of suspense, drama and excitement. They achieved the feat after securing the largest number of votes in the keenly contested competition.

The Uzodinma family who claimed second position went home with N3m, while the Odigie family got a million naira came third.

The show designed for promoting family values, bonding and happiness

LYRICS for the week

[CHORUS] Help me say Amin O, Amin, A ma kole mole, Amin, A ma bimo l’emo, Amin, Asiri wa o ni tu, Amin, Help me say Amin O, Amin, A ma ri ba tise, Amin, Gbo gbo nawo nawo, Amin, We go buy Bugatti, Amin,

Help me say Amin O. Verse2.

Ori lo mo olola, Mo ti na dollar, E ba mi ki my Mother, E ba mi ki my Father, E ba mi ko din mo ti lowo, E ba mi ko din mo ti kole, E ba mi ko din mo ti lola, E ba mi ko din pe ori mi o gba bode, Eda mi o gba bode o, Ori mi koredele, Adura lo le se so mo, my brother.

[CHORUS] Help me say Amin O, Amin, A ma kole mole, Amin, A ma bimo l’emo, Amin, Asiri wa o ni tu, Amin, Help me say Amin O, Amin, A ma ri ba tise, Amin, Gbo gbo nawo nawo, Amin, We go buy Bugatti, Amin, Help me say Amin O. Help me say Amin O, Amin, A ma kole mole, Amin, A ma bimo l’emo, Amin, Asiri wa o ni tu, Amin, Help me say Amin O, Amin, A ma ri ba tise, Amin, Gbo gbo nawo nawo, Amin, We go buy Bugatti, Amin, Help me say Amin O. VErse3.

(Oro kan gbe mi lo kan) x2 Oro kan gbe mi lo kan gidi gan, Help me say amin o, amin, Eko o ni baje o, Daddy and Mummy Fasola, Amin, Baba mi Tinubu, Amin, Gbogbo Team Lagos Amin, Awa l’asiwaju, Amin, Help me say Amin o, Amin May God continue to enlarge our coast, Amin.

Lyrics, Compiled by Shola Adefuwa

more of the afrima Nominees

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families participated at the just concluded MDA 8

TemiDollFace (Nigeria) 4 nominations, others are Wiyaala (Ghana) 3 nominations; Patoranking (Nigeria) 2 nominations; Davina Green (Zimbabwe) 1 nomination and Noura Mint Seymale (Mauritania) 2 nominations, among others.

Heavyweight African music producer, Don Jazzy (Nigeria) made the Africa Producer of the Year category for the

Don Jazzy song ‘Eminado’ alongside top contenders: Robbie Malinga & Mojela Thebe (South Africa) for ‘Impilo’; Uhuru (South Africa) for ‘Tchelete’; Mikky Me (Nigeria) ‘Down’ and Del’B (Nigeria) for ‘Pull Over’.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

Pension

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Agric

Nigeria @ 54: Workers never planned to labour in vain

Exploring SRI technique to boost rice production

Poultry farmers fret over rising feed prices

Abia to distribute 600,000 cocoa seedlings to farmers

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Business What's news

E-commerce hits N88bn annually, says Minister Annual electronic commerce or e-commerce transitions’ value in Nigeria has hit N88 billion this year, Minister of Communications Technology, Dr Omobola Johnson, has disclosed.

US records zero crude import from Nigeria

p.30

Customs arrest 26 smugglers over N322m contraband, vehicles The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C, have arrested 26 smugglers in connection with vehicles and other contraband with a duty paid value of N322 million between July and September in the Eastern part of the country.

p.30

L-R: Keystone Bank Brand Ambassador, Ms Rita Dominic; Keystone Bank Director, Mrs Maria Teju Phillips; Executive Director, Corporate Bank and Treasury, Mr Hafiz Bakare and Divisional Head, Lagos and West, Mr Omotayo Ajani, during the commissioning of the first wheelchair-friendly Automated Teller Machine, ATM Gallery at Keystone Bank, Maryland branch, Lagos.

PHOTO: GODWIN IREKHE

POLICY

US has embarked on a plan to squeeze crude imports from Nigeria

Bayo Akomolafe

T The Business Desk

Ayodele Aminu l Deputy Editor (Business)

Simeon Ogoegbulem l Dep. Business Editor

Bayo Akomolafe l Asst. Editor (Maritime)

Sunday Ojeme l Asst. Editor (Insurance)

Godson Ikoro l Asst. Editor (Money Market) Adeola Yusuf l Energy Editor

Wole Shadare l Aviation Editor

ports are down from 8.058 million b/d in the same month a year ago.

Imports from Nigeria fell to zero in July, down from 89,000 b/d in June, all of which had gone to the US Atlantic Coast (USAC).

Nigeria to benefit from Gulf investors’ $5bn venture

Sunday Ojeme

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he opening up of diverse Islamic financial transactions in Nigeria has swelled the business interest of Gulf investors in the country as they consider more infrastructural investment in Africa amounting to an average of $5 billion

in the coming years.

A recent study released in Dubai, United Arab Emirate, revealed that the renewed interest stemmed from deepened Islamic financial transactions.

In the last few years, Nigerian financial regulators have tactically introduced some Islamic financial dealings ranging from an Islamic bank, the

sukuk system and the recently unveiled Takaful (Islamic insurance) models into the country’s financial market.

The first Islamic bank in the country, Jaiz, established during the Sanusi Lamido-led management at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

Dayo Adeyemi l Property Editor

he United States crude imports from Nigeria have fallen to zero for the first time on record, data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) has revealed.

Nigeria, Africa’s biggest crude exporter, depends largely on proceeds from crude to service over 85 per cent of its budget.

The US, which hitherto imported about one million barrels per day from Nigeria, has embarked on a plan to squeeze

crude imports from the African country.

The EIA, however, revealed that US imports rose to 7.623 million barrel per day (b/d), up from 7.054 million b/d in June.

Despite being at their highest since December 2013, im-

US Atlantic Coast refiners have been increasingly turning away imported light sweet crudes in favour of domestically produced barrels, mostly railed from North Dakota.

While the EIA data does not include crude shipped by rail, it does show USAC imports at just 59 per cent of gross crude inputs in July, down from 70 per cent in July 2013, and 100 per cent in July 2004.

It was discovered that the USAC cracking margin for Bakken averaged $5.31/barrel in July, according to Platts data, a bit under the $5.65/b average for Nigerian Bonny Light, but over the $2.91/b average for Hibernia.

The Bakken cracking margin has averaged $10.99/b so far in September, while Bonny has averaged $14.01/b and Hibernia $12.09/b.

Platts cFlow shows just two vessels entering the USAC from West Africa in September, down from five in August.

It was revealed that while the rise of Bakken has appeared to spell doom for grades like Bonny Light, USAC refiners did import from Angola, Chad, and Congo Brazzaville.

Chris Ugwu l Capital Market Editor Abdulwahab Isa l Finance Editor Kunle Azeez l Senior Correspondent Chuks Onuanyin l Energy Nnamdi Amadi l Reporter Johnson Adebayo l AsstProduction Editor

Rates Dashboard INFLATION RATE August 2014............................8.5% July 2014.................................8.3% May 2014.................................8.2%

LENDING RATE InterBank Rate . . . . . . . . . . . 11.57% Prime Lending Rate. . . . . . 16.93% Maximum Lending Rate. .25.83%

EXCHANGE RATE

(Parellel As at Sept 26)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N156.75 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N254.68 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N198.08

l Foreign Reserves – $39.59bn as at 18/09/2014

Source: CBN

EXCHANGE RATE (Official As at Sept 26)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N169 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N280 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N222

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Business | News

FDI

The sector has attracted $200 million Foreign Direct Investment (FDI

Kunle Azeez

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nnual electronic commerce or ecommerce transitions’ value in Nigeria has hit N88 billion this year, Minister of Communications Technology, Dr Omobola Johnson, has disclosed.

The figure had soared from $35 million (N5.6 billion) equivalent in 2012 to $550 million (N88 billion) by the second quarter of this year.

The exponential growth in e-commerce annual transaction value is hinged on Nigeria’s drive to pursue a more digital and cashlite economy through increased internet access, more affordable data and improved mobile connectivity.

According Mrs Johnson, “while electronic transactions remain dominated by the use of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs,) there has been very strong growth in online purchases through leading industry players such as Konga, Jumia, DealDey and Quickteller,” among others.

The country is also recording growth in the area of Point of Sales Terminals deployment, which presents another way to drive cashless economy scheme being driven by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Quoting available industry reports, the minister said that PoS deployment in the country increased from about

E-commerce hits N88bn annually, says Minister 5,000 locations in 2012 to 153,167 in April 2014, and transactions through this medium hit N24 billion in the same month.

“The increasing number of active mobile lines has facilitated the expansion of e-commerce. The most recent data from the Nigeria Communications Commission, the regulator, showed that there were 130.8 million lines in June,” she said.

The minister explained that another supporting trend boosting e-commerce value has been the penetration of the market by local and foreign electronic payment companies.

For instance, the minister said subject to the necessary approvals, Interswitch is to acquire a majority stake in the Kenya-based Paynet Group and bring together leading operators in West and East Africa.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria’s cashless initiative is another factor changing attitudes to digital payments,” said the Chief Executive Officer, RyteDeals, Mr Victor Alaofin.

Alaofin noted that the insufficient storage and distribution facilities to support ubiquitous physical sales of products by opening shops across the country is another factor fuelling proliferation of e-commerce platforms.

The Federal Government is also, through the Ministry of Communication, implementing a national broadband strategy and roadmap that seeks to increase

Customs arrest 26 smugglers over N322m contraband, vehicles Bayo Akomolafe

T

he Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C, have arrested 26 smugglers in connection with vehicles and other contraband with a duty paid value of N322 million between July and September in the Eastern part of the country.

Its Area Controller, Mr Victor Dimka, said that the bulk of the items were seized on the Benin/Agbor axis, while others were confiscated in Owerri, Calabar and Enugu.

Dimka listed the seized items to include 82 imported vehicles,

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

576 bags of rice, 18 used tyres, 458 two-stroke engine generators and 2,060 gallons of vegetable oil with DPV of N150.92 million.

He explained that 20 persons were arrested in connection with the smuggled vehicles while the six others were apprehended in connection with the other goods.

Dimka declared: “Today’s customs is equipped with world class communication gadgets and are well motivated. They are not only fully equipped but are well trained that smugglers cannot penetrate anywhere in Nigeria without being caught.”

broadband penetration from the extant six per cent to 30 per cent by 2018.

The minister said: “As part of this drive, we plan to increase 3G/LTE Wireless broadband coverage to 16 per cent of population based on

fibre by 2018; achieve minimum speeds of 1.5 megabyte per second, as well as ensuring open non-discriminatory access to all.”

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s electronic commerce sector continues to gain attraction,

with the region poised to be worth about $10 billion in the next few years.

This is coming even as New Telegraph gathered that, since 2012 till date, the sector has attracted $200 million Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

L-R: Deputy Managing Director, Arik Air, Capt. Ado Sanusi; Managing Director, Mr Chris Ndulue and Senior Manager Customer Loyalty and Customer Relations Manager, Mr Kayshelya de Alwis, during the launch of Arik Affinity Wings, at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

PHOTO: ADEYANJU OLOWOJOBA

Nigeria to benefit from Gulf investors’ $5bn venture CO N TI N U ED F RO M PAGE 2 9

been doing fairly well serving the needs of Muslim community.

The National Insurance Commission has also revealed that a number of investors have been obtaining licences to commence Takaful operation in the country.

In March last year, Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved new rules facilitating issues of sukuk.

Osun State has issued a N10 billion ($62 million) sukuk yielding 14.75 percent, being the first Islamic bond from a major economy in subSaharan Africa.

Other African countries including South Africa and Kenya have been laying plans to issue a sukuk and Gambia has been selling small amounts of Islamic debt for several years.

Prominent rating agency, Agusto & Co, had given an A rating to the sukuk, suggesting it will attract ample investor demand.

Prior to the latest decision, Gulf funding for African infrastructure had focused on North Africa, which has received the bulk of aid (about

65 per cent of the total) and also a large share of the direct private investment with a “focus on countries such as Djibouti and Senegal.

According to the study, “There has been relatively little Gulf investment in the continent’s fast-growing economies of Angola, Ethiopia and Nigeria, which have attracted considerable infrastructure funding from Brazilian and Chinese entities, as well as in the case of Nigerian companies based in the US and Europe.”

The study prepared

by Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with the Economist Intelligence Unit ahead of the Chamber’s Africa Global Business Forum currently going on in Dubai, revealed that Gulf businesses had invested at least $30 billion in infrastructure projects in Africa over the past decade and are set to step up investment across the continent.

The survey shows that investment over the past decade amounts to up to 10 per cent of total inflows from the Gulf, of which about $15billion was in loans and grants from Gulf development agencies and around 15billion

in direct investments.

The study said efforts

by African regulators to “deepen Islamic financial systems” created an opportunity to encourage further Gulf investment in Africa’s infrastructure.

“The sukuk market in Africa is modest, accounting for just 0.6 per cent of total global sukuk issuances outstanding,” the study said. “However, several institutions, including Standard & Poor’s and the Malaysia International Islamic Financial Centre have indicated potential for growth.”

The study noted that more than half of Gulf aid has gone to transport projects, mainly road building, with about 30 per cent on power, “ranging from hydro-electric dams to rural electrification” and 15 per cent on water projects”.

According to the study, Arab funding in 2012 for both public and private investment in Africa “was equivalent to more than 10 per cent of total external funding”. “This was comparable to funding from European donors and more than the $4bn from the World Bank (but) dwarfed by Chinese spending of $13bn.”

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

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Workers tackle LASG over unremitted pension deductions p.32

Businesses urged to take pension action p.32

Pension Nigeria @ 54: Workers never planned to labour in vain WELFARE

Depending on where one belongs, the atmosphere surrounding Nigerian retirees’ welfare is determined by just two factors – old and new Sunday Ojeme

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arly in the week during the National Honours Awards, a taxi driver, Mr Imeh Usuah, was honoured by President Gooldluck Jonathan for returning the sum of N18 million forgotten in his vehicle by a passenger. The taxi driver was said to have been vilified by some friends and relatives, who called a him a fool for returning such an amount in a country where those who are supposed to be in custody of the resources have become thieves.

Simply put, it has become more honourable for people to steal what they are supposed to protect instead of doing the right thing.

Fifty four years after independence, Nigeria today boasts of two sets of pensioners. The weather-beaten and frustrated ones belonging to the old non-Contributory Pension Scheme and the new generation pensioners, whose retirement benefit is assured under the new Pension Reform Act 2014.

In the last few months, pensioners belonging to the old order have come out smoking against Federal Government’s negligence as regards payment of their arrears of pension. From one state to the other, from one union chapter to the other and from sector to sector, they have all been singing in unison, calling on those in power to assuage their plights.

This is coming in the face of the new order where the new crop of pensioners whose pension contributions have been faithfully remitted to their Pension Fund Administrators by employers, have cause to celebrate a new culture in the country.

A Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) retiree, Mr Olu Ayeni, told New Telegraph that at 54, the Nigerian government had only succeeded in hitting pensioners below the belt.

Agreeing that there was cause to celebrate the fragile unity of the country, he, however, said that such unity might not be sustained for too long if the leaders failed to reward the labour of those who had diligently served the country while they feel free to launder money across the world.

He said: “Imaging since January till now, nothing has been done to improve the welfare of pensioners in the country. I don’t want to appear biased or as if I am all out to criticise the government all the time but the fact remains that Nigeria needs a leader with all the

Collapsed pensioner being revived during verification exercise

Jonathan

sagacity to pull things through. But what we have is an arrangement by a cabal that ensures they always plant someone they can manipulate there.

“How can you convince anybody that after a whole PHCN was privatised the Federal Government still finds it difficult to pay pensioners as at when due and we say we are celebrating independence at 54. You will agree with me that nothing good has come out of their policies despite moving the liabilities from one agency of government to another.”

Last month, the agitation became more intense as it turned a weekly routine across the country. The pensioners’ frustration now appears unbearable due to government’s inability to meet their demands for regular payment of monthly pension, harmonisation as well as the implementation of attached increments.

Ironically, the National Union of Pensioners (NRC chapter), whose members in the past became the reference point in agony and neglect appear to have handed the baton of struggle over to their colleagues who retired from other sectors especially those from the PHCN.

National President, NUP, Abel Afolayan

At 54 the Nigerian government has only succeeded in hitting pensioners below the belt

The PHCN retirees recently called on the Federal Government to do something about the N25 billion owed them during a protest in Kwara State.

The Kwara State NUP chairman, Deacon John Akande, pleaded with the president to resolve the issue of delay in payment of monthly pension permanently by directing the minister of finance to always fund the appropriate agency to enable it pay as at when due just as workers’ salaries.

Ayeni, however, believes that the Federal Government only needs the will to get things done by putting things in the right perspective and putting a stop to corruption.

He said: “Imagine a country where pensioners are starving but others are secretly moving millions of dollars to another country and up till now everything is being done to cover up the truth. Imagine N87 billion was spent to install CCTV that has not been able to catch a single criminal. For how long are we going to be using mentollatum to treat leprosy in this country? Let us wait and see how far the country can go with the way things are where everybody is celebrating mediocrity.”

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Business | Pension

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Workers tackle LASG over unremitted pension REWARD

Lagos receives award for for prompt payments of pensions Sunday Ojeme

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he smooth pension records of the Lagos State government was early in the week punctured when members of the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) and Senior Staff Union of Colleges of Education, Nigeria (SSUCEN), Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED) Chapter, called on the government and the school authorities to remit their pension funds.

The workers alleged that those in charge of the finances had been deducting the pension funds for over 17 months without remitting same to the appropriate accounts.

In the last one year, the state government had paid over N4.6 billion as pensions to its retirees, according to the Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Mrs Florence Oguntuase.

She said that a total of 14,981 pensioners, consisting 9,200 for the mainstream civil service, 5,749 for teaching service and 32 for Judiciary had been paid their pension arrears for the period under review.

The commissioner said that over N1.6 billion was paid by the Civil Service Pensions Office (CSP0) to retirees under the old pen-

sion scheme while more than N2. 9 billion was paid by the Lagos State Pension Commission, under the contributory scheme.

She said that over N34.1 billion was paid as gratuities to 65 new pensioners while 104 files of terminal benefits of prospective pensioners were treated.

The Chairman of COEASU, AOCOED chap-

ter, Mr. Michael Awosetinyen, however, said retired staff that made the college what it is today were yet to be paid their pension.

According to him, “Our pensioners who have meritoriously served the college, whose youthful vigour, strength and milk were freely used to grease the College’s growth, glory and devel-

L-R: First secretary, European Union Delegation, Mr. Alan Munday; Deputy Head of Delegation, European Union to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Young and Minister of National Planning and Deputy Chairman, National Planning Commission (NPC), Dr. Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman, during the signing of the 11th European Development Fund Support to Nigeria’s Electoral Cycle 2011-2015 Phase 2 in Abuja. PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI

opment; and who are now old and frail, with nothing to care for themselves except their pension benefits have been denied their pension benefits since they retired from service and are crying for help.

Our pensioners are dying. They no longer send their children to school.

They must not die.”

He also lamented that government was not funding the college enough despite being the oldest institution in the state said.

He said, “The monthly subvention that is being given to the management is not even enough to pay the workers’ salaries, solve the problems of the institution.

“Our governor has contravened the law by not paying workers deduction of their funds, for the fact that the government has refused to address our issues, we will remain at the gate and on the street until our demands are met.

The chairperson of SSUCEN, Mrs. Wunmi Ombugadu, also said that the retirement age which was approved by the governing council of the college was 65 but that a letter was sent to them by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education to reverse the age to 60.

Standard Life warns over reducing pension tax relief

S

tandard Life has warned that reducing tax relief for higher earners could disincentivise them from being in a pension scheme.

Jamie Jenkins (pictured), Standard Life head of workplace strategy, said there needed to be a political consensus on tax relief to keep higher earners incentivised for auto-enrolment.

Speaking at a fringe event at the Conservative party conference in Birmingham, Jenkins said there was a risk that reducing tax relief for higher rate tax payers could disincentivise them to invest in a pension.

‘If we create a situation now where we reduce the tax relief to higher rate tax payers, who may pay higher rate tax when they’re in retirement, they could be in a situation where they are getting less tax relief now and pay more tax on their pension, that

then creates the question for them whether they should be in a pension scheme at all or continue saving into one,” he said.

Jenkins warned that about one million higher earners are small business owners who would soon be staging for autoenrolment.

He said: “The difficulty in that, whether you deem that to be fair or otherwise, is that I suggest about a million of those people are running small businesses who have still got to set up a pension scheme for their staff and champion that cause. It would worry me if we started disincentivising those very people.”

Jenkins used autoenrolment as a good example of how political consensus has been effective.

“We have some good political consensus across parties for autoenrolment, it probably wouldn’t have worked

were that not the case.

There’s some general agreement around increasing contributions over time and plugging that gap. There’s some general agreement around the Budget

changes, the freedoms.

“I think there is far less consensus around things like tax relief and incentivisation, there’s some consensus that it needs to be reviewed but very little on what the

answer is.

“If we look at the timescale over which many of the big pension decisions work, it strikes me that it absolutely requires political consensus,” he said.

Businesses urged to take pension action

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orfolk and Suffolk businesses must act now to understand the demands of the auto-enrolment pension scheme – or risk breaking the law.

That was the warning from The Pensions Regulator, which underscored the need for companies to know when their pension duties start to avoid financial penalties in the future.

The message came as more than 80 people gathered at Sprowston Manor, near Norwich, on Thursday for an audience with Ian Digby of The Pensions Regulator,

organised by Norwichbased financial advisers Smith & Pinching.

Digby said it was important that companies prepared early, while ensuring they had the technology in place to cope with the demands of the auto-enrolment system.

He recommended that employers should start preparing for automatic enrolment 12 months ahead of the date their duties start – known as their staging date.

But business leaders expressed their frustration at the new pension legislation, amid claims that the extra cost may

force some firms to cut jobs to find enough money to carry out the changes.

“The first 18 months we saw about 10 to 15,000 organisations staging,” Digby, industry liaison manager, said. “From 2016 onwards we will have 100,000 businesses going through the process per quarter.”

“It will be like going down the M25 on a Friday,” he added “You are not going to get where you want to be early if you leave it late. But if you leave early you are not going to have many difficulties. ”

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

Rice: Kano boosts production with Quelea bird control p.35

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Agric

Agro-based OLOP project kicks off in Oyo p.35

Rice farmland

Exploring SRI technique to boost rice production INNOVATION New farming technique to improve rice yields unveiled

Dele Alao

T

he country, in recent years, has witnessed a major boost in the rice sector, with billions of naira being invested by private sector investors.

This, industry watchers believe, is an endorsement of the Federal Government’s agricultural policy under the present Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina.

Boom Only a fortnight ago, one of the major importers of rice in the country, Elephant Group, expressed its readiness to spend $50 million on local rice production.

Managing Director of the company, Tunji Owoeye, during a visit to the minister, said: “We have done about 1,000 hectares in Moniya, Ibadan, for two seasons. The company has acquired 9,5000 ha, first, in Guza and has got approval of another 5,000 ha in Baro, both in Niger State, for fully mechanised rice farming. Because of our position in rice industry, we don’t want to lose that. We take this very seriously. We also want to take over Veetee in Ewekoro, Ogun State. As a chairman of rice importers association, our buying into rice production is going to send strong signals to others in the industry.”

“We are going to be the watchdog for government. Whoever does not have short-term plan of backward integration will not be allowed in our association.

We will not welcome traders from outside, except they are going to invest in production,” he added.

On the fast-paced rice production, which the country is currently experiencing, Chief Executive, Agro Nigeria, Richard Mbaram, said that the Federal Government’s intervention policy on rice had continued to boost the production in Nigeria.

Mbaram quoted Kebbi State Governor, Usman Dakingari, to have said that “because of the rice revolution under Adesina, we now count rice in kilometres, not in hectares,” and Kogi State Governor, Idris Wada, said: “We have turned our land into massive rice baskets by fully aligning with the agricultural transformation of the Federal Government.”

These, Mbaram said, were affirmations of the success of the rice revolution in Nigeria.

Mbaram also noted the springing up of different madein-Nigeria rice from locally produced paddy, which has led to the state-of-the-art rice milling facilities at different locations in the country.

Good policies According to him, the sound policies of the Federal Government under the minister of agriculture on rice has now shifted interest of majority of rice farmers to the high quality varieties, with long grain characteristics that are now preferred by the integrated rice mills. He said that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture accomplished this

through the massive distribution of high yielding varieties to farmers two years ago.

The ministry, under Adesina, through massive publicprivate partnership with local seed companies and the Africa Rice Centre, launched free distribution of Faro 44 and Faro 52 to rice farmers across the country and three bags of fertiliser per farm every planting season, which has prompted a massive shift to the new highyielding varieties.

Nearly one-third of the world’s population depends heavily on rice and rice products for food, with rice providing up to 70 per cent of daily calories in some regions.

Checks revealed that over the last thirty years, milled rice consumption has increased by 40 per cent, and by 2030, the global demand for rice is expected to increase up to another 40 percent.

To meet this demand, rice paddies cover over 300 million acres around the world.

Traditional rice fields are flooded and planted and the high water levels are maintained until the rice is ready to be harvested. This requires a lot of water: Up to one-third of the planet’s annual freshwater use goes towards irrigating and growing rice.

In Asia where over 90 per cent of the world’s rice is grown and eaten, approximately 84 percent of all freshwater use goes towards agriculture, primarily for irrigating rice. This can create serious water shortage.

Also, in the context of global climate change and booming population growth, these water shortages bring up serious questions about global food security.

One of the authors of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2014 report, Princeton professor, Michael Oppenheimer, said: “We need yields to grow to meet growing demand, but already climate change is slowing those yields.”

Hope Therefore, with this shortcoming, some experts have advocated a new farming technique called System of Rice Intensification (SRI) across the world to boost rice production.

The technique, it was gathered, is already generating hope, excitement and new possibilities for increased crop yields.

SRI methods generate higher rice yields using less water.

Conventional rice field production averages between two to four tons of rice per hectare.

But, with Lotus Foods’ More Crop Per Drop SRI program, the average yield is around seven tons of rice per hectare. Some farmers in the programme have reported achieving as high as 10 tons per hectare.

By utilising 23 per cent fewer seeds than conventional rice fields, further checks showed that farmers are achieving, on average, a 47 per cent increase in yield, 40 per cent water savings, and a 60 per cent increase in income.

It is however uncertain if the country or other relevant stakeholders have embraced this new technology. Efforts to speak with both Kayode Oyeleye of the Agric inistry and any member of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) did not yield positive result as at press time.

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Business | Agric

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Poultry farmers fret over rising feed prices BURDENED Farmers groan under the yoke of high price of feeds

Stories by Dele Alao

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oultry farmers under the aegis of Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) have decried the rising prices of feeds.

Feeds account for about 70 per cent of the total cost of chicken production.

President, PAN, Dr. Ayo Oduntan, said that the increase is affecting poultry producers, which relies heavily on animal feeds.

According to him, the prices of soya bean and maize, which are major components in the feed formulation matrix is responsible for this.

The price of Soya beans, he said, has risen sharply, while that of maize has come down in the last few months.

He attributed the fall of maize price to the efforts of

the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, to improve local production of maize.

This, he however said, has not helped to bring down the cost of feed since soya beans is still a key factor.

Proper chicken feed includes corn and soyabean meal besides minerals and vitamins.

The cost of animal feeds have gone up by between 40 and 50 per cent since 2012, which observers said was an unprecedented rise.

This has locked hundreds of thousands of livestock farmers out of the feeds market, which are key in complementing the dwindling pasture occasioned by failing rains.

A report said that feed producers are facing a challenge producing cheap products, blaming it on acute shortage of raw materials, high import duty and prohibitive cost of energy.

While demand for the feeds has grown, feed manufacturers are unable to satisfy the

rising appetite and that the mismatch between production and demand is worrying.

Oduntan said that feed manufactures are facing challenges, operating at half capacity and struggling to cover their costs.

A farmer, Mr Stephen Oladipupo, said that the abnormally high price of maize and soyabean have pushed the industry into deep crisis.

This is because the industry requires thousands of feed mixtures and supplements,

but the country is unable to produce it because it had to import some of the raw materials such as fishmeal, cereal bran, fishmeal, oil seed cakes and feed premixes to bolster production.

Currently, the poultry industry is the largest consumer of livestock feeds, accounting for over 50 per cent of the national feed production, including chick and duck mash, growers mash, layers mash, broiler starter and broiler finisher.

Dizengoff trains farmers on greenhouse tech KNOW-HOW Dizengoff takes farmers to classrooms with a view to impacting new technology

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member of the Balton CP Group, Dizengoff Nigeria, has conducted a twoday training for farmers and entrepreneurs in Lagos and its environs on the use of its greenhouse technology for fresh vegetable production.

The training, which was organised for some private farmers in the state was both in theory and field demonstration, focusing on the production and post-harvest management of vegetables such as tomatoes, pepper and cucumber, using the greenhouse technology.

Divisional Head, Dizengoff Nigeria, Patrick Ohaji, said at the training, that the concept of the Dizengoff greenhouse technology otherwise called ‘Dizengoff Farmers Kit’ is aimed at providing farmers with an all year round technique to produce and increase the yields of greenhouse crops such as tomatoes, pepper, cucumber and sweet-melon as well as provide steady income for the farmers.

“It also involves transfer of knowledge to the farmers to improve the quality of their produce, reduce field losses and ensure higher profits,” Obaji added.

According to him, presently, a number of farmers

who have adopted the Dizengoff Farmer’s Kit are already enjoying high productivity from the system and most of them believe that with the increased demand of such crops in the market, the Kit, which is now widely being adopted, would help meet these rising demands.

“The goal for us at Dizengoff Agric. is to ensure increased yield of vegetable products and for consumers to have access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food at affordable price while guaranteeing higher income and profitability for farmers. In countries like Israel and Kenya, where agriculture has helped to develop their economy, have over the past few years depended on the Greenhouse technology for bountiful agriculture yield and post-production management,” Obaji said.

He added: “Dizengoff believes in the current efforts by the Federal and State governments towards encouraging a private sector-led agribusiness initiative, which is what the Dizengoff Farmer’s Kit is providing especially jobs for the youth and income for the horticultural farmers, thus laying the foundation for a sustainable horticultural production system in Nigeria.”

The participants, who are mainly upcoming horticultural business entrepreneurs, small and medium enterprise farm operators, all expressed their delights with the technology after the training including visiting the Dizengoff demonstration farm.

Poultry

FG partners EU on nutritious foods production BOND Nigerian government enters into relationship with the EU to promote nutrition

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he need to promote growth transformation and crop utilisation has spurred international interest from the European Union with a view to driving a massive agric development program targeted at leveraging crop growth and processing as a means of quelling hunger and malnutrition in Africa.

Special Adviser for Food Security, David Ojero, who represented the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, at the partnership meeting attributed the high level of malnutrition in Africa to poor performance of the sector over the years, of which is a source of livelihood for majority of the poor.

“There is no nutrition without food, food supplies the nutrient that nourishes

our bodies and agriculture supplies the rich and diverse food through a complex network of producers, processors merchants and business people and consumers. A transformed agriculture can lead to transformation in food and nutrition security,” he said.

He however noted that agriculture has a key role to play in sustaining and addressing the problem of malnutrition in Nigeria and Africa at large.

“Africa has the potential to produce food to adequately feed each people, but we must translate potentials to nutritious foods that would end hunger and malnutrition. Africa lands cover over 20 per cent of the world, making it the second largest region in the world after Asia. It has 16 per cent of the world’s arable lands and 60 per cent of the worlds uncultivated arable land hence the potential to provide adequate nutrition to our teeming population is very high,” he said.

Calling for equitable and inclusive growth with improved food and nutrition security for all Africans, Ojero said that the recent positive development

in the African economy and improved investment climate must be leveraged, adding that only promotional initiative will challenge and change the dismal statistics of insecurity and malnutrition in Africa With the EU ready to partner the country on high nutritious energy foods, Ojero stated that innovations must rise up to checkmate issues of malnutrition, particularly to protect the vulnerable women and children and also empower the poor to diversify their diet.

Head of Operations, EU Delegation, Bryan O’Neil, in his remarks noted that Africa is capable of feeding its people adequately and with recent advances and understanding in Nigeria on how to fortify the nutritional quality of food, there has been an increase in the production of higher value products.

He said though Nigeria is not on course, in terms of her Millennium Development Goal on maternal and infant mortality, the EU is ready to work in tandem with both agriculture and health sectors to increase the production of high nutritious foods to combat malnutrition.

Business | Agric

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

Stories by Dele Alao

Abia to distribute 600,000 cocoa seedlings to farmers

bia State government has began moves to make the state a leading cocoa producer.

Governor Theodore Orji, recently inaugurated the 2014 free distribution of 600,000 improved cocoa seedlings to farmers in the state.

The governor, at a brief ceremony held at Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, said that the distribution of seedlings was part of government’s initiatives to reposition cocoa production in the state.

“I want Abia to occupy a leading position in cocoa pro-

duction in Nigeria in the next few years,’’ he said, adding that the measure was geared toward making cocoa one of the mainstay of the state’s economy.

The governor said that a monitoring team would be inaugurated to supervise the effective utilisation of the seedlings by the farmers to ensure higher productivity.

Orji said that the good features of the seedlings included their early maturing and high yielding prospects.

According to him, other ef-

TARGET State moves to become leading cocoa producer

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forts aimed at increasing agricultural production in the state include the recent N2 billion Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) facility for agro-based small-scale industrialists in the state.

He recalled that the 2012 CBN facility of N1 billion disbursement to farmers in the state was to encourage farmers and ensure food security.

The governor said that the Liberation Farms, set up in each of the three senatorial districts of the state had helped to train farmers in

Cocoa seedlings

Rice: Kano boosts production with Quelea bird control SALVAGE Kano State government initiates step to check menace of Quelea bird

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n response to the yearnings of rice farmers in Kano State and also demonstrating a commitment towards sustaining the success of the Rice Transformation Agenda, the Federal Government recently approved a 50 hours aerial spray of high risk areas in Quelea Birds attack.

The flag-off ceremony of the aerial spray for the control of these trans-border pests that attack cereal crops on the field, especially rice, took place at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.

The operation, which will reduce the amount of money being spent by farmers employing traditional control methods, was attended by the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, Acting Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), Mr Adamu Muham-

mad Shehu and other officials of the state and federal governments.

Prior to this event, the rice farmers represented by the Sariki Noma of Kano State, Alhaji Yusuf Nadabo, had lamented over the challenges the birds had posed to their farm output as a result of the attack on their rice crops.

The operation is set to cover six local governments which include Garun Mallam, Kura, Bagwai, Dambatta, Makoda and Warawa.

The nesting and roosting sites of these Quelea birds were identified during the monitoring exercise of crop performance under the 2014 wet season GES in Kano State and government promised to take measures to stem the massive losses suffered by the cereal farmers.

According to Kano State Director FMARD, Mallam Munir, in a chat with AgroNigeria, this operation will further boost the confidence of the farmers in the effectiveness of the ATA, thus encouraging them to produce more, make more profit, improve their livelihoods and guarantee a sustainable supply of paddy to the rice mills.

35

modern farming techniques and gave the assurance that government would continue to train and retrain farmers to ensure value addition to their produce.

He urged the people of the state to “go back to land,” warning that although the nation’s oil wells would one day dry up, “agriculture will never dry up.”

Orji urged cocoa farmers to be more committed and not to allow cocoa farming to die, given its huge prospects in the transformation of the economy of the farmer, the state and nation.

On his part, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Chief Chijioke Onwutuebe, said that the distribution of free seedlings by government started in 2012 with 350,000 seedlings.

Onwutuebe said that the number was increased to 450,000 in 2013 and urged cocoa farmers to take advantage of the opportunity to improve their fortune.

Also, the Director of Agriculture in charge of the statewide development of agriculture, Mr Sam Odoemelam, said that the Ministry of Agriculture would intensify efforts to increase the state’s capacity in cocoa production.

Odoemelam listed the five major cocoa producing local government areas of the state as Bende, Ikwuano, Arochukwu, Umuahia South and Ohafia.

Agro-based OLOP project kicks off in Oyo EXPLOIT Oyo begins move to exploit state’s huge agricultural produces

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bout 90 processors who formed themselves into cooperatives are to participate in the Oyo State agro-based – One Local Government One Product (OLOP) scheme.

The processors, 10 from the cooperative societies in the nine local government areas participating in the scheme, will be trained by Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN) and Japanese International Corporation Agency (JICA).

Nine local governments had been earmarked to take part in the first phase of the scheme.

The OLOP concept, which is to adapt a particular product (agro based) where the local government area has comparative advantage over others and de-

velop its value chain potentials, has ATISBO Local Government for sheabutter, Oriire – tomatoes, Itesiwaju – black soap, Ido – cassava, Ibarapa Central – melon, Ibadan South West – cassava, Atiba – local rice, Oyo East – palm product, and Surulere – palm product.

The scheme, will be funded

by Bank of Industry (BoI) in partnership with SMEDAN and JICA. While SMEDAN and JICA will provide capacity building and technical support for the scheme, they are also to identify markets within and outside the country for finished products.

The chosen local councils had earlier provided clusters for the agro-products, land, roads, boreholes and factory sheds for the smooth take-off of the scheme.

To deepen relationship as well as promote Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in the state, Moses Adeyemo-Alake, the state deputy governor, met with director-general of SMEDAN, Bature Musa.

The meeting concretised modalities for the implementation

of the National Enterpreneurship Development Program of SMEDAN, which falls under the OLOP scheme.

Commenting on the programme, Folakemi Akinleye, special adviser and head, Bureau of Investment Promotion and Public Private Partnerships, said the scheme would create employment and grow the state economy.

Ajimobi

36

Business | Agric

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

‘Our goal is to ensure that Nigeria is most prefered investment destination’

Nigerian High Commissioner to Singapore, Nonye Rajis-Okpara

President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

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s the Nigeria High Commissioner to Singapore, I have been given the mandate by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, to drive Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Nigeria. Our goal is to ensure that Nigeria continues to be the preferred investment destination in Africa and making sure that Nigeria takes its rightful place in the committee of industrialised nations.

In the last decade, there has been a shift in the dynamics of how Nigeria does business globally. We have seen our nation move from a nation that primarily does business with the western world, to one, which is more eastward facing. This is proven by the fact that Nigeria’s biggest trading partners presently are mostly Asian countries such as India and China.

In addition to this, Nigeria has maintained an unprecedented level of fiscal discipline. We have maintained single digit inflation rate of 7.9 per cent as at April 2014, a

figure not seen in over 20 years in the country. In addition, we have maintained a debt to GDP ratio lower than 15 per cent, with the ratio currently standing at 12.5 per cent. Our fiscal rating has been upgraded and our stock market index grew by 47 per cent in 2013. Economic growth is being driven by trade, manufacturing and agricultural industries. Currently, we have our strongest macroeconomic environment in decades.

Nigeria is restructuring its economy by diversifying our sources of revenue. As we all know, no nation has ever moved from poor to rich status without building a strong manufacturing sector. For many decades, we relied on the export of crude oil and raw materials, but under President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda, we are taking a new dimension.

Industry contributes 26 per cent to our National GDP and manufacturing has grown in the 1st and 2nd quarter of 2014 at 10 per cent and nine per cent respectively. This growth is fuelled by the formulation and

implementation of the Nigerian Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP), a game changer in the advancement of industrialisation in Nigeria.

The NIRP is a revolutionary programme to industrialise Nigeria. It is Nigeria’s first comprehensive, integrated and strategic roadmap to industrialisation. NIRP is focused on economic and revenue diversification on sectors where Nigeria has comparative advantages. The NIRP is underpinned by seven key enablers for industrialisation.

• Infrastructure • Skills • Finance • Investment climate • Innovation • Standards and • Local patronage The new policy is targeting to increase our manufacturing’s contribution by six per cent to the GDP in the next three years. Sustainable and inclusive growth can only be achieved through industrialisation.

Nigerian trade policy is also designed with the intention to ensure our leadership position in the African region.

This leadership position has been seen recently in Nigeria’s vital role in the achievement of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Bali agreement.

Our leadership role is further exemplified by our position in the negotiations with the European Union (EU) on the issue of Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and Nigeria’s role in leading the Afri-

can debate in the extension of African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to help African countries benefit from their imports and exports.

Nigeria has continued to remain the leading destination for investment in Africa.

Nigeria was ranked 1st for two of the last three years and a top three destination last year in Africa, in term of quantum of foreign direct investments (FDI). In the last three years also, Nigeria has received a net FDI of over $21 billion.

The Wall Street Journal’s Frontier Market Sentiment Index which surveys blue chip companies in the US and EU regarding investment interest, ranked Nigeria as the number one country of interest globally.

Ladies and gentlemen, the presentadministration is also focused on job creation. On the 10th of September 2014 President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan inaugurated the first ever Jobs Creation Board (JCB) to be chaired by the Vice President.

The mandate of the board is to create three million jobs in 12 months.

I would like to summarise by providing you with an overview of key economic developments in Nigeria, in form of a presentation. I hope that you will find it educative and informative.

•

Being speech delivered

by Nigeria High Commission to Singapore at Singapore Magagement University on 30 September 2014

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

37

Auto Beat Third generation Kia Sorento set for world premiere Paul Ogbuokiri

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nveiled in Korea two weeks ago, the all-new Kia Sorento with a unique blend of style, practicality and technology, which builds on the success of the outgoing model, is scheduled to make an international debut at the Paris Motor Show, said Car Magazine.

It could not be officially ascertained as at the time of going to press when Kia Motors Nigeria would be launching the latest Sorento into the local market, but it was learnt the dealership would be targeting the end of the year.

The Magazine said the new CUV’s smoother, swept-back profile and deeply sculpted surfaces introduce a higher level of sophistication for the third-generation model, delivering a premium look and feel, with more space and numerous innovative features.

The front of the new Sorento, it was disclosed incorporates long, wrap-around headlamps and more prominent fog-lamps, as well as a larger, more upright ‘tiger-nose’ grille, with a distinctive three-dimensional diamond pattern, first featured on the 2013 Kia Cross GT concept.

New Telegraph learnt that in profile, the new model retains the Sorento’s hallmark long bonnet and characteristic wide D-pillar, but a lower roofline, higher beltline and swept-back shape give the car a more dramatic, muscular stance.

The rear of the car features more prominent ‘shoulders’ and a highly sculpted registration plate surround.

The latter is made possible by the introduction of new laser welding manufacturing techniques – a first for a Kia model – which renders weld lines invisible, meaning the Sorento can do without the traditional (jointmasking) garnish on the tailgate.

The sleeker look of the new Sorento is enhanced by its increased length (+95 mm to 4,780 mm), reduced height (down 15 mm to 1,685 mm) and extra width (+5 mm to 1,890 mm).

Interior

Car Magazine said inside the allnew Sorento is where some of the most significant improvements are to be found. Interior styling was led by the brand’s European design team, based in Frankfurt, and Kia’s designers have created a more sophisticated,

more luxurious cabin, featuring significantly higher quality materials.

It also said noted that the styling of the cabin follows a ‘modern and wide’ theme, providing the interior with a stable, horizontal layout and appearance. This width is echoed in the wider instrument cluster, interior garnish and the wrap-around shape of the dashboard which extends into the door trims. A higher proportion

of soft-touch materials and leather creates a modern luxury feel to the cabin and gives the new Sorento a genuine premium vehicle ambience.

“One of the most distinctive interior styling features is the Swiss watch-inspired user interface, which incorporates Kia’s latest HMI (humanmachine interface) technologies, surrounded by new silver-look border,” it said.

The Magazine further said that the flowing contours of the dashboard were inspired by the ‘flexible volume of the human body’, rising to incorporate the driver’s instrument binnacle.

The smoothly-styled design curve in the doors, which leads from the audio speakers up to the SUV-style grab handles, also endows the cabin with a more luxurious, sophisticated appearance.

Chevrolet sells 3-millionth Cruze

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he best-selling Chevrolet model, the Cruze, crossed the milestone recently, just 16 months after selling its 2 millionth model. From South Africa to the US and Canada, to Laos and the Philippines, Lebanon and Qatar, the Chevrolet Cruze has proved itself a global player among mid-sized cars.

In Nigeria, where the Chevrolet brand is sold by Intermotors, a division of CFAO Motors, the Cruze is one of the most admired mediumsize cars on the road.

“The Cruze is an extremely adaptable car that can cater to the demands of nearly every market in the world,” says Alan Batey, GM Executive Vice President of Global Chevrolet, speaking in Detroit. “It is a testament to Chevrolet’s global focus and capabilities to offer a car that is so highly regarded in so many places.”

The Cruze has to date collected 39 product awards in China, 27 in the

US and 12 in Brazil.

Chevrolet is committed to building products in the markets they are sold, and the Cruze is built in 11 different countries on five continents.

GM design teams in South Korea and Germany had the global consumer in mind when developing the car in just 27 months in the late 2000s before debuting in South Korea in November of 2008.

“Medium to small car sales around the world have been growing exponentially as emerging markets, in Asia and South America, increase car ownership while mature markets, like the US, downsize for fuel economy,” says Michelle Krebs, senior analyst for AutoTrader.com.

“Smaller cars, like the Cruze, are driving sales globally and will continue to do so.”

The Cruze also endured intensive durability testing, including extreme weather tests and more than 210

crash tests tailored to the regulatory demands of the countries where it is sold.

To appeal to different market tastes, the Cruze is available in three body styles, including a four-door sedan, five-door hatchback and station wagon. Cruze is powered by five different engines globally – 1.4-, 1.6-, and 1.8-litrepetrol engines, and 1.7- and 2.0-litre diesel engines.

Chevrolet recently also launched a new version of the Cruze catering to the styling and packaging demands of Chinese customers. Cruze sales in China lead all countries with 1.13 million sold since launch in 2009.

In South Africa, the Chevrolet Cruze is sold as a seven-model range comprising two hatchbacks and five sedans, powered by either 1.6-litre or 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engines or the 2.0-litre diesel motor. Since launch in 2009, Cruze sales in South Africa have totalled 27 000.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

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Feminique Despite the availability of ophthalmological services in the country, many Nigerians still fall victims of blindness.

EBERE AMEH had a chat with the founder of the Bethseda Home for the Blind, Mrs. Chioma Ohakwe, who attributes the situation to poverty and carelessness

Chioma Ohakwe, an unsung heroine helping the blind

S

itting in on an executive chair in her spacious and well ventilated office, Chioma Ohakwe smiled contentedly as she surfed the net with her HP laptop. The past nine years hava been hell on earth for her as she tried to give succour to the blind. In her two bedroom flat located at 8 Popo street, Yaba, she accommodated 26 blind people while using a make-shift wooden shelter (pako) she constructed downstairs as a school for them. Coming from such a cramped and deplorable environment, it is easy to come to terms with her incessant smiles.

Describing the sordid squalor in which they lived at Yaba, Ohakwe said that despite their condition, the students were full of hope and optimism as they learnt various skills to enable them live independent and fulfilling lives.

“We used my two bedroom flat for our residence while we had a pako, which we used as the classrooms. They were 28 students in all. While the boys slept in the parlour, the girls used one of the rooms and my family and I used the second room. We had one toilet and one bathroom and it was a wretched situation. My husband understood and managed with us because he is part of the vision - we agreed to help the blind.”

All that has become a thing of the past as Honourable Tajudeen Ajide, the Surulere Local Government Chairman magnanimously blessed them with their new accommodation. With over fifteen rooms and several toilets, Ohakwe, in her words, “is still looking for the right vocabulary to express her gratitude to the government.”

It has been found that people in developing countries like Nigeria are more likely to develop blindness caused by treatable ailments than their counterparts in developed world. Due to poverty, poor medical care and the poor attitude of the rich towards helping the poor, the story gets even more pathetic by the day.

Unfortunately, there is no home or adequate provision by the government to encourage and equip the handicapped for an independent life. No wonder our streets are full of people with all sorts of disability begging to make a living.

Ohakwe who met her husband at the Blind Centre, Oji River, where they always took their blind siblings knows the

EBERE AMEH ebere.ameh@newtelegraphonline.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Mrs. Chioma Ohakwe

horribleness of blindness and vows to help victims live a fulfilling life. With her husband having a sister living with blindness, and herself, two brothers also living with blindness, she knows that with a little education, they could live an independent and fulfilled life. Their siblings blindness was caused by measles which wrecked a lot of havoc in most Igbo communities during the Nigerian Civil War. “Because of lack of food and basic healthcare to the region, many got blinded by the dangerous disease. However, with healthcare and immunization, measles won’t cause blindness again as much as it did in the past, it is now poverty and carelessness that do,” Ohakwe said.

Explaining that, she said that people are lackadaisical about their health and most importantly the health of their eyes. She identified glaucoma as one of the main causes of blindness, adding that with early intervention, it could be handled. She hammered on the need for regular eye checks to arrest any ugly development but decries the attitude of many who have a careless attitude when it comes to eye problems.

“While some can neither make out time to go for eye check-ups, nor have the patience to wear their prescription glasses, others do not have the money for surgery when they are diagnosed with an eye disease,” Ohakwe observed.

Emmanuel Ikpeamaeze is a handsome and promising young man living in the home. He wasn’t born blind, his came as a result of glaucoma when he was 17.

“It happened in 2007, when I was in Senior Secondary School, SS2 to be precise. I noticed that I was not seeing the

Ikpeamaeze, wanted to be a Metallurgical Engineer, but he is now in Bethseda Home for the Blind as a blind man.

Currently the Captain of the home, he is not as lucky as Ajayi Oluwamasha, another student in the home, whose situation doctors hope could be reversed if he gets help urgently.

blackboard well again. took me to the hospital and the doctors found that I have glaucoma. We didn’t have the money to carry out the surgery they suggested.

The doctors even concluded that even if they carry out the surgery, the eye won’t get better,” Ikpeamaeze explained.

Ikpeamaeze, wanted to be a Metallurgical Engineer, but he is now in Bethseda Home for the Blind as a blind man. Currently the Captain of the home, he is not as lucky as Ajayi Oluwamasha, another student in the home, whose situation doctors hope could be reversed if he gets help urgently.

“I was short sighted, and I started using glasses when I was about 18 years,” Oluwamasha said . “I stopped using the glasses because even though I saw better with it, I wasn’t feeling comfortable wearing it. I was a 200 level student at the Lagos State University when I dropped out due to financial and other reasons.

I started working for some company as a Computer Analyst cum Graphic Artist when my eye deteriorated. Now I see flashes of light and shadows and was told I have a retinal detachment. Doctors say there is fluid in my eye from the back and it could be corrected but the amount required, which is close to N600,000 is the problem,” Oluwamasha said.

Outside teaching them to master the Braille, the art of typing and the use of the computer, the home teaches them crafts and other skills. They produce flower vases, bags and purses with beads, slippers, detergents and disinfectants among other things. For instance, they cook, tidy their environs, move around the city to shop and bank, with little or no assistance. They do all these because the school teaches them basic skills that would help them to be self reliant.

The school also prepares them for higher institutions by making provisions for their extramural lessons and getting them well equipped academically and materially for external exams.

“I have to come here to start to learn afresh how to survive as a blind man. I wrote JAMB again and it is unfortunate I have to go to university as a special student to read Psychology this time around. I used to know Lagos, now I imagine Lagos but I don’t feel bad, I don’t know why it happened like this. Even as I believe that everything is in God’s hands, I pray for Nigerians to help me so I can see again,” Oluwamasha said.

For Ikpeamaeze, he decided to keep hope alive and plans to read Sociology.

“I won’t tell you that I’m feeling bad, I won’t tell you that I am feeling alright but if I couldn’t decide, I have no regret and I cannot lose hope or courage. I always believe that everything that happens does not always take God unawares. He knows why, and the last thing I will do is lose hope. Nobody in my family, even the whole community, has glaucoma, but today I am blind because of gloucoma.”

Feminique | Sex and Soul

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

39

How to spice up your sex life

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touching in the bedroom for 2 minutes before sex. Foreplay is much more than that. It can start 24hrs before sex and outside the home.

Even with your phone. Or, haven’t you heard about phone sex? It is the perfect build up to sex.

All living things practice it. Both plants and animals. I’m very serious about this. Just watch the birds, dogs, chicken etc. As they perform “the love dance”. Or watch Nat.Geo.Wild on your DSTV. All the yelling, posturing and running around they do is foreplay.

That is the attraction. Copy and learn from them. Then you must put plenty variation into the place, time, and date.

I had already talked about the master bedroom syndrome in an earlier write up. Separate bedrooms and even separate beds in the same room, kills the joy of sex. The 41/2ft by 6ft is the best. That way you must always bump against each other in bed. Knowingly or unknowingly. You know what I mean. No space to claim territory.

You must have contact. Again, a lot of couples believe that sex must satisfy some certain conditions. Namely. At night, in total darkness, no looking whilst undressing and under four different bedsheets. What rubbish. Do it anywhere and anytime. At home not on the street o!! Kitchen, sitting room, bathroom etc. There are absolutely no go areas. Everywhere is go.

Do you know that some couples, rarely see their better halves completely naked? They never take their bath together. Or see each other dress or undress. And after donkey years of marriage. By so doing, they miss out one of the greatest sexual turn ons. Let me tell you a secret. My wife regularly tries to send me out of the bedroom when she is dressing up to go out. And

ow did you spend your independence day? Sex wise? Was it so, so as usual? Or did you try something new? Don’t be too shy to tell us. Sex, you see, will eventually become boring if you do nothing to spice it up. So how do you then spice it up? There are a million and one ways you can do that.

But the most important of them all is this. Let his or her pleasure come first. Endeavour to always think of your partner’s sexual fulfillment, rather than yours. The universal law of reciprocity works beautifully here.

“The more you give, the more you receive.” It is basic that givers never lack.

Abi no be so?

Then be imaginative. Think and act outside the box. Always let your imagination run riot. How else can you give your partner an unforgettable sexual experience? Forget about all those rules and regulations enacted by the missionaries. Sex is Fun. There is nothing wrong about sex.

Next is communication. Talk to and with each other. Don’t be too shy or afraid to say what you enjoy or don’t enjoy about sex. Is it Oral, Anal, tongue kissing, porno movies or whatever?

Don’t ever feel guilty or ashamed to say it out loud. Sex between lovers is not dirty.

The only thing is this. Don’t try to force your partner into any act of sex he or she is not familiar with. Be ready to teach, and learn. Now, the tools.

The first is foreplay. This is one of the most underutilized tools of sex.

Most lovers are not even aware of its existence, or purpose. Sex without foreplay is sex abuse. Almost as bad as rape. Unfortunately, even those who think they know about it, know nothing. They think foreplay is kissing or

Ebere Ameh

E

mploying George, has been one of the best decisions I made in a long while. The stress of school run in a place like Lagos is better experienced than imagined. I used to think that drivers are for the super rich. ‘Why get one when I can drive myself?,’ I would always say.

But my experience last term taught me that it is more of a necessity than luxury.

He has been so diligent; much more than I thought. Living in the same neighbourhood, it is easy for him to come and go. Could it be that he is trying to settle down before he brings out his ugly side?

I just hope he has no ugly sides.

I can’t help smiling contentedly when I see the children play and jump all over him. Are they excited to have a man, a fatherly presence, or did I cage them so much during the holidays that they are happy for their new found freedom? No, I think George is just a charmer. Outside his physical attraction, there seems to be no dull moment with him and one can’t help but like him. His ability to switch from Queen’s English to typical Warri pidgin, making us reel with laughter, is another sign of his affability.

Having read Electrical/Electronics Engineering at the University of Benin, he worked as a contractor staff with an oil servicing company for two years and has been without a job since last year, when the contract finished. He decided to do something in the mean time, to keep body and soul together, and here he is, working for me. Though a Yoruba, he

Dr. Taiwo Fadeyi

Let us be frank, we all love watching each other.

Especially men.

That is why, Playboy, Ebony magazines and others will never die. And our women love showing off. Why then do they dress to kill? So ladies striptease, in front of your husband. He would love you more.

in a hurry. Because whilst helping her to dress up even with my eyes closed, one thing leads to another. And 9 times out of 10 she gets late.

Let us be frank we all love watching each other. Especially men. That is why, Playboy, Ebony magazines and others will never die. And our women love showing off. Why then do they dress to kill? So ladies striptease, in front of your husband. He would love you more.

As I said earlier, there are a million and one ways, but I will stick to just the major ones. We still need to cover such ways as sex positions, sex toys, sex games, romance, oral sex, erogenous zones, etc. Till then, use your imagination to make sex more fun.

Dr. Taiwo Fadeyi is a Western trained medical practitioner and one of the very few certified Sexologists in Nigeria. He is also a marriage counsellor and would be bringing his immense knowledge and experience to bear in writing this column. Make it a date with him every Friday for that expert advice on sex and relationship.

He can be reached on drtaiwofadeyi@ gmail.com or 08033148899 (sms only)

Ego: Diary of a single mom ... and George comes on board

I can’t help smiling contentedly when I see the children play and jump all over him.

grew up in Warri, Delta State and that has influenced him a lot. These past two weeks, he has been like a brother, a body guard, a driver and in fact, so much more to me.

I think I need to set some boundaries though. He is getting too familiar, too close to us and I’m

afraid. My fear is not so much for myself, as it is for the girls. Ekaete, though short in stature, is a fully matured girl. So far, she has proved her mettle but who knows her antecedent? I wouldn’t want to expose her to any danger either. As for Tosin, she is just a child but I have

heard so many stories about little girls being raped by covertly perverse men.

Despite Georges refinement, I have to keep him at arm’s length first. Once a Warri boy, may always be a Waffi boy.

Henceforth I think I should step my foot down and give some standing orders -George comes into the house only when he wants to pick or drop the car key. He drops the children at home after school and comes for me. And on no account must he go into the house when I am at work. Let me do my best and hand over the rest to God. These two weeks he worked have been full of stories. ‘Mr George said he’s proud of me,’ Tosin told me blissfully on Saturday morning. ‘I showed him the result of my welcome back test and he gave me Hi five and ...’ ‘Mom! mom!’, Tobi interjected. ‘Mr George said he will teach us how to play table tennis. We played ‘catching the ball’ and it was fun,’ he rattled on with enthusiasm. Tosin was so excited to fight her brother for interrupting her. ‘It’s true mom,’ she added. ‘He will teach us with Ikenna’s Tennis board.’ ‘Oh, I see, you guys like Mr George?’ I cut in before we discuss George for the whole day.

‘Tomorrow evening you’ll teach me to skip,’ I chirped, changing the topic. ‘I will teach you today,’ Tobi said, running off to bring the ropes. Tosin followed, screaming ‘No, I’ll teach her!’ Who on earth told them I wanted to skip now.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

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Islam

E X H O RTAT I O N

09 DHUL HIJJA, 1435 AH

“AND YOUR LORD HAS DECREED THAT YOU WORSHIP NONE BUT HIM. AND THAT YOU BE DUTIFUL TO YOUR PARENTS. IF ONE OF THEM OR BOTH OF THEM ATTAIN OLD AGE IN YOUR LIFE, SAY NOT TO THEM A WORD OF DISRESPECT, NOR SHOUT AT THEM BUT ADDRESS THEM IN TERMS OF HONOUR.” (QURAN 17:23)

UNDERSTAND YOUR FAITH

7 times around kaabaH QUESTION

Why do Muslims go around the Kaabah seven times in Hajj?

ANSWER CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK

This is why the Quran, which Muslims believe is the word of God, is very clear in illustrating the effects of sinning on the heart. The Quran states what means, {No indeed; but that they were earning has rusted upon their hearts.} (Al-Mutaffifin 83:14) It must be noted that, however, in Islam one can always repent, no matter how severe and repetitive the sin committed is, as long as there is sincerity and that no heresies related to divine essence are involved.

Surely, ultimately, a Muslim stays away from sinning, because most importantly, they observe the command of God. However, there are benefits, inward as well as outward.

Now, the opposite is also true regarding acts of worship. So in addition to pleasing Allah (God), there are spiritual, psychological, emotional, as well as physical benefits — as we Muslims believe — for every act of worship.

So, this why we do the act as commanded.

However, with regard to the second half of the question, why seven times, I would like to share the following with you. Regardless of whether we can rationalize the specificity of number, there is some significance for certain numbers.

As Muslims, we believe that Islam is the natural religion of worshiping the Maker of the universe. Thus, a cosmological ethos runs deep in Islam.

This is why many numerical aspects in Islam follow a cosmological order and significance.

For example, the number 12 is the number God chose for the months of the year. The Quran says what means, TO BE CONTINUED

A pilgrim standing on Arafat plain, looks at other pilgrims on the mount Arafat

Hajj: 1.36m pilgrims set for Arafat today DEATH

l64,986 Nigerians pass Ebola screening in Saudi Arabia

NAHCON has said that 10 Nigerians have died during the ongoing Hajj

1,365,106 pilgrims this year.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) added that 64, 986 Nigerian pilgrims have been moving to the mount Arafat since Thursday evening in preparation for the Hajj rites, which climaxed today.

The Coordinator of the National Hajj Commission in Mecca, Dr. Aliyu Tanko, confirmed the number adding that ten of the 64, 986 Nigerian pilgrims have died.

Around 1.3 million Muslims have been converging on the holy city of Makkah from all over the

Stories by Adeola Yusuf

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total of 64,986 Nigeria Pilgrims are among the 1.36 million pilgrims that are set for Arafat today.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which disclosed this through its Directorate General of Passports (DGP), maintained that it had already concluded entry procedures for

world to perform the annual hajj pilgrimage, which begins Thursday.

The number of pilgrims who arrived by air was 1,293,248, while 57,876 by land and 13,982 by sea, the DGP said.

Batches of pilgrims from about 160 countries arrive to Saudi Arabia to complete the holy journey every year.

Meanwhile, Dr.Tanko explained that all Nigerians that had so far arrived Mecca, have since perform the Umrah rites with minimal death cases.

The commission’s three clinics in Mecca and those

set up by the various state pilgrims boards, he said, provided effective medical services to Nigerian pilgrims in Mecca.

Supervisor of Hajj Affairs at the King Abdul Azeez International Airport, Jeddah, Abdul Ghani Al-Malki, has said that all the pilgrims from Nigeria scaled through Ebola screening at the terminal.

“So far 18,000 pilgrims have arrived by air from Nigeria.

There was not a single suspected case of the deadly virus among anyone of them,” Al-Malki said.

Arafat day on a Friday: Blessing upon blessing

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here are certain days, which are distinct in their merits. When two of these special days coincide, there are additional distinctions; this includes when the Day of ‘Arafat falls on a Friday.

The added benefits of this are several.

The day of jumu’ah is the best day of the week, and the Day of ‘Arafat is one of the best days of the year. Therefore, when they are both on the same day, two great days overlap.

There is an hour in the day of jumu’ah when the du’aa is certain to be answered. Most of the scholars have said that it is the last hour of ‘asr; during that time, the people on ‘Arafat are making du’aa.

The Prophet (SAW) stood on ‘Arafat on a jumu’ah. Thus, standing on ‘Arafat on a Friday is in agreement with the actions of the Messenger The gathering of multitudes of Muslims all over the world for salaat al-jumu’ah coincides with the gathering of millions of Muslims on ‘Arafah.

This does not occur on any other day.

The day of jumu’ah is a day of ‘Eid. Similarly, the day of ‘Arafah is a day of ‘Eid for its people. That is why it is disliked for those on ‘Arafah to fast that day. There is a narration that the Prophet forbade people to fast while they were on ‘Arafat, but this is a weak hadeeth. However, We know

from the hadeeth of Umm AlFadl bint Al Harith (radiyallaahu ‘anha) who said:”While the people were with me on the day of ‘Arafat, they differed as to whether the Prophet was fasting or not; some said that he was fasting while others said that he was not fasting.

So, I sent to him a bowl full of milk while he was riding on his camel, and he drank it.”

This shows that he was not fasting on the Day of ‘Arafah.

Some of the scholars mentioned that the wisdom behind not fasting is to strengthen the pilgrim so they can make du’aa. However, other scholars, have said the Day of Sacrifice (An-Nahr) and the Day of ‘ Arafah are the best days

of year; and that the best of Days with Allaah is the Day of Sacrifice.

Therefore, there is agreement that when Friday coincides with the Day of ‘Arafat, then the ‘Eid of jumu’ah for those outside ‘Arafah occurs simultaneously with the ‘Eid for those on ‘Arafat.

Concerning what is mentioned on the tongues of common people that the merit of the Day of ‘Arafat falling on the Day of Jumu’ah is equivalent to 72 pilgrimages, this is baseless and has no foundation with the Messenger; there is also no evidence for it from the companions or their successors. And Allaah (SWT) knows best.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

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Crime

Nigeria @ 54: Changing faces of terrorism Juliana Francis

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hese are certainly not the best of times for Nigeria in terms of security. The unmitigated killings by the dreaded Boko Haram Islamist sect has left many Nigerians pondering if military rule was not the best of times.

Security experts have argued that people killed since the onslaught of the Boko Haram started in 2002 outnumbered those killed in the Nigerian Civil War of 1967.

Since the military left the corridors of power in 1999, handing over to a democratically elected president, Olusegun Obasanjo, insecurity in the country appears to be spiraling.

Today, Nigerians live in fear of kidnappers, political and economic assassinations, extra-judicial killings and terrorism.

These have become familiar features in the country. The impact of this massive sense of insecurity on the psyche of Nigerians cannot be overestimated.

It is estimated that the Boko Haram sect killed more than 5,000 civilians between July 2009 and June 2014, including at least 2,000 in the first half of 2014, in attacks occurring mainly in north east, north central and central states.

650,000 people fled the conflict zones

by August 2014, an increase of 200,000 since May. While some security experts said terrorism is a child of democracy, emanating from the recognised need to express desires and actualise them, others opined that terrorism has been even before the military vacated the seat of power.

Both divides, however, agreed that terrorism is a results of seeking selfdetermination, emancipation, except perhaps for the Boko Haram sect, whose ‘desire’ has remained nebulous and vague.

Experts also agree that terrorism metamorphosed from ethic militia groups, desperate for socio-economic and political powers. Ethnic militia groups exist in all geopolitical zones.

Such groups are believed to be over 300 in Nigeria.

Communal and national conflicts brought some to prominence; Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Bakassi boys, Egbesu boys, Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Bi-

JULIANA FRANCIS CRIME EDITOR

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

UN building in Abuja bombed by Boko Haram

afra (MASSOB) , Niger-Delta People’s Volunteer Force (NDPVF), Niger Delta Youth Movement, The Plateau Youth, The Benue/Tiv Youth Movement, The Jukun Youth Movement, Atjdid Movement in Kano, The Movement For The Survival of Ogoni People(MOSOP) and Movement For The Emancipation of Niger Delta People(MEND) to mention but a few.

NADECO The President, Society of Security Practitioners of Nigeria (SSPN), Mr. Davidson Ahkimien said that terrorism in Nigeria started with domestic terrorism, noticeable in NADECO and other bombings occurring in some parts of the country.

His words: “Terrorism started as a forerunner to the democratic government that we began to experience in 1999. The NADECO movement and the different incidents of bombings that were experienced in the western parts of Nigeria and some parts of southsouth were indicators of home grown national terrorism. Albeit, it was meant by the group, to oust the military and entrenched democratic government.

“It later dovetails into the Niger-Delta issue of self-determination, including the MASSOP, Egbesu youths and others, with attacks on critical national in-

frastructure like oil pipelines, oil thefts and kidnappings of expatriates. For me, that’s terrorism. They use terrorist tactics to try to achieve their aims.

The third push of terrorism is that which is being experienced now, as BH in the north.”

It is estimated that the Boko Haram sect killed more than 5,000 civilians between July 2009 and June 2014, including at least 2,000 in the first half of 2014, in attacks occurring mainly in north east, north central and central states

OPC A security expert and analyst, Dr. Ona Ekhomu, who is the president of the Association of Industrial Security and Safety Operators of Nigeria (AISSON) and the Africa Representative of the International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO), said that the birth of democracy brought with it, hallmarks of democracy; freedom of speech, association, religion and perhaps freedom from wants, thus right from 1999, Nigerians started asserting themselves.

He recalled: “The first violent group that asserted itself was the Yoruba group OPC. They said they had the right to defend themselves under Dr. Frederick Fasehun and later under the more militant leader, Gani Adams. They singled out police agency as their enemy and started attacking police agents. Obasanjo issued a shoot at sight order on OPC personnel if they resisted arrest. This order was C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 4 1

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Crime

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Metamorphosis of terrorism C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 4 1

because of the level of atrocities OPC was perpetrating. The point here is that it’s just that freedom of association and speech that made it possible for them to articulate their view of Yoruba nationhood, up to the point of articulating it to violence. Some people will tell you that violence is a form of self-expression.”

MEND Ekhomu said: “Another terrorist group was MEND, which said it wanted resources control and self-determination, but Federal Government said no. The issue was litigated and the state won. At that time, there was a lot of discourse, awareness and awakening.”

He further recollected: “The Egbesu boys were the fore-runner of MEND. They started asserting violence. They said they were the defenders of Ijaw land and nation. Eventually in February 2006, we started having kidnap to highlight the issue.”

Ekhomu explained that kidnapping has been on as far back as 1990 in the oil industry. “I know because I worked some of the cases personally. It was always hushed. The oil companies never come out to say anybody was kidnapped. 2006 that people kept referring to was when MEND came out to declare that they were the ones behind the kidnapping. They now said; let’s do as the militants do in the Middle East. They now kidnap and claim responsibility. Then our brothers from the south east took over kidnapping as a legitimate form of business.”

He noted that other militant groups in the Niger Delta were involved in one form of violence or another, but MEND became prominent because of their brutality and bombings.

“While others will kidnapped victims and allow them to go after collecting ransom, MEND didn’t. Rather it started destroying oil assets in big ways. As far back as possible, militant groups used cutlasses to destroy oil assets, but MEND started using Improvised Explosives Devices (IED). When you detonate a bomb, the whole world hears. MEND became notorious for bombing and killings. It was OBJ who declared MEND as a terrorist organisation and its’ still on record,” Ekhomu recounted.

MASSOP MASSOP is also a militia group which has been lying latent for decades, but abruptly woke up after democracy. “MASSOP finally coming out was backed by freedom of speech and association guaranteed by the constitution,” said Ekhomu.

He continued: “MASSOP said we lost the war, but Biafra is not dead. They said they didn’t go anywhere. Slowly they became violent, declaring they want to issue Biafra currency and that people should observed public holidays which they announced. MASSOP just confined itself to intimidation of people in the east. MASSOP is a menace, than a real a threat.”

Boko Haram Ekhomu said that aside from the MEND threat, which puttered out, Boko Haram threat, is an outgrowth of the democratic experience. He revealed that Boko Haram was founded as far back as 1995.

He said the members were just itinerant teachers and providers to widows and orphans before they degenerated into terrorists.

Remembering how it transpired, Ekhomu said that in 2002, the former leader, Mohammed Lawal went for further stud-

Boko Haram members

We’re not at the end of this war yet, even if we’ve killed Mohammed Bashir, alias Abubakar Shekau. We’ve only killed the leader.

Others might rise.

I hope they don’t. I hope the rest Boko Haram will throw in the trowel ies in Medina. The older clerics wanted somebody who was more vibrant and charismatics to take over from Lawal.

They appointed Mohammed Yusuf as leader of the sect. When he got on the saddle, he met a guy called Mohammed Ali, who had just returned from Afghanistan.

Ali radicalise Mohammed Yusuf.

Ali told Yusuf to avoid anything western and to resign from working with the Yobe State Government.

Ali argued that western education did not lead to wholesome conversion of Islam; instead it was breeding corrupt leaders, who could not take care of the needs of the people. “They said schools and teachers were always on strike. Cost of living was on the high side. Prostitution and homosexual was almost acceptable.

They were attacking the corruption that was in the leadership elites. They said it was not acceptable,” said Ekhomu.

While Ali went to Karama, Yobe State to start attacking police agencies and destroying assets, Yusuf stayed back in Maiduguri.

“Ali eventually got killed. Sometimes in 2004, Mike Okiro, then IGP, said there was Taliban in Nigeria. He was talking about Ali. There was a time the US Government said there were Taliban training camps in Nigeria. They were right. Ali group was right there, training people as terrorist

fighters in Yobe.”

It was police provocation that led to Boko Haram violence, said Ekhomu, adding that in July 26, 2009, Operation Flush was doing ‘Stop and Search’ in Maiduguri, when they accosted a burial party.

Four Boko Haram members were killed in an auto-accident, while on a journey.

The others were taking the corpses for burial. Some of the mourners were riding motorbikes. The policemen asked why they didn’t have crash helmets; the riders said they were just going to bury their colleagues.

Ekhomu said: “The Police threatened to arrest them. Can you imagine five policemen threatening to arrest a 1000 people?

As they were arguing, a shot rang out. One of the policemen, fearing for his life, had opened fire.

“At the end of the day, 17 Boko Haram members laid dead. After that, the policemen ran away. When that happened, Yusuf finally had had it! After that July 26 conflagration, Yusuf said he was declaring war on the Borno State Government and the Nigeria Police Force. He said he was fighting Allah’s battle. He was eventually killed on July, 21, in circumstances which has been described as extra-judicial killing.

“His second in command, Abubakar Shekerau took over from him. Shekerau was a fighter, unlike Yusuf who was a diplomat. He aligned with foreign fighters, came back and broke his people out from Yola, Bauchi and Maidugiri Prisons. Since then, the rest has become history.”

Coming down to present day, Ekhomu said Nigerians were happy with government claim that the man masquerading as Shekerau had been killed. “But nobody has told me what happened to the original Shekerau,” quipped Ekhomu. “As a security man, I must see evidence to show that he’s dead. The original Shekerau could be somewhere right now, drinking margarita and laughing, while they said he’s dead!”

Differences between old, new terrorism Davidson said that the difference between old terrorism and present day one is that terrorism of before was meant to bring self-determination of a people, especially the Niger Delta folks, who said they had been marginalised for long, despite the fact that resources being used by Nigeria, came from their land. Yet they didn’t have the basic amenities of life.

His words: “Many could perhaps see that as justifiable movement because of the nature of the demand. In terrorism of now, it’s not only domestic terrorism, but from information we have on BH show that it’s one based on ideology and religious inclination. It’s not only home grown, but with a tilt of international terrorism. International terrorists working hand in gloves with home grown terrorists.” Most importantly, Davidson argued that the agenda of the northern terrorists today is not clear and their demands preposterous.

Solutions to terrorism in Nigeria To stop Boko Haram for good and other terrorist group from emerging, Ekhomu said the government must realise that, “We’re not at the end of this war yet, even if we’ve killed Mohammed Bashir, alias Abubakar Shekau. We’ve only killed the leader. Others might rise. I hope they don’t. I hope the rest Boko Haram will throw in the trowel.

But based on what I know about insurgence and terrorist groups, that’s very unlikely because it’s circular structure and made to keep reproducing itself.”

While noting that the killing of Bashir was a very important development, which had apparently led to other Boko Haram surrendering, Ekhomu said he was disappointed with the way government was handling those that surrendered.

“Instead of government to debrief and investigated those Boko Haram who surrendered, its saying they want to integrate them into the society. I really don’t understand the sort of people running things for us. How can people who cut those girls’ throats, people who are still keeping those girls in Sambisa forest, be called good boys just because they surrendered?” queried Ekhomu.

He further said: “These guys were not covering their faces. They were so emboldened. They walked around openly, killing people and cutting throats. There should be people who will testify against them! We’re in such a hurry to say, we’ve forgiven them and that Nigeria is back to normal. Nigeria is not back to normal! I don’t know what the heck they’re talking about! These people have killed 16,000 people; who are going to avenge all those people?”

Business | Money Line

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

Airports’ concession: BPE, Aviation Ministry begin talks The sports are also to undergo a form of concession for optimal returns on their investments.

Dikki said the renewed interest to privatise the airport was spurred by a recent text message sent by undisclosed person to the Minister of aviation on the state of toilets at the airport, which he shared with minister, who concluded there was a need to concession the airports to enhance their efficiency.

“We have not yet developed timelines on the privatisation of airports, but we have already held a discussion with the Minister of Aviation and he is agreeable and very keen we hand over the management of our airports to the private sector. We have seen the advantages of how efficiencies are brought to bear when a private sector runs a facility. We have agreed in principle and we are developing a concept paper, direction, timetable and work programme, which will be discussed with the Minister.

Thereafter, the necessary approval of the National Council on privatization and Mr. president will be sought before we commence privatisation of the airport”, said Dikki.

Besides, he said diagnos-

EFFICIENCY Private operators guarantee optimal efficiency in their service delivery Abdulwahab isa Abuja

N

igeria’s airports will be concessioned to private operators to guarantee optimal efficiency in their service delivery, the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) has said.

The BPE Director-General, Mr. Benjami Ezra Dikki, disclosed this to reporters yesterday, during the BPE special day at the on-going Abuja 9th edition of International Trade fair.

He said the Bureau has engaged Minister of Aviation, Mr. Osita Chidoka on preliminary discussions to fine tune modalities to be adopted.

Concession implies bringing private investors with technical expertise and knowhow to manage a facility for efficiency, while good return is generated on the business.

tic review of airports across the country would be done before the concession, which could last between three to six months.

“We have to do a due diligence on the airports to know their exact state and be able to capture in details and prepare information document on the state of the airports so that we can give private individuals such documents to enable them make informed decision. It will take us three to six months to be able to complete diagnostic studies of all the airports before we now commence the process. We are still at the concept stage but as soon as we are able to sit down with the Minister of aviation and fine tune the details, will commence”, he added.

He also said: “The concept paper for sports reforms and concession of the stadia has been sent to the National Sports Commission (NSP) for inputs and the response is being awaited. For the National Parks, the work of the steering committee is on-going and the Project Advisory Team is compiling it final report for submission to the steering committee. The PAT has already compiled recommendations on the legal and regulatory framework for the sector and will soon present same.”

Dikki said that the NCP had already approved the reform of the Federal Housing Authority, adding that the proposal for the agency’s restructuring has also been submitted to the Technical Board for review.

Economic Indicators As at M2* CPS* INF IBR MPR 91-day NTB DPR PLR Bonny Light Ext Res**

N14,737,618.7m N16,509,472.5m 8 0.0000 12 10.899 7.96 17.01 US$109.9 US$42,604,781,796.6

Description

TTM

4.00% 23-Apr-2015 13.05% 16-Aug-2016 15.10% 27-Apr-2017 16.00% 29-Jun-2019 16.39% 27-Jan-2022 10.00% 23-Jul-2030

1.21 2.53 3.22 5.39 7.98 16.47

Tenor (Days) Call 7 30 60 90 180 365

Rate (%) 11.9167 12.3333 12.6667 12.9167 13.2167 13.5000 13.7500

NIBOR

Dec, 2013 Dec, 2013 Dec, 2013 2/5/2014 1/20/2014 11/6/2013 Dec, 2013 Dec, 2013 1/20/2014 2/5/2014 Source:CBN

FGN Bonds Bid Price 90.20 99.25 104.10 109.35 114.15 76.60

Maturity Date 08-May-14 07-Aug-14 22-Jan-15

Bid 12.10 12.10 12.05

Price 90.35 99.40 104.40 109.65 114.45 76.90

Tenor (Months) 1 2 3 6 9 12

Rate (%) 12.1827 12.2737 12.3744 12.8521 12.8535 13.8443

FX

Bid Spot ($/N) 163.28 THE FIXINGS –NIBOR,NITTY and NIFEX of February 6,2014

NITTY

Yield 12.86 13.33 13.35 13.42 13.38 13.53

Money Market Offer 11.85 11.85 11.80 Offer 163.38

Open-Buy-Back (OBB) Overnight (O/N)

Rate (%) 11.33 11.63

NIFEX Spot ($/N)

Bi-Courtney’s assets’ takeover: AMCON seeks stay of execution Akeem Nafiu

T

he Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has asked Justice Ibrahim Buba of a Federal High Court in Lagos to stay execution of a ruling, which barred the agency from taking over of Bi-Courtney’s assets pending the final determination of an appeal lodged on the matter.

The judge had in a ruling last Monday, set aside an earlier order made by his brother judge, Justice Okon Abang, empowering AMCON to take over the assets of Bi-Courtney Group over an alleged refusal to pay a N50 billion debt owed the agency.

In an application with notice for injunction pending appeal, which was brought pursuant to part XIV of the AMCON Practice Directions 2013, the agency formulated five grounds upon which it has made its request. AMCON said it was yet to be furnished with a copy of the ruling, which vacated the earlier order granted by Justice Abang, just as it said it had initiated an appeal to challenge the ruling. The corporation insisted that the application was necessary to restrain the respondents (Bi-courtney and others) from dissipating their assets and rendering the possible outcome of the appeal nugatory. The agency argued further that the court has a duty to stay further proceedings in the matter pending the determination of the appeal in order to avoid foisting a fait accompli on the court of appeal or rendering nugatory the applicant’s right of appeal guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution.

Citibank commits to capacity building

Offer Yield 13.01 13.40 13.47 13.49 13.44 13.59

Treasury Bills

43

Bid 163.4000

Offer 163.5000 Source: FMDQ

Kunle Azeez

C

itibank Nigeria Limited has pledged its continuing commitments towards supporting Nigerian economy through building human capital in the country.

The bank made the promise, in a statement issued at the end of the 2014 annual Citi Financial Journalists Training held in Lagos, in continuation of its support for professional journalism.

The event covered topics on financial markets as well as macroeconomics, as the programme drew 23 journalists from major print and electronic media houses.

The seminar was facilitated

by Citibank Nigeria’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Akin Dawodu, Country Treasurer, Mr. Bayo Adeyemo, Managing Director of SDI/Ruyi Communications, Mr. Soni Irabor and Managing Director of Teambuilding Nigeria,

Mr. Yinka Olugbodi.

The training provided an indepth analysis of the financial markets and highlighted how economic trends and indicators should be interpreted. The forum also provided an excellent opportunity for interactive discussions between key media operators in the local market.

The Citi Financial Journalists Training aligns with Citi’s commitment towards capacity building among various stakeholders in the Nigerian economic space.

Some topics covered during the course of the event included understanding and interpreting economic reports, fixed income market and trading, writing business news for institutional investors and understanding key risks.

Media veteran, Irabor facilitated a session on financial reporting in journalism and spoke extensively on the importance of ethics.

Business | Financial Market News

44

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

25-Sep-14

The FMDQ Daily Quotations List (DQL) comprises market and model prices/rates of foreign exchange ($/N) products, fixed income securities and instruments in the OTC market. The use of this report is subject to the FMDQ OTC PLC Terms of Use and Disclaimer Statement on www.fmdqotc.com.

Bonds

Price

FGN Bonds Issuer

Rating/Agency

NA

NA

Description 4.00 23-APR-2015 13.05 16-AUG-2016 15.10 27-APR-2017 9.85 27-JUL-2017 9.35 31-AUG-2017 10.70 30-MAY-2018 16.00 29-JUN-2019 7.00 23-OCT-2019 16.39 27-JAN-2022 14.20 14-MAR-2024 15.00 28-NOV-2028 12.49 22-MAY-2029 8.50 20-NOV-2029 10.00 23-JUL-2030 12.1493 18-JUL-2034

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

23-Apr-10 16-Aug-13 27-Apr-12 27-Jul-07 31-Aug-07 30-May-08 29-Jun-12 23-Oct-09 27-Jan-12 14-Mar-14 28-Nov-08 22-May-09 20-Nov-09 23-Jul-10 18-Jul-14

4.00 13.05 15.10 9.85 9.35 10.70 16.00 7.00 16.39 14.20 15.00 12.49 8.50 10.00 12.1493

535.00 545.27 452.80 20.00 100.00 300.00 351.30 233.90 600.00 331.35 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57 105.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,591.19

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,618.13

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Agency Bonds AMCON FMBN

NA

***LCRM

Description

0.00 AMCON 31-OCT-2014 (SR.5 TR.1) 0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 0.00/16.00 LCRM 09-DEC-2016 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 20-APR-2017 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

Maturity Date

TTM (Yrs)

23-Apr-15 16-Aug-16 27-Apr-17 27-Jul-17 31-Aug-17 30-May-18 29-Jun-19 23-Oct-19 27-Jan-22 14-Mar-24 28-Nov-28 22-May-29 20-Nov-29 23-Jul-30 18-Jul-34

0.58 1.89 2.59 2.84 2.93 3.68 4.76 5.08 7.34 9.47 14.18 14.66 15.15 15.83 19.81

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

10.92 11.94 11.89 11.92 11.92 11.93 11.92 12.01 12.35 12.43 12.52 12.51 12.50 12.40 12.37

10.63 11.85 11.82 11.86 11.86 11.82 11.84 11.92 12.29 12.38 12.48 12.46 12.44 12.35 12.33

96.23 101.80 106.95 95.10 93.77 96.39 114.45 81.35 119.10 109.70 116.22 99.83 73.07 83.50 98.35

96.38 101.95 107.10 95.25 93.92 96.69 114.75 81.65 119.40 110.00 116.52 100.13 73.37 83.80 98.65

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

28-Dec-11 24-May-10 03-Apr-12 09-Dec-11 20-Apr-12 06-Jul-12

0.00 0.00 17.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50

978.35 24.56 3.30 112.22 116.70 66.49

31-Oct-14 24-May-15 03-Apr-17 09-Dec-16 20-Apr-17 06-Jul-17

0.10 0.66 1.27 2.21 2.57 2.78

1.00 2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 1.00

11.75 13.62 13.78 13.96 12.93 12.92

98.86 91.63 104.25 100.64 98.83 96.25

15-Oct-14 31-Aug-15 30-Sep-15 30-Jun-16 30-Jun-16 19-Apr-17 30-Jun-17 31-Dec-17 30-Sep-18 04-Oct-18 09-Dec-18 12-Dec-18 14-Feb-19 02-Oct-19 22-Nov-19 12-Dec-19 30-Sep-20 27-Nov-20 31-Dec-20 31-Dec-20 06-Jan-21

0.05 0.93 0.53 1.06 1.06 2.57 1.61 3.27 2.24 4.03 2.44 2.44 2.82 2.89 5.16 3.04 3.57 6.17 6.27 3.75 3.78

3.29 4.44 3.23 4.46 3.48 5.59 1.00 1.79 1.80 1.00 1.00 4.78 1.00 1.00 1.00 2.74 1.00 1.00 1.94 1.44 1.95

13.98 15.67 14.11 15.80 14.82 17.52 12.75 13.71 13.76 12.93 12.93 16.71 12.92 12.92 13.03 14.66 12.93 13.26 14.22 13.37 13.88

99.95 97.32 99.31 98.69 101.22 84.96 101.76 100.67 100.50 103.26 103.41 94.96 103.58 106.17 105.36 100.23 104.93 100.96 103.11 103.31 103.27

1,301.62

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,285.45

Sub-National Bonds A-/GCR A+/Agusto A/Agusto A-/Agusto A+/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto A/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR† A-/Agusto A/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro A/Agusto A-/GCR

NIGER KADUNA *EBONYI *BENUE *IMO LAGOS *BAYELSA EDO *DELTA NIGER *EKITI *NIGER *ONDO *GOMBE LAGOS *OSUN *OSUN LAGOS KOGI *EKITI *NASARAWA

15-Oct-09 31-Aug-10 30-Sep-10 30-Jun-11 30-Jun-09 19-Apr-10 30-Jun-10 30-Dec-10 30-Sep-11 04-Oct-11 09-Dec-11 12-Dec-13 14-Feb-12 02-Oct-12 22-Nov-12 12-Dec-12 30-Sep-13 27-Nov-13 31-Dec-13 31-Dec-13 06-Jan-14

14.00 NIGER 15-OCT-2014 12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015 13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015 14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019 15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 14.75 OSUN II 30-SEP-2020 13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020 15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021

14.00 12.50 13.00 14.00 15.50 10.00 13.75 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.50 14.00 15.50 15.50 14.50 14.75 14.75 13.50 15.00 14.50 15.00

6.00 8.50 6.08 6.27 7.37 57.00 29.92 25.00 37.25 9.00 14.96 11.13 27.00 17.28 80.00 27.51 11.40 87.00 5.00 4.78 4.79

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Corporate Bonds

483.24 483.77

A+/Agusto; AA/GCR

LAFARGE WAPCO

11.50 LAFARGE WAPCO 7-OCT 2014

Aa/Agusto

GTB µ NGC

17.00 NGC 31-DEC-2014

Nil

10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015

Bbb-/Agusto A-/Agusto

*UPDC

BB+/GCR

*CHELLARAMS

*FLOURMILLS

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR A-/Agusto

NAHCO

BBB-/GCR BBB+/DataPro†; BB+/GCR A-/DataPro†; BB-/GCR AAA/DataPro†; A+/GCR A/Agusto; A/GCR Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR BBB-/DataPro†; BB+/GCR BBB/GCR A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015 14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016 13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016

FSDH

A/GCR

13.50 GUARANTY TRUST 18-DEC-2014

UBA

13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017

*C & I LEASING *DANA#

MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018

*TOWER *TOWER

18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017

#

MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

#

MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

UBA

14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018

*LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS#

MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019

*DANA NAHCO

15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019 15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

07-Oct-11

11.50

11.80

07-Oct-14

0.03

1.00

11.65

99.97

18-Dec-09

13.50

13.17

18-Dec-14

0.23

5.21

16.16

99.28

01-Apr-10

17.00

2.00

31-Dec-14

0.27

8.71

19.68

99.13

17-Aug-10

10.00

3.61

17-Aug-15

0.65

4.88

15.86

96.84

09-Dec-10

12.00

13.62

09-Dec-15

0.72

1.00

12.05

100.55

06-Jan-11

14.00

0.60

06-Jan-16

0.80

2.63

13.75

100.86

29-Sep-11

13.00

15.00

29-Sep-16

2.01

1.00

12.98

100.03

25-Oct-13

14.25

5.53

25-Oct-16

2.08

1.34

13.31

101.63

30-Sep-10

13.00

20.00

30-Sep-17

3.01

1.00

12.92

100.19

30-Nov-12

18.00

0.73

30-Nov-17

1.83

1.88

13.76

108.00

09-Apr-11

16.00

7.20

09-Apr-18

1.79

3.48

15.34

101.18

09-Sep-11

18.00

2.90

09-Sep-18

2.21

5.20

17.16

101.56

09-Sep-11

16.00

0.80

09-Sep-18

2.21

5.06

17.02

101.69

22-Sep-11

14.00

35.00

22-Sep-18

3.99

1.35

13.28

102.17

18-Oct-13

15.75

2.70

18-Oct-18

2.06

2.29

14.26

102.84

17-Feb-12

17.00

0.41

17-Feb-19

2.39

6.11

18.05

98.30

01-Apr-14

16.00

4.50

01-Apr-19

3.27

2.16

14.08

104.83

14-Nov-13

15.25

2.05

14-Nov-20

6.14

2.76

15.01

100.90

11-Feb-18

3.38

1.00

12.93

92.70

Maturity Date

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

141.62

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

142.87

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

IFC

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

Issuer

12.00 11.12 Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value ($mm)

FGN Eurobonds

Prices & Yields

BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P

FGN

BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P

6.75 JAN 28, 2021

07-Oct-11

6.75

500.00

28-Jan-21

4.83

4.68

110.36

111.19

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

12-Jul-13

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

4.03

3.83

103.79

104.51

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

12-Jul-13

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

5.15

5.04

108.58

109.40

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,500.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,613.69

Corporate Eurobonds B/Fitch; B-/S&P

AFREN PLC I

11.50 FEB 01, 2016

01-Feb-11

11.50

450.00

01-Feb-16

6.90

6.90

105.75

105.75

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

500.00

19-May-16

4.27

4.27

105.04

105.04

B+/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

6.57

6.57

101.72

101.72

B/Fitch; B/S&P

FIDELITY BANK PLC

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

8.57

8.03

94.83

96.43

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

5.91

5.60

100.30

101.44

B/Fitch

AFREN PLC II

10.25 APR 08, 2019

08-Apr-12

10.25

300.00

08-Apr-19

8.68

8.68

105.75

105.75

B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P

ZENITH BANK PLC

6.25 APR 22, 2019

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

6.00

6.00

100.98

100.98

B/Fitch; B/S&P

DIAMOND BANK PLC

8.75 May 21, 2019

21-May-14

8.75

200.00

21-May-19

8.85

8.61

99.61

100.52

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

FIRST BANK PLC

8.25 AUG 07, 2020

07-Aug-13

8.25

300.00

07-Aug-20

7.43

7.43

103.01

103.01

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

AFREN PLC III

6.63 DEC 09, 2020

09-Dec-13

6.63

360.00

09-Dec-20

7.70

7.70

94.77

94.77

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC II

9.25/6M USD LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24, 2021

24-Jun-14

9.25

400.00

24-Jun-21

8.59

8.47

103.75

104.38

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

FIRST BANK LTD

8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021

23-Jul-14

8.00

450.00

23-Jul-21

7.51

7.51

101.63

101.63

B-/S&P

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

8.39

8.19

100.95

101.99

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,760.00 4,839.04

**Treasury Bills DTM 7 14 21 28 35 42 49 56

FIXINGS Maturity 2-Oct-14 9-Oct-14 16-Oct-14 23-Oct-14 30-Oct-14 6-Nov-14 13-Nov-14 20-Nov-14

Bid Discount (%) 10.50 10.45 10.50 10.40 10.40 10.45 10.60 10.40

Offer Discount (%) 10.25 10.20 10.25 10.15 10.15 10.20 10.35 10.15

Bid Yield (%) 10.52 10.49 10.56 10.48 10.50 10.58 10.75 10.57

Money Market

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 10.7750 12.3712 13.1363 13.9640

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards)

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

10.50

Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

O/N

10.75

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M 3M

163.80 163.96 164.22 164.87 165.99 167.13

163.90 164.20 164.53 165.47 167.04 168.72

Tenor Call 1M

REPO

Rate (%) 10.58 12.11

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,591.19

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,618.13

Rating/Agency

Description

Issuer

Agency Bonds AMCON FMBN

NA

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014 ***LCRM

0.00 AMCON 31-OCT-2014 (SR.5 TR.1) 0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 0.00/16.00 LCRM 09-DEC-2016 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 20-APR-2017 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

28-Dec-11 24-May-10 03-Apr-12 09-Dec-11 20-Apr-12 06-Jul-12

0.00 0.00 17.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50

978.35 24.56 3.30 112.22 116.70 66.49

31-Oct-14 24-May-15 03-Apr-17 09-Dec-16 20-Apr-17 06-Jul-17

0.10 0.66 1.27 2.21 2.57 2.78

1.00 2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 1.00

11.75 13.62 13.78 13.96 12.93 12.92

98.86 91.63 104.25 100.64 98.83 96.25

3.29 4.44 3.23 4.46 3.48 5.59 1.00 1.79 1.80 1.00 1.00 4.78 1.00 1.00 1.00 2.74 1.00 1.00 1.94 1.44 1.95

13.98 15.67 14.11 15.80 14.82 17.52 12.75 13.71 13.76 12.93 12.93 16.71 12.92 12.92 13.03 14.66 12.93 13.26 14.22 13.37 13.88

99.95 97.32 99.31 98.69 101.22 84.96 101.76 100.67 100.50 103.26 103.41 94.96 103.58 106.17 105.36 100.23 104.93 100.96 103.11 103.31 103.27

Business | Financial Market News

45

1,301.62

Bearish sentiment returns to NSE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,285.45

Sub-National Bonds

A-/GCR A+/Agusto A/Agusto A-/Agusto A+/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto A/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR† A-/Agusto A/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro A/Agusto A-/GCR

RETREAT

NIGER KADUNA *EBONYI *BENUE *IMO LAGOS *BAYELSA EDO *DELTA NIGER *EKITI *NIGER *ONDO *GOMBE LAGOS *OSUN *OSUN LAGOS KOGI *EKITI *NASARAWA

NSE slide driven by shares of Nestle and Guinness

Stories by Chris Ugwu

T

rading activities on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) closed in the red yesterday, as the bears TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE staged comeback to cull gains recordTOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION ed in theBonds previous day.

Corporate The return of bearish sentiA+/Agusto; AA/GCR LAFARGE WAPCO Aa/Agusto GTB ment was on the backdrop of Nil the bargain huntersNGC jostling to µ

Bbb-/Agusto A-/Agusto

*UPDC

BB+/GCR

*CHELLARAMS

15-Oct-09 31-Aug-10 30-Sep-10 30-Jun-11 30-Jun-09 19-Apr-10 30-Jun-10 30-Dec-10 30-Sep-11 04-Oct-11 09-Dec-11 12-Dec-13 14-Feb-12 02-Oct-12 22-Nov-12 12-Dec-12 30-Sep-13 27-Nov-13 31-Dec-13 31-Dec-13 06-Jan-14

14.00 NIGER 15-OCT-2014 12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015 13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015 14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019 15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 14.75 OSUN II 30-SEP-2020 13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020 15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021

take profits, which consequently lead to price losses suffered by major blue chip companies.

Specifically, at closed of transactions, the banking subsector of the financial sector returned as the most active stock in volume terms, with 289.3 million shares valued at N3.3 billion in 1,922 deals.

The shares of Skye Bank Plc and Zenith Bank Plc activated the subsector.

Other financial services sub sector enhanced by the shares of FBNH Plc followed with a 11.50 LAFARGE WAPCO 7-OCT 2014units turnover of 104.6 million 13.50 at GUARANTY 18-DEC-2014 valued N1.07TRUST billion in 804 17.00 NGC 31-DEC-2014 deals.

10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015

07-Oct-11 01-Apr-10 17-Aug-10

Why Access Bank is raising N68bn, by CFO A+/Agusto; A-/GCR A-/Agusto

14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016 13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016

NAHCO

14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016

FSDH

A/GCR

BBB-/GCR

BBB+/DataPro†; BB+/GCR A-/DataPro†; BB-/GCR

AAA/DataPro†; A+/GCR A/Agusto; A/GCR

Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

A

BBB-/DataPro†; BB+/GCR

UBA

13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017

*C & I LEASING *DANA#

18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018

*TOWER#

MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

*TOWER#

MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

UBA

14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018

*LA CASERA

15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018

B-/S&P

MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019

#

*CHELLARAMS ccess Bank Plc has BBB/GCR *DANA said that the A+/Agusto; A-/GCR NAHCOplan to TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE raise about N68 bilTOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION lion through rights issue was meant to support its strategic Supranational Bond expansion.

AAA/S&P IFC Chief FinancialVALUE Officer, AcTOTAL OUTSTANDING cess Bank, Mr.CAPITALISATION Seyi Kumapayi TOTAL MARKET said this yesterday in Lagos at Rating/Agency Issuer a media parley with reporters.

He said the proceeds will be FGN Eurobonds used to replace obsolete equipBB-/Fitch; B+/S&P ment domiciled at the acquired BB-/Fitch;upgrade in information FGN bank, BB-/S&P and communication technolBB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P ogy as well as increase in workTOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE ing capital among others.

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Kumapayi said to activate the bank’s continuity plan was Corporate Eurobonds imperative thePLC vision B/Fitch; B-/S&P to sustain AFREN I of becoming the most B+/Fitch; B+/S&P one of GTBANK PLC I reB+/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC spected banks in Africa.

B/Fitch; B/S&P FIDELITY BANK PLC Speaking on why the lender B+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK PLC is raising more capital at a B/Fitch AFREN PLC II time shareholders are sending B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P ZENITH BANK PLC B/Fitch; B/S&Pback to school, DIAMONDwhich BANK PLC children B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST BANK PLC also coincided with the MusB-/Fitch; B/S&P AFREN PLC III lim festivities, Kumapayi said, B-/Fitch; B/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC II “there is never a right we B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRSTtime, BANK LTD

16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019 15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

Description

6.75 JAN 28, 2021

GMD, Access Bank,5.13 Herbert JUL 12,Wigwe 2018 6.38 JUL 12, 2023

have engaged significant number of shareholders both local and international level. Given this engagement, we have confidence that they will up 11.50 FEB 01, take 2016 their rights. 7.50 MAY 19, 2016 7.25 JULwhy 25, 2017 He listed reasons shareMAY 09, 2018 holders would6.88 invest in the 6.00 NOV 08, 2018 bank to include the fact that 10.25 APR 08, 2019 Access Bank 6.25 is APR a 22, Tier 2019 One 8.75 May“financial 21, 2019 bank with robust 8.25 AUG 07, 2020 indicators, enlarged resource 6.63 DEC 09, 2020 base with strong upside poten9.25/6M USD LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24, 2021 tials, credible leadership with a 8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

15-Oct-14 31-Aug-15 30-Sep-15 30-Jun-16 30-Jun-16 19-Apr-17 30-Jun-17 31-Dec-17 30-Sep-18 04-Oct-18 09-Dec-18 12-Dec-18 14-Feb-19 02-Oct-19 22-Nov-19 12-Dec-19 30-Sep-20 27-Nov-20 31-Dec-20 31-Dec-20 06-Jan-21

0.05 0.93 0.53 1.06 1.06 2.57 1.61 3.27 2.24 4.03 2.44 2.44 2.82 2.89 5.16 3.04 3.57 6.17 6.27 3.75 3.78

0.03 0.23 0.27 0.65

closed higher at 25.

Full service financial solutions provider, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, rose by N1.40 to close at N35.00. Also, Beta Glass Plc advanced by N1.15 to close at N20.00, while Unilever Plc added N1.14 to close at N47.99 per share.

Shares of consumer goods company, Nestle Nigeria, declined by N39.97 to close at N1,050.03 to lead loser’s chart.

Also, manufacturer of alcoholic drinks, Guinness Nigeria Plc withdrew by N10.74, to close Seplat 1.00 at N204.24, 11.65 while 99.97 5.21 16.16 by N5.00 99.28 to Petroleum slid 8.71 19.68 99.13 close at N640.00 per share.

4.88 15.86 96.84

09-Dec-10

12.00

13.62

09-Dec-15

0.72

1.00

12.05

100.55

06-Jan-11

14.00

0.60

06-Jan-16

0.80

2.63

13.75

100.86

29-Sep-11

13.00

15.00

29-Sep-16

2.01

1.00

12.98

100.03

25-Oct-13

14.25

5.53

25-Oct-16

2.08

1.34

13.31

101.63

20.00

30-Sep-17

3.01

1.00

12.92

100.19

0.73

30-Nov-17

1.83

1.88

13.76

108.00

7.20

09-Apr-18

1.79

3.48

15.34

5.04

108.58

109.40

6.90

105.75

105.75

4.27

105.04

105.04

6.57

101.72

101.72

8.03

94.83

96.43

5.60

100.30

101.44

8.68

105.75

105.75

6.00

100.98

100.98

8.61

99.61

100.52

7.43

103.01

103.01

7.70

94.77

30-Sep-10

13.00

30-Nov-12

18.00

09-Apr-11

16.00

Nedbank to acquire 20% stake in ETI

S

outh Africa’s Nedbank 09-Sep-11 18.00 2.90 09-Sep-18 2.21 Group said09-Sep-18 yesterday that it 09-Sep-11 16.00 0.80 2.21 will a per cent stake 22-Sep-11 14.00 35.00acquire 20 22-Sep-18 3.99 18-Oct-13 15.75 2.06 in2.70 pan-African18-Oct-18 lender Ecobank 17-Feb-12 17.00 0.41 17-Feb-19 2.39 clear focus on value creation for Transnational (ETI) for $493 mil01-Apr-14 16.00 4.50 01-Apr-19 3.27 shareholders, strong returns lion in cash, ending months of 14-Nov-13 15.25 2.05 14-Nov-20 6.14 for investors-capital apprecia- speculation the South African 141.62 tion and dividend payout.” bank 142.87could walk away from the Others include attractive deal over governance concerns. market11-Feb-13 price trading 10.20 at a 0.9x According11-Feb-18 to Reuters, Ned12.00 3.38 discount to book value, strong bank, South Africa’s fourth12.00 lender, had a right to corporate governance and largest 11.12 shareholder management prac- take the stake under the terms Outstanding Value Issue Date Coupon (%) Maturity Date Bid Yield of($mm) a 2011 loan to Ecobank.

But(%) tices, window of opportunity in rapidly expanding and con- a crisis over corporate goversolidating banking sector, back- nance and the departure of 500.00 28-Jan-21 drop of 07-Oct-11 stable economy6.75 , demon- Ecobank’s chief executive4.83in strated12-Jul-13 capacity in integrating March raised questions about 5.13 500.00 12-Jul-18 4.03 and extracting value from acwhether Nedbank would go 12-Jul-13 6.38 500.00 12-Jul-23 5.15 quisitions, actively traded stock through with the deal. with a robust shareholder base, 1,500.00 The acquisition puts Togo1,613.69 among others. based Ecobank in the rare - and Shareholders will vote on potentially difficult - position of October 13, on the proposal to having two strategic 01-Feb-11 11.50 450.00 01-Feb-16 sharehold6.90 19-May-11 7.50 500.00 19-May-16Bank (QNB) sell shares to existing investors, ers.

Qatar National 4.27 7.25 350.00 25-Jul-17 6.57 Busola 25-Jul-12 Osilaja, a spokesperson last month raised its holding in 300.00 02-May-18 8.57 for the 09-May-13 bank had said. 6.88 Ecobank to 23.5 percent, mak08-Nov-13 6.00 400.00 08-Nov-18 5.91 The 08-Apr-12 Nigerian Stock Ex- ing it the top shareholder.

10.25 300.00 08-Apr-19 8.68 change22-Apr-14 (NSE) had also suspendLike Nedbank, QNB is look6.25 500.00 22-Apr-19 6.00 21-May-14 200.00 21-May-19 ed movements in the8.75bank’s ing to expand its presence8.85in 07-Aug-13 8.25 300.00 07-Aug-20 share price until January 27, fast-growing sub-Saharan7.43 Af09-Dec-13 6.63 360.00 09-Dec-20 7.70 to preserve shareholders’ value rica.

24-Jun-14 9.25 400.00 24-Jun-21 8.59 before the planned stock Nedbank said 23-Jul-14 8.00 sale.

450.00 23-Jul-21 in a state7.51

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

6.00 8.50 6.08 6.27 7.37 57.00 29.92 25.00 37.25 9.00 14.96 11.13 27.00 17.28 80.00 27.51 11.40 87.00 5.00 4.78 4.79

On the whole, investors exchanged a total of 673.9 million shares valued at N6.3 billion in 4,967 transactions.

Further analysis showed that at the close of trading session, the NSE All-Share Index was down by 74.35 basis points or 0.18 per cent to close at 41,135.75, as against 41,210.10 recorded the previous day, while the market capitalisation depreciated by N25 billion or 0.18 per cent, to close at N13,582 483.24 trillion in contrast to N13.607 483.77 posted the previous day.

The number of11.80 gainers at07-Oct-14 11.50 13.50 13.17 session18-Dec-14 the close of trading 17.00 2.00 closed at 29, while decliners31-Dec-14 10.00 3.61 17-Aug-15

18-Dec-09

12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015

*FLOURMILLS

14.00 12.50 13.00 14.00 15.50 10.00 13.75 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.50 14.00 15.50 15.50 14.50 14.75 14.75 13.50 15.00 14.50 15.00

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

8.39

101.18 ment, it will pay $493.4 million 5.20 17.16 101.56 for 5.06 4.5 billion new Ecobank 17.02 101.69 shares, valuing 1.35 13.28 Ecobank 102.17 at 2.29US cents 14.26 10.93 a share, 102.84 a 4 per 6.11 18.05 98.30 cent discount to its price on 2.16 14.08 104.83 the 2.76 Nigerian 15.01 Stock Exchange 100.90 at the end of September.

Nedbank Chief Executive Mike Brown told Reuters in August had92.70 made 1.00 that Ecobank 12.93 “enormous progress” in resolving its governance issues.

Togo-based Ecobank has Yield (%) Bid aOffer presence inPrice nearlyOffer 40 Price subSaharan countries, meaning Prices & Yields the deal would broaden Ned4.68 111.19 bank’s reach110.36 well beyond its core South African market.

3.83 103.79 104.51

104.38

7.51

101.63

101.63

8.19

100.95

101.99

4,760.00 4,839.04

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

94.77

CEO,8.47 ETI, Thierry103.75 Tanoh

25-Sep-14

The FMDQBills Daily Quotations List (DQL) comprises market and model prices/rates of foreign exchange ($/N) products, fixed FIXINGS income securities and instruments in the OTC market. The use of this report is subject to the **Treasury Money Market Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) FMDQ OTC Disclaimer Statement on www.fmdqotc.com.

DTMPLC Terms of Use and Maturity Bid Discount (%) Offer Discount (%) Bid Yield (%) Tenor Rate (%) NIBOR 7 2-Oct-14 10.50 14 9-Oct-14 10.45 21 16-Oct-14 10.50 FGN Bonds28 23-Oct-14 10.40 35 30-Oct-14 10.40 42 6-Nov-14 10.45 Issuer Description Rating/Agency 49 13-Nov-14 10.60 56 20-Nov-14 10.40 4.00 23-APR-2015 63 27-Nov-14 10.75 70 4-Dec-14 10.25 13.05 16-AUG-2016 77 11-Dec-14 10.60 15.10 27-APR-2017 91 25-Dec-14 10.55 9.85 27-JUL-2017 98 1-Jan-15 10.80 9.35 31-AUG-2017 105 8-Jan-15 10.60 10.70 30-MAY-2018 112 15-Jan-15 10.80 119 22-Jan-15 10.30 16.00 29-JUN-2019 126 29-Jan-15 10.80 NA NA 7.00 23-OCT-2019 133 5-Feb-15 10.50 16.39 27-JAN-2022 140 12-Feb-15 10.80 14.20 14-MAR-2024 147 19-Feb-15 10.40 15.00 28-NOV-2028 154 26-Feb-15 10.80 161 5-Mar-15 10.55 12.49 22-MAY-2029 196 9-Apr-15 10.25 8.50 20-NOV-2029 210 23-Apr-15 10.45 10.00 23-JUL-2030 224 7-May-15 10.25 12.1493 18-JUL-2034 315 6-Aug-15 10.40 TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE 3-Sep-15 343 10.40 *from the Amortising bonds, the average life is calculated and not the duration

10.25 10.20 10.25 10.15 10.15 10.20 Issue Date 10.35 10.15 23-Apr-10 10.50 10.00 16-Aug-13 10.35 27-Apr-12 10.30 27-Jul-07 10.55 31-Aug-07 10.35 30-May-08 10.55 10.05 29-Jun-12 10.55 23-Oct-09 10.25 27-Jan-12 10.55 14-Mar-14 10.15 28-Nov-08 10.55 10.30 22-May-09 10.00 20-Nov-09 10.20 23-Jul-10 10.00 18-Jul-14 10.15 10.15

10.52 10.49 10.56 10.48 10.50 10.58 Coupon 10.75 (%) 10.57 4.00 10.95 10.46 13.05 10.84 15.10 10.83 9.85 11.12 9.35 10.93 10.70 11.17 10.66 16.00 11.22 7.00 10.92 16.39 11.27 14.20 10.85 15.00 11.32 11.06 12.49 10.85 8.50 11.12 10.00 10.94 12.1493 11.43 11.53

Bonds

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION #

Issuer

Value

Maturity Date

535.00 23-Apr-15 NITTY 545.27 16-Aug-16 Tenor Rate (%) 452.80 27-Apr-17 1M 10.7755 20.00 27-Jul-17 2M 10.8181 100.00 31-Aug-17 3M 10.8430 300.00 30-May-18 6M 10.8744 9M 11.1001 351.30 29-Jun-19 12M 11.4233 233.90 23-Oct-19 600.00 27-Jan-22 331.35 14-Mar-24 NIFEX 75.00 28-Nov-28 Current Price ($/N) 150.00 22-May-29 BID($/N) 200.00 163.5000 20-Nov-29 OFFER ($/N) 163.6000 591.57 23-Jul-30 105.00 18-Jul-34

OBB

10.50

O/N

10.75

Tenor

REPO

TTM Call(Yrs) 1M 0.58 3M 6M 1.89

Rate (%)

Bid10.58 Yield (%) 12.11 10.92 12.71 13.46 11.94

AMCON FMBN Buckets Modified Duration

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

<3 ***LCRM 3<5 >5 Market

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

0.00 AMCON 31-OCT-2014 (SR.5 TR.1) 0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 Porfolio Market Total Outstanding 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 Value(Bn) Volume(Bn) 0.00/16.00 LCRM 09-DEC-2016 1,039.35 998.07 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 20-APR-2017 1,116.66 951.30 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017 857.45 922.92 3,013.47 2,872.29

Tenor

Spot 7D 14D 1MYield Offer 2M (%) 3M 10.63 6M 1Y 11.85

2.59 11.89 11.82 2.84 11.92 11.86 2.93 11.92 11.86 :Benchmarks 3.68Bond 11.93 11.82 * :Amortising µ :Convertible Bond 4.76 11.92 11.84 AMCON: Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria 5.08 12.01 11.92 FGN: Federal Government of Nigeria 7.34 12.35 12.29 FMBN: Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria 9.47 12.43 12.38 IFC: International Finance Corporation 14.18 12.52 12.48 LCRM: Local Contractors Receivables Management NAHCO: Nigerian 14.66 Aviation Handling 12.51 Company 12.46 O/N: Overnight 15.15 12.50 12.44 UPDC: UAC Property Development Company 15.83 12.40 12.35 WAPCO:West Africa Portland Cement Company 19.81 12.37 12.33 NOTE:

Bid ($/N)

163.80 163.96 164.22 164.87 Bid Price 165.99 167.13 96.23 170.82 178.24 101.80

Offer ($/N)

Price

163.90 164.20 164.53 165.47 Offer Price 167.04 168.72 96.38 174.20 186.17 101.95

106.95 107.10 95.10 95.25 93.92 NA :Not93.77 Applicable 96.39 96.69 # :Floating Rate Bond ***: Deferred coupon bonds 114.45 114.75 81.35 81.65 †: Bond rating expired 119.10 119.40 109.70 110.00 116.22 116.52 NGC: Nigeria-German Company 99.83 100.13 UBA: United 73.07Bank for Africa 73.37 83.50 83.80 98.35 98.65

4,591.19

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

FMDQ FGN BOND INDEX

Agency Bonds NA

Description

(N'bn)

Rate (%) 10.7750 12.3712 13.1363 13.9640

4,618.13

Risk Premium is a combination of credit risk and liquidity risk premiums **Exclusive of non-trading t.bills

Rating/Agency

Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M Outstanding

28-Dec-11 24-May-10 Weighting by Outstanding 03-Apr-12Vol 09-Dec-11 34.75 20-Apr-12 33.12 06-Jul-12 32.13 100.00

0.00

0.00by Mkt Weighting Value 17.25

0.00/16.00 34.49 0.00/16.50 37.06 0.00/16.50 28.45 100.00

978.35 24.56 3.30 112.22 116.70 0.35 66.49 0.33 0.32 1,301.62 1.00

Bucket Weighting

1,285.45

31-Oct-14

09-Dec-16 15.77 20-Apr-17 33.35 06-Jul-17 50.89 100.00

0.10 0.66 1.27 2.21 11.91 2.57 12.22 2.78 12.41 12.27

15-Oct-14 31-Aug-15 30-Sep-15 30-Jun-16 30-Jun-16 19-Apr-17 30-Jun-17

0.05 0.93 0.53 1.06 1.06 2.57 1.61

24-May-15 % Exposure_ Mod_Duration 03-Apr-17

Implied Yield

# Risk Premium (%)

1.00

2.63 Implied Portfolio Price 2.27 2.00 118.6105 1.00 134.1837 1.00 103.3611 118.8684

Valuation Yield (%) 11.75 13.62 13.78 13.96 1,126.56 12.93 1,136.22 12.92 1,205.79 1,129.12

INDEX

Indicative Price 98.86

YTD 91.63 Return (%) 104.25

100.64 12.6558 98.83 13.6216 96.25 20.5791 12.9123

Sub-National Bonds A-/GCR A+/Agusto A/Agusto A-/Agusto A+/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

NIGER KADUNA *EBONYI *BENUE *IMO LAGOS

14.00 NIGER 15-OCT-2014 12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015 13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015 14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

15-Oct-09 31-Aug-10 30-Sep-10 30-Jun-11 30-Jun-09 19-Apr-10 30-Jun-10

14.00 12.50 13.00 14.00 15.50 10.00 13.75

6.00 8.50 6.08 6.27 7.37 57.00 29.92

3.29 4.44 3.23 4.46 3.48 5.59 1.00

13.98 15.67 14.11 15.80 14.82 17.52 12.75

99.95 97.32 99.31 98.69 101.22 84.96 101.76

Daily Summary as of 02/10/2014

46

Business | Capital Market

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Printed 02/10/2014 15:31:29.029

Daily Summary as of 02/10/2014 Printed 02/10/2014 15:31:29.029

Daily Summary (Bonds)

The Nigerian Stock Market Exchange as at October 2, 2014

No Debt Trading Activity

Daily Summary (Equities)

Daily Summary (Equities)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY AGRICULTURE Crop Production FTN COCOA PROCESSORS PLC OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Crop Production Totals Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Symbol FTNCOCOA OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 23 14 15 52

Current Price 0.50 34.00 37.50

Quantity Traded 3,812,666 24,460 116,100 3,953,226

Value Traded 1,906,333.00 817,772.82 4,309,160.85 7,033,266.67

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 32 32

Current Price 2.95

Quantity Traded 546,502 546,502

Value Traded 1,558,187.77 1,558,187.77

4,499,728

8,591,454.44

Quantity Traded 5,440 20,000 12,483,710 61,302 12,570,452

Value Traded 7,996.80 20,600.00 72,348,731.79 3,506,540.33 75,883,868.92

12,570,452

75,883,868.92

AGRICULTURE Totals CONGLOMERATES Daily Summary as of 02/10/2014 Diversified Industries Printed 02/10/2014 15:31:29.029 A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. JOHN HOLT PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals

84 Symbol AGLEVENT JOHNHOLT TRANSCORP UACN Daily Summary

No. of Deals 2 1 209 48 (Equities) 260

Activity Summary on Board EQTY CONGLOMERATES Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals

Current Price 1.54 1.08 5.79 57.75

260

Page Quantity Traded 657,837 657,837

1

of 11 Value Traded 593,250.14 593,250.14

Symbol COSTAIN

No. of Deals 24 24

Current Price 0.90

Infrastructure/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals

Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 67.20

Quantity Traded 50 50

Value Traded 3,192.00 3,192.00

Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Real Estate Development Totals

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 11 11

Current Price 15.85

Quantity Traded 14,215 14,215

Value Traded 224,502.55 224,502.55

672,102

820,944.69

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals CONSUMER GOODS Automobiles/Auto Parts DN as TYRE & RUBBER PLC Daily Summary of 02/10/2014 Automobiles/Auto Parts Totals Printed 02/10/2014 15:31:29.029 Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Activity Summary on BoardPLC EQTY PREMIER BREWERIES Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Published by The Nigerian StockCOMP. Exchange 7-UP BOTTLING PLC.©

Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals

Food Products DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. UNION DICON SALT PLC. Food Products Totals Food Products--Diversified Daily Summary as of 02/10/2014 CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. Printed 02/10/2014 15:31:29.029 NESTLE NIGERIA PLC.

Food Products--Diversified Totals

Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC. VONO PRODUCTS PLC. Household Durables TotalsEQTY Activity Summary on Board Personal/Household Products CONSUMER GOODS P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. Personal/Household Products UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Personal/Household Products Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange Totals ©

36 Symbol DUNLOP

Value Traded 250,000.00 250,000.00

No. of Deals 11 49 (Equities) 23 130 1 214

Current Price 11.21 204.24 30.50 177.09 4.40

Quantity Traded 405,790 257,371 322,112 2,809,208 3,000 3,797,481

Value Traded 4,534,943.90 52,611,930.05 9,800,666.28 496,637,193.15 12,540.00 563,597,273.38

Symbol 7UP

No. of Deals 17 17

Current Price 147.73

Quantity Traded Page 18,879

Value Traded 2 3,070,758.94 of 11 3,070,758.94

Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR NASCON NNFM UNIONDICON

No. of Deals 17 76 59 36 36 1 1 226

Current Price 6.55 8.30 62.00 4.10 9.31 21.99 13.41

Quantity Traded 47,187 1,884,411 462,538 2,762,763 1,948,204 533 83 7,105,719

Value Traded 312,125.82 15,655,668.35 28,571,132.20 11,173,464.91 18,137,827.24 11,139.70 1,057.42 73,862,415.64

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

No. of Deals 31 74 105

Current Price 52.50 1,050.03

Quantity Traded 103,738 161,114 264,852

Value Traded 5,588,787.74 171,266,854.90 176,855,642.64

Symbol

No. of Deals 17 5 22

Current Price 4.27 1.42

Quantity Traded 263,411 306,000 569,411

Value Traded 1,091,445.10 434,520.00 1,525,965.10

Quantity Traded

Value Traded 11,681,207.67 Value Traded 80,222,130.33 391,903,338.00 of 11

Daily Summary (Equities) VITAFOAM VONO

Symbol PZ Symbol UNILEVER

Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. © MANSARD INSURANCE PLC MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. Daily Summary as of 02/10/2014 N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. Printed 02/10/2014 15:31:29.029 NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Micro-Finance Banks NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC

Micro-Finance Totals Activity SummaryBanks on Board EQTY

MortgageSERVICES Carriers, Brokers and Services FINANCIAL RESORTCarriers, SAVINGS & LOANS Mortgage Brokers andPLC Services Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

Other FinancialStock Institutions Published by The Nigerian Exchange © AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FBN HOLDINGS PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UBA CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals

HEALTHCARE Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Current Price

Current 33.25 Price 47.99

661

Quantity351,213 Traded 1,666,502 2,017,715 Page 14,274,057

911,065,393.70 Value Traded 195,758,269.96 98,697,292.63 217,041,639.44 20,480,147.06 1,154,695,426.16 287,757,375.28 14,668,709.97 185,515,459.19 Value Traded 4,997,692.48 372,250.00 531,111.12 1,197,792,890.03 3,378,308,263.32

Symbol ACCESS DIAMONDBNK ETI Daily Summary FIDELITYBK GUARANTY SKYEBANK STERLNBANK UBA Symbol UBN UNITYBNK WEMABANK ZENITHBANK

No. of Deals 151 151 113 (Equities) 110 468 284 48 237 No. of Deals 48 6 26 280 1,922

Current Price 9.10 6.25 18.40 2.08 30.40 2.70 2.25 6.65 Current Price 8.95 0.50 0.93 24.49

Quantity Traded 21,721,084 15,790,884 11,615,821 10,079,669 38,242,004 106,553,851 6,455,452 27,902,989 Quantity559,402 Traded 744,500 570,949 49,093,698 289,330,303

Symbol AIICO CONTINSURE CORNERST INTENEGINS LASACO MANSARD MBENEFIT NEM NIGERINS WAPIC

No. of Deals 22 5 5 7 1 8 9 21 1 34 113

Current Price 0.80 0.98 0.50 0.55 0.50 2.90 0.54 0.77 0.50 0.75

Quantity Traded 866,611 458,200 287,569 523,533 Page 500

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol No. of Deals Current Price

10,034,811 1,149,000 3,546,400 50,000 1,896,241 18,812,865

4 4

1.02

Quantity Traded 210,000 210,000

Value Traded 206,395.46 206,395.46

Symbol RESORTSAL Symbol

No. of Deals 2 No. of Deals

Current Price 0.50 Current Price

Quantity Traded Quantity219,300 Traded

Value Traded 109,650.00 Value Traded

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FBNH FCMB ROYALEX STANBIC UBCAP

No. of Deals 67 7 530 69 8 63 60 804

Current Price 3.20 4.09 13.50 4.25 0.59 35.00 2.17

Page Quantity Traded 7,331,730 338,000 66,854,639 26,051,493 167,132 943,539 2,927,643 104,614,176

2

2,845 Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH PHARMDEKO

No. of Deals 6 6 7 56 6 1 82 82

219,300

413,186,644 Current Price 2.10 3.33 62.61 1.77 1.06 2.49

Value Traded 262,150.00 262,150.00

IT Services COMPUTER WAREHOUSE GROUP PLC NCR (NIGERIA) PLC. TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC. IT Services Totals

Symbol CWG NCR TRIPPLEG

No. of Deals 1 1 1 3

Current Price 4.80 13.50 1.86

Quantity Traded 1,000 1,196 1,678 3,874

Value Traded 4,800.00 15,548.00 2,970.06 23,318.06

Processing Systems CHAMS PLC Processing Systems Totals

Symbol CHAMS

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 1,035,000 1,035,000

Value Traded 517,500.00 517,500.00

1,538,874

802,968.06

Quantity Traded 1,284,868 22,228 294,367 961,150 594,521 11,367 3,000 Quantity Traded

Value Traded 41,151,728.67 189,375.28 11,231,977.96 14,364,549.30 131,297,757.30 11,367.00 16,420.00 Value Traded 140,226,927.28

Daily Summary as of 02/10/2014 ICT Totals Printed 02/10/2014 15:31:29.029 INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC CEMENT CO. on OF Board NORTH.NIG. Activity Summary EQTYPLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC INDUSTRIAL GOODS DN MEYER PLC. PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC Building Materials LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals

NATURAL RESOURCES Chemicals B.O.C. GASES PLC. Chemicals Totals Daily Summary as of 02/10/2014 Printed 02/10/2014 15:31:29.029 Mining Services

MULTIVERSE PLC Mining Services Totals

NATURAL RESOURCES Totals

7,259,940.36 6

of

No. of Deals Current Price 60 32.00 8 8.60 44 39.00 48 15.08 32 220.84 6 1.05 5.50 No. of Deals2 Current Price 86 126.76

CAP CCNN DANGCEM DNMEYER PORTPAINT Symbol WAPCO

1,101,840 4,273,341

286

338,490,102.79

Symbol CUTIX

No. of Deals Current Price 21 1.82 21

Page Quantity Traded 1,853,990 1,853,990

Symbol AVONCROWN BETAGLAS

No. of Deals Current Price 3 1.59 7 20.00 10

Quantity Traded 3,985 3,647,235 3,651,220

Value Traded 6,336.15 72,944,271.26 72,950,607.41

9,778,551

414,845,562.00

317

7 of 11 Value Traded 3,404,851.80

3,404,851.80

Symbol BOCGAS

No. of Deals Current Price 2 5.48 2

Quantity Traded 10,000 10,000

Value Traded 52,100.00 52,100.00

Symbol MULTIVERSE

No. of Deals Current Price 5 0.50 5

Quantity Traded 200,000,000 200,000,000

Value Traded 100,000,000.00 100,000,000.00

200,010,000

100,052,100.00

Daily Summary (Equities)

7

Page

8

of

Symbol JAPAULOIL

No. of Deals 8 8

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 58,923 58,923

Value Traded 29,461.50 29,461.50

Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals 282 282

Current Price 25.75

Quantity Traded 4,206,449 4,206,449

Value Traded 107,004,646.69 107,004,646.69

Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors CONOIL PLC ETERNA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals

Symbol CONOIL ETERNA FO MOBIL TOTAL

No. of Deals 34 57 78 34 11 214

Current Price 47.01 3.82 225.00 174.00 180.00

Quantity Traded 88,955 851,451 154,431 124,137 13,847 1,232,821

Value Traded 4,209,322.53 3,237,484.91 34,249,430.25 21,489,588.47 2,416,889.55 65,602,715.71

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals 34 34

Current Price 640.00

Quantity Traded 162,893 162,893

Value Traded 104,938,892.80 104,938,892.80

5,661,086

277,575,716.70

Exploration and Production Daily Summary as of 02/10/2014 SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Printed 02/10/2014 15:31:29.029 Exploration and Production Totals

SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R TSummary BRISCOE on PLC. Activity Board EQTY Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals SERVICES Courier/Freight/Delivery Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © RED STAR EXPRESS PLC

538

Daily Summary (Equities)

11

Symbol RTBRISCOE

No. of Deals 12 12

Current Price 0.87

Quantity Traded 345,035 345,035

Value Traded 297,621.17 297,621.17

Symbol REDSTAREX

No. of Deals 16 16

Current Price 4.40

Quantity Traded Page 3,298,256 3,298,256

Value Traded 9 of 11 14,512,659.45 14,512,659.45

Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals

Symbol CILEASING

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 10,000 10,000

Value Traded 5,000.00 5,000.00

Hotels/Lodging IKEJA HOTEL PLC Hotels/Lodging Totals

Symbol IKEJAHOTEL

No. of Deals 33 33

Current Price 1.82

Quantity Traded 3,858,200 3,858,200

Value Traded 7,011,044.00 7,011,044.00

Symbol LEARNAFRCA STUDPRESS UPL

No. of Deals 10 1 15 26

Current Price 1.32 2.40 4.13

Quantity Traded 200,269 350 254,122 454,741

Value Traded 270,571.42 798.00 951,544.28 1,222,913.70

No. of Deals 7 7 Daily Summary (Equities)

Current Price 0.66

Quantity Traded 365,000 365,000

Value Traded 241,200.00 241,200.00

Current Price 5.15

Quantity Traded 332,571 332,571

Value Traded 1,705,105.96 1,705,105.96

Current Price 5.00

Quantity Traded 1,002,000 Page 1,002,000

Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals

Printing/Publishing LEARN AFRICA PLC STUDIO PRESS (NIG) PLC. PRESS PLC. Daily SummaryUNIVERSITY as of 02/10/2014 Printing/Publishing Printed 02/10/2014 15:31:29.029 Totals Road Transportation ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Road Transportation Totals Transport-Related Services

Activity NIGERIAN SummaryAVIATION on BoardHANDLING EQTY COMPANY PLC Transport-Related Services Totals SERVICES

Support and Logistics

CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Support and Logistics Totals

Symbol ABCTRANS

Symbol NAHCO

Symbol CAVERTON

No. of Deals 17 17

No. of Deals 9 9

SERVICES Totals

Value Traded

5,010,400.00 10 of 11 5,010,400.00

121

9,665,803

30,005,944.28

EQTY Board Totals

4,967

673,973,619

6,319,258,315.77

Equity Activity Totals

4,967

673,973,619

6,319,258,315.77

4,492,354,422.62

2,116,322

Symbol ASHAKACEM

Daily Summary (Equities) BERGER

OIL AND GAS Totals

109,650.00

Value Traded 96,362.00 172,147.00 3,736,255.28 3,205,271.80 40,661.28 9,243.00 7,259,940.36

16

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Published byAND The Nigerian Stock Exchange © OIL GAS Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Energy Equipment and Services Totals

5Value Traded of 11 23,366,084.84 1,383,470.00 903,777,895.98 111,173,559.33 99,381.12 32,137,060.83 6,299,781.67 1,078,237,233.77

Quantity Traded 47,241 50,563 59,530 1,916,580 38,508 3,900 2,116,322

Page

Quantity Traded 500,000 500,000

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals

Value Traded 697,518.20 448,036.00 143,784.50 286,535.17 4 of 250.00 11 29,100,539.28 620,460.00 2,749,237.68 25,000.00 1,421,519.24 35,492,880.07

NPFMCRFBK

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC PHARMA-DEKO PLC. Pharmaceuticals Totals

No. of Deals

27 No. of Deals 48 75

Current Price 0.52

Packaging/Containers AVON CROWNCAPS & CONTAINERS BETA GLASS CO PLC. Packaging/Containers Totals

Quantity Traded 500,000 500,000

18,879

No. of Deals 11 11

Electronic and Electrical Products Totals

Current Price 0.50

Symbol CHAMPION GUINNESS Daily Summary INTBREW NB PREMBREW

Symbol COURTVILLE

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Electronic and Electrical Products CUTIX PLC.

No. of Deals 2 2

CONSUMER GOODS Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Daily Summary as of 02/10/2014 Banking15:31:29.029 Printed 02/10/2014 ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY STERLING BANK PLC. FINANCIAL UNITEDSERVICES BANK FOR AFRICA PLC Banking UNION BANK NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC. ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals

ICT Computer Based Systems COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC Computer Based Systems Totals

Daily Summary (ETP) Exchange Traded Fund

Name NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF) VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF Exchange Traded Fund Totals

Symbol NEWGOLD VETGRIF30

No. of Deals 1 6 7

Current Price 1,922.00 18.84

Quantity Traded 11 3,425 3,436

Value Traded 21,142.00 64,501.25 85,643.25

ETF Board Totals

7

3,436

85,643.25

ETP Activity Totals

7

3,436

85,643.25

11

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Page

11

of

11

News 47

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

Buhari, Kwankwaso’s ambition won’t sink APC, says party chieftain Muhammad Bashir Lokoja

C

ontrary to the believe that the battle for the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress, will tear the opposition apart, a chieftain of the party in Kano State, Alhaji Habibu Saleh Mailemo has said the presidential ambition of

Kano State Governor, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso will not clash with Gen. Muhammadu Buhari’s (rtd), legitimate right to contest the party’s ticket.

Buhari, former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku and Kwankwaso, are the major contenders for the presidential ticket of the opposition party come, December 12 this year.

The development has

created the impression that the ambition of the trio was capable of sinking the APC ship.

But Mailemo, who is the consultation leader for the Kwankwaso for president in Kogi State, insisted that both Buhari and the Kano Governor, have political father and son relationship, stressing that their ambition for the party ticket is highly mutual.

“There would be no clash of interest between Kwankwaso’s ambition and that of Buhari. Of course, that is left for the delegates to decide.”

However, he said Kwankwaso has the pedigree to turn around the fortunes of Nigeria within the shortest time.

Talking about why he believed Kwankwaso was the right man, Mailemo, stressed that the country

has been in the woods under the PDP, which he alleged, has visited poverty on Nigerians, hence, his principal knows what it takes to rejuvenate the fortune of Nigeria, if given the mandate as the nation’s president.

“He has tur ned around the fortunes of the people of Kano within three years to the extent that even his enemies cannot fault him on

delivery of the dividends of democracy.”

Mailemo, who is equally the current Chairman of Fagge Local Government Council in Kano, explained further that the experiences Kwankwaso has garnered over the years on the political stage has equipped him as the most suitable person to lead the country at this moment of challenges.

Ekiti chiefs back Fayose Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

E

L-R: Project Manager, Cassava Value Chain Unit, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Dr. Gbassay Tarawali; Prof. Segun Osinowo of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta and Director, Agricultural Services, Lagos State, Dr. Olayiwola Onasanya, during a National Workshop on Economic Transformation through Agriculture in Lagos…yesterday.

PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Imoke: I won’t pick my successor Clement James Calabar

A

gainst the backdrop of name dropping by political office aspirants in Cross River State, the Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke has categorically said he will not pick his successor yesterday as being rumoured in many quarters.

Imoke made the statement at the State Merit Award Dinner, hosted by the government, which crowned activities marking the nation’s 54th independence celebration.

About nine close associates of the governor on Tuesday resigned to

contest the next election into various offices on the platform of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), some of whom claimed that the governor had given them the green light to vie for governorship.

But Imoke said he will not endorse, anoint or appoint anybody to take over from him as he would prefer to leave office with his name intact, instead of bearing a bad name on account of somebody else.

“If I appoint the next governor of the state and something happens, people will hold me responsible. I cannot impose

anybody. If I am leaving office, let me leave office with the name I deserve and not be bad on account of you. But one thing is certain, I will not trivialize the office of governor of this state,” Imoke noted in what observers see as a minus for some of the aspirants, who have been dropping the name of the governor for some time now.

The governor urged those who want to rule the state or vie for leadership position to go to the people and tell them why they want to serve.

“Go to the people and tell them why you want to serve and bring feed-

back. Don’t go and tell the people that Senator Imoke has done well and you will follow his footsteps. Tell them how you will lead them successfully. The governor of the state has about 3.6 million people to lead and I cannot trivialize this office,” the governor vowed.

Imoke, who recounted how difficult it was for him and his friends, including Mr. Donald Duke and Chief Gershom Bassey to convince people in 1998 that they meant well for the state, vowed that he would stand against any ticket obtained from either Abuja or government house, Calabar.

Atiku welcomes Buhari, says he’s committed to free presidential primary Johnchuks Onuanyim Abuja

F

ormer Vice President and a leading contender of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket for the 2015 presidential elections, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has stated that he is committed to a free and fair primaries.

Atiku in a press state-

ment personally signed by him yesterday in Abuja, made this disclosure in welcoming the decision of another chieftain of the party, General Muhammadu Buhari to also join the contest for the opposition party’s ticket.

According to him, the task of rescuing Nigeria is a duty leaders of the APC are committed to and, “the more individuals ready to be part of

the mission to rescue the country, the better.”

He said,: “Nigeria has floundered for far too long. Our people are yearning for a change and we must listen to them before they lose faith in the ability of their leaders to revive the country.

“You will recall that during my declaration speech penultimate week, I did mention that

my priority, if given the chance to run and serve as the President of Nigeria is addressing the issues of jobs creation and providing decent employment for Nigerians, especially the youths.

“I believe that it is only when we can provide decent jobs for our young people, that we can have a hope for the decent future for our country.”

kiti Traditional Chieftaincy title holders, a body of all traditional chiefs in all the towns and villages in Ekiti State, yesterday said the popular wish of people of the state expressed during the June 21, 2014 governorship election must be respected, urging politicians to refrain from actions capable of throwing the state into chaos.

In a release issued in Ado-Ekiti, and signed by Publicity Secretary, High Chief Ayodeji Esan, the traditional chieftaincy title holders said it was painful that the gains of the peaceful governorship election of June 21, 2014 and the good image it gave Ekiti State were being thrown away by desperation on the part of some politicians in the state.

Esan, who is also the Odofinyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State, noted that it would amount to an affront on the people of Ekiti for anyone to attempt to snatch victory from the person duly elected by the people, using whatever instrument.

“We wish to align ourselves with the position of our revered traditional rulers on the political crisis rocking the state since

last week and we call on members of the judiciary in the state to refrain from any action capable of robbing them with the garment of partiality.

“First and foremost, it is uncalled for that anyone or group of people could attempt to subvert the mandate freely given to the governor-elect, Ayodele Fayose.

“This to us amounts to an assault on the people of the state, who trooped out on June 21, 2014 to exercise their franchise and expressed their preference for Fayose.

“It is our position that since the people have spoken through the ballot on June 21, no attempt should be made by anyone to truncate the people’s mandate.

“We are also saddened by the last Thursday’s murder of Chief Omolafe Aderiye, a murder believed to have been occasioned by the political impasse created by the quest to truncate the people’s mandate. We commiserate with the family and call on security agencies to fish out his killers.”

“We also call on all security agencies in the state to remain alive to their responsibilities by securing lives and properties in the state before the October 16 handing over ceremony and after.”

Don declares for Ebonyi senatorial zone seat Charles Onyekwere Abakaliki

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university Don, Prof.

Bernard Odoh has declared his intention to contest the forthcoming election for Ebonyi Central Senatorial zone,of Ebonyi State on the platform of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Odoh, in a chat with newsmen in Abakaliki yesterday, said APGA remains the party to beat in Igbo land and also, the only platform with Igbo aspiration and ideology.

Odoh, who teaches Geophysics at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Anambra State, stated that as the country marked her 54th independence anniversary, it is needless to reflect on how far the nation has fared in governance and development.

He stated that, he dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) for APGA because office holders in PDP, have been cocooned like those behind the prison walls, where talents are mortgaged.

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Why we prosecuted Boko Haram men in secret –LASG Muritala Ayinla

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Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye (left) and the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the Governor, Mr. Lateef Raji, during a press conference on the judgement delivered in the case of Federal Republic of Nigeria Vs Ali Mohammed Modu and three others over charges of conspiracy to commit terrorism and illegal fire arms around Lekki and ijora areas of Lagos in March 2013, in Lagos…yesterday

Court fixes Oct 31 for judgement in anti-terrorism law suit Tunde Oyesina Abuja

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he Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, yesterday fixed October 31 to deliver judgement in a suit filed by Nigerian Coalition for the International Criminal Court against the Federal Government on the constitutionality or otherwise of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013, in which certain provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013 were claimed to contra-

vene some fundamental human rights provisions of the 1999 Constitution, as unconstitutional and void.

Earlier, the court had, after listening to parties in the suit fixed yesterday for judgement, said the parties were told that the judgement was not ready, a situation that prompted the adjournment.

The plaintiff is asking the court to determine whether Section 27 (1) and (3) of the Act, which provides for the detention of a suspect under the Act for a period not exceeding 90 days subject to renewal for

a similar period until the conclusion of the investigation and prosecution of the matter that led to the arrest and detention is dispensed with without being arraigned in court, contravenes Section 35 of the constitution and therefore unconstitutional and void.

It also want the court to decide whether Section 28 (1) of the Act, which provides that the law enforcement or security officer may direct that the person arrested be detained in custody for a period not exceeding forty-eight hours from his arrest con-

travenes Section 35 of the Constitution and therefore unconstitutional and void.

The plaintiff further wants the court to determine whether Section 29 (1) of the Act, which provides for the interception of communication order contravenes section 37 of the Constitution and therefore unconstitutional and void.

The plaintiff is, however, asking the court to declare that sections 1 (2), 27, 28, and 29 of the Act are unconstitutional and therefore inapplicable in Nigeria.

Kano

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Federal High Court sitting in Kano yesterday stopped the All Progressives Congress (APC) executive under Umar Doguwa, from henceforth conducting the affairs of the party, pending a ruling on an application challenging their eligibility.

However, Chairman of the party in Kano State, Umar Haruna Doguwa, was quick to dismiss the case as not binding on them because, according to him,

they have never been served in the first place.

He told newsmen that the case is not binding on them, because “we never knew that there is any case against us ongoing, we have never been served, nor our legal department, so how can we respect what we don’t even know exists.”

The case challenging the election of the APC leadership in Kano under Doguwa, was filed

by Muhiyi Magaji Rimin Gado, a former deputy local government chairman and a senatorial aspirant seat

from the Kano southern senatorial district.

Ruling on the motion challenging the election, Justice Fatun O. Riman, said the court has restrained who include the entire leadership of the APC, the former deputy governor of the state, who was then caretaker chairman of the party, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, their cronies and or agents from parading themselves as leaders and or conducting any primary elections of the party, pending the hearing of the substantive motion

Fayose faults Fayemi’s appointment of new permanent secretaries Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

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before it.

He emphasised that the leadership of the party, the former Deputy Governor, Tijjani Gwarzo, their cronies, agents or any of their relatives have no power to henceforth conduct primary elections in the party and or conduct any affair of the party, pending hearing of the substantive ex parte motion before the court challenging the elections.

The presiding judge, Justice F. O. Riman, adjourned the case to 17th October, for hearing of the motion.

kiti State GovernorElect, Mr Ayo Fayose, has faulted the appointment of new permanent secretaries by the outgoing administration of Governor Kayode Fayemi, saying Fayemi is engrossed in playing politics with issues that have dire consequences on the welfare of the state.

Fayose, in a statement in Ado-Ekiti yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi, said recent actions by Fayemi showed that he was desperate and playing politics of vendetta and putting stumbling blocks on the way of the incoming administration.

He was reacting to the appointment of eight new permanent secretaries by Fayemi.

“As much as we are not opposed to people progressing in their

benchmark (as) the construction permitting system was radically overhauled, with the government decentralising the approval system and a new committee monitoring delays.”

In his briefing to top members of the government, Governor Amosun

said the achievement was made possible through the hard work of many Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), whose officials worked tirelessly to improve on the way business is conducted in the state.

He added that the release of the report on Sep-

Court restrains APC leadership in Kano from parading selves Muhammad Kabir

he Lagos State Government yesterday said its decision to prosecute the three Boko Haram men arrested in Lagos was to protect lives and property of residents in the state.

The state AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ade Ipaye, who disclosed this while briefing journalists, said the 17 suspects were initially arrested by Department of State Security around Lekki and Ijora areas of Lagos in March 2013, based on suspicion of terrorism, adding that several improvised explosive devices, remote controlled detonators, firearms and ammunition were found concealed at two of the locations. Ipaye added that state government obtained a fiat of the Attorney General of the Federation to prosecute the suspects at the Federal High Court under the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013 and other relevant

statutes, following the submission of investigation report by the Department.

The commissioner said that in November 2013, the Accused Persons were eventually arraigned before Hon. Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court, Lagos Division, on various charges, which included: conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism, felony and other unlawful acts contrary to the law.

He explained that 14 others discharged and acquitted on the basis that there was insufficient evidence linking them to the plan.

Ipaye added: “Before the arraignment, the prosecution team led by the Attorney General of Lagos State, applied to the judge to hold the hearings in camera for purposes of safety and security. This application was supported by all Counsel to the accused persons and granted by the learned trial judge. Proceedings were then ordered to be held in camera.

chosen careers, one finds the recent appointments questionable. The questions the people of the state should help ask Fayemi include which ministries the new PS will be attached? Will two PS man a ministry?

Are there vacancies that the new PS will fill?

“It is very ridiculous for Fayemi, who has less than two weeks to leave office to appoint permanent secretaries for the incoming administration. It shows how evil the APC is.

“In the last four months, the outgoing government has created 19 new LCDAs, employed 3000 workers without following due process and right now backlog of salaries of workers are yet to be paid and workers are currently on strike.

“It is evidence that Fayemi does not love Ekiti State. His activities are not statesmanlike and honourable.

World Bank report excites Amosun

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gun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, yesterday expressed happiness over the World Bank Group’s report titled; “Doing Business in Nigeria, 2014” in which the state was named as “one of the top reforming states in 2014.”

Amosun, who briefed

members of the State Executive Council and Body of Permanent Secretaries on the report, thanked all officials of the government for their contributions to the ongoing development in the state, which had attracted the attention of the World Bank.

Ogun State, according

to the report, made significant improvement as it was “one of lowest ranked overall performers in both 2008 and 2010,” and now, “it is one of the top performing states in 2014.”

The report also said: “Ogun improved on three of the four Doing Business Indicators

tember 29, 2014, the same day he was conferred with the national honour of the Commander of the Order of Niger (CON), made his joy full and that he was thrilled with the report which represents an international endorsement for the ongoing mission to rebuild Ogun State.

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NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

EFCC challenges Ikuforiji’s clean bill on appeal money laundering Unsatisfied with ruling, EFCC kicks, appeals against Lagos speaker’s acquital Akeem Nafiu

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he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed two separate appeals against the ruling

of Justice Ibrahim Buba of a Lagos Federal High Court which last week, discharged the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji and his aide, Oyebode Alade Atoyebi.

They were accused of money laundering.

The judge had, last Friday, upheld the “no case submission’’ of the two accused persons and consequently discharged them of all the 56-counts charge of laundering preferred against the duo by the anti-graft agency.

The two notices of appeal filed against the clean bill of health granted the Lagos Speaker and his aide by Justice Buba, however contained eight similar grounds upon which the commission is asking the Court of Appeal to upturn the ruling of the lower court.

Some of the grounds are: “The judge of the lower court erred in law when he held and concluded that counts 2-48 are incompetent because they were filed pursuant to Section 1(a) of the Money Laundering Act,

2004, which said law was repealed by the Money Laundering(Prohibition) Act 2011.

In ground two, the antigraft agency faulted the judge for concluding in the ruling that it has not answered constitutional issues raised in the case, saying it has actually responded to all the constitutional issues raised by the respondent.

“The lower court erred in law when it held that the provision of Section 1 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2004 and 2011 only applies to natu-

ral persons and corporate bodies other than government like the office of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

In ground four, it was argued that the lower court erred in law when it held that one of the ingredients of the offence in Section 1 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2004 and 2011 is that the appellant must prove that the money involved in the cash payment was derived from money laundering or drug or human trafficking, terrorism financing, bribery and cor-

ruption or other illicit or illegal dealings or crimes.

Specifically, the EFCC stated that the lower court erred in law when it held that the appellant by using the words, ‘accepting various cash payments amounting to, without going through financial institution’’ in the counts had placed extra burden of proof on itself.

It will be recalled that In his ruling on the ‘no case’ submission of the defence team, the judge while emphasising that the court was not oblivious of the provisions of the Money Laundering Act declared that the prosecution has misconceived and misinterpreted the Act in the instant case.

change of nameS

BILESANMI

Former OLADIMEJI IDOWU now BILESANMI IDOWU Former documents remain valid. General public note

DARLINGTON

Former OKORIE FAITH NGOZI BLESSING now DARLINGTON FAITH NGOZI. Former documents remain valid.

General public note

IBUME

L-R: Executive Director, Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman; Head, Special Projects, New Telegraph newspapers, Mr. Biodun Durojaiye and Advert Manager, Mr. Taiwo Alimi, during the newspaper’s visit to the bank in Lagos…yesterday.

PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Adamawa: court reserves ruling in suit seeking to Tunde Oyesina Abuja

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Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday reserved ruling in the suit filed by the immediate past Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Bala Ngilari seeking to unseat the acting governor, Umaru Fintiri.

Ngilari is asking the court to order that he should be to sworn in as the substantive governor of the state following the impeachment of Governor Murtala Nyako on July 15.

The trial judge, Justice Ademola Adeniyi, reserved the date for judgment after parties in the suit had adopted all their written addresses and arguments in respect with the matter.

Ngilari had in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/ CS/545/14 contended that he did not resign his office as Deputy Governor of the state and that the court should declare unconstitutional, null and void the declaration of his office vacant by the Adamawa State House of Assembly.

INEC may review additional 30,000 polling units Adeolu Adeyemo Osogbo

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he Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in-charge of South-West, Professor Lai Olurode, yesterday said that all necessary arrangement has been

concluded by the commission to make the creation of additional polling units across the country a reality.

Olurode stated this at a media interaction organized by Osun State Chapter of Association of Veteran Journalists, tagged The Frontliner held in Osogbo, the state capital.

N4000 online registration: NLC kicks against NYSC Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

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he leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday kicked against the decision of management of National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) to charge prospective corps members to pay a sum of N4, 000 for online registration before they print out their call up letters.

In a statement issued in Abuja by the Congress Secretary General, Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson, NLC said it found it morally wrong

for the NYSC authorities to turn this initiative into a money-making venture despite being laudable.

“We at the Nigeria Labour Congress are opposed to the policy of charging corps members N4,000 for on-line registration.

While we commend the authorities of the National Youth Service Corps for this initiative which evidently saves prospective corps members from costs and risks associated with movement or travel, we certainly find it morally wrong for the authorities to turn this initiative into a money-making venture.”

Oyo Police chief warns politicians to behave Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

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yo State Police Commissioner, Mr Kola Sodipo, yesterday assured all political parties in the state of fair treatment before, during and after the next year’s election, provided they operate within the ambit of the law.

Sodipo gave the assurance while meeting with representatives of political parties in the state at an interactive forum held at the Eleyele Headquarters of the Command.

He said that the warning became imperative for the politicians in order to ensure a violentfree election in the state next year.

Glo Prive debuts with huge benefits for HNIs

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lo Prive, a recognition and privileges programme packaged by national telecoms operator, Globacom, for its premium customers made its debut in the market on Wednesday night.

The exclusive club which offers first of its kind benefits for members was launched at an event held in Lagos and was attended by elite Glo subscribers comprising technocrats, captains of industry and senior officials of the company.

Mr. Prabhat Aggarwal, Globacom’s Chief Commercial Director, said Glo Privé is a product of careful consideration and planning, adding that it is aimed at delighting Globacom’s high value customers with unmatchable privileges and benefits.

“Prive represents privilege, differentiation and exclusivity. With Glo Prive, members are treated to privileges provided by the Globacom network.”

Former AMINDE ROSE KWAGHDOO now IBUME ROSE KWAGHDOO. Nigeria Immigration Services, Embasies, Government Agencies and general public note

UZOALOR

Former IFEOMA VIVIAN ECHEZONA now IFEOMA VIVIAN UZOALOR Former documents remain valid.

First Bank and general public note

KADRI

Former MISS OLAGOKE BOLANLE MUJIDAT now wish to be known and addressed as MRS KADRI BOLANLE MUJIDAT.All former documents remains valid.NBS and general public should please take note

Lawal

Former Miss Adeola Ayodeji Adebayo, now Mrs Adeola Ayodeji Lawal. Former documents remain valid.

Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF, general public take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT I hereby report the loss of a file containing all the documents relating to the house known as Plot No 39, Abati George Street, Lawanson, Surulere, Lagos State.

Signed: Kolade Lawanson

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WORLD | News

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

‘We use missiles to protect children, Hamas uses children to protect missiles’

C O N T I N U E D F R O M B A C K PA G E

these fueled libelous charges that Israel was deliberately targeting civilians.

We were not. We deeply regret every single civilian casualty.

And the truth is this: Israel was doing everything to minimize Palestinian civilian casualties.

Hamas was doing everything to maximize Israeli civilian casualties and Palestinian civilian casualties. Israel dropped flyers, made phone calls, sent text messages, broadcast warnings in Arabic on Palestinian television, always to enable Palestinian civilians to evacuate targetted areas.

No other country and no other army in history have gone to greater lengths to avoid casualties among the civilian population of their enemies. This concern for Palestinian life was all the more remarkable, given that Israeli civilians were being bombarded by rockets day after day, night after night. As their families were being rocketed

by Hamas, Israel’s citizen army - the brave soldiers of the IDF, our young boys and girls - they upheld the highest moral values of any army in the world. Israel’s soldiers deserve not condemnation, but admiration. Admiration from decent people everywhere.

Now here’s what Hamas did: Hamas embedded its missile batteries in residential areas and told Palestinians to ignore Israel’s warnings to leave. And just in case people didn’t get the message, they executed Palestinian civilians in Gaza who dared to protest.

No less reprehensible, Hamas deliberately placed its rockets where Palestinian children live and play. Let me show you a photograph. It was taken by a France 24 crew during the recent conflict. It shows two Hamas rocket launchers, which were used to attack us. You see three children playing next to them. Hamas deliberately put its rockets in hundreds of residential areas like this. Hundreds of them.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is a war crime. And I say to President Abbas, these are the war crimes committed by your Hamas partners in the national unity government which you head and you are responsible for. And these are the real war crimes you should have investigated, or spoken out against from this podium last week.

As Israeli children huddled in bomb shelters and Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system knocked Hamas rockets out of the sky, the profound moral difference between Israel and Hamas couldn’t have been clearer: Israel was using its missiles to protect its children. Hamas was using its children to protect its missiles. By investigating Israel rather than Hamas for war crimes, the UN Human Rights Council has betrayed its noble mission to protect the innocent.

In fact, what it’s doing is to turn the laws of war upside-down. Israel, which took unprecedented steps to minimise civilian casualties, Israel is condemned. Hamas, which both targeted and hid behind civilians - that a double war crime - Hamas is given a pass.

The Human Rights Council is thus sending a clear message to terrorists everywhere: Use civilians as human shields. Use them again and again and again.

You know why? Because sadly, it works.

By granting international legitimacy to the use of human shields, the UN’s Human Rights Council has thus become a Terrorist Rights Council, and it will have repercussions. It probably already has, about the use of civilians as human shields. It’s not just our interest. It’s not just our values that are under attack. It’s your interests and your values.

We live in a world steeped in tyranny and terror, where gays are hanged from cranes in Tehran, political prisoners are executed in Gaza, young girls are abducted en masse in Nigeria and hundreds of thousands are butchered in Syria, Libya and Iraq. Yet nearly half, nearly half of the UN Human Rights Council’s resolutions focusing on a single country have been directed against Israel, the one true democracy in the Middle East - Israel. where issues are openly debated in a boisterous parliament, where human rights are protected by independent courts and where women, gays and minorities live in a genuinely free society.

The Human Rights - that’s an oxymoron, the UN Human Rights Council, but I’ll use it just the same - the Council’s biased treatment of Israel is only one manifestation of the return of the world’s oldest prejudices. We hear mobs today in Europe call for the gassing of Jews. We hear some national leaders compare Israel to the Nazis. This is not a function of Israel’s policies. It’s a function of diseased minds.

And that disease has a name. It’s called anti-semitism.

It is now spreading in polite society, where it masquerades as legitimate criticism of Israel.

For centuries, the Jewish people have been demonised with blood libels and charges of deicide. Today, the Jewish state is demonised with the apartheid libel and charges of genocide.

Genocide? In what moral universe does genocide include warning the enemy’s civilian population to get out of harm’s way? Or ensuring that they receive tons, tons of humanitarian aid each day, even as thousands of rockets are being fired at us?

Or setting up a field hospital to aid for their wounded?

Well, I suppose it’s the same moral universe where a man who wrote a dissertation of lies about the Holocaust, and who insists on a Palestine free of Jews, Judenrein, can stand at this podium and shamelessly accuse

Netanyahu showing a photograph of children playing next to Hamas rocket launchers

Israel of genocide and ethnic cleansing.

In the past, outrageous lies against the Jews were the precursors to the wholesale slaughter of our people. But no more.

Today we, the Jewish people, have the power to defend ourselves. We will defend ourselves against our enemies on the battlefield. We will expose their lies against us in the court of public opinion. Israel will continue to stand proud and unbowed.

Despite the enormous challenges facing Israel, I believe we have an historic opportunity.

After decades of seeing Israel as their enemy, leading states in the Arab world increasingly recognise that together, we and they face many of the same dangers: principally this means a nucleararmed Iran and militant Islamist movements gaining ground in the Sunni world.

Our challenge is to transform these common interests to create a productive partnership. One that would build a more secure, peaceful and prosperous Middle East. Together, we can strengthen regional security. We can advance projects in water, agriculture, in transportation, in health, in energy, in so many fields.

I believe the partnership between us can also help facilitate peace between Israel and the Palestinians. Many have long assumed that an Israeli-Palestinian peace can help facilitate a broader rapprochement between Israel and the Arab World. But these days I think it may work the other way around: Namely that a broader rapprochement between Israel and the Arab world may help facilitate an Israeli-Palestinian peace.

And therefore, to achieve that peace, we must look not only to Jerusalem and Ramallah, but also to Cairo, to Amman, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh and elsewhere.

I believe peace can be realised with the active involvement of Arab countries, those that are willing to provide political, material and other indispensable support.

I’m ready to make a historic

compromise, not because Israel is occupying a foreign land. The people of Israel are not occupiers in the Land of Israel. History, archeology and common sense all make clear that we have had a singular attachment to this land for over 3,000 years.

I want peace because I want to create a better future for my people. But it must be a genuine peace, one that is anchored in mutual recognition and enduring security arrangements, rock solid security arrangements on the ground. Because you see, Israel’s withdrawals from Lebanon and Gaza created two militant Islamic enclaves on our borders from which tens of thousands of rockets have been fired at Israel.

These sobering experiences heighten Israel’s security concerns regarding potential territorial concessions in the future.

Those security concerns are even greater today.

Just look around you. The Middle East is in chaos. States are disintegrating. Militant Islamists are filling the void. Israel cannot have territories from which it withdraws taken over

by Islamic militants yet again, as happened in Gaza and Lebanon.

That would place the likes of ISIS within mortar range - a few miles - of 80% of our population.

Think about that. The distance between the 1967 lines and the suburbs of Tel Aviv is like the distance between the UN building here and Times Square. Israel’s a tiny country. That’s why in any peace agreement, which will obviously necessitate a territorial compromise, I will always insist that Israel be able to defend itself by itself against any threat.

Yet despite all that has happened, some still don’t take Israel’s security concerns seriously. But I do, and I always will.

Because, as Prime Minister of Israel, I am entrusted with the awesome responsibility of ensuring the future of the Jewish people and the future of the Jewish state. And no matter what pressure is brought to bear, I will never waver in fulfilling that responsibility.

I believe that with a fresh approach from our neighbours, we can advance peace despite the difficulties we face. In Israel, we have a record of making the impossible possible. We’ve made a desolate land flourish. And with very few natural resources, we have used the fertile minds of our people to turn Israel into a global centre of technology and innovation.

Peace, of course, would enable Israel to realise its full potential and to bring a promising future not only for our people, not only for the Palestinian people, but for many, many others in our region. But the old template for peace must be updated. It must take into account new realities and new roles and responsibilities for our Arab neighbours.

There is a new Middle East.

It presents new dangers, but also new opportunities. Israel is prepared to work with Arab partners and the international community to confront those dangers and to seize those opportunities.

Together, we must recognise the global threat of militant Islam, the primacy of dismantling Iran’s nuclear weapons capability and the indispensable role of Arab states in advancing peace with the Palestinians.

All this may fly in the face of conventional wisdom, but it’s the truth. And the truth must always be spoken, especially here, in the United Nations.

Isaiah, our great prophet of peace, taught us nearly 3,000 years ago in Jerusalem to speak truth to power.

For the sake of Zion, I will not be silent.

For the sake of Jerusalem, I will not be still.

Until her justice shines bright, And her salvation glows like a flaming torch.

Let’s light a torch of truth and justice to safeguard our common future.

• Netanyahu delivered this address at the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN)

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

EURO Football

Sports News

Sports News

Learn from Maigari regime, Elegbeleye urges Pinnick

No ‘war’ between Chelsea, Spain –Costa

FIFA hails Amadu, warns NFF on suspension

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Did you know?

That John Fashanu (1993-94), Efan Ekoku (1994-99) and John Hartson (1999-2000), were the three players that wore Wimbledon FCs number nine shirt in the Premier League

FIBA Africa Zone 3 qualifiers begin October 20

Ifeanyi Ibeh

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he FIBA Africa Zone 3 elimination, earlier scheduled to take place from October 13 to 19 in Ouagadogou, Burkina Faso, has been moved.

The shift in date came at the behest of the Burkinabe Basketball Federation, who now want the tournament to hold from October 20 to 29.

The request was made via an email to the President of FIBA

Africa Zone 3, Colonel Samuel Ahmedu, on Sunday night.

And Ahmedu, on the strength of the email, called on clubs within the zone to take note of the new date, saying the Burkinabe federation cited national matters of interest as reason for the postponement.

“An e-mail to the effect was sent to me on Sunday and they explained that there is going to be an event of national interest to the country billed for the same

Their reason to us is important and we look forward to the event

venue for the elimination, hence the shift in date. Their reason to us is important and we look forward to the event,” said Ahmedu.

The president of the Dodan Warriors Basketball Programme added that all previous arrangements remain for the elimination as countries within the zone are expected in the Burkinabe capital on October 20.

The host country had accepted to host the tournament

with teams from Nigeria, Benin Republic, Togo, Ghana, Cote d’ Ivoire, Niger, Liberia and host Burkina Faso in attendance.

He noted that the tournament would be for male and female teams from the eight countries and said he looks forward to the teams being on ground for the event, which would see two male and two female teams emerging as the zone’s representatives ahead of the continental championship.

Eagles: Ikpeba explodes over Keshi’s decisions lSays coach’s arrogance destroying team

Ikpeba

Mikel (right)

Adekunle Salami

A The Sport Team

Adekunle Salami l Deputy Editor, Sports Emmanuel Tobi l Asstistant Editor, Sports

Ifeanyi Ibeh l Sports Correspondent

Ajibade Olusesan l Sports Correspondent

Charles Ogundiya l Sports Correspondent

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

for mer int e r n at i o n al, Victor Ikpeba, has said that some crucial decisions being taken by coach Stephen Keshi are killing the Super Eagles team gradually.

He said there was no consistency in the Super Eagles over the years.

Ikpeba wondered why Keshi would tell

Nigerians he was building a team in 2012 and still repeat the same statement in 2014.

The for mer Monaco star said; “We are at a loss on the length of time the building process will take. There is no progression in the team.

“The Nations Cup the team won was a collective effort together with the federation. We all

After the World Cup, how many of our players moved to big teams?

worked hard to win the Nations Cup. “I was surprised that he invited some unknown players even for the match against Sudan. I cannot understand why Keshi won’t listen to advice from people who equally know the game. And now that we are having poor run in the Nations Cup, Keshi is shifting the blame to the players and that’s wrong. He should reassess himself and learn to take responsibility.”

Ikpeba argued that it was not compulsory to give Keshi another contract but that the important thing was to get the priority right.

He added; “Keshi is behaving like a lord and it is not good; somehow such attitude could kill the team entirely. You fight with your players such that the

best players are not invited to camp. We told him about Ikechukwu Uche and he insisted on not inviting him.

“This is a national assignment and not a personal business of anybody. He has be to fair everybody but the way he is going about the job leaves much to be desired. As a colleague, if we advise him, he takes it as an insult but that’s funny because we all played the game, we are knowledgeable.

“After the World Cup, how many of our players moved to big teams?

B row n I d e ye m ove d t o West Brom without going to Brazil.

“Ag ain, we are saying Kelechi Iheanacho is ripe for the team and Keshi says no. I played for the U-17 team and moved straight to the Super Eagles.”

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Playing for Eagles not do or die affair –Udoji

Charles Ogundiya

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nyimba of Aba captain, Chinedu Udoji, believes playing for the Super Eagles is not a do or die affair.

The central defender has been one of the most consistent performers in the Nigerian top flight since joining Enyimba four seasons ago, leading to his appointment as the club’s skipper at the beginning of the 2013/2014 season.

Speaking to New Telegraph, Udoji said it would be great to be called up to the Super Ea-

gles but as long as the national team selectors are not looking his way he would continue to give his best for Enyimba.

“I look forward to playing for the national team, but I believe it is not a do or die thing for me. I want to continue with my performance for my club and if invited to the national team, I will surely justify my inclusion. I’ll continue to wait for God’s time and I believe it will come in the future,” he said.

Enyimba are currently in touching distance of league leaders Kano Pillars. And with nine rounds of matches to go

to the end of the season, Udoji is keen to lay his hands on the league trophy, as well as the Federation Cup, where they will be up against Dolphins FC. “I want to lift the league trophy this season. Anything can happen in the remaining nine matches, we only need to keep playing our game and hope others results work in our favour,” continued Udoji.

He added: “I also want to win the Federation Cup this season. We are the defending champions and already in the final. We are not going to underrate Dolphins because they are a very good side.”

Stoke legend wants permanent deal for Moses Ajibade Olusesan

F

ormer Stoke City player Robbie Earle has said Victor Moses is perfect for his former club and has urged the team’s hierarchy to consider a permanent deal for the Chelsea player.

Earle wrote in his column in The sentinel that the player who is on a season long loan at the club has ignited the Britannia Stadium with his performance and he could go ahead to be a success at the club.

“Some players and clubs are just perfect for each other, which seems to be exactly the case with winger Victor Moses and Stoke City.

“Okay, there is always the danger of getting carried away by a couple of impressive performances so early in the season. I can understand Stoke not wanting to get involved in talking up a transfer fee for the on-loan Chelsea winger, but if he carries on in this vein of form then I am sure they will be looking to turn that loan into a permanent deal as soon as the January transfer window opens for business,” he said.

Moses

Earle who is a Member of the British Empire said Moses did not excel at Chelsea and Liverpool because he was overwhelmed by the demands at the two major clubs and he needed a club like

Udoji

Learn from Maigari regime, Elegbeleye urges Pinnick Adekunle Salami

T

he Director of Sports, Gbenga Elegbeleye, has charged the new board of the Nigeria Football Federation led by Amaju Pinnick to draw inspiration from the strings of achievements recorded by the Aminu Maigari board.

Elegbeleye who spoke at the NFF Congress on Tuesday in Warri stressed that the new board should carry over the results achieved by the last one.

“We are all happy that the Maigari administration gave us good results. Nigerians love football and

so the best thing is to continue with the good works. It is a big challenge but they must rise to it,” Elegbeleye said.

Earlier, Maigari expressed delight over the achievements of the football body under his leadership.

He told the General Assembly that recording string of successes in his term was not an easy task.

The former NFF boss noted that the body did not start well but was resolute and determined to achieve results which eventually rolled in because of the hard work of the entire NFF officials.

Maigari said; “With all modesty, we are happy with the results

Entries begins for GOtv Hood-2-Hood football tourney igital terrestrial pay-TV, GOtv has anThe application forms for participation in D nounced the call for entries from inter- the Season 2 of the championship will begin ested football teams and clubs for the Season from Thursday, 2 October and close on Friday, 2 of the GOtv Hood to Hood Football Championship.

The GOtv Hood to Hood Football Championship is a grassroots football development initiative which was instituted in 2013 with the aim of engaging the youth positively and redirecting their energy towards sports, and to further entrench the brand with its core target market.

9 October 2014.

GOtv general manager, Elizabeth Amkpa enjoined interested teams to obtain registration forms at the Lagos office of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), inside the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

She added that the 16 teams that will be participating in the championship will be unveiled at a press conference on 10 October 2014.

Ighalo promises Watford fans more goals Emmanuel Tobi

F

ormer Flying Eagles captain, Odion Ighalo, has promised to score more goals to excite Watford fans after his first ever goal for the Hornets in their clash against Brentford on Tuesday.

Ighalo opened the scoring for Watford in the 42nd minute from the penalty spot. He tucked away a rebound of his penalty after it was initially saved.

Speaking in an interview with New Telegraph on

posted during our tenure especially winning the Nations Cup after 19 years.

“We also won the 2013 U-17 World Cup and played the final stages of the female version twice consecutively.

We won bronze in the CHAN event in our very first appearance and qualified all the national teams for all the global competitions.”

The former FA boss showered praises on President Goodluck Jonathan for his support to the federation.

“The President was a big pillar to us and this helped us to run our programmes to get the results we are all proud of today,” the former NFF boss stressed.

Thursday, Ighalo who is on loan from Udinese of Italy, said he is poised to work harder to propel the team in their quest for promotion into the Premier League.

“I’m very happy to score and it will give me more confidence to work hard and score more goals. I want to appreciate our fans for their support because they have always been with the team,” he said.

The ex-Under 23 Eagles striker added that, “my teammates at Watford have really helped me settle down easily in England. I want to dedicate my first

goal to God almighty, my family, my teammates and to Watford fans. I promise to reward them with more goals.”

Watford are seventh on the league table with 17 points from nine games.

Ighalo

Pinnick: I will reconcile with Giwa

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ewly-elected President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, has revealed that he will make serious efforts in reconciling with factional NFF President, Chris Giwa in an effort to reunite the stakeholders in the football family.

Some persons are dissatisfied with everything that has happened in Nigerian football over the last two months, which resulted in several crises rocking the country’s football, and also the controversial August 26 elections which saw Chris Giwa ‘elected’ as the NFF President.

But Pinnick, who is expected to resume today with his board, says efforts will be made to get across to every party involved in the whole process.

“I will reach out to all the people that contested against me; Abba Yola, Amanze Uchegbulam, Taiwo Ogunjobi, Dominic Iorfa, Mike Umeh. I will reach out to all of them and extend a hand of friendship because we need to bring everybody back together,” he said.

“I will personally travel to Jos and sit with Chris Giwa and try to make peace.”

SPORT | EURO FOOTBALL

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

53

Kompany defends ‘world-class’ Toure No ‘war’ between Chelsea, Spain –Costa V

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iego Costa is desperate to avoid a “war” between Chelsea and Spain over his potential selection for the upcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers.

The 25-year-old Costa has been plagued with a hamstring injury in the early stages of the season and Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho stated that he would struggle to play two games in close proximity because of the issue.

Asked if his selection for Spain

‘Welbeck can be like Thierry Henry’

could lead to a club versus country battle, Costa replied: “I think it is something that cannot happen.

There was already a war with the Brazil issue and now I need to be left in peace to try and do things well for the national team. That is what I need and hopefully I will be in this next squad.”

Costa is adamant he will be fine to face Arsenal despite the match representing Chelsea’s third fixture in the space of nine days.

“I’m certain [I will play],”

he added. “I played 90 minutes in Lisbon and now I can have a rest. I do not see a problem. To have played 90 minutes suggests I am okay. Every time I play I feel better and it is a decision for the manager the best way to recuperate from the injury.

“During the week I am working intensively with the physios but [Mourinho] asks me regularly how I am to make sure I am in the best possible shape. The injury is not so bad. I will keep working to return to complete fitness.”

incent Kompany has defended Manchester City team-mate Yaya Toure from criticism over his form, saying he remains a key figure.

Toure has endured a tough start to the 2014/15 campaign, with his standards slipping below his talismanic best.

Having been a player City have relied upon in the past to drag them through testing times, the Ivory Coast international has been handsomely rewarded with a lucrative contract.

It has been suggested that he is struggling to justify that investment, with a man who netted 24 times in all competitions last season managing just one - in the Capital One Cup - so far this term.

Toure has also seen his commitment

G

ary Neville says Danny Welbeck can emerge as a top-class centre forward, - but it’s too early to compare him to Thierry Henry.

The forward, who signed from Manchester United on Transfer Deadline Day, became only the third Arsenal player to score a hat-trick in the Champions League, after Thierry Henry and Nicklas Bendtner when he netted three in Wednesday night’s 4-1 win over Galatasaray.

Neville said the finishes were reminiscent of the great Frenchman and hopes Arsene Wenger can turn Welbeck into a great striker, as he did with Henry.

He told Sky Sports: “They were Thierry Henry goals, but I’m not going to compare him to Thierry Henry because he was one of the best players in the world and one of the best players we ever had in the Premier League.

Yaya Toure (left) goes past Cesc Fabregas

to City called into question, following a difficult summer in which a big-money transfer was mooted.

Kompany, though, remains convinced that the powerful midfielder is ‘an important player’ for City and that his class will shine through over the course of an entire season.

The City skipper said: “He’s done so much for this club, he’s always played brilliantly.

“He is always an important player - when he does well, the team does well.

“We’ve had a tough start because we’ve played tough teams. You can’t deny that.

“He has set the standards very high for himself. But to say he is not at his best, then, I don’t agree.

“It’s so early in the season to call something like this.

Things will improve for everyone.”

I’m coming to EPL next season – Alves

B

Costa (right)

arcelona and Brazil defender Dani Alves says he will be moving to the Premier League next year.

The 31-year-old did not say which Premier League club he hopes to join, or why he wants to leave the Nou Camp.

Brazilian newspaper O Globo quoted Alves as saying: “I am moving to England next year.

“I am going to play in the cradle of football. This will be my last year at Barcelona.”

The paper says Alves is planning to leave the Spanish club at the end of the 2014/15 season.

Born in Brazil, the defender began his professional career with Bahia before being brought to Spain by Sevilla, where he won the UEFA Cup.

54

SPORT

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

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Ogun U-18 football tourney begins

FIFA hails Amadu, warns NFF on suspension

W

orld football – g ove r n i n g body, FIFA, has congratulated NFF General Secretary, Barrister Musa Amadu, on what has been achieved so far, but reiterated that FIFA will not hesitate to wield the big stick should any of the processes already gone through be tampered with at any stage or by anyone.

In a letter dated 2nd

T

he 2014 edition of Ogun State U-18 football champ i o n s h i p, p o w e r e d b y C h i e f A d e b u ko l a A d e b u t u , g ets underway today (F riday) a c ro s s t h e fo u r z o n e s o f t h e state.Twenty clubs have so f ar re gistered for the competition, one each from the 20 local gover nment areas of the state and w i l l c o m p e t e fo r h o n o u r s i n Ijebu-Ode, Sa g amu, Ilaro and Abeokuta.

According to the chair man, O g u n S t at e Fo o t b a l l A s s o c i ation, Ganiu Majekodunmi, the round robin preliminary stage will be played simultaneously in all the centres.

This follows the screening exercise and draws held last week while all g roup g ames will hold between 2nd and 11th of October.

The quarterfinal matches w i l l b e p l aye d b e p l aye d b e tween 15th and 16th while the semifinals hold on the 17th.

T he g rand finale will be decided on the 19th October, coinciding with the 79th bir thday of the sponsor of the championship, Sir Adebutu at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta Dignitaries in spor t fratern i t y a l l ove r t h e c o u n t r y a re expected to attend.

Glo congratulates new NFF President, Pinnick

N

at i o n a l t e l e c o m s operator and major sponsor of Nigerian National teams, Globacom has congratulated the newly-elected President of Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Pinnick.

Mr. Pinnick, the Executive Chairman of Delta State Sports Commission, won the election held in Warri, Delta State on Tuesday in the second ballot with 32 votes to defeat his closest rival Mr. Dominic Iorfa who polled 8 votes.

In a press statement released in Lagos on Tuesday, Globacom said that Nige-

rian football would benefit mostly from the new NFF President’s wealth of experience both as a football administrator and passionate supporter of the round leather game.

According to Globacom, “Your election as the NFF president is well deserved.

It came at the right time and we hope the nation’s football will benefit during your tenure.”

Globacom said that the company was optimistic that Mr. Pinnick’s rich experience would take Nigerian football to unprecedented heights.

October, 2014 and signed

by FIFA Secretary General, Jerome Valcke, FIFA acknowledged receipt of cor respondence detailing the events of the 2014 NFF Elective Congress and commended Amadu and the NFF Executive Committee and Management on what has been done, in line with the world body’s directives.

“We would like to congratulate the members of the new board on their election and are confident they are committed to continuing the development of football in Nigeria. We would also take this opportunity to praise the NFF on what has been achieved in recent weeks despite the various difficulties.

“We now expect the NFF and its new leadership to car ry out its activities without any hindrance in order to avoid having to again refer the case to the appropriate FIFA bodies for an automatic suspension as stated in our previous correspondence.

“We thank you once again and are looking forward to continuing to work closely with the NFF for the benefit of the numerous lovers of Nigerian football.”

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

55

Sanctity of Truth

On Marble

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World Record

Lina Medina, Ticrapo, Peru was the youngest person to ever become pregnant and give birth was only 5 years old!

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Boko Haram, ISIS, Hamas, branches of same poisonous tree T GUEST COLUMNIST

Benjamin Netanyahu

he people of Israel pray for peace. But our hopes and the world’s hope for peace are in danger. Because everywhere we look, militant Islam is on the march. It’s not militants. It’s not Islam.

It’s militant Islam.

Typically, its first victims are other Muslims, but it spares no one. Christians, Jews, Yazidis, Kurds - no creed, no faith, no ethnic group is beyond its sights. And it’s rapidly spreading in every part of the world. You know the famous American saying: “All politics is local”? For the militant Islamists, “All politics is global.” Because their ultimate goal is to dominate the world.

Now, that threat might seem exaggerated to some, since it starts out small, like a cancer that attacks a particular part of the body. But left unchecked, the cancer grows, metastasizing over wider and wider areas.

To protect the peace and security of the world, we must remove this cancer before it’s too late.

Last week, many of the countries represented here rightly applauded President Obama for leading the effort to confront ISIS. And yet weeks before, some of these same countries, the same countries that now support confronting ISIS, opposed Israel for confronting Hamas. They evidently don’t understand that ISIS and Hamas are branches of the same poisonous tree.

ISIS and Hamas share a fanatical creed, which they both seek to impose well beyond the territory under their control.

Listen to ISIS’s self-declared caliph, Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi. This is what he said two months ago: “A day will soon come when the Muslim will walk everywhere as a master... The Muslims will cause the world to hear and understand the meaning of terrorism... and destroy the idol of democracy.”

Now listen to Khaled Meshaal, the leader of Hamas. He proclaims a similar vision of the future: “We say this to the West... By Allah, you will be defeated. Tomorrow, our nation will sit on the throne of the world.”

As Hamas’s charter makes clear, Hamas’s immediate goal is to destroy Israel. But Hamas has a broader objective. They also want a caliphate.

Hamas shares the global ambitions of its fellow militant Islamists.

That’s why its supporters wildly cheered in the streets of Gaza as thousands of Americans were murdered on 9/11. And that’s why its leaders condemned the United States for killing Osama Bin Laden, whom they praised as a holy warrior.

So, when it comes to their ultimate goals, Hamas is ISIS and ISIS is Hamas.

And what they share in common, all militant Islamists share in common: Boko Haram in Nigeria; Ash-Shabab in Somalia; Hizbullah in Lebanon; AnNusrah in Syria; The Mahdi Army in

Iraq; and the al-Qaeda branches in Yemen, Libya, the Philippines, India and elsewhere.

Some are radical Sunnis, some are radical Shi’ites. Some want to restore a pre-medieval caliphate from the 7th century. Others want to trigger the apocalyptic return of an imam from the 9th century. They operate in different lands, they target different victims and they even kill each other in their quest for supremacy.

But they all share a fanatic ideology.

They all seek to create ever expanding enclaves of militant Islam where there is no freedom and no tolerance - where women are treated as chattel, Christians are decimated, and minorities are subjugated, sometimes given the stark choice: convert or die. For them, anyone can be an infidel, including fellow Muslims.

Militant Islam’s ambition to dominate the world seems mad. But so too did the global ambitions of another fanatic ideology that swept to power eight decades ago.

The Nazis believed in a master race.

The militant Islamists believe in a master faith. They just disagree about who among them will be the master of the master faith. That’s what they truly disagree about. Therefore, the question before us is whether militant Islam will have the power to realise its unbridled ambitions.

There is one place where that could soon happen: The Islamic State of Iran.

For 35 years, Iran has relentlessly pursued the global mission which was set forth by its founding ruler, Ayatollah Khomeini, in these words: “We will export our revolution to the entire world. Until the cry “There is no God but Allah” will echo throughout the world over...” And ever since, the regime’s brutal enforcers, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, have done exactly that. Listen to its current commander, General Muhammad Ali Ja’afari. And he clearly stated this goal. He said: “Our Imam did not limit the Islamic Revolution to this country... Our duty is to prepare the way for an Islamic world government...”

Iran’s President Rouhani stood here last week, and shed crocodile tears over what he called “the globalisation of terrorism.” Maybe he should spare us those phony tears and have a word instead with the commanders of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. He could ask them to call off Iran’s global terror campaign, which has included attacks in two dozen countries on five continents since 2011 alone.

To say that Iran doesn’t practise terrorism is like saying Derek Jeter never played shortstop for the New York Yankees. This bemoaning of the Iranian president of the spread of terrorism has got to be one of history’s greatest displays of doubletalk.

Now, some still argue that Iran’s global terror campaign, its subversion of countries throughout the Middle

Netanyahu

East and well beyond the Middle East, some argue that this is the work of the extremists. They say things are changing. They point to last year’s elections in Iran. They claim that Iran’s smooth talking President and Foreign Minister, they’ve changed not only the tone of Iran’s foreign policy but also its substance. They believe Rouhani and Zarif genuinely want to reconcile with the West, that they’ve abandoned the global mission of the Islamic Revolution.

Really?

So, let’s look at what Foreign Minister Zarif wrote in his book just a few years ago: “We have a fundamental problem with the West, and especially with America. This is because we are heirs to a global mission, which is tied to our raison d’etre...”

A global mission which is tied to our very reason of being.

And then Zarif asks a question, I think an interesting one. He says: “How come Malaysia [he’s referring to an overwhelmingly Muslim country] - how come Malaysia doesn’t have similar problems?” And he answers: “Because Malaysia is not trying to change the international order.”

That’s your moderate.

So, don’t be fooled by Iran’s manipulative charm offensive. It’s designed for one purpose, and for one purpose only: To lift the sanctions and remove the obstacles to Iran’s path to the bomb. The Islamic Republic is now trying to bamboozle its way to an agreement that will remove the sanctions it still faces, and leave it with the capacity of thousands of centrifuges to enrich uranium.

This would effectively cement Iran’s place as a threshold military nuclear power. In the future, at a time of its choosing, Iran, the world’s most dangerous state in the world’s most dangerous region, would obtain the world’s most dangerous weapons. Allowing that to happen would pose the gravest threat to us all.

It’s one thing to confront militant Islamists on pick-up trucks, armed with

Kalashnikov rifles. It’s another thing to confront militant Islamists armed with weapons of mass destruction.

I remember that last year, everyone here was rightly concerned about the chemical weapons in Syria, including the possibility that they would fall into the hands of terrorists. That didn’t happen. And President Obama deserves great credit for leading the diplomatic effort to dismantle virtually all of Syria’s chemical weapons capability.

Imagine how much more dangerous the Islamic State, ISIS, would be if it possessed chemical weapons. Now imagine how much more dangerous the Islamic state of Iran would be if it possessed nuclear weapons. Would you let ISIS enrich uranium? Would you let ISIS build a heavy water reactor?

Would you let ISIS develop intercontinental ballistic missiles? Of course you wouldn’t. Then you mustn’t let the Islamic State of Iran do those things either.

Because here’s what will happen: Once Iran produces atomic bombs, all the charm and all the smiles will suddenly disappear. They’ll just vanish.

It’s then that the ayatollahs will show their true face and unleash their aggressive fanaticism on the entire world.

There is only one responsible course of action to address this threat: Iran’s nuclear military capabilities must be fully dismantled.

Make no mistake - ISIS must be defeated. But to defeat ISIS and leave Iran as a threshold nuclear power is to win the battle and lose the war. The fight against militant Islam is indivisible.

When militant Islam succeeds anywhere, it’s emboldened everywhere.

When it suffers a blow in one place, it’s set back in every place.

That’s why Israel’s fight against Hamas is not just our fight. It’s your fight. Israel is fighting a fanaticism today that your countries may be forced to fight tomorrow.

For 50 days this past summer, Hamas fired thousands of rockets at Israel, many of them supplied by Iran. I want you to think about what your countries would do if thousands of rockets were fired at your cities. Imagine millions of your citizens having seconds at most to scramble to bomb shelters, day after day. You wouldn’t let terrorists fire rockets at your cities with impunity.

Nor would you let terrorists dig dozens of terror tunnels under your borders to infiltrate your towns in order to murder and kidnap your citizens.

Israel justly defended itself against both rocket attacks and terror tunnels.

Yet, Israel also faced another challenge.

We faced a propaganda war. Because, in an attempt to win the world’s sympathy, Hamas cynically used Palestinian civilians as human shields. It used schools, not just schools - UN schools, private homes, mosques, even hospitals to store and fire rockets at Israel.

As Israel surgically struck at the rocket launchers and at the tunnels, Palestinian civilians were tragically but unintentionally killed. There are heartrending images that resulted, and C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 5 0

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