7th oct 2014

NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Vol. 1 No. 231

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N150

Why 2015 budget may be delayed Onwuka Nzeshi ABUJA

N

igeria appears set to witness another delayed national budget this year as the Medium Term Expendi-

ture Framework (MTEF), which ought to herald the 2015 budget estimates is yet to be presented to the National Assembly.

The Fiscal Responsibility Act stipulates that the Federal Government,

after consultation with the states, shall not later than four months before the commencement of the next financial year cause to be prepared and laid before the National Assembly, for consideration

a MTEF for the next three financial years.

Section 13 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act states thus: “The Minister shall be responsible for the preparation of the Medium-Term Expenditure

Framework. In preparing the draft Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, the minister may hold public consultation, on the macro-economic framework, the Fiscal Strategy CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Okonjo-Iweala

$5.7m arms deal uncovered lSouth Africa seizes another cash belonging to Nigeria }5

Quick Read Editorial

Time to overhaul the military architecture }19

Telecoms services worsen amid capacity glut }5 IG: Ekiti judicial crisis, reprehensible }48

L-R: Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe; Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar; Chairman, Ekiti State Health Management Board, Chief Bayo Oriire and Senator Aisha Alhassan (Taraba North), during the inauguration of Oba Adejugbe Hospital, to mark the fourth anniversary of the Fayemi administration in Ado-Ekiti…yesterday.

Boko Haram razes 185 churches in Borno, Adamawa lTroops kill 200 insurgents in Michika battle

Wale Elegbede

T

he Catholic Church yesterday accused Boko Haram, which

has seized some towns in Borno and Adamawa States, of destroying about 185 of its parishes in the occupied territory.

The church, in a statement signed by its Director of Social Communication, Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri, Rev. Fr. Gideon Oba-

sogie, said the insurgents had shut down its churches in the zone, adding that, “The ecclesiastical circumscription is facing sharp

disintegration.”

The church’s lamentation came as New Telegraph learnt yesterday CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

FLIGHT SCHEDULE 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

L-R: Sweet Asouzu; Bishop Anselem Unorsem and former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, at a service of song for the late Vice Chairman, Sun Newspapers, Pastor Dimgba Igwe, organised by Kalu in his Abuja residence...at the weekend.

PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

Boko Haram razes 185 churches in Borno, Adamawa CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

that troops killed about 200 Boko Haram militants in a gun duel that ensued when the military launched a bid to regain control of Michika and Gulak in Madagali Local Government Areas of Adamawa State from the insurgents.

According to the statement, the church is going

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through persecution in the North-East where 190, 545 people have been displaced in the last few weeks over the sect’s attacks.

It said: “It is over 30 days now that our church communities in Gulak, Shuwa, Michika, Bazza...... were sacked by the callous attacks of the Boko Haram terrorists. While Gwoza

and Magadali had been under the tyrannical and despotic control of the terrorists this is almost the sixtieth day our priests are displaced.

“Common Nigerians who were supposed to celebrate the independence of Nigeria as a free nation were rather counting their losses and regrets as they had been reduced to the sta-

tus of Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs. “Where is the freedom? Life is really terribly difficult. We are waiting eagerly to go back home, even as it is obvious that we are going to reconstruct our looted and burnt houses and ecclesial structures.

“We have been sacked for months, sleeping in uncompleted buildings,

camps and school premises. We have been absorbed into houses of relations and friends in sixties and seventies. Meals time is always difficult and shameful. We have counted weeks rolling into months, must we also count years?

“We are waiting to go back home. Nigerians are waiting to go back to their CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Why 2015 budget may be delayed CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Paper, the Revenue and Expenditure Framework, the strategic, economic, social and developmental priorities of government, and such other matters as the Minister deems necessary.”

The law envisages that such consultations shall be open to the public, the press and any citizen or authorised representatives of any organisation, group of citizens, who may attend and be heard on any subject matter properly in view, In preparing the fiscal documents, the law enjoins the minister to seek input from the National Planning Commission, Joint Planning Board, National Commission on Development Planning, National Economic Commission, National Assembly, Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN), National Bureau of Statistics, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and any other relevant statutory body.

By implication, the MTEF ought to have been laid before the National Assembly early last month to enable both chambers of the parliament consider, modify and approve it and

thereby setting the stage for the executive to prepare the 2015 budget estimates.

So far, the MTEF document has only been approved by the Federal Executive Council and it is yet to be presented to the National Assembly.

The delay, New Telegraph, learnt is due to the need by the government to consult widely and ensure that the challenges of insecurity, oil price volatility, Ebola Virus Disease and their attendant cost implications were factored into next year’s budget.

Chairman, Senate Committee On Rules and Business, Senator Ita Enang, confirmed to New Telegraph that the National Assembly was yet to receive the 2015/2017 MTEF/Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) about one month after it was due.

Enang added that the legislature was prepared to receive and consider the documents as soon as they were presented to the National Assembly.

According to him, there is an overriding need for the executive and the legislature to do a thorough job on the MTEF because it forms the basis upon which the 2015 budget will be prepared.

“I admit that it is getting late, but I believe that it is better that the executive is allowed to do a thorough job on it before it comes to us. This is a peculiar year; we have a crucial election ahead of us, we have had heightened insecurity and an unforeseen health epidemic this year.

All these added to oil price volatility must be factored into the budget for it to be a realistic document,” he said.

In previous years, the presentation of the MTEF and FSP to the National Assembly usually triggered controversies as the legislature made attempts to modify the projections of the executive in terms of oil price benchmark, exchange rate and other fundamental macro-economic projections.

New Telegraph investigations showed that this year, the story might not be different as the lawmakers would be interested in scrutinising the budget thoroughly even though the executive claimed the draft MTEF/FSP was prepared in consultation with the legislature.

In matters relating to the budget and public fiancé management, there has always been an atmo-

sphere of mutual suspicion between the executive and the legislature.

This suspicion is likely to escalate this year because of the perception of the opposition parties that the ruling party might want to inflate next year’s budget in order to put aside some of the funds for its electioneering.

Barring any last minute twists, Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, will transmit the MTEF to the National Assembly by the middle of October.

But if past experiences are anything to go by, it will take the National Assembly at least one month to consider and approve the document before returning it to the executive to prepare the budget.

It was learnt that the preparations of the 2015 Appropriation Bill and presentation to the National Assembly it by midDecember at the earliest.

However, given this projection, it might be difficult for the National Assembly to pass the 2015 budget before the end of the year as the lawmakers would be be in full election mood by the time the money bill gets to them.

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 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 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 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

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NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

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$5.7m arms deal uncovered

Emmanuel Onani

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or the second time in three weeks, South Africa has seized another $5.7 million cash brought to the country by Nigerian authorities for a secret arms deal.

A report yesterday by City Express, a South African newspaper, said South Africa’s Asset Forfeiture Unit of the National Pros-

ecuting Authority seized the cash for allegedly being the proceeds of illegal transactions.

The circumstances of the seizure were similar to the first incident, in which South Africa confiscated $9.3 million cash transported aboard a jet belonging to Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, by two Nigerians and an Israeli for arms purchase.

The trio was arrested in South Africa after they attempted to smuggle $9.3 million meant for buying arms for the Nigerian intelligence service.

The men had landed at Lanseria International Airport, Johannesburg, on September 5 in the private jet from Abuja with the money stashed in three suitcases.

At the time, the South Africa Revenue Service

(SARS) said customs officers became suspicious when the passengers’ luggage were unloaded and put through the scanners.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in South Africa said there was an invoice for helicopters and armaments intended to be used in Nigeria.

Two black plastic suitcases, filled with 90 blocks each containing $100,000

in notes, with combination locks, were seized, as well as two pieces of hand luggage also containing US currency, according to City Press.

The Israeli national, Eyal Mesika, had the combination to open the locks.

Under South African laws, a person entering or leaving the country is expected to carry cash not exceeding $25,000 or the equivalent in foreign cur-

L-R: National Head, Business Support, Globacom, Mr. Yomi Ogunbamowo; wife of Ogun State Governor, Mrs Olufunso Amosun; her husband, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, at the grand finale of the 2014 Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu Ode...yesterday.

Telecoms services worsen amid capacity glut Kunle Azeez

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uality of services on telecoms networks in Nigeria is degenerating again in spite of the avalanche of installed capacity on service providers’ networks, New Telegraph investigation revealed.

This is coming as telecoms subscribers are said to be losing about N750 million annually to intermittent service quality such as call-drops, unfair billings, charges on Value Added Service (VAS) not subscribed to, among others.

It was gathered that the total installed capacity, which is a function of network expansion investment by telecoms operators, has surpassed the actual connected telephone lines on the networks.

Latest official industry data obtained from the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) shows that telecoms firms, including the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), the Code Division Multiple Access

(CDMA) and fixed wired/ wireless networks currently have in excess of 248.3 million telephone lines installed capacity on their networks.

However, only about 170 million lines are connected, leaving 78.3 million lines capacity free, a development analysts said should have guaranteed ‘seamless and unhindered’ network service delivery to Nigerians.

Of the 170 million telephone lines connected on the networks, 130.7 million phone lines are active, leaving 39.4 million telephone lines connected but inactive, according the NCC data.

Meanwhile, telecoms subscribers, under the aegis of National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS), have lamented what they described as the ‘ongoing lingering and declining quality of service’ on mobile networks in the past few weeks.

President, NATCONS, Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, told New Telegraph in a telephone interview that

“Ordinarily, the gap between the installed capacity and the actual connected telephone lines should translate into improved quality of services.”

However, he said the gap had not translated into quality of service for the subscribers, wondering why they were still facing declining service quality, given the ample free space on telecoms networks.

“Well, from my understanding, I think when one looks at the NCC statistics; one will see that there is an irony in it. For instance, if I have a room that can contain 10 people and only about six people are currently living in that room, do you think there will be suffocation and congestion?

“Same thing with what we have on the network.

Since installed capacity is more than the actual connected phone lines on the networks, subscribers automatically expect that there should be no challenges to poor services,” he said.

Another subscriber, Mr. Adewumi Abiodun,

lamented the unsatisfactory service delivery, saying it has been making it difficult for subscribers to get ‘value for their money.’

“Nigeria, in 2013, lost N730 billion to poor service quality in the telecoms industry and everybody suffers as a result of poor service quality, including the consumer, the service providers and the economy as a whole,” Chief Executive Officer, Backup Networks Limited, Mr. Monday Ogbe, said.

Explaining a typical loss to poor telecoms services, Ogbe, whose company specialises in measuring quality of service level on mobile networks, said: “For 100 million subscribers experiencing 10 minutes of poor service quality and quality of experience at N10 average failure rate, the net loss to subscribers is N1 billion per day.

“Providers’ inability to service 100 million subscribers with potential 20 minutes calls due to consistent 10 minutes downtime equals N2 billion, but with less than N1 billion

earned as a result of poor quality repeat calls, the net loss to service provider equals N1 billion.”

According to him, the Nigerian economy loses N2 billion per day owing to the net losses from the consumers and the operators income, bringing the total losses in a year to the economy within 365 days to an estimated N730 billion as a result of poor QoS and poor Quality of Experience (QoE).

Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer of Medallion Communications, Mr. Ike Nnamani, noted that the gap existing between installed capacity and the connected lines on the networks should translate into improved services but for some challenges.

Nnanani said: “Literally, there should be service improvement with the current scenario of installed capacity far greater than total connected phone lines in the country. However, as we know, operators also face other operational challenges affecting their networks.

rency notes.

However, the latest transaction, according to the report, was between Cerberus Risk Solutions, an arms broker in Cape Town, and Societe D’Equipments Internationaux, said to be a Nigerian company based in Abuja.

The paper said the deal fell apart after Cerberus, which had earlier received from Nigeria R60 million (N1.02 billion) in its account at Standard Bank, tried to repay the money as it could not resolve its registration formalities with the South African authorities.

“Cerberus was previously registered as a broker with the National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC), but the registration expired in May this year.

“The marketing and contracting permits also expired at the same time.

The company has since applied for re-registration, but the application lay in the NCACC’s mailbox for more than two months.

“Sources told Rapport that Cerberus apparently tried to pay the money back to the Nigerian company, after which the bank became suspicious,” the newspaper reported.

It added that while the NPA’s Asset Forfeiture Unit obtained a court order in the South Gauteng High Court to seize the money, the NPA spokesperson, Mr. Nathi Mncube, said there were no indications the two transactions were related.

“However, both are now the subject of a criminal investigation and all possible information and connections are being investigated,” he was quoted as saying.

However, New Telegraph gathered that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) was yet to get details of the latest incident.

Efforts to get the spokesman for the NSA, Mr. Adekunle Karounwi, to comment on the matter did not yield results, as he said: “Actually, I also saw it (report), but I have been trying to get the facts, and as soon as I get something concrete, I will get across to you.”

Subsequent calls to his phone were not answered.

Similarly, New Telegraph could not reach the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri, who also doubles as the Coordinator, National Information Centre (NIC) that handles briefing of journalists on security issues.

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Atiku, Oyegun: Nigerians must throw PDP out in 2015 lAPC commends Adeboye for disowning hate CD Adesina Wahab, Cajetan Mmuta and Johnchuks Onuanyim

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ormer Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John OdigieOyegun have admonished Nigerians not to miss the chance of voting out the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 presidential election.

Speaking in Ado-Ekiti yesterday during a visit to Ekiti State, Atiku said the ruling PDP had failed to meet the expectations of Nigerians and that next year’s election presents

one of the best chances to vote out the party after 16 years in the saddle.

The APC presidential aspirant said the opposition party is best positioned to take over from the PDP in 2015 and lead the country to higher heights.

“This is the first time Nigerians will be having an alternative platform to vote out the PDP, and this opportunity must not be missed,”Atiku advised.

Describing APC as a pragmatic party with mechanisms that could put Nigeria in a better stead among the comity of nations, Atiku said: “Today, we have an opposition

party that is strong and better organised to tackle poverty and rescue Nigerians from the abyss of suffering brought by the PDP in the last 15 years.

“Nigerians now have the opportunity to make a change and this is the opportunity that should not be missed,” Atiku said.

Commenting on the chances of his party in the 2015 presidential election, Atiku said: “I am very sure that the APC has a wonderful opportunity to emerge victorious because we are better organised and Nigerians are tired of the PDP government.”

Atiku, who inaugurated

the Oba Adejugbe Hospital, Ado-Ekiti as part of the activities marking the fourth anniversary of the Kayode Fayemi administration, also advocated devolution of powers, saying there was overconcentration of power at the federal level.

Meanwhile, Odigie-Oyegun has stated that Jonathan and the PDP have lost the steam to steer the ship of the nation.

He called on Nigerians not to allow Jonathan and the PDP to remain in power beyond 2015.

Oyegun spoke yesterday in Benin, the Edo State capital, when the leadership of the Izon-Ibe Global Policy

Network (IGPN) paid him a visit and pledged support for the APC ahead of the 2015 general election.

He added that the PDPled Federal Government has reached the end of the road and cannot offer anything again for the benefit of Nigeria.

In another development, the APC has commended the General Overseer of the Redeem Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, for dissociating himself and the church from an audio CD being circulated around.

According to APC, the audio CD is very offensive

and divisive in nature.

National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, expressed satisfaction that the cleric specifically asked the RCCG pastors to ignore the contents of the audio CD. “We in the APC are delighted at the GO’s prompt action and statement that the RCCG did not endorse divisive comments in any form or shape, that it has sons and daughters in all political parties, and that the allegations contained in the audio CD are wickedly false, unsubstantiated, ill-conceived and mischievous,” Mohammed said.

Boko Haram razes 185 churches in Borno, Adamawa CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

ancestral homes. Our minds are greatly troubled; do we think about our status? Or about our family members yet to be connected with ever since we fled our homes? Do we worry about our aged parents who were not so strong to run? They always fed us with words of encouragement and wisdom.

“Do we worry about our sick members, women and infants who had been trapped; most of whom we heard had been raped and killed? Or worry about the health, education and future of our children? We have got a lot of questions yet to be answered.”

While noting that children in the affected areas are suffering hunger and are not well clothed, the church expressed concern about resumption of school after five months of closure, stating that if thousands of children cannot go to school, then in the long run “boko is really haram.”

“Then, their (children) future is at stake, quite bleak. The health condition of our people is truly troubling in their displaced camps,” the church added.

It criticised the inability of the Federal Government to speedily end the insurgency, saying it is absurd that while people are perishing as a result of the Boko Haram attacks, what they are getting is inaction or rather slow action.

“Political activities in neighboring communities were ongoing as though nothing were at stake. The seemingly not so much talked about syndicate would someday be a yoke on all.

“Lately, three local government areas of Bama, in Borno and Madagali

/ Michika in Adamawa States and their local government chairmen were all sacked. The shehus and emirs overturned. This amounts to what I would rather refer to as cultural coup, since unknown figures have been placed in such capacities.

“Thousand displaced, many killed, and others forcibly conscripted. These are pointers that Boko Haram terrorism is not just a Northern problem, but a Nigerian problem and in fact a global issue,” the church stated.

Meanwhile, sources in Yola have said that troops have killed about 200 Boko Haram insurgents in a battle in Michika, which has been under the control of the terrorists for about a month.

One of the sources said after routing the insurgents from Michika, the troops advanced towards Madagali to dislodge the terrorists.

According to the source, the insurgents, who had suffered heavy casualties after they were bombarded on Sunday, re-grouped at the Government Technical College, Michika in preparations to launch another attack on the soldiers.

“Nigerian troops have gained entry into Michika and Gulak, and are now fully in control of the towns having dealt a severe blow to the insurgents, as they lost about 200 members, while some escaped with injuries sustained from gun shots.”

Attempts to get more details of the encounter between the troops and the insurgents from the Army Public Relations Officer of the 23rd Army Brigade Yola, Capt. Jafaru Nuhu, were unsuccessful as calls to his telephone were not going through.

L-R: Alhaji Saliu Mohammed; Alhaji Ibrahim Jani; Olofa of Offa, Oba Muftau Gbadamosi and Alhaji Ahmed Oriowo, after the Eid el kabir prayers, at Offa Praying Ground…at the weekend.

Mutiny: Col, soldiers to challenge composition of court-martial Emmanuel Onani Abuja

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s the General Court Martial (GCM) set up by the Nigerian Army, begins trial of 97 officers and soldiers charged with mutiny and other related offences on October 15, many of the accused persons, including a LtCol. have concluded plans to raise preliminary objections before the nine-member panel.

The new GCM, which was convened about three weeks after a similar one sentenced 12 soldiers to death by firing squad, is headed by Brig.-Gen. Musa Yusuf.

New Telegraph gathered from a senior army officer yesterday, that the first accused person, Lt-Col. S. Tilawan, has directed his counsel and serving officer, Col. Godwin Anyalemechi,

to raise a preliminary objection to the membership of a Judge-Advocate (JA), Lt-Col. Ukpe Ukpe.

The senior officer, who craved anonymity, told New Telegraph that the objection, will be predicated on the grounds that Ukpe, in his capacity as an Assistant Director (Legal Unit) of the Army, may have offered valuable legal advice, that may have facilitated the framing of the charges by the Army Headquarters Garrison, against the accused persons.

According to him, the law of natural justice, as encapsulated in the Latin expression: “Nemo Judex In causa sua” (let no one be a judge in his own cause), will be breached, if the JA is allowed to sit as a member of the GCM. He also submitted that the legal system Nigeria operates is accusatorial in

nature, and not inquisitorial.

When reminded that same issue was raised last Thursday, and accordingly settled, he explained that all that transpired, happened before the inauguration of the GCM. It was further learnt that the accused officer may file a “no case submission,” in the course of the trial.

Efforts to get the Director of Army Public Relations Officer (DAPR), Brig.-Gen. Olajide Laleye’s comments, were unsuccessful, as his phone line failed to connect.

When New Telegraph called the 1st accused counsel, Col. Anyalemechi, to know if he had the authority of his client to object to the JA’s membership of the GCM, he neither confirmed nor denied it.

Rather, he appealed to the Army, to outsource

the JA from the Navy, Air Force, or even from another Division.

His words: “I want justice for the Nigerian Army, accused person and for the society.

“It will not be good for the Army, after putting all the money to try the accused persons, for the verdict to be upturned on appeal, because of one little mistake that would have been cured from the outset.

“Since the Nigerian Armed Forces is guided by one legal document, that is, the Armed Forces Act, a JA can be obtained either from the Navy, Air Force or from another Division of the Nigerian Army,” he reasoned.

He pointed out that “the legal advice, which the prosecution had allegedly agreed that the JA had rendered, must go to the propriety or otherwise of the cases to be tried.”

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NEW TELEGRAPH tuesday, OCTOBER 7, 2014

UNESCO: Nigeria needs 4m teachers to achieve UPE Onwuka Nzeshi

l To spend extra US$1.8 billion per year

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and underwrite quality by ensuring that there are not more than 40 students for every teacher.

These facts emerged in a paper just released by the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) and the Education for All Global Monitoring Report (GMR) on World Teachers’ Day. The World Teachers Day is celebrated every October 5 to commemorate the contributions of

ABUJA

total of four million teachers will be required to achieve Universal Primary Education by 2015. Out of this, 2.6 million will replace teachers who retire, change occupations or leave the workforce due to illness or death. The remaining 1.4 million will be needed to universalise access to primary education

teachers to the education sector worldwide.

The report showed that there are massive and persistent teacher shortages, especially of well-trained teachers but in varying degrees across the world.

These chronic shortages, the report said, will continue to deny the fundamental rights to primary education for millions of children in decades to come if concerted ac-

tion was not taken. The paper highlights the urgent need for countries to boost teacher training programmes in order to raise the numbers of teachers in schools.

However, the report acknowledged that the task of getting every child of school age enrolled in school next year as envisaged in the Education for All (EFA) component of the Millennium Develop-

ment Goals (MDG) will not be achievable due to several challenges.

“UPE will not be achieved by 2015, however, as 58 million children are still out of school. For this reason, the analysis presented in this paper determines how many teachers would be needed if the goal of achieving UPE was shifted to 2020 or 2030. To achieve UPE by 2020, for example, coun-

tries will need to recruit a total of 12.6 million primary teachers. This includes the creation of about 2.4 million new teaching positions and the replacement of 10.2 million teachers expected to leave the profession due to attrition.

By 2030, the total demand for teachers would rise to 27.3 million, with about 3.4 million new posts needed for UPE and the remaining 23.9 million to compensate for attrition,” the report said.

According to the report, the region facing the greatest challenges by a large margin is subSaharan Africa,which accounts for more than one-half (63%) of the additional teachers needed to achieve UPE by 2015 or two-thirds (67%) by 2030.

Amadi: Why I want to rescue Imo Philip Nyam Abuja

P L-R: Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha; his Director General, Chris Okewulonu and Hon Gerald Ironna, during Ihedioha’s consultation with PDP stakeholders in Ohaji/Egbema L.G.A , on his gubernatorial ambition in Imo State

Audit report on $10.8m oil missing fund ready soon — Okonjo- Iweala Abdulwahab Isa Abuja

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o-ordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OKonjoIweala, has assured that the report of the audit into the unaccounted $10.8billion oil money would be ready soon.

Okonjo-Iweala spoke at the Financial Times Africa Summit 2014 with the theme: Consolidating the Continent’s Rise, which held yesterday in London.

The minister said that though the figure involved was not new, the intense interest it gener-

ated was a source of concern to government.

The concern raised by the public , she said, prompted the government to appoint Price Water House Coopers to do a forensic audit.

“Initially it was $48billion. Then, $20billion, but the figure we have always had is $10.8billion. I am Minister of Finance. If money is missing, I want it to be used for good things for the country and that was why when we went to the Senate, we demanded for forensic audit. The President supported it and asked for it to be done.

“We engaged PwC with

the Auditor General taking the lead. They initially asked for 16 weeks to compete the work.

They have spent 11or12 weeks so far and they will be done in a couple of weeks”, she said.

On Ebola, she said Nigeria needs to be commended for the efforts it made in ensuring the index case did not take the illness out of the country.

“Nigeria did a great service by stopping Sawyer, who was Minnesotabound. Ebola cannot be said to be the real elephant in the room as it has been hyped beyond proportion by the media.

“We all want democra-

Escaped girl from Mubi, not Chibok Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

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ontrary to the general belief that Susana Iliya, who was found somewhere in Yola, Adamawa State was among the missing Chibok Secondary School girls, indications have emerged that she might not be from the Chibok village.

New Telegraph yesterday gathered that Susana, who is said to be four months pregnant and psychologically traumatised is from a village in Mubi, Adamawa State.

A source revealed that the Director of Military Intelligence, in whose custody the girl has been since she was moved from Yola, was said to have told some Chibok leaders that

the girl has opened up on her identity.

He said the girl has given the contact of her relations in Mubi including her husband, noting however that she might not have fully regained her senses.

She was reported to have sent a message to her relations that she is now in ‘heaven’ suggesting that she is not fit yet.

cy, but how do you get it?

It involves money. If you want accountability and good governance, you must discuss issues relating to campaign funds.

People who sponsor campaigns believe they must get something from the government when elections are won. These are the real elephant in the

room and we need to deal with it” Okonjo-Iweala added.

Discussing on the panel “Focus Nigeria’, Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Arunma Oteh, described wholesale and retail trade as the future of Nigerian economy.

Winner of LNG prize for Literature emerges Tony Okuyeme

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head of the announcement of this year’s winner of the Nigeria LNG-sponsored yearly Nigeria Prize for Literature, this Thursday October 9, in Lagos, literary enthusiasts in the country and beyond its shores are awaiting with excitement who among the three shortlisted writers will emerge winner of the prize.

The prize comes with a $100,000 cash prize, courtesy of NLNG and rotates yearly amongst four literary genres: prose fiction, poetry, drama and children’s literature. This year’s prize is for drama.

The three shortlisted authors in the running for this year’s laurel, in alphabetical order of their surnames, are Friday John Abba (Alekwu Night Dance), Jude Idada (Oduduwa, King of the Edos) and Sam Ukala (Iredi War).

Authors entered a total of 124 books for the award but rigorous standards applied by the panel of judges made up of eminent scholars and renowned literary critics saw that number reduced to a selection of eleven for further scrutiny, before the final shortlist of three emerged, the organisers said in a statement.

resident of Pan African Parliament (PAP) and governorship aspirant on the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Imo State, Hon. Bethel Amadi has declared that his ambition is borne out of the desire to save the people from maladministration.

Amadi, who represents Mbatoli/ Ikeduru Federal Constituency and is the chairman of the House of Representatives committee on national planning, made this disclosure while speaking to journalists in Abuja.

He said: “What we have in Imo State today is a complete state of maladministration that has set the otherwise viable state 10 years backward”.

The former chief whip of the House explained that “A situation where you have projects not completed for three years calls for a quick reasoning as to how the state is being administered in the last three years”.

According to him, the dissolution of local government council’s executives without due process and the flagrant disobedience to all known democratic tenets has made the state to remain largely a rural state.

“It is in Imo state that the state Chief Executive goes about distributing 200 naira notes to pupils on one hand and on the other hand, suddenly dissolves the town unions that laboured for years to build same schools”.

8

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unity

Hold them by their words. Buhari, Atiku and Kwankwaso believe in fair play Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

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hairman, Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology and one of the chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Bukola Saraki has assured that contrary to speculations the contest for the presi-

8.67%

tuesday, OCTOBER 7, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Presidential ticket won’t split APC, says Saraki dential ticket of the party will not tear it apart.

Saraki, who is considered as one of the aspirants for the top job, said he had met personally with the two of the frontline contenders for the ticket, General Muhammadu Buhari and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and that both have given their firm assurances that they would support whoever emerges as the party’s flag bearer.

Saraki, who described the emergence of the

The percentage of individuals using the internet in Kenya in 2008.

Source: Itu.int

APC as the outcome of collective sacrifice by all concerned, said the direction of his presidential ambition would however be known in the next few days, noting that the 2015 elections for the party was all about Nigeria and not personal interest.

“I can tell you that I have sat down with each of them and they assured us that they will stand with whoever gets the ticket”, Saraki told newsmen in Ilorin, Kwara State. He linked rumours of a possible split in the

N184.6bn

The IGR realized from direct assessment sources of Ebonyi State in 2010.

Source: National Bureau of Statistics

party after its presidential primaries to antics of the opposition, which has always predicted evil concerning the party.

His words: “This is the propaganda from the opposition. I want to assure Nigerians that the fact we are going to have the primaries should not in any way disintegrate any party. I believe that even such primaries help to unify the party. We saw it during the era of Social Democratic Party (SDP).

After the primaries, the party did not disinte-

7.5%

The percentage of rural areas with electricity in sub-Sahara Africa in 2011.

Source: Unesco.org

grate. Rather, it made the party stronger.

“Even in the early days of PDP; Obasanjo and Ekwueme had primaries and the party did not disintegrate.

I can open up and tell you that I have had the opportunity to sit with General Buhari, Alhaji Atiku and Kwankwaso and there are assurances from them that whichever way the primaries go, they will support whoever emerges as the candidate. When we started to merge with the legacy

5,925

The number of refugees in Moldova at the beginning of 2010.

Source: Blatantworld.com

L-R: Former National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Okwesieleze Nwodo; Political Adviser to President Jonathan, Prof. Rufai Alkali; PDP National Treasurer, Alhaji Buhari Bala; Senator Barnabas Gemade and member, PDP Board of Trustees, Prof. Jerry Gana, at a special reception to mark the investiture of Alhaji Buhari Bala as Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) in Abuja…recently

Northern youths okay Sambo S ome northern youth groups have backed the decision of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to retain Vice President Namadi Sambo as the running mate of President Goodluck Jonathan for next year’s presidential election.

The youths under the aegis of the northern caucus of the Youth Development Transformation and Sustainable Peace in Nigeria (YODETSIN) agreed with earlier statement of the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh that Sambo was an integral part of Jonathan’s winning team.

Speaking to Journalists yesterday in Abuja,

National leader of YODETSIN, Innocent Kaku commended the ruling party’s decision to adopt Jonathan as the party’s sole presidential candidate.

Kaku decried the “unbridled attempt” by its former executive to discredit the Jonathan and Sambo 2015 collaboration for a progressive Nigeria by the organisation’s former Deputy National leader, Ayuba Auta.

Kaku assured of his group’s commitment to the re-election of Jonathan and also associates itself with Vice President Sambo, but counts itself out of the decision to pick a running mate for the President.

ITU fights poor quality devices T he International Telecommunication Union (ITU) said it would hold talks on strategies to combat counterfeit and substandard devices in Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

The Secretary-General of ITU, Dr Hamadoun Toure, made this known in a statement issued in Lagos yesterday.

He said the high-level talks were in a bid to improve global coordination in the application of ICT. According to him, the talks, which will feature discussions on combating counterfeit and substandard ICT devices, will hold at ITU Headquarters in Geneva, from Nov. 17 to

Nov. 18.

He also said discussion would take stock of the global challenges posed by counterfeit and substandard ICT products and the role of ITU in checking counterfeiting.

“Consumers rely on brand names and international standards to provide an assurance of quality, and this assurance is relevant to consumers in developed and developing countries.

“Counterfeit and substandard ICT products demand international action.

“Such products raise the risk of network disruptions and interoperability challenges that result in poor quality of service, with potentially

parties, the opposition said the party will disintegrate with the merger.

After that, they said that by the time we go for national convention, the party would disintegrate.

“The party will not disintegrate because we are all making sacrifices every day. It is not easy to come together to take on a government with this level of impunity. We are all doing this because we truly believe that this is the best way for Nigeria.”

I have utmost confidence that whoever emerges as the presidential flag bearer for APC, we will rally round the person.”

On his rumoured presidential ambition, Saraki acknowledged there were indeed pressures from several quarters on him to make a move and assured that he would make his position on the matter known in the next few days.

He also dismissed claims by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the 2015 elections would be a walkover against the opposition party given the endorsement of incumbent governor, Alhaji AbdulFattah Ahmed by Saraki.

According to him, it was too early for the PDP to jump to such conclusion when they have not even been able to settle the issue of who would be their own candidate.

He said: “Very soon, I will make my position on the issue of whether I will or will not contest the 2015 presidential elections known in the next couple of weeks. I appreciate the demands that I have seen coming from different parts of the country on this issue.”

IPMAN to build refineries in Kogi, Bayelsa

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he Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) yesterday announced its commitment to provide leadership in establishing private refineries.

Mr Chinedu Okoronkwo, IPMAN National President, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the association had acquired more than 1,000 hectares in Kogi and Bayelsa for the proposed three billion Dollars (N495 billion) refineries.

NAN recalls that IPMAN had earlier in July concluded a business deal with some international investors to build two refineries worth about three billion Dollars at

Itobe, Kogi, and Abbe in Bayelsa.

The foreign investors had conducted feasibility studies on the project in August.

Okoronkwo said that the Federal Government had through the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezain Alison-Madueke, welcomed the investor’s initiative to commence work on the two refineries.

He urged the Ministry of Power to support the IPMAN refinery initiative by providing the sites access to the national grid.

He said when completed in 24 months, the refineries would initially produce about 200,000 barrels of petrol per day.

News

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY OCTOBER 7, 2014

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Ugwuanyi: PDP refutes rift among members Dubem Onyia denies boycott speculation

Uwakwe Abugu Enugu

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he Enugu State Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has denied the speculations that there are cracks over the alleged adoption of Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as the consensus governorship candidate of the party for the 2015 polls.

There had been me-

dia reports that loyalists are now in disarray over misgivings arising from the exercise that culminated in the adoption of Ugwuanyi.

The party said such insinuations were “blatantly falsehood, mischievous and calculated to deceive the public”.

The party stated yesterday that contrary to the report that some party leaders who did not attend last Saturdays state

PDP caucus meeting did that to protest the emergence Ugwuanyi, one of those mentioned, Chief Dubem Onyia, a former minister, has clarified that he never boycotted the meeting but duly notified the leadership of the party on why he was absent.

The party’s reaction came from its Publicity Secretary, Dr. Okey Eze who also offered more insight into the circum-

stances that produced Ugwuanyi as the party’s consensus candidate.

Eze who described the process that led to Ugwuanyi’s emergence as “an epitome of democracy” said the reports were the handiwork of mischief makers who were determined to undermine the integrity of the party for selfish reasons.

Governor Sullivan Chime had also defended

the exercise.

He said: “The PDP in Enugu is strong and united as it has been since the inception of the Sullivan Chime administration. The party is even stronger and more united now that we have a consensus gubernatorial candidate who was chosen through a very smooth, transparent and democratic process.

“It is the first time

such a thing is happening in the history of the state. Anyone saying the party is in disarray is clearly being mischievous”, he posited.

The Party spokesman regretted that the report had been centred on alleged false interpretation that some key political figures were absent at the State Caucus meeting of the party which endorsed Ugwuanyi last Saturday.

Umeh cautions politicians T

L-R: Oyo State governor, Abiola Ajimobi; Dr. Lekan Are and Chief K. O. Latunji, at a Sallah get-together for elders of Ibadanland in Ibadan…at the weekend

Etiebet condemns Akpabio’s plan to impose successor Tony Anichebe Uyo

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or more than two hours yesterday, a faction of (PDP) Peoples Democratic Party elders and other stakeholders led by Atuekong Don Obot Etiebet, life member of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) met in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, to appraise situation of things in the party ahead of the crucial 2015 general elections.

The elders condemned what they described as the dictatorial tendencies of the party leader in the State, Governor Godswill Akpabio, noting that if urgent steps were not taken, the party could be run adrift by the Governor.

Addressing newsmen at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Etiebet accused Akpabio of running the party as his personal fiefdom, maintaining that

such exhibition of barefaced dictatorship by Akpabio was predicated on his resolve to impose his anointed successor, which he noted, runs counter to the party constitution.

Besides, Etiebet stated that in Akpabio’s resolve to install his own candidate no matter whose ox is gored, he, working in alliance with the State Executive members of the party had retrieved all party registers from the wards and chapter levels to the PDP Secretariat in Uyo. According to him, the action was deliberate in order for Akpabio to manipulate the register and include names of his loyalists who would aid the enthronement of his anointed candidate, adding that such action portends a bad omen for the party as congresses and primaries approach.

He said: “As the party prepares for the forthcoming congresses and primaries to elect can-

didates, the national leadership of our great party has insisted on a level playing field for all interested aspirants to contest the primaries and frowns totally against any form of imposition of candidates by any person or group, imploring elected party officials at all levels not to be involved in endorsing or working for any aspirant but must remain unbiased umpires in the nomination process”.

Warning the youths against being used as thugs to molest party leaders and stakeholders during the poll, Etiebet was quick to carpet the governor for alleged incisive statement that youths should rise against the elders in the State.

According to the former Minister, such remarks were capable of causing ethnic tension in the State and urged the youths to shun such unfortunate statements while focusing on their future.

‘Nothing undemocratic about Jonathan’s adoption’ Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

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kiti State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Makanjuola Ogundipe, has said the adoption of President Goodluck Jonathan as the party’s candidate for next year’s presidential election has not diminished the democratic credentials and ideals of the party.

Speaking in an interview in Ado-Ekiti, he noted that the adoption was without prejudice to the right of any member to still want to seek the party’s nod for the same election.

Ogundipe added that what PDP leaders had done was to express their satisfaction with the performance and leadership ability of the President.

he National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh has cautioned politicians against overheating the nation’s polity as the 2015 general elections inch close.

Umeh, who gave the advice during a chat with newsmen in Awka, restated the need to have peaceful and successful elections in 2015.

“Looking back to the 54 years of nationhood, it has become very important that people aspiring to leadership positions in the country must think about making the country a great nation.

“Politicians, who want to contest any election, should see their interest in politics as a call to national service and duty and not to overheat the polity.

“As we ask people who are qualified and those with public interest to contest, we also ask the electorate to be wise in the choices they make during the polls,” the APGA boss said.

Umeh also expressed confidence in the Prof.

Attahiru Jega- led Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging him to continue to deliver credible elections and avoid dabbling into avoidable controversies.

Amosun’s wife harps on health insurance

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ife of the Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun has encouraged the people of the state to embrace the new Communitybased Health Insurance Scheme provided by the present administration to ensure quality and affordable healthcare delivery that will boost the health indicators and contribute to development.

Mrs. Amosun during the flag-off ceremony of the scheme at the Prima-

ry Health Centre, Italapo in Ijebu-Ode, stated that the scheme tagged “Araya” was launched by the state Governor on April 29, to provide financial protection against the cost of illness and improving access to quality healthcare services for the general population in the community.

She explained that the name Araya was coined to reflect a community free from all forms of diseases that pose threat

to the lives of the people, adding that it was part of the Senator Ibikunle Amosun-led administration’s electioneering promise that health care would be free for children under the ages of 5 years, pregnant women and the elderly.

The governor’s wife said: “Majority of our women will benefit from Araya as the scheme is created to attend to various health issues associated with female gender.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

10

Metro Man, defiles minor

Dominic Adewole ASABA

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or having an unlawful carnal knowledge of a two-year-girl, a 39-yearold carpenter, Mr Gbanga Anaorin, is cooling his feet in police cell in Delta State.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Celetina Kalu, said a male resident in Okpanam town alerted the police about the crime.

According to the man, while his two-year-old daughter, on the same date, was urinating, she started crying because of pain in her private part.

“When they asked her what was wrong with her, the little girl said the suspect (Anaorin) living in their compound injured her in her private part.

“On receipt of the report, detectives swung into action and arrested the suspect is now helping the police in investigation,” Kalu said.

She added that the victim had been taken to the hospital for treatment.

“The suspect will be made to face the full weight of the law at the end,” the PPRO added.

Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

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his is certainly not the best of times for beneficiaries of Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha’s 25,000 jobs’ initiative otherwise called the ‘Youth-Must-Work’ programme.

The government is said to be finding it difficult to pay their monthly salaries.

While some of the youth claimed that they had received only two months’ salaries, others said that they were only paid once since the programme began in May. With the development, some people are being owed three months’ salaries while others have not been paid for four months.

Mr Chibuike Egbula, who left the programme last month for a better job offer, said it was wrong to say they were being paid salaries.

He said: “We were paid a flat rate stipend of N20,000 each, regardless of your qualifications.

“During the pay parade at the Sub-Treasury and later at the Accountant General’s office in Owerri, some of us were paid for two months and some ended up being paid for only one month when the beneficiaries went on the rampage following tortuous process and exploitation they had to go through.”

Last Thursday, while

Okorocha at a public function

Imo 25,000 jobs: Beneficiaries groan over unpaid salaries Okorocha met with teachers to discuss the resumption of schools, some of the YouthMust-Work beneficiaries who were deployed to teaching complained of their unpaid salary arrears and the nonissuance of their employment letters.

Some of them, who craved anonymity, said that while they had not been paid, they were directed to pay N1,000 each for identification card.

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

abiodun.bello@newtelegraphonline.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

that the salaries owed the youth would be paid.

The governor, however, said that salaries should not be the major concern of the workers but securing permanent employment.

On the issue of employment letters, he urged the beneficiaries to be patient as they would still need to be tested and their employments confirmed before they are issued employment letters.

UK: Nigerian fraudsters dupe lonely women of £220,000

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Suleiman Abba, IG

One of the teachers said that while a few of them had started paying, the bulk of the beneficiaries saw the identification card fee as extortion.

He argued that the government should provide the identity card for its employees or charge them the normal rate of production of identity cards which he said was N300 per copy.

Responding to the complaints, Okorocha promised

raudsters, among them Nigerians, have bombarded lonely women on a dating website with messages of love to con them out of £220,000, Winchester Crown Court has been told.

The group created false profiles on Match.com to pose as middle-aged men and told victims they were their ‘soulmate’ and ‘inspiration’.

One woman received a message describing ‘the love thundering into our hearts that only we can understand’.

The gang, according to Daily Mail, invented a story about needing money to ‘free up’ a £1.5 million inheritance locked in an Indian bank account to press the ‘vulnerable’ singletons for cash, prosecutors said.

Monty Emu (28), Eberechi Ekpo (26), Adewunmi Nusi (37) and Brooke Boston (28), allegedly pocketed £220,000 from women they targeted. One woman paid them £174,000 in total, the court heard.

Opening the trial at Winchester Crown Court, prosecutor, Simon Edwards, said bo-

gus Match.com accounts were set up to contact ‘emotionally vulnerable’ users.

One profile, for ‘James Richards,’ described him as ‘very attractive’ and listed his height, build and hair colour.

Once they lured a woman they would exchange messages on the site and then move to text messages and email, where they were unmonitored, jurors heard.

The victims were told Richards’ father had died and left him £1.5 million. He asked them for £700 to help fund a trip to India to access it.

‘Mr Richards’ went on the trip but hit problems and

needed more money to obtain a series of certificates and an affidavit to release his inheritance, the story went, with the sums ranging from £10,000 to £100,000.

The scam included a fictitious lawyer, Rod Thompson of ‘Quality Solicitors’, fake court documents and tax clearance certificates.

“The operation of the conspiracy was fairly straightforward and its success depended on the trust and cooperation of the victims in this case.

“It is fair to say – and I hope I do not do them a disservice in this – by and large the victims were financially vulnerable and also to an extent emotionally vulnerable.

“The conspirators exploited their emotional vulnerability to ensure financial reward for them and those who laundered the money,” Edwards said.

Money was paid into bank accounts and transferred on, and cash was withdrawn around Portsmouth, Hampshire, Edwards added.

Suzanne Hardman of Bas-

ingstoke, Hampshire, handed over £174,000 in several payments after being contacted by ‘James Richards’ in March 2012.

She received messages saying she made him “feel like a complete man” and another – referred to in court as the “thundering email” – that told of “the love thundering into our hearts that only we can understand”.

Mrs Hardman broke down as she told the court how, having separated from her husband, she handed over her savings from the sale of her former marital home.

She said: “Certain things just didn’t seem right, but because I was led to believe that I was dealing with a solicitor it seemed fine, because he was taking care of the money – or so I thought.”

But not all women contacted fell for the group’s claims, and the scam eventually came unstuck, the court heard.

Edwards said “elementary mistakes” were made, such as a passport supposedly belong-

Metro 11

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY OCTOBER 7, 2014

Majidun bunkering: Navy preventing our movements, say residents Camillus Nnaji and Flora Onwudiwe

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he residents of Majidun in Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State have called on Navy combating oil bunkering in the area to allow them to move about freely.

Some of them said the naval personnel had prevented them from going in and out of their home in pursuit of their businesses.

Our correspondent, who visited the area yesterday, reports that officers and men of the anti-bunkering team of the Navy were stationed at different points in the community.

The naval personnel were monitoring movement of persons and vehicles in order to ward off any reprisal attack.

One of the residents, who identified herself simply as Munyioluwa, said a group of naval personnel stormed the area

about 3am on Sunday.

She said: “When the armed Navy officers arrived, they proceeded to the water bank and arrested oil thieves.

“They went ahead to stop every other movement. At 4am, my husband wanted to go to work; they did not allow him to go. Their presence with guns is scaring us.”

Another resident, Towoshe Gbola, said the activities of oil thieves in the area had been on for over two years.

He said: “The action of the Navy was a surprise intervention. The police and men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) tried to wad them off in the past, but they came back.

“I do my business here but we cannot open our shops because the officers are monitoring us. This has been like this since yesterday (Sunday).”

Another resident, who craved anonymity, said the naval personnel

Some of the seized kegs

Kalu

had arrested many oil thieves, adding that many of them were Majidun youths.

He said: “They have arrested and overpowered the oil thieves who were taken unawares. Some of them are youths from this area.

“Since yesterday (Sunday), the naval personnel have removed about six truckloads of seized petroleum products.”

Meanwhile, officers of the Nigerian Navy from Apapa, who carried out the operation,

said activities of oil thieves in the area required full-scale military action.

“We shall communicate officially to the public through the press on what we have done. But the bunkering here requires military action. NSCDC and police have been here in the past, yet this bunkering continued.

We launched this full-scale operation to stem out bunkering and to place full surveillance on the area for future repetition,” a Navy officer said.

Two motorcycle thieves arrested in Ondo Babatope Okeowo Akure

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olice in Ondo State have arrested two suspected robbers who specialised in stealing motorcycles popularly called okada.

Also, the police operatives have recovered one locally-made rifle and cartridges said to have been abandoned by a gang of bandits in the house of one Chief Adebanji Lawal who they went to attack.

The policemen attached to anti-robbery department at Owo in

Mimiko, Ondo State gov.

Owo Local Government Area gave the names of the arrested motorcycle thieves as Muri Adeboye and Sikiru Faleye.

The suspects, according to first information report obtained by New Telegraph yesterday,

were arrested after they snatched two motorcycles from their victims at separate places at the weekend.

According to police sources, the suspects specialise in stealing motorcycles where they are parked on Uso-Akure and Idasen-Owo roads.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Wole Ogodo, said the police got wind of the information about the incident and subsequently moved to the scene where the suspects were apprehended.

Ogodo explained that

the suspects, during interrogation at the police station, confessed to the crime, saying they used to operate in Ondo town and Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

On the recovered rifle and cartridges, the PPRO said the hoodlums invaded Lawal’s house at night and the police went there following a distress call.

According to him, the hoodlums, on hearing the sound of the siren of the police patrol vehicle, took to their heels and left their arms which were later recovered by the police.

Ogodo said efforts were on to arrest the fleeing suspects.

The police imagemaker, who commended the policemen attached to the Owo and Akure police stations for their prompt response to the distress call, appealed to the citizens to always give information to the police.

Ogodo assured the people of the readiness of the police to protect lives and property.

He however added that those arrested in connection with the crime of stealing motorcycles would be charged to court.

Sokoto road crash claims one, injures 17 O

File picture of an accident scene

ne person died yesterday while 17 others sustained injuries in an accident which occurred between Sokoto and Sabon-garin Kwannawa.

The Sokoto State Sector Commander of the Federal Roads Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr Kuteb Takum, who confir med the accident, said the victims were retur ning from a ceremony in Sabon-garin Kwannawa on the outskirts of Sokoto.

Suspected kidnapper dies in gun duel

Takum told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto that the vehicle, a pick-up van, marked Edo XF 739 BEN, somersaulted at the Sabon-garin Kwannawa Junction about 10am.

He said: “The driver of the vehicle, who is now on the run, lost the control of the vehicle while on KwannawaSokoto highway.

“It was not a head on collision. The van somersaulted several times after the driver

lost the control of the vehicle and veered off the road.”

Takum said that one person died immediately while other sustained injuries.

The sector commander said that seven of the injured were receiving treatment at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto.

According to him, the remaining 10 injured are responding to treatment at the Specialist Hospital, Sokoto.

Dominic Adewole ASABA

A

suspected kidnapper died yesterday during a shoot-out with policemen attached to Isiokolo Division in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State.

The suspect had earlier kidnapped one Abemu Gabriel, a teacher at Oruodo Primary School before nemesis caught up with him.

The suspect and his gang fortified themselves with dangerous weapons and laid an ambush at Okpara for the victim.

An Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Iwok Ndifereke, attached to the division informed the DPO after receiving a distress call.

The DPO was said to have immediately mobilised his men to barricade the exit routes in the area.

Confir ming the incident at the command headquarters in Asaba yesterday, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Celetina Kalu, said the patrol team caught up with the hoodlums at Utiuyo village in Okpara where the criminals opened fire on the policemen.

She said: “In the ensuing gun battle, one of the hoodlums, yet to be identified, was fatally wounded while the rest suspects escaped and the victim was rescued.”

Kalu added said the victim was receiving medical attention at a hospital as a result of shock, even as efforts were on to track down the fleeing gang members.

12

News

tuesday, OCTOBER 7, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

‘Why Daniel, Buruji must work together’

T

he National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prof. Adewale Oladipo, has underscored the need for the former governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel and the Chairman, Mobilisation and Organisation Committee in the South West, Prince Buruji Kashamu, to work together ahead of the 2015 general elections.

He said the party could not afford to record any defeat in the coming elections as experienced in 2011, adding that the working relationship of the two, would ensure the party’s victory.

Oladipo said this while fielding questions from newsmen at a party organised by Kashamu at the Goodluck Jonathan Political Centre, IjebuIgbo, Ogun State.

The programme was witnessed by Ekiti State governor-elect, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, the National

Auditor of the party, Alhaji Fatai Adeyanju, former governors of Ogun and Oyo States, Gbenga Daniel and Adebayo Alao-Akala, Senator Iyiola Omisore, Senator Teslim Folarin, former deputy governor of Ekiti State, Mrs. Biodun Olujimi, Dr. (Mrs.) Abisola Sodipo-Clark, Hon. Abiodun Akinlade, Prince Segun Adewale and the former Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Alhaja Salimot Badru.

Members of the state party executives under the leadership of Bayo Dayo, were equally represented at the party.

Oladipo said: “I am sure that with the coming together of Buruji and

Daniel, they have demonstrated that they will consummate their friendship by the grace of God, and the NWC is encouraging them to do that.

“We shall see that they will come together, work together so that our sole candidate for the presidential election, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, becomes the elected President of this country in 2015, while a PDP person will take over the mantle of leadership in Abeokuta, Ogun State, by the special grace of God next year.”

The national secretary admitted that the two political forces had a large number of followers that must be brought together

under the same canopy.

Oladipo described the duo as the two strongest tendencies as far as Ogun State politics was concerned.

“In Ogun State, some of us who are familiar with the terrain will know that Buruji Kashamu is a formidable political activist and an astute politician. He commands very strong political structure within the PDP. “Also, you know that somebody like Daniel, who belongs to the Labour Party, also commands a very large followership in this place.

Those of us, who are close to them, started speaking with them a long time ago. Those

are the two strongest tendencies in this state, the Buruji people in PDP and the Daniel people in Labour Party.

“There may be other minor players, we will also accommodate them eventually, but the greatest task before us in Ogun State is to bring Buruji and Daniel together and this had been accomplished.

“You know birds of the same feathers flock together, that is why you saw Daniel here with his very close associates. We in the PDP have worked very hard in bringing the Daniel structure and Buruji structure together,” he added.

Kashamu described

Daniel’s visit as “significant and a good omen” for the party.

He said: “Although it was a private visit, it is perhaps a precursor to my prediction penultimate Sunday that Daniel has no choice but to return to the PDP. Like I said on that occasion, most of his foot soldiers had returned to PDP. It is just a matter of time before Daniel and a few others, who are still outside, would join us.

“It is a good omen that a party that is not in government at the state levels growing in leaps and bounds every day. It can only get better in the days, weeks and months ahead,” he said.

Bishop prays for peace at Sallah Tony Okafor Awka

T

he Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor, yesterday felicitated with Muslims as they celebrate this year’s EidEl-Kabir with a call on them to use the period to pray for peace and unity in Nigeria.

Ezeokafor, who made the call in a message he delivered at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Awka, shortly after re-dedicating the renovated cathedral, said meaningful development could not take place in a chaotic environment, urging all to embrace peace and love, which he said was the only solution to the insecurity in the country.

He said with peace, respect for human life, sincerity of purpose and love for one another, corruption and terrorism would be a thing of the past. The Catholic prelate enjoined religious leaders to always practice what they preach and to also shun any act capable of bringing the nation to disrepute.

Bishop Ezeokafor, who congratulated Muslims and wished them happy celebration, stressed the need for peace for the continued existence of Nigeria.

L-R: A traffic warden, Mr. Akann Akaninyem Edet; former Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Christopher Kolade; Senior Pastor, Trinity House, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo and son of the late Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh, Mr. Bankole Cardoso, during the presentation of awards, entitled: ‘Honour Nigeria Award’ of the Trinity House in Lagos

Akala: I lost to a smarter party in 2011 FG asked to re-open Maiduguri airport Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

F

ormer Oyo State governor, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, yesterday said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lost the 2011 election in the state, because the All Progressives Congress (APC) was smarter.

He, however, said that the party was now ready to outwit the sitting government by doing everything possible to ensure that it is above the APC in all its plans in the coming elections.

Alao-Akala, who is also the governorship aspirant of the (PDP) in the 2015 elections, said this in a private radio interview programme monitored in Ibadan, the state capital.

He said: “It was not

that we made any major mistake in 2011, leading to our defeat by the opposition; the fact is that the opposition was smarter than us. But, I assure you that we have learnt our lessons. We are now ready to do everything possible to match them.

We have done all we could to be above their plan,” he said.

Against the insinuation going round that the Abuja headquarters of the PDP has anointed former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin, as the next candidate of the party, the former governor said: “There is nothing like an anointed candidate from Abuja in PDP. I am not a small man in this party; and I can say that no one among the aspirants can boast of knowing Abuja

more than me as at present.

“I don’t believe anybody knows Abuja more than me; and I tell you, there is no anointed candidate. When it is time, people of Oyo State will choose their candidate.

We are going to have candidates from across the state, who will vote to choose their flag bearer.

I can boast that I know Oyo State very well, so let us wait till then,” he said.

Alao-Akala agreed that people of Oyo call him ATM (Automatic Teller Machine) because; “During my time, money was in circulation, unlike now. I empowered many local contractors. Ours was local content. Those empowered also impacted on their people.”

Ahmed Miringa Maiduguri

S

ecretary of the Borno State 2014 Hajj Committee, Alhaji Adamu Timta, has called on the Federal Government to consider reopening the Maiduguri International Airport, so as to enable pilgrims from the state be airlifted back home easily.

Timta, who made the call from Saudi Arabia in a telephone interview said the closure of the Maiduguri International Airport has brought untold hardship to pilgrims from the state, especially during their airlifting to the holy land.

The secretary added that transporting the pil-

grims from Maiduguri to other states was risky in view of the Boko Haram insurgency, stressing that re-opening the airport will enable the pilgrims be airlifted back home easily.

“Transporting 2, 645 people from Maiduguri to Dutse and Kano is not an easy task even if you are using an aircraft. That means we are back in the 1960s, when we airlifted our pilgrims from Kano, which is a big setback.

“We had to pray very hard against any attack, especially the road between Maiduguri and Damaturu,” Timta said.

“We also ensured proper arrangement with relevant security agencies for hitch-free movements of our pilgrims,” he said.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

Battle for Enugu

Roadblock for Eze

Level playing field

Rivers governorship

Consensus candidacy to the rescue

Senator Ayogu Eze’s governorship ambition suffers setback

Between Jonathan’s adoption and Mu’azu’s approach

Wike’s ambition divides Rivers PDP

14

15

16

17

13

Politics Imoke

Ugbo

The cloud in the political firmament of Cross River State is gradually giving way to a bright sky as events begin to unfold, creating an interesting scenario that may set a tremulous tone in the weeks ahead, Clement James reports

U

ntil September 30, speculations, denials and outright mum dominated the political space of Cross River State, except for the initial salvo fired from the camp of Mr. Goddy Jeddy-Agba, a former General Manager (Crude) with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corpo-

AYODELE OJO

DEPUTY Editor, POLITICS ayodele.ojo@newtelegraphonline.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Ebokpo

Mass resignation hits Imoke’s cabinet ration (NNPC), who recently resigned from the post to contest the governorship of the state.

The state itself witnessed an unprecedented quiet time, with some politicians pretending to concentrate on state affairs, a situation that gave the impression that Cross River may distance itself from the boisterous nature of politics associated with such activities in some neighbouring states.

However, events since the release of the timetable for political activities by the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has ignited the political space in the state with ambitions that seem to run parallel to the often trumpeted “family game.”

For instance, in one fell swoop, 14 members of the State Executive Council on Tuesday, September 30 tendered their resignation letters to the governor, Liyel Imoke, who is the leader of the party in the state in deference to a directive by the state leadership of the party for all aspiring public office holders to vacate their post by 9p.m last Tuesday, notwithstanding the fact that the

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

national guidelines allow them to hold on till a later date.

Those who tendered their resignation letters are the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Mike Aniah; former Commissioner of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Patrick Ugbe; former Commissioner for Works, Barr. Legor Idagbor; former Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Chief Peter Ojie; and former Special Adviser on Budget, Dr. Peter Oti. Others are Prof. Edim Temple (SA Strategic Planning); Fred Osim (SA Political); Margaret Ebokpo (SA Civil Societies and NGOs); Gerald Adah (SA Investment Promotion); Eddie Ogon (SA Mortgage Finance); Fabian Okpa (SA Special Duties); and Edet Okon Asim (SA Public Affairs).

The resignation letter of the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Alex Ogbonna was reportedly rejected “because of the sensitive nature of his office.”

The Executive Secretary of the National Planning Commission, Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo, has embarked on consultations for his governorship ambition.

Out of these, seven are backing out of their jobs to try their luck in the governorship. They are: Ugbe, Idagbor, Aniah, Ugbo, Adah, Oti and Ojie.

The sheer number of members of the Council who have turned their back on their job indicates the tear that many had long noticed and presents a picture of a cabinet that was populated by people whose bodies were in disagreement with their souls. For one, a source close to the seat of government in Calabar, the state capital, claimed that there was no team in the first place in the present government, a claim that has punctured the postulation about “one family.”

With this development, the stage is set for a stiff contest CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

14

Politics

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Battle for Enugu lion building

Three-time member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has received endorsements as a consensus governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the party primaries.

UWAKWE ABUGU reports on the development

Consensus candidacy to the rescue

S

ince 1999 when Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani, largely unknown at that time in the political circles rode on the popularity of former governor of old Anambra state, Senator Jim Nwobodo, won the Enugu State governorship election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the processes that had produced candidates for subsequent elections in the state have been subjects of cynicism and even indifference.

With the governorship slot zoned to the Enugu North (Nsukka zone), political watchers who understood the rancour that had always been the hallmark of previous exercises that produced governorship and other candidates of the party in the past years were expecting a worse scenario for the 2015 election.

However, events of penultimate Friday when Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi emerged a consensus governorship candidate chosen at a meeting of the caucus of the PDP for the Enugu North senatorial zone, after 10 other aspirants stepped down for him, have led to a chain of other events. While the candidate’s approval rating has continued to improve in leaps and bounds, the senator representing Enugu North in the National Assembly, Senator Ayogu Eze, who had protested the endorsement of Ugwuanyi, has been unrelenting in his tactics to reverse the seeming irrepressible political bandwagon.

History in Enugu The night of September 26 was remarkable for most PDP faithful in the state. It was the night the Enugu North zonal caucus of the party endorsed the candidate. The meeting which started at 4p.m. ended at 11p.m. As the meeting rose, a huge crowd of party men and women who had kept vigil around the Enugu Government House broke loose into the facility with wild merriment and solidarity songs in praise of the candidate and the leaders who took the decision. Since 1999, no candidate has had his emergence command the kind of excitement that has so far trailed the choice of Ugwuanyi.

Political masterstroke Across the feuding political camps of the PDP in the state, there is hardly any profound voice of dissent from any political heavyweight against the idea of having Ugwuanyi as the consensus candidate of the party, except, perhaps, the senator’s protest. Whereas the former national chairman of PDP, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, himself from the Nsukka zone of the state, described the emergence of the lawmaker as consensus candidate as a political masterstroke by the political leaders of the zone, many other analysts regard it as one of the best strategies Governor Sullivan Chime has ever adopted in the art of dousing political tension. Chime was present during the caucus meeting and reportedly helped galvanise the leaders into producing a consensus candidate to reduce tension.

And the governor had a good reason to do that because he still has another battle to fight with the Deputy Senate President,

Chime

Ike Ekweremadu, and other National Assembly members from the state in his insistence that those who have served from two terms and above give way to fresh entrants.

Yet, Nwodo who spoke to New Telegraph explained that: “It was a political masterstroke by the Enugu North leaders who have successfully warded off political invaders keen at taking away the position zoned to us by the state PDP.” Nwodo explained that the political leaders of the zone knew it was only such a mature approach that could make them manage the situation without much upheavals in view of the various interests.

The former governor appreciated the role played by Governor Chime in the choice of Ugwuanyi.

A source at the meeting had hinted that the governor appealed to the 15 governorship aspirants on the need for peace and harmony in order not to give room for rancour that could decimate the party’s strength built over the years in the state.

One of Ugwuanyi’s allies described him as “a philanthropic lawmaker who phenomenally receives unending stream of visitors at his country home, Orba, most weekends and insists on personally seeing them to attend to all their respective needs.”

So far, in spite of the seeming political wars raging between some National Assembly members and Chime on one hand, and the long-existing strained relationship between the governor and his predecessor, Nnamani, it has not been seen that any of the notable dramatis personae in these camps has openly voiced any disapproval of the choice of the lawmaker. In fact, even as he is seen as the man preferred by Chime, it is also common knowledge now that Senator Ekweremadu took part in the Abuja meeting last week Sunday when all the National Assembly members from the state who met with the governor approved the choice of the consensus candidate and went on to stick to their guns on the issue of who would contest the National Assembly elections next year.

Coordinated actions With the September 26 endorsement

Ugwuanyi

of Ugwuanyi by PDP leaders from Enugu North, where the governorship slot has been zoned, the East Senatorial caucus of the party had equally endorsed the lawmaker. And just last Friday, Enugu West senatorial zone also held a special caucus meeting and equally unanimously endorsed the same Ugwuanyi.

Beside this, it was gathered that the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Eugene Odo, one of the governorship aspirants, who had also declined to step down for Ugwuanyi, has now decided to support his candidature. Again, a huge gathering of PDP members on Saturday ratified the choice of Ugwuanyi.

According to a source, “these actions are to ensure that we exhaust all avenues that would help us take all leaders along, not minding that this candidate we have settled for has been seen as very popular across the state.”

Nwodo, who is also a member of the party’s Board of Trustees (BOT), told New Telegraph that the party leaders had no option than to embrace a consensus candidate because of the importance of

I do not see why any party at any level should be against negotiation. It cannot, under any circumstance, be described as undemocratic

the office. Nwodo, the state party chairman, Chief Vitali Abba, Ambassador Justina Eze and Senator Eze are among PDP chieftains in the Enugu North.

However, while Eze has been protesting, the other three chieftains of the party are totally in agreement with the decision to adopt Ugwuanyi. In fact, Ambassador Eze expressed shock at the senator’s claim that he was ambushed at the caucus meeting where Ugwuanyi was adopted as consensus candidate.

She described the senator’s statement as unfortunate at a time the people of the senatorial district are happy that the governorship seat which has eluded them for nearly two decades has been zoned to them.

Consensus and democracy Chime has justified the adoption of a consensus candidacy, describing the process as democratic.

He spoke while addressing journalists over the choice of Ugwuanyi.

“I do not see why any party at any level should be against negotiation. It cannot, under any circumstance, be described as undemocratic.

“This is the most democratic thing, this is what lobbying is all about. We are not running contrary to the rules of the party; we are doing what the party encourages – dialogue.

“In Enugu, we do not anoint candidates, we allow the people to speak. What we did was a feat. We achieved a feat,” he said.

The governor said that Ugwuanyi would, nonetheless, go through party primaries to validate his choice as a consensus candidate.

He explained further that when Ugwuanyi was nominated, there was no dissenting voice.

The governor said that all the stakeholders from the zone, including retired and serving public servants, attended the meeting, where Ugwuanyi was endorsed.

Chime urged the people to support the endorsement of Ugwuanyi in the interest of peace and unity of the state.

Politics 15

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

Battle for Enugu lion building

The ambition of Senator Ayogu Eze to occupy the Enugu Government House has suffered a setback with the adoption of a consensus candidate for the February 28, 2015 governorship election.

CHUKWU DAVID reports

Roadblock for Ayogu Eze

I

n the present political dispensation, Ayogu Eze is one senator who does not mince words about his ambition to succeed Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State in 2015.

In the beginning, everything was going on very well for the 56-year-old lawmaker as far as this ambition was concerned. In fact, because of the way his coast appeared so clear, some of his colleagues in the National Assembly had literally started addressing him as governor. Most times, when the President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, wants to comically gain his attention at plenary, he would simply address him as, “Enugu Government House.”

Before joining active politics, Eze was a household name in the nation’s media industry. He made positive marks in the industry with his style of writing. As a two-time Senator, representing Enugu North Senatorial District, his presence in the Upper Chamber is always visible.

He is eloquent, vocal and vibrant in his contributions on issues of national interest.

There is no doubt that his positive contributions in the chamber earned him a lot of respect from the President of the Senate and his colleagues. This level of enterprise seemed to have given him an advantage in his gubernatorial ambition as he was considered influential in Enugu politics. He also has some reasonable experience in the politics of the state, having served as Commissioner, Special Adviser and Special Assistant to the then Governor Chimaroke Nnamani.

Earlier, at a stakeholders’ meeting in Enugu, where the issue of zoning in the state was discussed, former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Chief Dubem Onyia, moved a motion that the governorship slot for 2015 be zoned to Enugu North because the zone has never produced governor since 1999. The motion was said to have been unanimously adopted by all present at the meeting, including Governor Chime and the Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu.

The first executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Nnamani, who ruled for eight years comes from Enugu East while the incumbent governor, Chime, who is serving out his eight years by May 2015, hails from Enugu West. Therefore, by informal zoning arrangement, it is the turn of the people of Enugu North to produce the next governor.

When this zoning arrangement was reached, it was generally believed that the arrangement was an added advantage to Eze’s ambition. This was as a result of his close affinity with Governor Chime. In Nigeria, where incumbency factor is a major determinant in who wins or loses election, it was the opinion of many people then that the support of Chime would definitely give Eze an edge over other contenders in the race.

Unfortunately, politics is full of uncertainties. The recent summersault in the expectation that Eze would easily ride through to the Enugu Lion Building in 2015 is really puzzling to analysts, whose political calculations almost

Eze

I wish to state clearly and unambiguously that I’ve not and will not step down for any anointed candidate. I’m still squarely in the race for the Enugu Lion Building in the year of our Lord 2015

reached conclusions that Chime would hand over the reins of power to the senator.

There is no doubt that Eze was thoroughly embarrassed and taken aback by the meeting of stakeholders at the Governor’s Lodge, Enugu on Friday September 26, where he was pressurized to step down by Governor Chime and others for the anointed candidate in the person of Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, a third-term member of the House of Representatives.

Initially, no fewer than 13 aspirants were angling for the plum job. Some of them are: Ambassador Fidel Ayogu; former deputy governor to Chimaroke, Ezenwata Okechukwu Itanyi; Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Eugene Odo, and Chairman, Enugu State chapter of the PDP, Engr. Vita Aba. Others are the Enugu State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Chuks Ugwuoke, Prof. Osita Ogbu, Ikeje Asogwa, Chinedu Onu and Eddy Ugwu, amongst others.

However, not in agreement with the touted consensus candidature of Ugwuanyi, Eze has vehemently rejected any consensus arrangement and vowed to go ahead with his 2015 governorship project.

Briefing journalists on the matter in Abuja last week, Eze refuted media reports that he had stepped down for a consensus candidate allegedly chosen by various political stakeholders in Enugu.

The agitated politician noted that democracy is about elections and the will of the people, insisting that the elements of democracy would be put to test when the interested aspirants go to the field to test their popularity and acceptability on November 29 during the PDP primaries in Enugu.

His words: “I have been inundated by calls and personal visits by my supporters who have expressed worry and outrage at newspaper reports purporting that a consensus candidate has been

anointed for Enugu State 2015 governorship election.

“My supporters are particularly worried by the aspect of the story claiming that I have stepped down for the said anointed candidate.

“I wish to state clearly and unambiguously that I’ve not and will not step down for any anointed candidate. I’m still squarely in the race for the Enugu Lion Building in the year of our Lord 2015.

“I was invited to a meeting of a gathering of the people of my senatorial district presided over by the governor at the Governor’s Lodge in Enugu on Friday September 26.

“Prior to our arrival at the Government House that Friday afternoon the agenda of the meeting was not circulated. The criterion for selecting those attending the meeting made known to me.

“At the meeting, I pointedly stated that though I was already in their midst in a sort of an ambush I was not bound by their decision, to which I believe they were entitled.

“It is their inalienable right to choose a consensus candidate in the same manner that to my supporters and well-wishers I’m also consensus candidate.

“I look forward to all the consensus candidates of the various interest groups meeting in the field at the PDP governorship primaries on November 29 to test which of the various consensus blocs is numerically stronger.

“Democracy is about elections and the will of the people. Those elements of democracy will be put to test when we arrive the field for the primaries.

“I’ll gladly accept the outcome of the primaries and go the extra mile to work for the party with resources and whatever it will take to give the opponents of the PDP a run for their money.

“Let me state categorically that my respect for the governor and leader of PDP in Enugu State is not diminished in anyway by this development. My loyalty to the party is also unalloyed.

“I urge the party to do the right thing by providing a level playing field for all legitimate aspirants and consensus to express themselves in a truly democratic and fair manner.

“I wish to express my gratitude to God for His loving kindness and mercies upon my life. I also thank my numerous supporters and the people of Enugu State for standing with me in my career in politics and service to humanity thus far. I wish to assure them that I’ll not disappoint them.

“I’m convinced that power comes from God Almighty who in seasons crown kings after His heart. He’s a God of justice.

“My faith in His ability to dispense justice fairly and to uphold men’s destinies in the face of untoward machinations by mortals remains unshaken,” he concluded.

With this development, it is obvious that the battle line has been drawn between the governor and his close political friend. It also strongly indicates that Eze, knowing what might follow his disagreement with his governor, would have made up his mind to fight the battle of his life for the number one political office in Enugu State. As events continue to unfold, Nigerians are watching to see the end of the duel.

If Eze has sufficient financial muscle and swaying political clout, he might win the battle; if not, he may be on political leave for a period of four years, as he would not have the opportunity to return to the Red Chamber.

16 Politics

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Mu’azu: Between Jonathan’s adoption and level playing field The gale of adoption of consensus candidates by governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of 2015 general election is posing a challenge to the promise of the National Chairman of the party, Adamu Mu’azu, to provide a level playing field for aspirants wishing to contest elections on the platform of the ruling party.

ONYEKACHI EZE reviews the situation

W

hen he took over as National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) last January, Dr. Adamu Mu’azu promised party members a level playing field. He repeatedly assured that candidates at every election would emerge through open, transparent and competitive primaries, stating that the party has no preferred candidate.

“I am here to deepen the dynamics of internal democracy within the party. Every member who has interest to contest the forthcoming elections and indeed the primary elections should go back to their villages and towns and contest.... I would ensure that democracy is deepened in the party and the country generally,” Mu’azu told interested aspirants on the party’s platform.

He also promised that there would be no imposition of candidates on the party, adding “those claiming that they know the president or national chairman would be disappointed.

Mu’azu’s first acid test shortly on assumption of office was the selection of the PDP candidates for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections. But he lived up to his promise when he ensured that the party’s candidates for the two states emerged through competitive primaries.

In Ekiti State, 18 aspirants indicated interest to fly the party’s flag in the election. Among them was Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade (rtd), former Minister of Police Affairs who was rumoured to enjoy the support of President Goodluck Jonathan, having served as a Military Administrator (MILAD) in Jonathan’s home state, Bayelsa.

Of the 18 aspirants who obtained the PDP nomination form for the primaries, only Ayo Fayose, the former governor of the state, objected to consensus arrangement and insisted the party should choose its candidates through an open primaries.

Despite pressure and the desire of the presidency for a consensus candidate so that the party could go to the election united since it was trying to dethrone the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) that is in control of the state, the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) insisted on the conduct of primaries.

Jonathan

I am here to deepen the dynamics of internal democracy within the party.

Every member who has interest to contest the forthcoming elections and indeed the primary elections should go back to their villages and towns and contest

Mu’azu

Apart from Ekiti and Osun states, PDP also conducted primaries to choose its candidate for the October 11 governorship by-election in Adamawa State.

But the process of choosing the party’s candidates for next year’s general election proves to be a big challenge for Mu’azu and his NWC members. This is because the adoption of President Jonathan as sole presidential candidate of PDP by various organs of the party culminating in the ratification by the National Executive Council (NEC), is having a ripple effect.

Jonathan’s adoption has shut out many other presidential aspirants. PDP said the adoption was for the party to go into the general election as a united front so as to win states and recover lost ones.

Barely a week after the adoption, National Publicity Secretary of the party, Chief Olisa Metuh was asked whether such automatic ticket could be extended to state governors and legislators seeking re-election. He answered in the negative.

According to him, “the NEC of the PDP besides the national convention is the highest decision making organ of the party.... Some decisions do not go down the line to states and local governments and so on. There is only one NEC of the party but we have 36 states and 774 local government executives.”

How wrong Metuh was? Events in the preceding weeks showed that NEC and the NWC of PDP fell into a well laid trap of the PDP governors and members of the National Assembly.

Although most of the state governors are about to complete their second term in office, and therefore, are not eligible to run for the governorship in 2015, they will, nonetheless, want to foist their preferred candidates on the party. As for members of the National Assembly, the right of first refusal for them, has been on the agenda since the dawn of the present democratic process.

This played out last week in Enugu State and Benue South Senatorial District of Benue State.

Last Friday, Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State announced the choice of a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as the consensus candidate in next year’s governorship election in the state. The governor’s choice, which was said to be “unilateral”, is threatening the peace in the state chapter of the party.

An aspirant to the Enugu Government House, Senator Ayogu Eze, who was at the meeting where Ugwuanyi was announced by the governor as a consensus candidate, said he was not part of the arrangement. Eze, who is chairman of Senate Committee on Works, described his presence at the meeting as an ambush.

He denied stepping down for any consensus candidate.

In Benue State, after a meeting by party leaders and other stakeholders in Benue South Senatorial District, the President of the Senate, David Mark, who has been representing the people of the zone since 1999, was endorsed for another term in office.

Perhaps, the party leaders took a cue from the state governor, Gabriel Suswam, who had declared during his book launch that there was “no vacancy in Benue South Senatorial District.”

“We in Benue State have endorsed the candidature of Mark to return to the Senate. The position of Senator Mark is not contestable. We want him back and there is no question or argument about it,” Suswam stated.

The events in Enugu and Benue states, like an infectious disease, will soon catch many other PDP-controlled states. Members of state and national assembly will, as well demand for automatic tickets to return to their seats, which neither the president nor the party leadership will have moral justification to deny them.

There is fear that PDP may soon return to its former method of choosing its flag bearers, consensus, which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) described as undemocratic. And should Mu’azu fall into it, his promise of deepening democracy in the party will become a laughing stock.

This is, indeed, a big challenge to him and his NWC.

Politics 17

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

Wike’s ambition divides Rivers PDP The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is in crisis as a group of stakeholders battle the leadership of the party ahead of the 2015 general election. EMMANUEL MASHA reports

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t is now very clear that before the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) goes into the 2015 general election, it must first put its house in order; it must shun the acrimonious politics that has somewhat reduced it to a family whose members don’t see eye to eye.

There is hardly a day that passes without one serious issue emanating from the party’s leadership, groups or individuals with clear cut agenda. By so doing, it is very difficult to pinpoint or identify those working for the party’s overall interest.

They may exist, but from every indication, their voices are not sounding like those whose interest is presently threatening the party.

It is not an easy task capturing the real direction of the party in the state, mainly because some at dagger’s drawn on the governorship go about it as if everything is alright, acting as if it is a necessity that will die naturally at the appropriate time. But the recent attacks carried out by alleged party thugs against some party stalwarts and elders, who strongly oppose the way the party has so far fared under the leadership of Bro. Felix Obuah, strongly indicate that the party’s crisis cannot be wished away.

Truly, it has come to stay, and except various factions decide to give peace a chance and work in the overall interest of the party, it may enter the 2015 polls as a divided house that cannot withstand the firepower of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The issue is the same old song that the minister of State for Education, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has hijacked the party, and that Obuah and other members of the executive are only loyal to Wike.

Also at issue is the upland and riverine dichotomy, which the elders and stakeholders opposed to Wike argue should be respected because the upland has enjoyed uninterrupted power for 16 years. The meeting of the factional leaders of the party was not supposed to hold in the first place, because the Obuah-led executive has made it very clear that those who engage in anti-party activities – a loose term or code for those criticizing the party’s leadership will not go unpunished.

The Grassroots Democratic Initiative (GDI), a formidable grassroots groups that is funded by and loyal to Wike, go hard on dissenters.

The GDI, which campaigns for Wike has penetrated the 23 local government areas of the state, campaigning for Wike for the 2015 governorship, while

empowering local party chieftains who prove their support.

But it appears that both the Obuah-led executive and GDI underrated the resolve of the elders to rigorously campaign for zoning as well as anything that glorifies Wike and place him at a vantage position to clinch the party’s governorship ticket. To the elders, it was not in the bargain that Amaechi would leave the party for APC for Wike, an Ikwerre man like the governor to succeed him as leader.

This sentiment of an Ikwerre succeeding an Ikwerre could be the reason nobody from the area has so far shown interest for the governorship in APC. But if a candidate from the area indicates interest in the coming days, he or she has to contend with candidates from Ogoniland and the riverine areas, meaning that it is only in the APC that a governor can emerge outside Ikwerre.

An expert, who has been monitoring the situation, calculated that the PDP could be silently planning for its failure at the polls based on its support for Wike. “It could amount to ethnic politics, whereby voters and leaders in the PDP will pitch their tent with the APC,” he said, adding that there has to be a level playing field for all the candidates that want to contest.

“Politics is about scheming, timing and interest. If a party does not satisfy your aspiration, there is nothing stopping you from achieving it in a party that presents it to you on a platter of gold.”

It is pertinent to ask why the Rivers APC should be interested in who emerges in PDP, when it is yet to settle for its own candidate. So far, only two candidates have shown interest in the party as Amaechi continues to bid his time on whom to anoint as successor.

The two candidates- Senator Magnus Abe and Hon. Dakuku Peterside both have working relationship with Amaechi, and have long demonstrated their support for the governor. Abe was a member of the state House of Assembly when Amaechi served out his first term as speaker, and later became Commissioner for Information in the second term of Governor Peter Odili, before he emerged as Secretary to the State Government (SSG) in Amaechi’s first term in office.

For Dakuku, who struggled to make a mark with his activism but found favour in Amaechi, who appointed him as the Commissioner for Works, like Abe, has stood solidly behind Amaechi, and remains a contender for APC’s governorship ticket. Abe and Dakuku are

Wike

It is becoming obvious that at some point, the national leadership of the PDP will intervene in the crisis, and most likely prevail on Wike to dump his ambition

Obuah

cautious of their ambition, not wanting to push their luck too far and lose the support of Amaechi, who relishes the somewhat godfather role fate has bestowed on him.

Interestingly, a chaotic and divided PDP serves the interest of the APC at the polls. It is becoming obvious that at some point, the national leadership of the PDP will intervene in the crisis, and most likely prevail on Wike to dump his ambition and compensate him for holding the party together when it was on the brink of collapse.

What this means is that aside the issue of zoning, Wike is the most feared politician in Rivers State, based on his visibility, clout and deep understanding of the state’s politics.

Those who know Wike very well, especially APC chieftains who worked under him in the PDP when he was the Chief of Staff to Amaechi, whose reelection bid he headed in 2011, remember a workaholic who never took no for an answer.

Before Amaechi sent him to Abuja, a tactical move that was meant to halt his rising profile, but which catapulted him to national reckoning, and became a burden to the governor; the minister never had the governorship in mind, but swung into action when he saw an opening. He was the go to man in Abuja during those uncertain days when Amaechi saw the handwriting on the wall, and prepared to leave the party for the APC. For Wike, the PDP wherein he emerged as chairman of Obio/ Akpor Local Government and the head of local governments in Nigeria and reigned supreme while he was Chief of Staff is why he is being tackled by elders and leaders who are proving that gone are the days when they gave their blessings from the comfort of their homes to whoever emerges from the party.

When party members engage in verbal punches, and threw chairs at themselves and compelled the police to restore peace, it only means that something serious has gone wrong.

The Concerned Rivers State PDP Stakeholders, that recently demanded the dissolution of the state working committee led

by Obuah, has alleged that some of the members of the party had defected to the APC. The allegations tabled by Prof. Israel Owate, the group’s spokesman, that Obuah had been docile was a veiled attack on Wike, who Obuah regards highly. Owate said: “The Rivers State PDP has been run unconstitutionally by only a two-man executive, a situation which has made the party a limited liability company of those who claimed they incorporated it in the Abuja High Court.

“The running of Rivers State PDP by a two-man executive has adversely affected and disrupted the functioning of the party at the ward, local government senatorial district and state levels.

“The party does not have a proper membership register and does not have legitimate and properly constituted party officers at the various levels.

This is because the PDP officers that defected with Governor Amaechi took with them PDP membership registers and confiscated some.”

Rivers has always been a state under the PDP, which provides a sense of security among party members in the state, despite the fact that it is now in the hands of the APC. But history has shown that a divided house will always struggle to make the needed impact when the chips are down. But it remains to be seen whether or not the party’s leaders will work collectively for the party’s interest and make it fly in 2015. It is just a matter of time to know the political fate of Rivers as 2015 beckons.

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Opinion On Mark’s lamentations about local councils Julius Oweh

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he mark of a great man in position of authority is to use that office to effect changes for the betterment of the society and not necessarily for what he is going to gain from such enterprise. Most Nigerian leaders have the unique but dubious distinction of standing aloof and doing nothing when things are going wrong and that is the most plausible reason Nigeria sits in the valley of poverty, underdevelopment and despondence as a national ethos. The recent lamentations of the Senate President David Mark about the fate of the local councils and their non-representativeness fall into this locale.

Speaking recently in Abuja, the senate president bemoaned a situation where most of the local councils are headed by unelected caretaker committees, saying that it goes against the grains of the 1999 Constitution. Let us listen to Mark`s lamentations: `You will agree with me that the powers conferred in the constitution on local government councils are being usurped. Section 7 guarantees only democratically elected local government council chairmen.....Governors should stop subverting the constitutional rights of the local government chairmen in their states`. The sentiment of the senate president is akin to shedding crocodile tears. Is it just now that Mark is waking up to the political reality that local councils are treated as departments of the state with the Ministry of Local Government supervising them? There is too much deceit and pretence in the country as those in authority say one thing in public and do a different thing in private.

Senator Mark is the number one lawmaker in the country and yet under his very nose, the fine

grains of the constitution are being abused by state governors, some of them his party members.

I am simply quaking with emotions and disbelief as the National Assembly whether the House of Representatives or the senate is yet to pass a motion calling on the state governors to conduct elections as and when due into the offices of the local council chairmen and councillors . Today the democratic governance of the nation is limping as we have dictatorship at the grassroots level of government.

It is a good thing, however, that Mark has cried out loud about dictatorship at the grassroots level, a product of unholy collaboration between the state governors and the State Houses of Assembly. The 1999 constitution is also clear about the functions of the State House of Assembly as regards the tenure of elected council chairmen and councillors.

The various state legislators have woefully failed in that direction.

Even in cases where the local council elections are held, all the council chairmen and councillors belong to the ruling party, no thanks to the state electoral commission. It is perhaps one of the reasons members of the defunct CONFAB recommended the scrapping of the local government tier of government and the state electoral commission. It is only a visitor from outer space that would vouch for the independence of the state electoral commission and on this score, I support the recommendations of the CONFAB. Today, there are complains about state government hijacking the allocations of the local councils and the appointed caretaker committee are simply incapable and impotent to complain about the constitutional transgressions of the state governors.

Those who are very vocal in lambasting INEC about the conduct of state and national elections

are simply dumb when it comes to the activities of the state electoral commission. No nation courts progress when different set of rules are applied to the conduct of elections and the tenor of democratic government. This is certainly the challenge before David Mark and others who are lamenting the plight of local council’s administration. It is beyond lamentation, concrete steps must be taken to effect the necessary changes.

The clan of human rights lawyers and civil rights groups should wake up from slumber and political stupor. For too long, the destiny of the people at the grassroots level of governance has been trampled upon. Now is the time to use the lamentation of the senate president as a springboard to right this wrong. If we are to practise democracy, it should be for all the tiers of government. Just as we elect our president, governor every four years, the State House of Assembly should make laws to state the tenure and functions of the local councils. If the state legislators are not ready to do that because of the intimidating presence of the state governor, the task is now that of the National Assembly to amend that part of the constitution and set a constitutional benchmark for the tenure and functions of the councils.

Subverting the letters and spirits of the constitution is an offence and our lawyers should look into that. Let there be a test case on the composition and election of local councils so that this aberration would end.. The various political parties, the politicians in the National Assembly under the leadership of David Mark should do the right thing by saving the local councils from the iron grip of the state governors.

• Julius Oweh (08037768392), a journalist lives in Asaba, Delta State.

Still on lessons of Scottish vote (2) Okechukwu Emeh, Jr Continued from yesterday

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his is a salutary lesson to the power and ruling elite of multicultural societies buffeted by winds of separatism or secession, who are exhorted to go beyond the use of violent suppression by taking recourse to open and frank dialogue and engagement with ethnic secessionist movements in order not to make dismemberment or disintegration the ultimate fate of their countries.

In pursuance of this, they should take expeditious step towards engendering consociational democracy, devolutionary federalism, good governance, leadership based on national will, the of law, fundamental human rights, social justice, equal opportunity, inclusive economy and human welfare and security. Belgium provides a striking example of an attempt of devolutionary federalism in the Western world. After longstanding tensions and rivalry between Dutch-speaking Flemings and French-speaking Walloons, the political leaders in that country made a grand settlement, as embodied in the Egmont Pact of 1977, which led to the proposal of a system of devolving governmental power in August 1989 – a development that contributed to the lull in Flemish nationalism.

For the separatist or secessionist regions across the world, they should emulate their counterparts in the UK (Scotland), Canada (Quebec) and Belgium

(Flemings) by employing non-violent tactics in their struggle for self-rule. This is preferable to treading the destructive part of armed struggle, as embarked upon by aggrieved groups like Kurds in the Middle East (Iraq, Iran, Syria and Turkey), Chechens in Russia, Basques in Spain, Corsicans in France, Muslim Uighurs in China’s Xinjiang province, Kashmiris in India, Baluchs in Pakistan, Tamils in Sri Lanka, Oromos in Ethiopia, Cabindas in Angola, Casamance people in Senegal and Tuaregs in Mali and Niger.

The second lesson from the Scottish vote is the mutuality of human interests.

In this regard, each ethnic or cultural component in a diverse national society, regardless of its special endowment, needs one another for survival. In fact, life itself is about give-and-take. Thus, the “No” vote for separation is a confirmation that Scotland needs the potential benefits of the UK’s financial institutions, currency, investors, debt offsetting mechanism and military protection in an increasingly dangerous world where small nations are vulnerable, just as the rest of the union requires the province’s North Sea oil and gas, in addition to its well-established manufacturing and shipping industries and military base.

For those in Nigeria who are openly calling for dismemberment of the federation, this is a teachable lesson. They should desist from such calls and understand the fact that Nigerians, irrespective of ethnicity, language, culture, religion and region, need one another for survival.

For example, the northern part of the polity needs the petroleum resources from

the south for cheap energy supply, while the southern part needs agricultural products from the north for sustenance.

Therefore, all Nigerian social groups are called upon to eschew bitterness and mutual recriminations. They should cohere and forge ahead with a strong sense of patriotism, responsibility, tolerance, forbearance and mutual respect to enable them build a just, equal, fair and prosperous national society where everybody will be happy to belong.

Again, it is high time Nigerians refused to place emphasis on what divides them as a people like ethnicity and religion, as often exploited by self-seeking politicians to incite communal hatred and conflict.

Rather, they should appreciate the ties that ought to bind them like belief in one God, our common humanity shared African consanguinity, same history of colonial experience, the feats of cross-cultural nationalist heroes and founding fathers (including Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Tafawa Balewa, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Ernest Ikoli, Chief Anthony Enahoro and Joseph Tarka) and our common national challenges like leadership, national unity, nation-building, national integration and national development.

The third lesson from the Scottish referendum is that, with political will, there are dividends in maintaining corporate existence of a national state. Of course, there is strength in unity – united a people stand, divided they fall. This is buttressed by powerful countries like the United States (US), UK, Russia, France and China whose political, economic and military prowess and the associated international

influence are partly attributable to their diversity. The same could be somewhat said of Nigeria, which is not only the giant of Africa but also the most populous black state in the world and, as a result, has played a key role in international politics.

Suffice it to say that for divergent states to reap the dividends of corporate existence, both their political leaders and citizenry must imbibe the lofty principles of national consensus, multiculturalism, peaceful coexistence, tolerance, forbearance and social justice.

The fourth lesson from the rejection of independence by many Scottish voters is that, in most cases, separatism or secession is not an effective solution to the knotty problem of marginalisation or oppression of a group in a state. Rather, it is negotiation for concessions with a view to ensuring political, economic or social empowerment of such groups through means like affirmative action, as adopted in the US for African-Americans and other minorities like the Latinos. The Scots who opted by decisive majority to stay in the UK understood this and keyed into the mouthwatering concessions made to their people by the vibrant, dynamic and visionary British political establishment.

Ethnic nationalities and cultures struggling for national self-determination in different parts of the world should take a cue from the Scottish example by pandering to political and constitutional means in any attempt at redressing the injustices that inform their grievances.

To be continued • Emeh, a social researcher, wrote from Abuja.

08036895746, okemehjr@yahoo.com

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

19

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Time to overhaul the military architecture

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n audit of the 2014 national budget showed some telling characteristics of Nigeria’s defence expenditure. Consider this: out of a total of N966 billion allocated to defence and security, a whopping N843.5 billion (or 89%) went to recurrent expenditure. In their own unimpeachable wisdom (who questions the military), the military authorities earmarked a paltry N94.27 billion, representing 11 per cent, for capital expenditure items such as the purchase of weapons and other military hardware meant to equip the troops and keep them battle ready at all times. This trend was also reflected in the allocation of funds to the various departments in the sector.

Take the army, for instance.

Easily the most tasked in the ongoing anti-insurgency war in the country, the Nigeria Army allocated all 96 per cent of its resources to recurrent expenditure while leaving only four per cent for capital expenditure! Similarly, the Navy allocated 89 per cent of its own share of the budget to recurrent expenditure and 11 per cent to capital expenditure while the Nigeria Air Force gave 90 per cent to recurrent and 10 per cent to capital expenditures. The story is not different at the Department of State Security (DSS) and Office of the National Security Adviser

(NSA) which allotted 75 per cent and 88 per cent of their budgets respectively to recurrent expenditure with capital expenditure getting little attention.

Although there has been a steady rise in the budgetary allocations to the security sector in the last four years, there appears to have been no deliberate policy to deploy the resources to the critical areas that would put the various security services in a good stead to respond to the growing challenges of terrorism in the country.

And it is all the more surprising because, going by reports, most of the weapons in the arsenal of the security forces are outdated and long overdue for change. Changing them would also mean retraining a majority of the personnel in the Armed Forces in the use of sophisticated weaponry and in modern warfare.

In the current year’s budget, the Nigeria Army budgeted N697.7 million for the procurement of ammunition; the Office of the National Security Adviser budgeted N837.3million for the procurement of security equipment; the Department of State Security earmarked N350 million for the procurement of firearms and ammunition while the Nigeria Air Force has allotted N286.46 million for the purchase of an MI-34/35 helicopter.

The recent presidential request, and approval by the Senate, for a

$1b off-shore loan to buy weapons to prosecute the war on insurgency bears out this assertion, namely, that much of the defence and security budgets in the country over time, has been misspent.

This, certainly, is not a good signal for the effort at modernizing and strengthening our national security. Therefore, the narrative must change for the better.

We believe that the military should be reorganised and restructured to reposition the crucial sector for optimal performance.

There is the exigent need to rightsize by streamlining the staff strength through fishing out ghost workers and deadwoods in the system. No military in the world spends over three quarters of its annual budget on salaries and personnel emoluments. The kinds of sophisticated weapons and quality of personnel at its disposal define the strength of an army at any given point in time and not the humongous amount expended on salaries.

What is clear is that with the expenditure patterns in existence in the Nigerian military establishment, we cannot expect the military to satisfactorily perform its core function of defence of the territorial integrity and internal security of the nation. The solution lies in reversing the trend, so that more money is spent to buy modern, sophisticated weapons and retrain

military personnel from time to time than on salaries and personnel emoluments. This will help in no small measure to boost the morale of soldiers and put them in the right frame of mind to face any challenges.

The present structure makes the Nigerian military vulnerable and etiolated. It should be embarrassing to every patriot to hear it routinely bandied about that the Boko Haram insurgents are better armed and motivated than the Nigerian military. This nonsense must stop. Although the federal government has considerably increased budgetary allocations to the defence ministry, the result in terms of the military’s readiness to face the enemy has been largely dismal because of misapplication of funds.

We urge the country’s military leadership to show a commitment towards correcting this ugly trend.

They must systematically allocate funds to critical need areas and core function areas for maximum functionality. A reversal of the current trend is inevitable in the overall interest of the security and territorial integrity of Nigeria.

There must be a complete audit and overhaul of the defence ministry in order to refocus its finances.

If Nigeria must have a respectable and confident military, the time to re -engineer and refocus that establishment is now.

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

Felix Oguejiofor Abugu

Managing Editor n Suleiman Uba Gaya

Editor, Daily n Yemi Ajayi

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Editor, Sunday n Emeka Madunagu

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Bureau Chief, Brussels n Leo Cendrowicz

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20

Politics

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Imoke’s aides jostle for guber seat

Idagbor

Ugbe

Ugbo

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 3

for the job of the incumbent governor who, on the night of October 1, at a Merit Award dinner, reiterated his decision not to trivialise the office of the governor.

The implication of this near mass resignation is that the loyalty that is often exhibited by appointees to their principal was either absent or had reduced in percentage, especially given the fact that the governor was said to have attempted to convince some of them to forget the idea since he knows the capacity of each person.

Clearly, one of the motivating factors is the assumption that the state is a PDP state and whoever gets the flag occupies the seat of power. Another reason for the scramble is the fact that the position has been zoned to the northern part of the state, a situation that has narrowed the space and propped up the quest.

While it must be accepted that each person has his strengths, it must also be conceded that the running of a state like Cross River, which depends only on federal allocation, requires qualities that go beyond sentry leadership.

Perhaps, what is gladdening in this whole episode is the fact that the governor has distanced himself from getting involved in the search for his successor.

At the Merit Award Dinner, Governor Imoke dissociated himself from the search, insisting that every aspirant for the highest office in the state is on his own.

“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 trivialise the office of governor of this state,” Imoke said.

Before this clarification however, some of the aspirants had dropped the governor’s name in a bid to stave off competition. In fact, one or two aspirants were either believed to have been considered as the governor’s candidate or were endorsed by his wife. The governor’s silence all the while did not help matters as the impression nearly metamorphosed into an affirmation.

The rumour mill also went haywire with the tale of Imoke giving each of the aspirants N20 million naira “for consultation.” Still, there was this rumour that the governor was merely propping up many people from the zone in order to create confusion and pave the way for his friend, Chief Gershom Bassey, to run. With the governor’s public stance on this issue therefore, the aspirants

will only have God, credibility and their ability to rely on for success.

Yet, the danger inherent in this scramble must not be overlooked. For instance, when it was clear that Imoke was determined to hand over power to the north, state matters began to suffer as consultations began, with some of the aspirants shuttling between their country homes and Calabar. This situation was common whenever the governor was not in town. It didn’t matter whether the Deputy Governor, Mr. Efiok Cobham, was on seat, so long as the governor was not around, some of the aspirants were on leave.

Secondly, the cabinet members who today are criss-crossing the state in search of delegates to the state congress may have related with each other while they met at the Executive Chambers and at functions with suspicion and reservation. In such a situation, ideas were held back, initiative was lost and the usual fraternity was limited.

It will certainly be an interesting scenario to watch the seven members of Imoke’s administration at the Congress venue canvassing for delegates’ votes against one another. This is with consciousness of the fact that there are others who were not in the Council.

Certainly by the time the bell tolls, the number will increase.

But it is left to be seen how the governor will stay aloof as his boys slug it out on Congress day. Besides, the governor had earlier said that he does not know who he will hand over to, but he knows who he will not. Assuming the person he will not hand over to enters the race, will the governor stand aside watching?

And if in the course of voting, the governor discovers that this same person was coasting home to victory; will he just shrug and maintain his seat?

However, while the race for the governorship will attract attention, happenings in the Ikom axis will generate no less interest. Ikom, the hub of commercial activities in the state, is located in the Central Senatorial District. It is the immediate constituency of the Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma Egba.

In recent times, the Senate Leader has been having a running battle with unseen forces. Although his relationship with the state governor has been shrouded in controversy, what is sure is the fact that the outspoken, articulate lawmaker may have to oil his arsenal at a cost twice that of the last election if he must beat back the forces attempting to frustrate

The cabinet members who today are crisscrossing the state in search of delegates to the state congress may have related with each other while they met at the Executive Chambers and at functions with suspicion and reservation

Idagbor his aspiration to return to the Senate.

The new sing-song now in the area is zoning. First to announce his intention to move out of the Green Chamber of the National Assembly was his one-time friend and neighbour, Hon. Owan Enoh, who is the chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation. This challenge may look ordinary on its face value but the confidence with which Enoh is going about his ambition has foreign roots.

“I am close to my people. If I want to go for a fourth term in the House of Representatives, without being immodest, I will still win. But democracy means creating space for others. When I went to campaign in Obubra, I told them it was the last time I would go to the House. I have been there for three terms and since I gave them my commitment, that is why you see about 16 of them from Obubra coming out now to run,” Enoh said.

Similarly, an indigene of Ikom and a notable businessman in Calabar, Chief Frank Effa recently started consultations to stake a claim for a place in the House of Representatives, a development that, if successful, will knock out the senator from the race and confine his ambition to history.

Speaking to journalists in Calabar recently, Effa had posited that: “The pact was that Ikom will go to the Senate once and hand over to another local government area. There are six local government areas in the Central Senatorial zone and one person has been there for three terms, thereby depriving others from going there.”

According to Effa, “The PDP says ‘adhere to the zoning formula.’ I was not in their meeting. Victor [Ndoma-Egba] is my friend and if the thing has been zoned out, Ikom should not be left empty.”

What all these mean is that “the most peaceful state in the South South geopolitical zone of the country” may well be on its way to joining other states with high political temperature. Ironically, all these are happening in the ruling PDP which has consistently claimed it remains a family. Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) seems lost even when it ought to seize an opportunity.

Notwithstanding all these, the picture will become clearer a few weeks from now and those with genuine interest will hold their own in all the elections, those whose ambition is buoyed by infatuation will retrace their steps, while those on expedition will anchor midway.

Whatever it is, the political straight line which has exterminated tension and generated peaceful following may have been tampered with and the 2015 elections will likely make a detour from the known to the unknown.

NEW TELEGRAPH tuesday, OCTOBER 7, 2014

Ebele the Flutist: How my hobby became my profession

Campus Classicals unveils All Nigeria Universities Classical Music contest

I did not study music, I read Accounting and Business...Ebele

First of its kind musical festival for students of all Nigerian universities

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Arts

Jagua Nana — the Musical goes on stage for MUSON festival Tony Okuyeme

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n adaptation of Cyprian Ekwensi’s famous novel Jagua Nana is set to go on stage as part of this year’s edition of Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) Festival of the Arts.

Titled Jagua Nana – the Musical, the play is adapted, produced and directed by Wole Oguntokun and will be staged on Saturday, October 18, at MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

The book is a “sociological documentation of life in Lagos and Nigeria in the early 1960s. It is about the life of a woman, Jagua Nana. Her father was a pastor of a church.

She was the only daughter of the family (she had three brothers). Her father doted on her.

Her father wanted his daughter to marry off and produce grandchildren for him.

But Jagua was something of a Tomboy and was not really interested in marriage; she wanted to live her own life, independently. Nevertheless, she allowed her father to persuade her to marry; thus, she married a local boy living at the coal city.

She and her husband lived at Enugu. He was a business man; he owned petrol stations.

For three years they tried getting a child but could not succeed. As is the case in Igbo land, men marry for children, not for love. Thus, the Husband began making plans for another wife. She got wind of what was going on.

TONY OKUYEME tony.okuyeme@newtelegraphonline.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

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Life in My City Art Festival: Grand Finale exhibition holds in Enugu

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A scene in Itan Oginintin on stage in Lagos, by Oguntokun

In the meantime, she felt stifled by the need to pretend to like her life as a housewife.

She had a restless spirit that sought adventure. Her restless spirit began to yarn for life elsewhere, life on the fast lane. She learned that Lagos is where it is at, and went to the train station and boarded a train headed to Lagos. Three days later she was at Lagos and had no place to live!

She walked around until she attracted the attention of a local musician, Hot Lips, who took her in. She lived with him but was not satisfied with his meager income; he did not have what she wanted, money and what money provides, an exciting life. Thus, she began to look around for something better.

While walking about Tinunbu Square, Lagos looking at stores with expensive merchandise that she would like to buy, she noticed that some folks were following her. She turned around and asked them why they were following her.

They told her that they were looking for a woman to take to their white master at Ikoyi.

Apparently, they were house servants for a white man at Ikoyi and their master who had left his wife and two children in England was searching for a local mistress. She agreed to the deal and they took her to the man’s house.

She was surprised at how well white folks at Ikoyi lived.

The white man had sex with her and liked her and decided to keep her as his always ready sex toy. He rented a place for her, and fronted her money for her daily living expenses; she became a white man’s concubine.

Eventually, the man left for England and she did not hear from him again. Apparently, she had saved some money and used that money to travel to Accra, Ghana and liked the city. She decided to trade between Accra and Lagos. Thus, she would go to Accra and buy clothes and bring them to Lagos and sell them.

The book is a sociological documentation of life in Lagos and Nigeria in the early 1960s

rom the 20th to the 25th October 2014, the Grand Finale exhibition of Life in My City Art Festival, an annual celebration of creativity in the Nigerian art landscape, will hold in Enugu.

Notable as one of the largest annual gathering of artists and stakeholders of visual arts in Nigeria, featuring exhibitions, symposia and workshops, it is arguably the single largest exhibition of new works in Nigeria.

Now in its 8th year, the Competition was initiated

by Chief Robert Orji of ROCANA Nigerian Ltd., an advertising company based in Enugu, and organised by a registered Board of Trustees with the support of the Alliance Française Network in Nigeria, the Nigerian Council of the Pan-African Circle of Artists and ROCANA Nigeria Ltd. Life in My City Art Festival (LIMCAF) commenced in 2007 to encourage artistic creativity and awareness of environmental issues. It provides space through art for young people to make meaningful statements about the lived environment in Nigeria. It also encourages and empowers young artists throughout Nigeria by promoting and commercializing their creative endeavours on a national and international platform.

Its aims and objectives include: to restore the old glory of Enugu as a vibrant art and culture centre and promote it as an important national and international destination for the arts; to excite the public imagination about the culture & tourism potentials and other developmental strides in the new Enugu; to provide space through art for young people to make meaningful statements about their environment wherever they may live in Nigeria; and to encourage, inspire and economically empower young artists by promoting and commercializing their creative works.

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Art

Ebere Ameh

W

hen Ebele Ezeamakam decided to leave her lucrative accounting job to venture into music, her boss and many around her thought she was crazy. Their astonishment is not so much because she was going into music as it was of the fact that she was leaving her well paid job to be a mere flutist.

“He looked at me and said, ‘are you ok? You have a good paying job and you want to go into music, to play a flute?

He thought I was insane,” Ebele said of her boss after she told him that she wanted to venture into music.

Though many found her weird and never took her serious then, definitely, they believe in her today. What with all the national and international recognition and awards, which she has continued to garner.

Ebele emerged the ‘First female flutist in Nigeria’, at the recently concluded Classic African Merit Award (CAMA). The award, which she said is a dream come true, is an Award of Recognition, which was given to her an appreciation for what she represents and also for her contribution to the society.

Muti-talented and proactive, Ebele is a songwriter, an instrumentalist, a singer, a composer and much more.

So far, she has four singles and three videos and has just released the fourth single on her birthday, July 12, 2014, titled ‘Dream Come True.’

Call hers a life of courage, fuelled by passion and you won’t be mistaken. From passion for the flute to the foremost and award winning flutist. Ebele remains the first Nigerian female flutist that could perform any form of soothing tunes with her flute - contemporary, classical and jazz and all sorts. “I am the first and only female flutist that is doing this professionally, contemporary wise,” Ebele enthused.

On how the journey

Tuesday, OCTOBER 7, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Ebele the Flutist: How my hobby became my profession started for this fast rising flutist and gospel musician, Ebele has this to say “I got enthralled to the sound of flute through the inspiration I developed seeing a young Filipino girl play the instrument. That was what ignited my passion and it became a part of my life.”

She started playing the flute as a hobby when she was fifteen years old. Playing in the church, concert and in school, she got exposed to music and grew up with the flute. She was a member of her church choir and a musical group called Agape Voices.

“I did not study music, I read Accounting and Business but my passion for music did not wane. Although it was just a hobby, I never stopped playing my flute because it had become a part of me,” she said.

“I practically started my career in Benin, where I grew up. There, I joined a twenty-member group called the Agape Voices. With this group I was able to play in major concerts and the passion continued unabated. It was in Benin that I got my first shot to perform in a concert.”

A qualified Accountant, Ebele worked as an accountant In Edo Sate, before leaving to venture into music.

“I decided to give full time work a break to focus on the promotion of my music career,” she chirped.

The Anambra born flutist got attracted to the flute due to its uniqueness in producing different sounds. “The flute is a solo instrument. You can play anything with the flute unlike the saxophone. I got attracted to it because of this distinct feature.”

Ebele who loves jazz music is inspired by the likes of

Ebele the Flutist

I am versatile and unpredictable whenever I am on stage. I can be performing this song today in a particular way and next time, in another way

Tee Mac and Mike Aremu, hopes to play the flute the way Mike Aremu, one of her mentors, whom she featured in a track in one of her albums, plays the saxophone.

“Appreciation for Jazz music is growing because this is the real music. There are a lot of prospects in the industry. A normal singer is not a full musician because of the knowledge of musical instrument. Jazz is the music behind every music. It is the real music that fans can be more attracted. The western world appreciates jazz music better than our society and an event is not complete there without a jazz artiste playing. Whenever you see me play you would definitely appreciate it and this is how we are winning more fans to our side. The more the event organizers bring us out the more attention we get, jazz music is everywhere and people can easily relate with it,” Ebele said of jazz.

Ebele who has performed in major events, cocktails

and countless shows across Nigeria says the industry is full of challenges, especially for the female artistes. “No doubt, there are challenges but I have transformed my challenges to opportunities.

The only challenge I have is that people feel I am more restricted and sometimes some people in the industry feel jittery.

When she started years ago, her decision seemed a bit awkward to people around her, now, they are proud of her for doing what she is doing. She embraced her destiny and was determined to pay the due.

“I am versatile and unpredictable whenever I am on stage. I can be performing this song today in a particular way and next time, in another way. I improvise a lot with my flute and I construct anything on stage. It is this that stands me out among other performers. You always have to watch out for something new from me,” Ebele said proudly

Campus Classicals unveils All Nigeria Universities Classical Music contest

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s part of its initiative to stimulate interest in the study and practice of Classical music both in and outside the academia, Campus Classical, is set to unveil the All Nigeria Universities Classical Music Contest.

This is the first of its kind musical festival wherein students of all Nigerian universities come under one single event to showcase musical talents in the classical music genre.

According to a statement by the organisers, the festival is aimed at exposing students to practical Classical music beyond their immediate

environment and interface with their counterparts from other institutions. The festival will also showcase the creative abilities of students, and build a sense of success in them, to harness the talents of students, and bring participants to national and international limelight.

It added that research has shown that practitioners and listeners of classical music perform better in all spheres of human endeavour, and enhances the socio-economic and cultural development of a society, while it plays a vital role in the education and general development of students.

The festival will also showcase the creative abilities of students, and build a sense of success in them

The organisers said, it is in recognition of this that Campus Classical, is putting up this festival to further challenge university authorities and Music/performing Arts departments to enhance the academic development of their students through intensive music

training.

On the build-up event, the organisers said zonal preliminaries will be held in Ibadan for western zone, Abuja will host the Northern zone, and Port Harcourt for Eastern zone, while the grand-finale holds in Lagos, with the top three universities

from each zone qualifying for the finals.

On the areas of contest, the statement said participants will contest in voice solo and accompaniment, Instrumental music, Chorus, Cultural and Dramatic music.

It said the choice of judges is based on their qualification and years of experience in the music industry. Judges for the festival include; Dr (Mrs) Joy Nwosu Lo- Bamijoko, a gifted Nigerian female musician recognised locally and internationally.

Prof Onyee Nwamkpa, Head of Music Department University of Port Harcourt.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY OCTOBER 7, 2014

Mom&Parenting

23

How to strengthen your marriage

A happy couple appericiating themselves

11 Ways to show some spousal appreciation Leah Rocketto

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e often get so caught up in our roles as parents that we tend to forget about the person who helped make our families possible our partner. It's understandable. Lord knows it's easier to shout at someone for doing something wrong than it is to thank them for doing something right. But a little appreciation can be the differences between deaths do you part and divorce proceedings.

So whether you need to show

Team Oluwatosin Omoniyil Coordinator

Grace Essen l Contributor

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

a little more thanks or think you're worthy of some extra praise, we suggest incorporating a few of these tips into your life. Rocketto however, suggested ways of appreciation: Take them on a Date: we're not talking about a night of Netflix and takeout. Hire a sitter and treat your spouse to a fun, romantic evening.

2) Start a "Thank You" board: don't forget to thank them for the little things. Keep a board nearby so you can jot down appreciative notes whenever they pop into your head.

3) Lighten the Load: picking up after yourself will make it easier for your partner to complete their chores.

Or better yet, take some of the tasks off their to-do list and tackle them yourself.

4) Bake Some "Just Be-

Looking into their faces

It takes very little effort to say “thank you,” and hearing it means a whole lot.

PHOTO: www.africasweetheart.com

cause" Sweets: if your spouse prefers something savory, whip up their favorite dinner or snack.

5) Give Them a "Yes" Day: your partner does a lot for you, so it's time to return the favor. Pick a day and agree to anything they ask or suggest within reason, of course!

6) Let Them Sleep: allow your spouse to lie in bed while you take on the kids, even if you

PHOTO: www.dreamstime.com

have to sacrifice a few hours of sweet dreaming to do it.

7) Brag to Your Friends: next time you go out with the gals, leave the negative talk at home. Instead, try sharing a positive story about your partner.

8) Give Them a Hug, Kiss, or Something More: we're not saying sex is a substitute for a simple "thank you," but giving your spouse some physical attention can help lift their mood.

9) Leave Little Notes: Surprise sentiments remind your spouse just how much you love and appreciate them.

10) Encourage Them to Take "Me Time": Whether you tell them to spend the day at a spa or read something that isn't Dr. Seuss, giving your partner time to rest, relax, and rejuvenate will mean the world to them.

11) Just Say It: It takes very little effort to say "thank you," and hearing it means a whole lot.

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Mom&Parenting

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Things high school teachers wish parents knew

MOM’S ALERT with

grace.essen@yahoo.com

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Teenage students in the class room

Amy Morin

Teens Expert

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y the time kids reach high school it’s not unusual for parents to begin to feel disconnected – not just from their teens, but also from their education. High school usually offers fewer opportunities to connect with teachers and many teens aren’t as forthcoming with information about their school experiences.

But just because parents are feeling a little disconnected, it doesn’t mean they don’t have questions and concerns about their child’s education. I interviewed high school teachers and principals from schools across the United States to find out what type of issues they’re facing. Here’s what they said they wish parents of all high school students knew: 1. Teens Often Need Help Recovering from Personal Mistakes “As an educator, I have seen students make significant personal mistakes that lead to a tarnished reputation in the eyes of the teachers or their peers,” says K.L. Herald, the Assistant Principal for Curriculum at a high school in Tampa, Florida.

Whether the mistake involves repeated forgotten homework assignments or a questionable picture sent over social media, all teens make mistakes at one time or another. Their mistakes can take a serious toll on their self-image if they don’t learn how to recover from them successfully.

One key point of advice to parents is that they must be the first point of forgiveness.

The parent or guardian must reiterate to the student that the process of regaining individual respect must start within,” says Herald. She recommends parents help their teen create a plan to recover from a mistake. Then, parents can help their teen cel-

ebrate each accomplishment along the way to help rebuild self-esteem.

2. Socialisation Plays an Important Role in Learning When you hear teens talking about their school experiences, the last thing you will hear about is usually math or science.

Instead, teens are more likely to discuss the social aspects of their school day. “As a teacher, I see that a lot of students are very concerned with their social lives - to the point where they have academic problems when their basic social needs aren't met,” says David Bennett, a teacher at a private Catholic High School in Lancaster, Ohio.

It’s developmentally normal for friendships and romantic relationships to be an important part of a teen’s life. However, not all parents see the value in a rich social life. “Not only do parents often ignore their kids' pleas for help on social concerns, sometimes they take away a kid's social life as punishment, when that may be one of the only things keeping a kid from being overwhelmed by stress,” says Bennett, who is also behind the website The Popular Teen. He recommends that parents teach social skills and ensure that teens’ social needs are being met so that they’re free to focus on learning while they’re in school.

3. Identity Changes are Normal It’s common for teens to try out different personas and identities throughout high school.

While a teen may identify herself as a “geek” one week, she may want to dye her hair purple the next week. “While finding their identity, they may become rebellious and engage in activity you never thought possible,” says Wendy Weiner, principal of a high school in Davie, Florida.

Attempts to stifle pleas for independence can backfire and lead to even more rebellion.

Allow for safe opportunities for self-expression and you’ll help your teen create a positive

PHOTO: kissrichmond.com

self-image. While seemingly strange behavior changes may be alarming to parents, Weiner says educators see it every year.

“Stay involved, love your child and know that this is a developmental stage which will eventually pass,” recommends Weiner.

4. Teens Pick Up on Parental Attitudes about Learning While it can be tempting to express displeasure about your teen’s homework assignment or a teacher’s particular teaching style, it’s usually best to avoid clueing your teen in on your dissatisfaction. Saying your teen’s math homework is “ridiculous,” or the teacher’s expectations are “unreasonable,” isn’t helpful.

“Children pick up on parents' attitudes toward school and homework,” says Tosin Willliams, a high school biology teacher in Los Angeles, California.

Williams, who also operates an educational consulting company, recommends parents remain positive about school, even when their teen isn’t getting recognized as the “student of the week,” or isn’t receiving top accolades for achievement. “We know your child is a unique individual, but he won't always get to be in the spotlight. That doesn't mean we're unaware of how special your kid is,” says Williams. Remain as positive as possible and if you have questions or concerns, talk to the school staff instead of expressing your displeasure to your teen.

5. Teens Benefit from Learning to Advocate for Themselves Although it can be tempting to rescue your teen when problems arise, jumping in and resolving issues yourself isn’t always the best course of action. “Support them in becoming self-advocates,” says Diana Gleeson, Head of the Upper School at Allendale Columbia School in Rochester, New York. Gleeson recommends parents provide coaching and support to help teens become as independent as possible.

Grace Essen

Back to school

inally the beginning of a new school session is here, and if you are like most moms, you would heave a sigh of relief. The long holiday became longer than expected, and we all found ourselves stuck with our children in a way we never bargained for, all thanks to Patrick Sawyer and the EVD outbreak!

It so happened that moms went everywhere – to the banks, offices, markets, everywhere with little children who ordinarily would have been in school or at the day care.

You will agree that while we were glad to have our children around, they also restricted us from going about our day-today business, especially those of us who do not have domestic helps.

I had a chat with a mom of three, who is running a post graduate programme in one of the higher institutions in Lagos and does not have a nanny, she lamented over her inability to attend classes and prepare for her forth coming exams, because she has to stay home with her children. This is really affecting her academic performance in school.

Out of frustration, she cried out that she cannot wait for schools to reopen.

Another mom said she spends more time cooking than usual. Her children are so restless and get hungry more often, so she has to make sure she keeps her house stocked up with food. For another, her children can’t just stop fighting, and she has become helpless in her new found role as ‘referee’. These moms are not alone; the same is likely the case in most homes.

It seems we all have become used to having our children taken care of by the school.

The school beyond being a place for learning, has become a ‘place for children to go to’ while parents catch up with their business and personal runs. It is for us a place where our children use up their energies and by the time they get home, it becomes a lot easier to manage them. It is also somewhat a measure of growth or milestones for our children, when they progress from one class to another. School has become such a perfect ‘getaway’ for parents such that even during long holidays, ‘school’ continues in the form of summer coaching and the likes. Unfortunately, that was suspended by the Federal government at the peak of the Ebola outbreak in Nigeria.

All these while children have been home, Television,TV, and the internet took over from where school stopped.

They spent hours watching

TV or surfing the net and in most cases, with no adult supervision. What other choice do they have when there are no new assignments or homework to do?

Agreed we were all taken by surprise by this very long holiday, and we all put up with it, every mom in her own way, but how can we manage it better in the future?

Every mom must be armed with strategies and ideas to keep her children sufficiently occupied and productive during such breaks. But we must first look at such periods differently, instead of feeling ‘stuck’ with our children, we can see it as an opportunity to bond with them, talk about things that we usually don’t have the time to talk about, and to grow together.

We can introduce our children to educative sites online where they can broaden their knowledge, and TV programmes that are educative and informative, and let them share what new thing they learn. It was during this long break that I got my children to learn new things on Mindset and ED TV channels. They watched the activities in some of the shows like Mouse in the House with keen interest, and then went about experimenting what they learnt. Some of the experiments we have had to do together in my kitchen, and I learnt something new in the process.

It can be a great opportunity for them to try out chores they have waited to ‘grow up’ to do, like washing the car, learning to cook etc. When my children washed my car for the first time, it looked like someone painted the car with very light mud. But you know what? I drove off feeling proud that my little children washed my car!

If we are able to get the school books required for the new session, the children can keep themselves engaged going through them ahead of school resumption, keeping in mind that they will be rushed through the term to catch up with the school calendar.

I also found the long break a great opportunity to teach my children all they need to know about keeping safe, getting them to actually learn and practice personal hygiene especially at this time Ebola is still on our minds, so when they go back to school, and mummy is not there, they will know what to do.

How did you manage to keep your children engaged during the long break, share your experiences thank you!

Grace Essen is the founder and president mum to support initiative

•

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY OCTOBER 7, 2014

Energy

Property

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Aviation

‘How Nigeria secured $212m power investments from US’

Nigeria crests Africa’s $30bn E&P market cap -Report

Experts list paths to real estate growth

The impact of ageing aircraft on aviation safety

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Business What's news

FG completes $20bn Trans-Sahara gas project design The Federal Government has completed the concept design for the $20 billion trans-Sahara gas pipeline project, findings by New Telegraph have revealed.

p.26

Thailand to edge out India, Vetnam from Nigerian rice market Two years after losing its place as world’s biggest rice exporter, Thailand is eyeing a return to the top by displacing India and Vietnam.

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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

Nigeria records $7 billion deficit between planned investments in the oil and gas industry and the actual investments in one year Adeola Yusuf

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he $40 billion investments draught caused by delayed passage of the controversial Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) will linger than expected, as hope of passing the bill by the seventh National Assembly has finally diminished.

The out-going Senators and members of House of Representatives, who have less than four months to seek re-election into various elective posts, will not pass the bill, which has been in the saddle for about 14 years.

A member of House Representatives, who craved anonymity, told New Telegraph at the weekend that the PIB was no more on the agenda of the legislators, “but the 2015 election.”

He said: “Some of those in the Senate even want to become governors while some at the House (of Representatives) want to go to Senate. You will agree with me that there are other people too who are eying these posts. Let me be sincere with you my brother, our respective ambitions was made this your PIB to be relegated to the background. All the major political parties have started the process for primaries where candidates will emerge and all we are doing now is politics.

“Without sounding pessimistic, the bill cannot fly again during this outgoing National Assembly, except it is part of requirement for our re-election in 2015.”

Meanwhile, Nigeria has, in the last five years, witnessed investments draught of about

$40bn investments draught lingers

•As NASS dumps PIB passage

L-R: Director, Business Segments, Etisalat Nigeria, Lucas Dada; Director General, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Alhaji Bature Masari and Head, Business Segments, Etisalat Nigeria, Bidemi Ladipo, during a courtesy call to the DG of SMEDAN, in Abuja.

$40billion in private sector investments in the oil and gas due to the non-passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

A data released by the authoritative voice in global oil and gas industry, Wood Mackenzie, reveals that $37 billion

out of this is lost to delay in PIB passage, which has in return resulted in industry stagnation between 2008 and 2012.

The non-passage of PIB is, according to the report, responsible for reduced investments, reduced crude oil production,

reduced government revenues, increased debt and increased borrowings Capital and operational expenditures of $37billion were lost due to the industry stagCONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Russian bank eyes Nigeria to grow cash-equity business Sunday Ojeme

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he investment arm of Russia’s second-biggest bank, VTB Capital, is shifting focus to Nigeria and other sub-Sahara African

countries and beyond to grow its cash-equity business as demand for the country’s assets wanes amid crisis with Ukraine.

According to the Acting Global Head of Equities at VTB

Capital, Mr. Mark Richardson, expanding its business in Africa could help VTB Capital widen its client-base to include frontier-market funds. The broCONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Dayo Adeyemi l Property Editor

DEFICIT

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

EXCHANGE RATE

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N156.75 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N254.68 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N198.08

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N169 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N280 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N222

(Parellel As at Oct 3)

l Foreign Reserves – $39.47bn as at 2/10/2014

Source: CBN

(Official As at Oct 3)

26

News

FEASIBILITY

NNPC, SONATRACH, SONIDEP have advanced the revalidation of the 2006 feasibility study Adeola Yusuf

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he Federal Gover nment has completed the concept design for the $20 billion transSahara gas pipeline project, findings by New Telegraph have revealed.

The project, when completed, will transport about 30 billion cubic metres of natural gas from Warri through Niger Republic to Algeria and to Spain and Europe.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), which is the ex-

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

FG completes $20bn TransSahara gas project design ecutor of the project, has completed the concept design for the pipeline and handed it over to the president through the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alision-Madueke, a source at the Presidency told this newspaper at the weekend.

“Do not forget that the president is closely monitoring the project because he has led Nigeria to mobilise $700 million to support the completion of the pipeline project,” he said, describing the concept design as an important milestone for the

$40bn investments draught lingers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

nation, which has also created vicious cycle in Federal Government’s revenues, the report added.

“In 2012, there was a gap of $7billion between planned investments in the oil and gas industry and the actual investments,” the report said, noting that the country also experienced fiscal crisis.

For instance, in the 2012 budget, there was a shortfall of $10billion and over $50billion shortfall in the 2007-2012 industry plan.

With stagnation in both reserves and pro-

project.

“The gas pipeline when completed will be operated by the NNPC and Sonatrach of Algeria, both of which will hold 90 per cent shares of the equities of the project while the National Oil Company of Niger Republic, SONIDEP, will hold 10 per cent equity,” he added.

Meanwhile, the trio of NNPC, SONATRACH and SONIDEP have engaged a reputable consultant to carry out the revalidation of the 2006 feasibility study of the project.

This, he said, was necessitated by recent developments in the environment and the study

would be concluded by March.

“This study is part of our collective determination to ensure that robust gas supply sources and gas marked windows still exist for the project.

“Preliminary results indicate some uncertainty around the market opportunities in Europe and this is due mainly to possible intra-European gas pipeline projects from Russia that may compete with supplies from Africa,” he said.

Making reference to a recent report, which President Jonathan presented to the 30th meeting of NEPAD Heads of State and Government

Orientation Committee, the source maintained that work had begun in the acquisition of Rights of Way survey of key segments of the pipeline, while work on the environmental impact assessment study of the pipeline would soon commence.

Jonathan had informed the NEPAD meeting, chaired by President Macky Sall of Senegal, that the front end design of the pipeline would be completed by the end of the third quarter of 2014.

“This will be followed closely by major construction activities on the Trans-Nigeria segment.

duction, the country lost 100,000barrels per day in 2008; 800,000barrels per day in 2009; 500,000 barrels per day in 2010; 600,000bpd in 2011 and 1.5million bpd in 2012, said the report.

The Federal Government actually lost an estimated $100billion in revenue between 2007 and 2012 from inability to meet crude oil production targets, according to a separate data sourced from the National Petroleum Investment and Management Services (NAPIMS), the investment arm of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Russian bank eyes Nigeria CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

kerage is eying offering cash-equities execution in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana, and can currently offer its services in Nigeria and Kenya.

“We’ve seen reduced appetite for Russian risk for some time now. SubSaharan Africa is where we see an opportunity to differentiate ourselves and add real value to our clients,” he said.

New Telegraph recalls the Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Nikolay Udovichenko, saying during a business forum late last year that Russia was interested in developing cooperation with Nigeria in the fields of investment, energy, trade and agriculture, among others.

He said, “We see new opportunities for Russian companies. Suffice it to say that Nigeria has all chances to become Africa’s biggest economy in the nearest future. That is why

we and the embassy of Nigeria in Moscow almost simultaneously decided to amplify efficacious bilateral cooperation.”

VTB Capital, whose parent is under sanctions from the United States and European Union, plans to double its cashequity flows in global markets including the Middle East and developing Europe to 50 per cent because Russia is “out of favor,” Richardson said.

The penalties have curbed Russia’s access to capital markets, sparked capital flight and weakened the ruble to a record. The International Monetary Fund last week cut its previous Russia 2015 growth forecast in half to 0.5 per cent, citing the standoff.

Richardson said about 30 publicly listed companies in the region had “decent liquidity” and are “known to international investors,” without naming the shares.

National President, Alliance Against Monopoly, Mazi Omife I. Omife (middle), and others, during an anti-monopoly in the cement industry demonstration at the Head Office Annex of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in Lagos.

Thailand to edge out India, Vetnam from Nigerian rice market COMPETITION

Cheap rice is to flood Nigeria, Ghana markets before year end Bayo Akomolafe

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wo years after losing its place as world’s biggest rice exporter, Thailand is eyeing a return to the top by displacing India and Vietnam.

A senior economist at the London-based International Grains Council, Darren Cooper, said that

Thailand could edge out India in 2014.

Despite moves by Nigeria to stop importation of rice from next year, he explained that the country had begun to reclaim Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Ghana, the portions of key African market it lost.

Thailand was pushed off the top spot by India in 2012, as buyers hit back at the country’s attempt to fund the costly subsidy by driving up global prices through grain hoarding.

India and Vietnam moved swiftly to gobble up Thailand’s crumbling market share, with the Indian Government rapidly releasing more of their

own rice for export.

It was learnt that Thailand’s junta, which seized power in May, ended the rice scheme soon after the coup and is flogging stockpiles to soften the price of Thai rice to around $450 a ton, comparable to India and Vietnam.

Excited over the development, Honorary President of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, Mr Chookiat Ophaswongse, said: “I’m sure we can get back our world title this year.”

From January until September 2, the country sold seven million tons of the grain, already more than the whole of 2013.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY OCTOBER 7, 2014

27

Mambilla: Presidency misses October 1 flagoff deadline for $3.2bn project p.28

Energy FG heads off $18bn power investments’ threat BAD LOANS

Now that US has shunned Nigeria’s oil p.29

•DISCOs, GENCOs secure lenders’ confidence

Experts have said that the power intervention fund will reduce the probability of bad loans Adeola Yusuf

T

he Federal Government has headed off the threat to the planned $18 billion investments by new owners of electricity generation and distribution facilities in Nigeria.

Analysts including Pabina Yinkere of Vetiva Capital Management Ltd who gave this hint in a report by Bloomberg declared that the $1.3 billion (N213 billion) power intervention funds released by the government has boosted confidence of banks and other global lenders to channel more loans to the power sector.

The Distribution Companies (DISCOs) and their counterparts at the generation sub-sector have plans to raise the $18billion investments through loans and they have already secured confidence of Nigerian banks and other lenders for this. These banks that had earlier financed the privatization of the sector, drew back when the new power investors were unable to service their loans.

According to Bloomberg, UBA Plc (UBA), Nigeria’s fourth-biggest lender by market value, granted $700 million in loans to several investors, including Transnational, which got $215 million to buy Ughelli Power, the country’s second-biggest gas-fueled plant with capacity for 900 MegaWatts.

Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (GUARANTY), the largest lender by market value, advanced $170 million to Mainstream Energy Solutions Ltd. for the concession of Jebba and Kainji hydropower plants. Zenith Bank Plc (ZENITHBA), the second-biggest lender, provided N40 billion for the acquisition of two electricity distribution companies in Lagos.

Others such as Ecobank Transnational Inc., Diamond Bank Plc (DIAMONDB) and Skye Bank also provided loans to power investors.

The N213 billion ($1.3 billion) fund announced by President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration on September 19 will be used to pay off gas-supply debts owed by power companies and to cover revenue shortfalls. It will also help them meet debt-service obligations to banks on loans of almost N500 billion, on which some were falling behind.

“The government is reacting to the risk affecting the power industry as a whole and the sustainability of the reform, which dovetails to the banks,” Yinkere of Vetiva Capital Management

Power installation

Ltd said in a phone interview with Bloomberg. “This intervention fund will ease the stress in the industry and in effect reduce the probability of loans going bad.”

The Federal Government dismantled the power monopoly and sold the hydroand gas-powered plants it ran last year to try to bring in investment needed to expand electricity supply, with demand more than three times the current output of about 3,800 megawatts. Companies including Transnational Corp. of Nigeria Plc, Korea Electric Power Corp. (015760) and Forte Oil Plc (FO) paid more than $3 billion for controlling interests in 15 power generators and distributors.

Authorities in Africa’s largest economy are putting together new regulations to protect lenders, electricity consumers and other utilities in the event that the power companies fail, according to Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele and Petroleum Minister, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke.

“The government is sending out strong signals about its intention to make the power sector work,” Dolapo Oni, Lagos-based head of energy research at Ecobank Research, said in an e-mailed response to questions. “If these interventions allow the declaration of the Transitional Electricity

Market, then they may have averted a crisis.”

The bailout will enable an October start to the electricity market, where generators and distributors can buy and sell energy in a process mediated by the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trader, according to a timetable set by regulators. The bulk trader has almost $1 billion in risk guarantees provided by the World Bank and Nigeria’s Sovereign Wealth Investment Authority, with an additional $750 million to back trading by generators and distributors.

While the bailout doesn’t address all the challenges, it is a step in the right direction, Bismarck Rewane, CEO of Lagos-based Financial Derivatives Co., a risk advisory firm, said by phone.

“The signal is that the power investors will be supported,” he said. “Power is too important that the government cannot let it fail.” While the ratio of non-performing loans in Nigerian banks remains low at 4 percent of all borrowings, compared with a high of 35 percent in November 2010, it is expected to increase for electricity companies “as the new distribution and generation businesses pile up debts and struggle under the early phases of liberalization,” Philippe de Pontet, Africa director at New York-based Eurasia Group, said in a September 24 e-mailed note to clients.

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Business | Energy

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Mambilla: Presidency misses October 1 flag off deadline for $3.2bn project BICKERING

Controversies surrounding the award of contract for the construction of the 3050MW Mambilla plant resurfaced Stories by Adeola Yusuf

T

he Federal Gover nment has again failed to fulfill “conceived” promise to flag off initial phase of work at the 3,050 megawatts Mambilla Hydro Power plant situated in Taraba State, investigations by New Telegraph has revealed.

The project, which has been stalled for more

than 30 years, is touted as the largest hydropower project on the African continent, and will provide increased electricity generation to the national grid as well as irrigation for the people of Taraba state and its environs when completed.

Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, had earlier at an inter-agency ministerial press briefing on Nigeria’s gas-to-power sector said that President Goodluck Jonathan would before the 2014 Independence Day celebration flag-off commencement of work at the hydro power plant.

At a press briefing attended by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani AlisonMadueke, Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr. Sam

Amadi, and Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, Nebo said: “Before independence day celebration for 2014, it is conceived that Mr. President will flag off the 3050MW Mambilla hydro power project; when you add these two only from hydro, that almost gives what Nigeria is generating today and so all these vision is to ensure that by 2020 we have up to 20000mw.”

However, the “conceived flag off ” date has passed without any trace of work on the project.

A source at the ministry of power told our correspondent at the weekend that the inability of government to meet up with the October 1 conceived flag off date was due to the controversy surrounding the award

Gas plant

of contract for the construction of the $3.2 billion Mambilla plant resurfaced.

The controversial award of Lot 1 of the project to competing Chinese firms had elicited the intervention of the Chinese government, which by the way is expected to provide a good chunk of the project’s funding.

Accordingly, Lot 1 of the project, which involves civil contract for the steel hydraulic structure of the dam, was first awarded to Chinese consortium, China Gezhouba Group Company Limited and China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGGC/ CGC) at a contract sum of $1.46 billion between 2006 and 2007 with about 15 per cent payment advance initiated by the Nigerian government which later cancelled the contract and re-awarded to another Chinese firm, Sinodydro on controversial circumstances.

“The minister gave this assurance because of his believe that this issue has been resolved.

It later appeared that this controversy has not totally been resolved and this is a part of the cause of the delay,” he said.

Professor Nebo, minister of power, has earlier disclosed that the National Economic Council had approved a total of $1.72 billion as part of Nigeria’s counterpart funding for the construction of three major hydroelectric power stations in the country.

The minister noted that with the approval, initial work at the project sites would now commence without funding

Saipem bags $750m EPCI contract on Lakach field

I

taly’s Saipem announced at the weekend that it had been awarded new offshore Engineering & Construction contracts in the Gulf of Mexico, for a total amount of approximately $750 million.

Pemex has awarded Saipem an EPCI contract for the development of the Lakach field, located 60 miles (98 kilometers) southeast of Veracruz and 81 miles (131 kilometers) northwest of Coatzacoalcos, at a water depth varying between 2,788 and 3,937 feet (850 and 1,200 meters).

The scope of work of the contract involves the engineering, procurement, construction and installation (EPCI) of the system connecting the offshore field with the onshore gas conditioning plant. This includes two 45 mile (73 kilometer) long 18-inch diameter flowlines for the transportation of gas, and a main umbilical approximately 31 miles (50 kilometers) long.

Also in the Lakach field, Saipem will develop the SURF (subsea umbilicals, risers and flowlines) facilities

which include subsea equipment, infield umbilicals, flexibles and trees and control system installation. The project will be completed by the end of 2017.

Umberto Vergine, Saipem CEO, commenting on the new award said: “I’m very pleased about this new contract.

This project is the first deep water development of Pemex and it shows the new potential in the oil & gas sector of a country where Saipem has been successfully operating offshore for more than 10 years.

Being awarded such an important contract shows we have been able to strengthen our relationship with Pemex after the difficulties of last year”.

Saipem has also been awarded a Transportation & Installation contract by Protexa for the installation of various offshore structures, including two platform decks of around 3,000 tons each. The platforms are located in the Bay of Campeche in Mexico and are part of the development of Pemex in shallow waters.

hindrances on the part of Nigeria.

The hydroelectric projects earmarked for construction by the government within its longterm development plan for Nigeria’s power sector include the 3050mw Mambilla hydroelectric plant located in Taraba State to be built at the sum of about $3.2 billion by China Gezhouba Group Company and SynoHydro; the 700mw Zungeru plant to be constructed at the sum of N162.9 billion by Chinese consortium of SynoHydro and China National Electrical Engineering Corporation (CNEEC), and the Gurara II dam, which will gulp about N37 billion.

The Mambilla and Zungeru power plants are expected to be undertaken on a build, operate and transfer (BOT) concession agreement with counterpart contributions of 15 per cent and 25 per cent respectively.

The Exim Bank of China will provide outstanding funding percentages required to construct the power projects which are also expected to yield returns for repayment of the concessionary loans.

When completed, Mambilla will become the largest single hydro power project in the country. The proposed contracting structure for Mambilla stipulates that Messrs SinoHydro will cover 70 per cent of the project while Messrs CGGC Limited (China Gezhouba Group Company) covers 30 percent of the project scope.

Nebo says the design and funding mechanism for all the major hydro power schemes were now in place. “Today, we have in place not just the designs but the funding mechanism of all the major hydro schemes in the country.

With the recent approval of $1.72 billion counterpart funding for the sector by the National Economic Council, not just Zungeru, but Mambilla dam in Taraba and Gurara II dam in Suleja, Niger State will all soon see the light of the day,” Nebo said.

Nebo had also commended theefforts of President Goodluck Jonathan to boost the country’s power generation with its launch of work at the 700MW Zungeru hydro power plant and Mambilla,

Business | Energy

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY OCTOBER 7, 2014

29

Now that US has shunned Nigeria’s oil Washington, which has finally squeezed Nigeria’s oil out of US market, is planning to flood the world crude market with 1.3 million barrels per day.

ENERGY EDITOR, Adeola Yusuf, who periscopes events that led to this incident, reports that this may be the beginning of imminent collapse of oil hegemony by Nigeria and others.

T

he Nigeria crude revenues were at their low last Thursday. On that day, the country’s 2014 budget faced its biggest threat in the year as oil, the main cash cow for the country, sold at $90 per barrel, its lowest in two years.

This came as the country’s crude exports to the United States (US) also fell from about one million barrels per day to zero barrel per day for the first time in the history of Nigeria’s crude transactions with Washington.

The US agency, Energy Information Administration (EIA), which revealed this, hinted that Washigton had hitherto imported over one 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 imminent trouble The International Energy Agency (EIA) had earlier hinted that the United States (US) was in the advance stage of a five-year plan to totally squeeze Nigeria’s oil out of its market. But Washington took many observers of trends in global oil and gas transactions by surprise when it, in less than six months of the commencement of the five year plan, achieved the target. The America, EIA said in a report, was also planning to flood the world crude market with 1.3 million barrels per day, in a move that may see it compete with established oil producers such as Nigeria. It added that a 2019 target had already been set to begin the crude exports.

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 was importing over one million barrels of oil per day from Nigeria until 2013, has already crashed its imports from the country by about 800, 000 barrels per day. With the drastic drop in crude oil import by the US, India and other Asian nations have become the biggest consumers of crude from Nigeria.

While this is going on, the country is facing $40 billion investments draught in the oil and gas sector due to the footdragging on the passage of the controversial Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) while International Oil Companies (IOCs) like Shell, Chevron, Total and Eni are selling off some of their assets in the country.

Meanwhile, the IEA said in the re-

President Barack Obama

port that the US was planning to end crude importation based on its gradual self-sustainability in energy needs through the Shale oil boom. The US is targeting 2019 for the commencement of 1.3 million barrels per day crude export, the IEA said.

A crude trader, however, told New Telegraph that the 1.3 million per barrels crude exports from the US by 2019 was a big threat to Nigeria’s Asian market. “This is because the US will need buyers for its crude and this is likely to make the country look the way of Asia for business. This is a major threat to Nigeria’s economy if nothing is done urgently about this,” he said.

The new measure to end crude imports is also affecting countries such as Saudi Arabia, Angola and other crude suppliers to Washington.

“The IEA North America’s shale oil boom has started to squeeze Saudi Arabian oil out of the US market in the same way it did with West African crude,” the energy agency said. It also predicted a flood of US gasoline exports to world market.

“In recent years, surging light tight oil production has backed out US imports of West African crude, which are now moving to Asia,” the IEA said in a monthly report. “Saudi exports seem to be showing the beginning of a similar shift,” it said, estimating that Saudi exports could run below seven million barrels per day for the last four months, the lowest level since September 2011.

“Exports to the US led the drop amid rising Saudi domestic demand for crude burn and refinery runs,” the IEA said. Saudi Arabia was pricing oil out of the US markets by keeping official selling prices high while adjusting them down for Asia, it added.

The North American supply boom has not only cut crude imports into the United States but also turned it into a net products exporter – in sharp contrast with previous decades when it was the largest importer in the world.

“In coming years… U.S. light distillate exports will reach increasingly far-flung markets,” said the IEA, which estimates that Canada and the United States could have a surplus of naphtha and gasoline of around 1.3 million barrels per day by 2019. Planned expansion at Valero and Marathon refineries to process more of the light tight oil extracted from US fields will add to the

President Goodluck Jonathan

glut, the IEA said.

The country is facing $40 billion investments draught in the oil and gas sector due to the footdragging on the passage of the controversial Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB)

Nigeria’s oil centric economy Although oil was discovered in Nigeria in 1956, the Nigeria’s economy took a U-turn from the agro-allied sector to oil in the late 1970s.

Oloibiri Oilfield, the first commercial oil discovery, became known on Sunday 15, January 1956 by Shell Darcy. With this discovery, the 50 years of unsuccessful oil exploration in the country by various companies ended and this launched Nigeria into the limelight as one of the so called“Petro-States.”

Following the discovery of oil in commercial quantity in Oloibiri, Shell stepped up exploration in the Niger Delta and By 1958 Shell/D’Arcy had discovered oil in twelve areas in the Niger Delta of which Oloibiri, Afam and Bomu were the most promising.

The discovered well Oloibiri−1 was spudded on 3 August 1955 and drilled vertical to a total depth of 12008 feet (3660m). The well was tested and it flowed at the rate of about 5,000 barrels (790 m3) of oil per day and it was deemed to be a commercial discovery.

Some gas was also discovered with the oil. The oil discovery was made in the Tertiary Agbada formation.

Nigeria joined the ranks of oil producers in 1958 when its first oil field came on stream producing 5,100 bpd.

After 1960, exploration rights in onshore and offshore areas adjoining the Niger Delta were extended to other foreign companies. In 1965 the EA field was discovered by Shell in shallow water southeast of Warri.

However, in practice, it has proven to be extremely difficult to convert natural resource wealth into broad-based improvements in economic performance and human development. In fact, heavy dependence on the export of natural resources has been shown to negatively affect a country′s economic, social and political development.

Last line The federal government should diversify economy by increasing investments in the non-oil sector. The National Assembly should also pass the PIB to safeguard the oil and gas industry from instability that is presently ravaging it.

These are some of the ways to avert the impending dooms’ day for the Nigeria’s oil-centric economy.

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Business | Energy

REDUCTION

NNPC has said that there is a reduction in theft of its petroleum products

Stories by Adeola Yusuf

T

he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) annual Statistics Bulletin has revealed that Mosimi depot recorded the highest incidences of petroleum products’ loss and theft with 268,760 metric tones in 2013.

The product is valued at N31.364 billion, the bulletin uploaded on the corporation’s website showed In the report released recently, the NNPC disclosed that 327,480 metric tonnes (MT) of petroleum products were lost, while a total of 2.312 million barrels of crude oil were stolen from pipelines in the period under review.

On the contrary, the report disclosed that the amount of petroleum products lost in the period under review represented an appreciation of N17.4 billion from the N21.484 billion worth stolen in 2012.

Giving a breakdown of product losses by region, the report stated that Mosimi recorded the highest incidences of loss with 268,760MT valued at N31.364 billion; followed

by Kaduna with 39,620MT valued at N5.488 billion.

Warri recorded petroleum products loss of

Mosimi tops NNPC 2013 products’ theft, loss chart 16,860MT, valued at N1.785 billion, while N244.46 million were lost from the Port Harcourt area as 2,230MT were lost.

Continuing, the NNPC said, “The local refineries received a total of 36.193 million barrels, about 4.918 million MT of dry crude oil, condensate and slops and processed 35.233 million barrels, about 4.761 million MT into various petroleum products.

“The total production output by the refineries was 5.068 million MT of various petroleum products. The combined average refining capacity utilisation for year 2013 was 22 per cent as against 21 per cent in the previous year.”

The NNPC added that, “Total crude oil and condensate production for the year was 800.488 million barrels giving a daily average of 2.19 million barrels per day. This is lower than the previous year’s by six per cent.

“Of the total quantity, NNPC lifted 341.505 million barrels, representing 42.67 per cent, averaging 935,629 barrels per day for both domestic utilisation and export.”

It added that in the year under review, Nigeria lost N77.87 billion worth of crude oil and other petroleum products.

According to the NNPC report, pipeline vandalism increased by 58 per

Shell evacuates North Sea platform after container drops into Sea

R

oyal Dutch Shell has said that it was evacuating non-essential staff from a North Sea oil platform after a container unit fell from a crane into the sea but caused no injuries.

The oil company said mechanical failure affected the crane on Sunday evening at its Brent Alpha platform, located some 115 miles northeast of Lerwick in the Shetland Islands.

There was no impact on North Sea oil production as maintenance work to decommission the platform is ongoing.

“As a precaution the Brent Alpha and Bravo, which were already shut down as part of ongoing maintenance works, were depressurised,” Shell said in a statement.

An effort was underway to recover the con-

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

tainer, which remains attached by rope and is currently around 20 feet below the sea surface, Shell said.

“An effort to recover the container and transfer it to a vessel is currently being planned.

A support vessel is currently travelling to the Brent field,” the company added.

“A temporary, nonemergency evacuation of non-essential personnel will take place on Monday.”

The Brent oil field, discovered in 1971, was one of the largest oil fields in Britain’s North Sea, exploited via four platforms.

Shell is in the process of decommissioning Brent Alpha and plugging and abandoning work has already started, according to Shell’s website.

NNPC Headquarters

cent over the previous year, as a total of 3,570 line breaks were reported on NNPC pipelines.

Of these line breaks, the NNPC said about 3,505 were as a result of vandalism, while 65 cases were due to system deterioration resulting in a loss of 327,480MT of petroleum products worth about N38.88 billion.

In addition, the corporation stated that “2.31 million barrels of crude oil worth about N38.992

billion were lost in the same period. There were 34 cases of fire incidents during the year under review.”

Specifically, the report showed that efforts at curbing crude oil theft have started to yield positive results, as the amount of oil stolen from pipelines in the period under review dropped by 40.75 per cent or N26.82 billion from N65.812 billion recorded in 2012.

Giving a further break-

down, the NNPC said 865,482 barrels of Bonny Light, valued at N14.598 billion were stolen in the period under review, while 1.408 million barrels of Escravos Light, valued at N23.75 billion were lost to thieves. Also, 25,706 barrels of Urals crude were stolen leading to a loss of N433.58 million, while 12,490 barrels of Ughelli Blend valued at N210.67 million were stolen in the period under review.

Addax mulls 2016 target for production on OML 137 NOD

The FG has given approval to SinopecAddax Petroleum on development of OML 137

T

he Sinopec-Addax Petroleum is planning to begin oil production from its Ofrima-Udele oil wells located in oil mining lease (OML) 137 offshore Nigeria.

This is sequel to the project development approval, which the federal government gave to the company Information on Addax website says OML137 and OML126 are two contiguous blocks located 90km offshore, south of Port Harcourt, in water depths ranging between 50 metres and 210 metres.

Production from OML126 commenced in

March 2005 and averaged 42,330 bpd.

For OML137, however, there has been no production but Addax anticipates the presence of light oil since it is similar to the crude oil produced from the Okwori and Nda fields in adjacent block OML 126.

The government has through the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and other relevant authorities given approvals to SinopecAddax Petroleum to go ahead with project development on its OfrimaUdele oil wells located in oil mining lease (OML) 137 offshore Nigeria and south of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The assets, which have undergone exploratory and appraisal stages, are set for development and if work progresses as scheduled, production is expected to start early 2016.

OML 137 is one of Addax’s notable flagship

projects on which it places hopes of the realisation of its aspiration to attain a production well in excess of 100,000 barrels per day (bpd).

The OML is 100 per cent owned and operated by Addax.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances that may change the schedule, work on the development of the wells would begin in November while the oil firm has reached reasonable levels of discussion with some financial institutions for funding of the project.

OML 137 was surveyed by 3D seismic in early 2006 and contains the Ofrima North oil discovery and several potentially commercial natural gas discoveries (Shokoloko, Toriye, Odum, Asanga and Ofrima), four identified oil prospects (Ofrima North, Atuma, Udele and Asa) and a number of shallow and deep leads.

Business | Energy

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY OCTOBER 7, 2014

31

IKEDC suffers more equipment theft, vandalism SYNEGY

The company has advocated for customers’ cooperation against vandalism Stories by Adeola Yusuf

kun Adeyanju said.

According to Adeyanju, some of the items include underground cables, up-riser cables, feeder pillar units, and aluminum conductors, among others. He explained that apart from hindering the effectiveness of power distribu-

tion within the network, vandals also risk prosecution and electrocution as has been the case in several failed attempts.

“Whilst we thank all our customers for their support, we appeal to customers and members of the public to be vigilant and report

any persons involved in the theft or destruction of IKEDC property to security agencies, the nearest IKEDC Business Office,” he said.

It would be recalled that the long arm of the law recently caught up with two men, Suleiman Amusa and his

T

he management of Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) has bemoaned the rise in theft of sensitive equipment and malicious damage to the company’s assets over the last two months.

The IKEDC, in a statement made available to New Telegraph, urged electricity consumers within its network to join ongoing efforts at enhancing power supply through involvement in the protection of the companies’ installations and equipment in their communities.

“The company has recorded not less than forty five transformers that were vandalised within the stated period, thereby throwing some communities into darkness,” Head, Communications Strategy, IKEDC, Mr. Pe-

Electricity sub-station

Ebola: Oil firms exit concessions in Liberia, Sierra Leone SAFETY

ExxonMobil still coping with Ebola threat

B

ritish explorer, Tullow Oil, has insisted that it would not renew concessions in Sierra Leone and Liberia which expired in June and August respectively.

This follows the major halt in investments by International Oil Companies (IOCs) in the Ebola hit countries.

The United States (US) supermajor, ExxonMo-

bil has said that it will continue to monitor the progress of a worsening Ebola outbreak in West Africa while confirming that plans to drill offshore wildcats in Liberia remained suspended, its chief executive said in Houston.

Upstream reported in July that plans had been delayed for the Mesurado-1 wildcat, understood to be drilled before the end of the year in Block LB-13 in partnership with Canadian Overseas Petroleum.

Chief executive Rex Tillerson gave a brief update on the situation at a press conference on Tuesday to announce an

$18 million donation to three Houston hospitals, Reuters reported.

“We had some drilling plans for some blocks offshore West Africa in Liberia,” Tillerson said.

“We are having to look at when it would be prudent to resume operations there because you do have to have shorebased support.”

So far, the disease has killed at least 3338 people, the worst outbreak in history, chiefly in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, but has also affected Nigeria and Senegal.

A first case in the US was reported in Dallas last Tuesday.

Upstream E&P deals fall to $34.5bn in 3Q 2014

T

he total value of Exploration and Production (E&P) deals worldwide in the quarter amounted to $34.5 billion, an approximate 30 per cent drop on the total value of deals announced in Q2, a report on Rigzone has revealed.

North American activity, then report added, grew for the 5th consecutive quarter but, curiously, deals outside of North America almost dried up

completely; deals in North America made up almost 86 per cent of the total deal value worldwide.

“The rise in deals in North America could be attributable to various factors. Unconventional oil resource plays are still the hottest properties on the market, with the Permian basin seeming to the current centre of highest demand.

“There are also many cases of companies with

a diverse variety of assets trying to streamline their property holdings to give a more specific area of focus and as a result many North American assets have been made available for purchase.

“This stands in stark contrast to a few years ago where companies looked to hoard as much shale and unconventional acreage as possible across every play they could find.

son, Owolabi Amusa, who have been jailed for attacking a staff of the Ikeja Electricity Distribution PLC (IKEDC) with a machete whilst on official duty at AgbowaItokin road, in the outskirt of Ikorodu, Lagos.

In a judgment delivered by the Magistrate, Mr. P.L. Hopeto at the Badagry Magistrate Court 2 on July 2, 2014 under the charge number IKD/C/24C/2010, both defendants were convicted and sentenced to six months imprisonment with hard labour.

Adeyanju said IKEDC was collaborating with the relevant security agencies who have pledged to prosecute offenders as well as safeguard the lives and property of Power companies in reaction to rising cases of vandalism. He added that the company was also committed to equitable power supply to all customers even as we continue to leverage our partnerships to achieve additional supply outside the national grid, efficient vending platforms, smart metering and transparent billing for energy consumed.

‘How Nigeria secured $212m power investments from US’

G

lobal Business Resources, FlatBush Solar, Global Resources Network, and Charbourne & Parke, LLP, all American energy companies, have indicated interest in investing over $212 million in renewable energy in Nigeria.

This, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), Saratov Umar, hinted, is part of recent deals struck on the platform of President Barack Obama’s Power Africa Initiative (PAI).

The energy companies have earlier announced their intentions at a meeting with Umar, in Abuja, stating that the investment is expected to contribute 100 megawatts (mw) from renewable energy sources into the national grid by late 2015.

Speaking at the meeting, James Nicholas, Executive Partner, Global Resources US and leader of the group, revealed that the group visited Nigeria to observe close hand the business opportunities in the country and to facilitate energy deals in line with the PAI. He added that the

group was already engaged in discussions with the Abuja Distribution Company and planned to visit Kano to hold talks on the necessary logistics including where to float the project.

Nicholas further stated the group’s desire to facilitate multiple rural electrification projects across the country in order to positively impact on the rural citizenry and secure other infrastructure. He said the energy sector in Nigeria was viable even though untapped, noting that the businessmen were aware of government’s efforts to reform the sector and attract investments into the country.

Umar welcomed their intentions and promised that the commission would provide the necessary support and play its own role in ensuring the smooth take off of the planned projects.

She pointed out that the NIPC is central to the success of the proposed investments because of its government-given mandate of encouraging, promoting, coordinating and monitoring all investments in the economy.

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Business | Energy

FEAT

The SPDC has achieved 14-year safety milestone in oil export operations Stories by Adeola Yusuf

N

ot less than 1.25 billion barrels of oil passed through Forcados Terminal in the western Niger Delta in 14 years, Shell disclosed at the weekend.

The company, which said this in a statement, added that the Forcados Terminal operated without a significant safety incident between September 2000 and September 2014.

The statment signed

by Precious Okolobo read: “Some 1.25 billion barrels of oil passed through the facility that is operated by the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) operated Joint Venture.”

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

1.25bn oil barrels pumped through Forcados Terminal in 14 years –Shell The Forcados Terminal was inaugurated in 1971 and was upgraded between 1994 and 1998.

The terminal receives, treats, stores and exports crude oil produced by SPDC and other operators in the western Niger Delta, and has an installed storage capacity of 6.3 million barrels of product.

The statement continued: “The safety milestone translates into a daily average of 300 staff handling nearly two export tankers every week.”

Quoting SPDC Managing Director and Country Chair, Shell companies in Nigeria, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu, the statement read further, “this is a significant achievement in a work environment that involves multi-disciplinary staff teams and

contractors.

“Over the years, SPDC has improved work processes and trained staff leading to the introduction of the Goal Zero initiative on safety.

We’re happy that the improvements continue to manifest not only at Forcados Terminal but also

in other installations.”

Sunmonu added.

Over the past 365 days, a number of high risk maintenance and engineering activities have also taken place at the Forcados Terminal, including rehabilitation of crude oil storage tanks, subsea repairs to

the tanker loading system and upgrade to the jetty amongst others.

The asset did not record any disruptions relating to these multiple concurrent activities, which is also evidence of the sustained and proactive engagement of the host communities.

FG, stakeholders to tackle extractive industries’ challenge at confab CONFERENCE

Imoke, Nwapa are to lead delegates to 3rd SITEI forum

T

he Federal Government and stakeholders in the Nigeria’s extractive industries have signified commitment to tackle sustainability challenge in the industry at the forth coming third Sustainability in the Extractive Industries (SITEI) Conference.

Organisers of the event, CSR-in-Action, which said this in a statement maintained that Governor Liyel Imoke of Criss River state and Executive Secretary, Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Ernest Nwapa, would lead delegates to the conference.

The statement said: “Plans are in top gear for a successful hosting of the third Sustainability in the Extractive Industries (SITEI) Conference at the Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, with endorsements and confirmation of attendance by keynote speakers, industry captains and heads of relevant government agencies, ministries and parastatals.

“Top on the list of endorsements and confirmed attendees is the

Executive Governor, Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke and the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Ernest Nwapa.

Others include Raymond Wilcox, General Manager, Nigerian Content Development, Chevron; Lara Banjoko, Chief Executive Officer, Zone 4 Energy; Yomi Awobokun, Chief Executive Officer, Oando Downstream; Dayo Okusami, General Counsel and Executive Director, Atlantic Energy; and Ladi Bada, Chief Executive Officer, Shoreline Natural Resources Limited; “Others are Meka Olowola, Managing Partner, Zenera Consulting; Douglas Kativu, Head, Global Reporting Initiative Focal Point; Emeka Ene, Chairman, PETAN; Niyi Yusuf, Managing Director, Accenture Nigeria; Innocent Chukwuma, West Africa Representative, Ford Foundation; John Momoh, Chair man, Channels Television; Christine K, Director, Heinrich Boell Foundation Nigeria; Jeffrey Corey, COO, Seven Energy; Prof. Wale Omole, member, Board of Trustee, CSR-in-Action; Fidel Pepple, Immediate Past General Manager, NAPIMS and Olufemi Olarewaju, Director Sustainability School.

Oil rig

Nigeria crests Africa’s $30bn E&P market cap -Report

T

he African Exploration and Production universe spans 27 companies with a combined market cap of $30 billion, Renaissance capital oil and gas research said in a report at the weekend, stating that Nigeria has larger share of the investments.

“Africa is the last remaining region with billions of barrels of conventional oil resources that can still be accessed,” the report noted.

“The continent has come to the forefront of the global exploration drive over the past decade, contributing 80 per cent to new reserves additions globally (excluding OPEC countries), and becoming the secondbiggest contributor after the FSU to the global oil supply.

“African E&Ps have tended to show more robust economics than their peers, breaking even at a $40/bl oil price, while North American shale E&Ps require a $60-70/bl price. Correlation with key indices has been declining, while beta has been increasing.

We believe a buy-andhold strategy no longer works in this universe: stock selection – now, more than ever – drives performance.

“While production was previously concentrated in just two key Sub-Sahara African (SSA) countries (Nigeria and Angola), we estimate that by the end of this decade this oil club could already include up to 22 country members.”

The Renaissance capital oil and gas research added that indigenous companies are the likely long-term winners of the on-going trend in the industry.

“We believe structural policy change is key to the stock-selection process. An energy deficit creates the need to support a high oil-production growth rate; and we note that indigenous companies are at a structural long-term advantage to international peers, due to better fiscal terms and access to new assets.

“Most indigenous companies benefit from the ability to secure lowrisk brown field assets with ‘low-hanging fruit’

opportunities, on relatively attractive terms.”

It continued; “With the security situation in the Middle East worsening and general geopolitical uncertainty growing, we think Africa will attract more interest as an alternative source of oil supply. Additionally, we believe booming energy demand in local economies should significantly improve the commerciality of recent discoveries.

“The African E&P universe spans 27 companies with a combined market cap of $30bn. African E&Ps have tended to show more robust economics than their peers, breaking even at a $40/ bl oil price, while North American shale E&Ps require a $60-70/bl price.

“Correlation with key indices has been declining, while beta has been increasing. We believe a buy-and-hold strategy no longer works in this universe: stock selection – now, more than ever – drives performance.

“We initiate coverage of eight stocks and present our investment case on Seplat (already under coverage).

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

Collapsed Synagogue structure: Owner, supervisor liable – Ka’Oje p.34

33

Property&Environment

NIQS seeks opportunities in power sector reforms p.35

Model Aso Garden Estate, Abuja

Experts list path to real estate growth PANACEA Reduced construction costs, standardisation of process and adequate supply of banks’ funding to developers as wayout

M

ajor factors weighing down the anticipated growth of the real estate in Nigeria were again brought to the fore when key stakeholders in the sector including financiers, developers, policy makers and government officials gathered in Lagos at the weekend.

The event, which was the 3rd edition of the Real Estate Unite (REU), provided the opportunity for concerned professionals to appraise the growth of the sector, its fundamental challenges, critical solutions and the need to explore the untapped opportunities within the industry.

Solutions From the challenge of finance to infrastructure, government bureaucracies and education, the experts who cut across different disciplines, suggested the needed actions to propel the industry.

Speaking on “A critical evaluation of the Nigerian housing finance sector,” Group Head, Real Estate, Ecobank, Mr Kunle Osilaja, suggested the critical success factors for the sector.

According to him, there is the need for reduced construction costs, standardisation of construction process and adequate supply of banks’ funding to developers.

From the borrowers’ side, the banker listed access to land and property title and simplified title registration, explaining that the Land Use Act of 1978 should be reviewed for easy access to land and registration of titles.

He also emphasised the availability of credit and financial records, which he said was critical for pre-qualification and mortgage pricing; standardisation of mortgage documentation and procedures; efficient mortgage servicing and collections by the PMIs/MDBs; and simple process of foreclosure in the event of default, as major critical factors Osilaja canvassed Federal Government’s guarantees for continuous low-cost and longterm fund raising, adding that NMRC needs government credit-cover prior to capital markets confidence in the underlying asset value.

He said that the capital markets must respond favorably to NMRC corporate bond /MBS issues and macroeconomic policy must remain conducive to longterm lending.”

estate, among others, as major inhibiting factors to real estate development.

According to him, the system did not allow banks to fund housing efficiently, explaining that if bank could not raise money from long-term source, it would be difficult to lend on long-term to the people to enhance home ownership.

For banks to be able to grant loan at long-term, he stated that institution such as the Pension Fund has to be in place to give money to the tune of N150 billion to bank to lend it for 10 years, noting that non-availability of long-term pool of fund has remained the biggest gap in the country.

Obstacles Osilaja identified lack of skilled manpower, improper education, lack of funding from bank, delay building approval, title perfection issue, unwillingness to invest fund in real

Private equity fund Chairman of the session and the Director of Actis, Mr Micheal Chu’di Ejekam, said that in order to attract private equity fund into residential real estate, there would be need to break the

Imperative for effective operations Osilaja emphasised the importance of credible credit system in the country for effective mortgage operation, explaining that it would be difficult for mortgage companies to lend to people without this in place.

For effective performance of the mortgage companies, he explained further that they would require potential capital market liquidity solution, alternative investible products and refinancing coupled with standardisation.

legal system for the segment. He noted that title problem and lack of effective demand, among others, make investment of private equity fund in residential real estate unattractive.

“There is a structural problem. If there is no return that is high, it will be difficult for private equity fund for residential real estate,” he said.

NMRC’s intervention Managing Director of Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company, Mr Sonnie Ayere, said that the company is focusing not just on issues of providing long-term fund up to 20 years for home seekers, but is also considering an interest rate that is sustainable.

On the issue of enabling environment, he said that the company has just finished the revamping of the mortgage foreclosure law, adding that a mortgage registrar has been put in place for the purpose of registering.

Having noted that cashflow has always been the problem of mortgage in the country, Ayere revealed: “To ensure sustainability is to ensure cashflow, and that is why we encourage the deduction at source agreement between the mortgage providers, the borrowers and employers.”

On credit agency, he explained that this was to generate minimum standards to ensure quality in the system, adding that the company is putting in place an enabling environment CONTINUED ON PAGE 35

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Business | Property & Environment

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Collapsed Synagogue structure: Owner, supervisor liable – Ka’Oje Bala Bawa Ka’Oje, a builder is currently the President of Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN).

In this interview with YUSUF SHUAIB in Abuja, the civil engineer spoke on the recent collapsed Synagogue church’s building and the need to unravel the cause

You are not right because we have our scale of charge. We shall not use the opportunity to charge exorbitantly. If you compare our charges with that of our counter-parts from other countries, you will agree with me that we are not exorbitant in our charges. Talking about local content, the engineers from other countries charge more than us; if you see their charges, you would then agree with me that we are being fair in our charges. That is why we are saying that indigenous professionals be patronised to enable them do what they know to do well.

Is it true that Nigerian engineers cannot compete favorably with their foreign counterparts?

I challenge anybody with that kind of belief.

Let there be ground for competition for people to compare and contrast. Until this is done, you will not know that in Nigeria we have talented and well learned professionals of repute in the industry.

As APBN president, how do you react to the recent collapsed synagogue building in Lagos?

Yes, Synagogue building collapsed because it was not built according to building and professional rules. Immediately we heard about the incident, I called my chairman over there who informed me that they had been there to find out that the plan and foundation for the building were for two floors.

But unfortunately, according to him, they put four floors in place contrary to the initial plan. May be he exceeded the initial plan as money was coming in.

In engineering, if the design is for two or four floors, you stick to that. Going above the initial plan is risky. By using substandard materials and similar things, the building is bound to collapse.

Then, should the blame go to the builder or the owner?

I want to tell you that no trained engineer can build a floor above a structure designed for two or three floors. But any person who does so, we consider such as a quack. So, under this condition, both the man who supervised the extra floors against the design and the owner of the structure should be held responsible. Therefore, the major reason for the collapse of the building is that the arterial were exceeded. So what happened in Lagos is normal because as the money was coming, the owner decided to exceed the original plan. So he and whoever supervised the building should be held responsible.

How far have you gone about the issue of building code as the president of APBN? As professionals, we have been doing a lot within our power to ensure that the code is passed into law at the National Assembly, but all to no avail. Had it been that the code has been passed into law, the existence of quacks would have been reduced to barest minimum and collapsing of buildings would also be

We have the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and others that check standards of goods, who should be blamed for use of substandard materials?

Similar things have been happening in NAFDAC over the years, still there are fake drugs. Up till now, people still import fake drugs into this country. So SON is trying its best. Those substandard goods came into this country illegally. But those ones that met the standard are the ones they checked by themselves.

However, I urge Nigerians to always listen to the ongoing campaigns against substandard materials.

They should also insist on buying standard materials to avoid crying to SON when harm has already been done.

Chidoka

reduced. In fact, those of us who are professionals are always on the look-out. But it is a pity that at this point in time, we are loosing a lot of lives and property through collapse of buildings. We professionals are not happy watching enormous damages in this country. We are therefore calling on the leadership of the National Assembly to come to the rescue of Nigerians by passing the code into law. They can do that under two months. This code has been lying with the National Assembly right from 2006. They don’t want to attend to it. People are losing lives and property every time in this country. So it is the duty of lawmakers to pass the bill into law.

Is it right to say that the bill, if passed into law, your services would be so high that a common man may not be able afford it?

As president of the professional bodies in this country, the problems being faced in country is mainly from your constituency especially building collapse. Why this the case?

That is not true. You could remember that lecturers both from polytechnics, universities and colleges of education have just called off their strike of about a year. So it is not only the engineers that create problems. Teachers also do.

If you look at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), you would find out that the cost of the redress today is terribly high. For you to be conferred with the title of SAN today, you would have spent about N10 million. This is not easily attained today. The position of SAN shouldn’t be for the rich alone. It should be given on merit. Therefore these are areas we should come together and discuss.

Minister inaugurates 27 ARCON members Yusuf Shuaib Abuja

I

n an effort to curb the menace of building collapse in Nigeria, Minister of Land and Housing, Mrs Akon Etim Eyekenyi, has inaugurated 27 members of Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON), just as she pledged the support of the Federal Government to provide them the necessary guidance to make their work easy.

While she enjoined the inaugurated members to get themselves familiar with the law setting up the council for effective professional regulatory body, she reminded them of the first ever building code

launched in 2006 which application and enforcement has been a major challenge.

“The revised National Building Code has now been finalised by the ministry, and it is hoped that very soon it would be approved for implementation by government,” the minister noted.

According to her, architect in their traditional roles on building projects must therefore be properly informed, equipped and disciplined to deliver quality service to meet the goals and objectives of the national building code to ensure that safety is not compromised.

ARCON council membership, as constituted, which has 49 qualified and experi-

enced architects taking on the strenuous task of regulating the training and practice of architecture in Nigeria, was set up by decree No 10 of 1969 by the administration of Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd).

“As at report time, the tenure of the just inaugurated members who came on board on December 15, 2010, had since elapsed in December 2013,” the minister said.

In his remark, the outgoing president of the council, Umoru Aliyu, assured the minister that the council would do its best to checkmate the menace of building collapse in the country, adding that appropriate action would be taken against quacks in the profession.

Eyekenyi

Business | Property & Environment

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

35

NIQS seeks opportunities in power sector reforms PROACTIVE Generation options including clean coal, solar, wind, waste to power provide ample prospect

Dayo Ayeyemi

“I

t is pertinent to note that quantity surveying professionals have very critical roles to play in every facet of the power businesses thereby converting the sectoral aftermaths to opportunities.”

Those were the words of the Chairman/Chief Executive, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr. Sam Amadi, during the 6th Annual Distinguised Lecture series of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveying, Lagos State Chapter held in Victoria Island, Lagos at the weekend.

He stated that though the revamping of the power sector presented a very big challenge,

but that it has provided ample opportunities for investors and professionals like the quantity surveyors.

Disclosing areas of opportunities for quantity surveyors’ exploration, he said that private sector investors have been encouraged to focus more attention on other generation options including clean coal, large and small hydro, solar, wind, waste to power, biomass and tidal energy, among others.

While appreciating the gathering, he described the forum as a step towards appraising the power sector reforms and finding lasting solutions to the aftermaths arising therein.

Amadi, who was represented by one of the officials of NERC, Mr Abdul Mohammed, an engineer, stated that the present administration understood why a holistic and fundamental transformation agenda was necessary in the power sector.

According to him, government obviously understood the integrated nature of infrastructural development as against targeted development, which, he said, often failed because of the

chained and interdependent nature of economic development.

“Therefore, the horizon is certainly good for our country as there is a knowledge-driven and concerted effort to establish the structures on which enduring industrialisation can sustainably thrive; that is the thrust of the transformation agenda and the power sector reforms which the commission regulates,” he said.

Justifying the reason for the forum, Chairman of NIQS, Lagos chapter, Mr Olayemi Shonubi, said it was imperative in order to explore major issues arising from the power sector reforms as well as the prospects for an improved and stable power supply, given that regular and reliable electricity supply is crucial for any meaningful economic development.

“It is my fervent hope that at the end of this discourse, clear perspectives towards understanding the challenges thrown up by the reforms in the power sector as well as the effects on the overall economy would be identified and fitting recommendations made which would

L-R: Immediate Past President of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), Mr. John Alufohai; Chairman of NIQS, Lagos Chapter, Mr. Olayemi Shonubi; President of the institute, Malam Murtala Aliyu; and officer of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Mr. Abdul Mohammed, during the 6th NIQS Distinguished Lecture series in Lagos.

subsequently be forwarded to the appropriate authorities,” he said.

Amadi had informed the audience that the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) has been picking pace to its intended reform path with private sector participants willingly partaking in the industry, with the development and adoption of cost reflective tariffs, as well as the strict performance monitoring and creation of consumer protection structures post privatisation era.

According to him, creation of additional incentive regimes by government would go a long way in improving performance and attracting investors to the power sector.

He said: “I am confident that keeping pace with the right momentum and even added zeal from all stakeholders particularly the new owners/potential investors, oil and gas producers, policy makers, regulators, customers, professional bodies like the NIQS, unions and civil society organisations (CSOs), the challenges to growth of the sector shall be transformed to viable opportunities.”

“This is expected to steadily and speedily improve the supply of reliable electricity to Nigerians and shall provide the platform for attracting private capital for the much desired quantum leap for Nigeria to move into the league of advanced economies.”

Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country with over 160 million people. According to the recent Nigerian Energy Policy report, it is estimated that the population connected to the grid system is short of power supply by over 60 per cent of the time. Additionally, less than 50 per cent of the population is connected to the national grid supply. So, on a fundamental level, there is simply no enough electricity generated to support the entire population.

Critical factors for real estate growth CO NTINUED FROM PAG E 3 3

by looking at home-grown solutions to the problem in order to ensure that Nigerians have credible mortgage refinance by first quarter of 2015.

Resident Regional Representative, Shelter Afrique, Mr Oumar Diop, stated that the finance company has been intervening on both the demand and supply side of housing provision in Nigeria, mentioning the recent grant of $3 million to the country to develop affordable housing for citizens.

He blamed problem of accommodation in Nigeria on cumbersome land process, property registration problem and affordability.

He said: “The environment is not conducive. In member countries such as Uganda, mortgage

transaction is within three to six weeks. $65 million was approved for the market in Africa but not able to discharge due to cumbersome land process.”

Reasons for the REU 2014 Justifying reason for the forum, Chief Executive Officer at 3invest Limited, Ruth Obih, stated that the event was designed to drive sustainable growth and shared prosperity in Nigeria’s real estate industry.

“We believe that that Africa’s largest economy has a strong role to play in making real estate a major contributor to national GDPs across the continent; thus the event brings together global experts to uncover untapped opportunities within the industry,” said Obih.

She stated that after two years of organising the summit, four

major factors have been identified constituting either to the industry’s growth or its stagnation. These, according to her, included finance, infrastructure, red tapism, and education.

Speaking further, she said “We knew it was time to bring to the forefront a new market opportunity when we were suddenly faced with the outbreak of the Ebola virus in Lagos and West Africa at large. As I stand here today, may I quickly congratulate the Lagos State government for their brave and quick response to containment of the Ebola Virus”.

In alignment with the Central Bank’s mandate to have 40 per cent of women in leadership positions and decision- making by 2020, she said the company has decided to launch the first ever Africa Women in Real Estate

network (AWIRE) to promote inclusive participation of women in the industry.

Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, gave the conference keynote and opening speech.

Fashola lauded the organiser of the event, saying that he was delighted for the passion for housing and what it meant to him.

Speaking on behalf of Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme (HOMS), he stated that initiating the project took many years to deliver. “The purpose and objective for Lagos HOMS. was to solve the socio-economic problems, ” Fashola said.

Through Lagos HOMS, he disclosed that the state government has got about 222 construction companies, over 1000 professionals and more than 3000

service providers to be part of the project “We have also encouraged local production of finishing materials by patronising goodquality local producers, and this has helped raise the economy,” he said.

The infrastructure panel was first at the forum with the topic “Improving Nigeria’s Infrastructure Development: Time for a new approach?” The Special Adviser on Housing, Ogun State Housing Corporation, Jumoke Akinwunmi, chaired the panel.

Other panels at the conference were the Red tapism panel with topic “Reducing Red Tape”; and the Education panel that discussed the topic :“The role of education in improving needed skills for a robust housing sector.”

36

Business | Property & Environment

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Real estate in high-end Lagos enjoys investors’ patronage PROSPECT Increased construction activities at Eko Atlantic city will affect property prices

Dayo Ayeyemi

D

espite the seemingly lull in the real estate sector, activities in the high-end of Lagos are still enjoying good patronage by investors, no thanks to major housing developments in Lekki and Victoria Island.

Taking a cursory look at major activities in the sector at the end of third quarter of the year, there were increased construction activities at Eko Atlantic city, while some blocks of flats built by develop-

ers were adorning Lekki-Epe Road.

According to them, new investors are waiting until after elections before commencing work. They added that the usual lease/rent would not be affected.

Challenges vary from poor access to land for development as a result of the ineffective implementation of the provisions of the Land Use Act of 1978; inadequate and nonavailability of medium to long term finance for housing in terms of funds for construction finance and mortgage for off-take finance; ineffective intervention by government mainly on account of inadequate coordination and frequent policy changes; high cost of building materials; lack of master plans to guide development coupled with lack of land use planning, among others, have been adduced as fac-

tor slowing down the progress of the real estate sector.

Others include political instability, policy summersault, high interest rates, lack of virile mortgage sector, high cost of development permit/ approval, inadequate infrastructure development, poor saving culture of the people, job insecurity, poor salary, lack of enabling environment and political will.

In the third quarter of the year, the Minister of Land, Housing and Urban Development, Mrs Akon Eyakenyi, set up a committee to commence the National Housing Survey to actually ascertain the accommodation shortage in the country.

As it is now, it is difficult to obtain the number of houses and types constructed in the country annually. These statistics are needed to help planning and project housing

needs for the future.

Also, the Federal Government made good its promise to implement an effective mass housing delivery programme by launching the first 10,000 mortgages in Abuja recently.

The programme was designed to provide affordable homes for Nigerians across the country.

There are on-going efforts by the minister to evaluate all Federal Government’s landed property in all states of the federation; review the National Building Code for the housing sector; and reposition the FMBN and Federal Housing Authority for effective performance.

Also, the final draft Roadmap for Transforming Land Administration, Housing Delivery and Urban Development in Nigeria for 2014 to 2043 has just been adopted by all stakeholders.

L-R: Managing Director, Mortgage Refinance Company, Sonnie Ayere; Real Estate Consultants, Peter Bankole and Erejuwa Gbadebo; Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola; CEO 3Invest Limited, Ruth Obih; Special Adviser on Housing Development to Ogun State governor, Jumoke Akinwunmi; Principal Partner Akin Olawore & Co, Akin Olawore; and Managing Director, Adekunle Omotola & Co, Adekunle Omotola during the Real Estate Unite 2014 in Lagos.

Lekki Conservation Centre wins 2014 TripAdvisor Award

T

he Lekki Conservation Centre has been awarded 2014 Certificate of Excellence by the World Largest Travel Site, TripAdvisor. The award signify that the centre has consistently earned outstanding ratings by guests on TripAdvisor.

TripAdvisor is world’s largest travel site, enabling travelers to plan and have the perfect trip. TripAdvisor offers trusted advice from real travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features with seamless links to booking tools.

In a statement by the President, TripAdvisor for

Business, Marc Charron, the award was based on the quality of reviews and opinions the Centre earned on TripAdvisor over the year. “We hope you’ll showcase your certificate to guests and staff with pride,” said Charron.

Lekki Conservation Centre is the only natural resource conservation centre in Lagos.

The Centre which is one of the foremost Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) projects in Nigeria was formally opened on May 18, 1990, to preserve biodiversity hotspot in the coastal area of South-West Nigeria.

The Centre is a conservation initiative to protect wild-

life found in southwest coastal environment of Nigeria in the face of rapid urban development and deforestation. The centre has continued to attract both local and international interests, serving as an education and resource centre for several groups, majority of which are schools and tourists.

Supported by Chevron Nigeria Limited, the LCC has promoted environmental protection and contained poaching and encroachment activities by surrounding communities.

It also serves as a environmental education awareness centre for students in an urban mega city like Lagos.

Ogun frowns at environmental depletion

O

gun State Commissioner for Environment, Ayo Olubori, has stated that government would not in any way condone industrialists whose activities threaten the living conditions of its citizens.

Olubori stated this at a meeting called at the instance of his ministry concerning an issue of environmental pollution as alleged by the Olapeleke community in Ewekoro Local Government Area of the state against Lafarge WAPCO Cement Company located within the local government.

He stated that although government is interested in industrialising the state, it would not indulge any industries whose activities are counter-productive, adding that government would always ensure that the environment is safe for all and sundry to live in.

He said: “We had an on-thespot assessment based on the claims of the newspaper report and could not ascertain the facts of the case in our visit. As a step forward, we invited the community leaders led by the Baale of Olapeleke and the management of Lafarge for a dialogue, as the government regulatory agency saddled with the primary responsibility of making sure that our environment is safe for all of us to live in.

“Until this is finally resolved, government would act as a mediator between Lafarge WAPCO and Olapeleke community basically because Ogun State government does not want a replica of the South –South experience, because we don’t want militancy or any unfriendly atmosphere in Ogun State.

“Today its Olapeleke, tomorrow it could be another community,” he said.

Olubori further explained that government, through the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), on routine basis, would conduct inspection visits to industries operating within the state to ensure that they operate within the permissible environmental standards.

Responding on behalf of Lafarge WAPCOCement Industry, General Manager Independent Power Production, Mr Lanre Opakunle, appreciated the efforts of government acting as a mediator between the company and the communities by ensuring that peace and harmony prevail within the locality, stating that Lafarge, through its Community Relation Committee, would come up with a resolution that would be favourable to both Lafarge and Olapeleke community.

Amosun

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

Foreign airlines: The need to treat Nigerians with respect p.38 How old is too old?

That is the question on the lips of travellers and stakeholders regarding the age of aircraft in operations.

Opinions are divided on whether their operations constitute danger to air safety, writes Aviation Editor, WOLE SHADARE

37

Aviation

How I survived plane crash, by Samson p.40

The impact of ageing aircraft on aviation safety

E

ach time there is a plane crash, what readily comes to mind is the issue of how old the ill-fated plane is. This has dominated discourse in Nigeria’s aviation industry for a long time with divergent opinions on what constitute old or geriatric airplanes.

Aircraft age policy In Nigeria, the age of aircraft became an issue following the crash of EAS in Gwarmaja, near Kano, on May 4, 2002, that killing 64 passengers and seven crew members. In a bid to ‘prevent future occurrence,’ the Nigerian government decided to impose restrictions on the age of aircraft being registered in the country.

The crash of Dana’s MD83, described as the worst accident in the history of plane crashes in Nigeria, brought to the fore again the issue of age.

This group equally linked other accidents to their ages.

But reports of previous accidents did not in any way attribute the crashes to their age, but mainly to human error. It is on record that over 70 per cent of air crashes are caused by human error or human factor.

Can Nigerian airlines acquire newer airplanes? The answer is no. Apart from Arik Air which bought newer airplanes about seven years ago, no other airline in Nigeria has accomplished that feat.

Arik, expectedly, used that to gain a wider edge against its competitors to gain huge traffic as many Nigerians predicated safety on the operation of ‘tear- rubber’ aircraft.

The crash of Dana in 2012 shook the very foundation of aviation safety in Nigeria.

Coupled with advertisement

by Arik during that time that it operated ‘tear rubber’ planes raised the adrenalin of travellers and made other carriers to look like killers. It also made the NCAA to look as if it was incapable of regulating the aviation, safety wise.

Globally, aircraft of over four years is no longer consid-

Airplane grave yard

ered new. Mega carriers like Etihad, Emirates, Lufthansa, and some American and European carriers retire some of their long-haul planes every four or five years.

Operating a younger fleet is not a guarantee to safe operations in itself, as other parameters are just as important.

The two Boeing VC-25As – specifically configured, highly customised Boeing 747-200B series aircraft, currently used as Air Force One by President Barrack Obama, were manufactured in 1990 (same year as Dana’s crashed MD83 aircraft).

Crashes of new aircraft also occur. Examples vary from the Kenya Airways five-month Boeing 737 aircraft to Air France Airbus 330 that was 4.4 years and Japan Airways Boeing 747 that was 4.5 years old at point of loss.

Simply put, a new aircraft that is badly maintained is more dangerous than a 20-year-old aircraft that has been well maintained.

Age Aircraft’s age is difficult to define. It is often referred to as simply the chronological age of aircraft. However, this excludes many important fac-

Crashes of new aircraft also occur.

Examples vary from the Kenya Airways five-month old Boeing 737 aircraft to Air France Airbus 330 that was 4.4 years and Japan Airways Boeing 747 that was 4.5 years old at point of loss

tors. In fact, aircraft age is a combination of the chronological age, the number of flight cycles and the number of flight hours.

Determining an aircraft age is even made more complex by the fact that individual aircraft components will age at different rates.

Chronolgical age is particularly relevant for corrosion, as the effects of corrosion increase over time. Flight cycles will cause fatigue in aircraft wings according to experts.

The number of flight hours also cause fatigue and so is another important measure of an aircraft age.

According to him, “older aircraft can be productive for many years. They do require more maintenance and at some point their cost and declining availability make them less useful to many.

“When to replace an aircraft is not an easy formula. It does require monitoring and tracking of costs and availability, and a willingness to say goodbye to an old friend.”

The biggest issue with aging aircraft is that the repair and replacement of parts increase the cost of owning and operating the aircraft. This hurts in two ways. One is the increased costs, which are obvious.

Case against old aircraft President, Aviation Round Table (ART), Capt. Dele Ore, said the biggest issue with aging aircraft is that things do wear out. The repair and replacement of parts increase the cost of owning and operating the aircraft.

He explained that a 20-year old aircraft has about 50-60 per cent higher maintenance costs than a new aircraft just out of warranty - excluding the engines, adding that these costs continue to climb two per cent to three per cent per year.

Experts’ perspective Speaking in the same vein, an aircraft engineer who preferred anonymity, said that the early years when the aircraft are young and warranties are in effect show very low maintenance costs - less than half of what they are at year five.

“However, when the aircraft is 30 years old and wear and tear is taking its toll, the maintenance costs are typically more than double what they were at year five. As with any mechanical device, this makes sense.

Business | Aviation

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

AIR RAGE

WITH

38

Wole Shadare

Foreign airlines: The need to treat Nigerians with respect

O Dana’s MD-83 aircraft

Group calls for improved audit of Nigeria airlines APPRAISAL Many began to owe their workers shortly after obtaining the allimportant Air Operators Certificate

Wole Shadare

P

resident, Aviation Round Table (ART), Captain Dele Ore, has called for increased monitoring of economic regulation of the nation’s airlines by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to ascertain their financial health as provided for in the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations 2012.

Ore disclosed this in a communiqué after an interactive forum held for domestic airlines on Friday.

The lack of regular audit of airlines has led to the demise of the carriers a few weeks after starting operations.

Some Nigerian airlines are finding it very difficult to meet their financial obligations. In fact, some of them are unable to pay staff salaries.

The veteran pilot noted that part of NCAA’s responsibility as a regulatory authority is to monitor the finances of airlines and to ensure they pay workers’ salaries, aviation fuel and other compulsory expenses.

“This is because if they fail to fund their operations, they may also compromise the required safety standards, which include the routine maintenance, fixing the right aircraft parts, funding the simulator training of their pilots and the compulsory scheduled training of the cabin crew.”

In the past, NCAA was alleged to be granting extensions to airlines for aircraft maintenance. What that means is that, if an aircraft is due for C-check in September, for example, NCAA would extend it to October, thereby compromising safety standards.

New Telegraph learnt that many of the accidents that occurred in the past showed that, besides human error, poor state of most aircraft contributed to

some of those air disasters. It is for this reason that the regulatory authority must be firm and monitor the economic status of airlines so as not to compromise safety standards.

Investigation shows that many of the new entrants owe their staff up to six months’ salaries. Some industry observers are blaming NCAA for the current situation, not carrying out an audit of such airline’s financial status before granting it AOC. They argued that the airline sector is not like other sectors because in the industry, the state of mind of workers can lead to mistakes that could cost lives.

Many of the carriers began to owe their workers shortly after obtaining the all-important Air Operators Certificate (AOC).

A source familiar with the situation hinted that most of the workers in the technical department are already looking for work. The said airline was said to be expecting delivery of two new aircraft soon, but industry sources have expressed doubt that the airline would be able to ferry the two aircraft overseas for maintenance.

It would be recalled that the aviation regulatory body had, in April this year, after huge pressure on the precarious state of Nigerian carriers, said it conducted a comprehensive security audit of 18 foreign and local airlines operating in the country.

The NCAA said all holders of the Approved Security Programme were periodically audited to ascertain the level of compliance of the airlines with regulations, in line with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulation Part 17.

According to the agency, “at the conclusion of the audit, the airline is mandated to submit a corrective action plan outlining measures that will be taken within a specific time frame to address the findings.

“To ensure that all operators and stakeholders are in tune with adequate security measures, the NCAA Aviation Security Unit of the Directorate of Aerodrome and Airport Standards conducts aviation security awareness training for them on regular basis.”

ne of the most trending stories in aviation, aside the category one aviation status that Nigeria retained, was the maltreatment of Master Kunle AbdulAzeez, by Egypt Air. The story was one that touches the heart and one in a series of maltreatment Nigerians have suffered in the hands of foreign airlines.

In August, Abdul-Azeez bought an Egypt Air ticket on his way back to school in Ukraine and was wrongly routed and given wrong country destination code by the airline.

Despite his protest that the destination code was wrong, Egypt Air insisted the code was right. He was taken to Maldova instead of Ukraine. At Maldova, he was sent back to Istanbul where he connected the flight from Cairo.

In Istanbul, Egypt Air officials subjected him to mental torture and tore his passport, treating him as if he was a criminal. In Cairo he was detained, brutalised and deported to Nigeria even when he volunteered to pay his way to Ukraine from Istanbul and even bought a ticket to proceed to Ukraine.

Having studied the plight of the young man, Egypt Air erred and acted unprofessionally by not coming to the aid of AbdulAzeez when he pointed out the error of his routing.

Egypt Air should have listened to the passenger when he pointed out that the destination code was wrong. Abdul-Azeez, however, has some blames for accepting the ticket when he was sure the airport code was wrong.

Be that as it may, the action of the airline in tearing one of Nigerian symbol of identity, the travel passport, is condemnable. It also shows how disrespectful many nations are to Nigerians.

A couple of years ago, a Nigerian was treated like a common criminal aboard a British carrier. He had his hands tied and was de-boarded for daring to challenge maltreatment meted out to his fellow citizen. They were accused of holding the aircraft hostage when it was a simple protest to right a wrong.

Egypt Air

As usual, the Nigerian government pretended as if all was well until the media took up the matter. Predictably, they offered apology that was not enough to make up for the dehumanisation they went through.

Foreign carriers would keep debasing us as long as the country continues to foot drag on the setting up of a national carrier.

This new national airline can operate side-by-side Arik which is a flag carrier, just the way British Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airways operate.

Nigeria had the best chance of achieving that under the immediate past Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, because of her closeness to President Goodluck Jonathan then and the enormous resources she controlled.

Aside Kema Chikwe, no other Minister of Aviation had such influence and resources that were put on her laps. In fact, experts said she had blank cheque to execute whatever project she wanted, no matter how mundane the project sounded.

Nigerian airlines have been short-changed over the years.

By default or design, they are too small, fragmented to compete with the least carrier that operates to Nigeria. Inside the belly of foreign airlines’ jumbo jets to and out of the country are Nigerians. They can’t compete; frequencies are generally issued to them. In fact, they are fast turning to domestic carriers in Nigeria.

The Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) fund has been ‘squandered’. Nigeria loses an average of $200 billion annually to capital flight.

These foreign airlines smile to the bank because of the high yield on the route and would do anything, everything to remain on the route.

In all honesty, one cannot blame these carriers. They have seen a fertile land and would do everything to milk it dry. They also provide good services. They are organised and are masters in the art of airline business.

What we are demanding is that they should show some respect to us and treat the market with utmost respect.

Business | Aviation

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

39

Emirates, Angola announce pact for TAAG COOPERATION Both airlines will also cooperate across a wide range of areas

Stories by Wole Shadare

A

s majority shareholder of TAAG Linhas Aereas De Angola, Emirates and the Republic of Angola announced the signing of a Management Concession Agreement, which will see Emirates take a role in the management of TAAG. The agreement lays the foundation for both airlines to jointly leverage commercial opportunities in Africa and beyond.

The ten-year Management Concession Agreement was signed last week by Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, and the Minister of Transport for Government of Angola, Augusto da Silva Tomás.

The duo, in a statement, said the initiative is to further the Republic of Angola’s vision to create a world class Angolan carrier with the support of Emirates.

As part of the agreement, Emirates will work closely with the Angolan government and TAAG Linhas Aéreas De Angola to formulate and implement a business plan, provide management support and devise fleet and route network strategies, whilst bringing synergy through the complementary

networks.

Emirates will not contribute equity under this agreement, but appoint four senior managers to work for TAAG Linhas Aéreas De Angola.

Both airlines will also cooperate across a wide range of areas including bilateral code-sharing on cargo and passenger services, participation of customers in both airlines’ frequent flyer programmes and passenger and cargo handling. Emirates has also committed to allocate its resources to staff and crew training on best-in-class business and operational processes and systems.

The statement further stated that TAAG Linhas Aéreas De Angola would additionally explore business opportunities with dnata, in particular its passenger and cargo handling, flight catering and travel services.

Dnata, part of the Emirates Group, is the largest provider of air travel services in the Middle East and employs about 23,000 staff in 38 countries.

Sheikh Ahmed said, “Through this partnership Emirates aims to provide deeper reach and better connectivity for our passengers in Central and South Africa. At the same time, we see an opportunity for TAAG Linhas Aéreas De Angola passengers to benefit from Emirates’ global network.

“We see huge potential in Africa, and are keen to continue playing an active role in contributing to its economies.

Emirates will continue growing our presence in Africa by

Nigeria at 54: Dana Air fetes orphans A

s the nation celebrated its 54th Independence anniversary, Dana Air used the occasion to fete the special and orphaned children at the Sai Orphanage as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The airline demonstrated its love, care and compassion for the children in the home by treating them to a special anniversary party and also engaged them in various games, puzzles, quiz, refreshments, as well as music, dancing and singing.

Head, Corporate Communications of Dana Air, Mr Samuel Ogbogoro, expressed delight that the airline is leading in the drive to properly integrate the less privileged into the society through its humanitarian activities.

Ogbogoro said: “The airline identifies with all worthy initiatives to improve the welfare of the people. We are a caring airline that will continue to pay serious attention to issues that concerns humanity and our commitment is to balance economic, social and environmental objectives for the overall goal of a successful and sus-

tainable business.”

The Matron of the Home, Mrs Deko Okitikpi, who was overwhelmed by the gesture, commended Dana Air for the initiative by noting that the airline had demonstrated a high sense of responsibility to put smiles on the faces of the children. “The Sri Sai Vandana Foundation has been managing the home in the last 18 years and this initiative

by Dana Air is a practical demonstration of what it means to connect with the aspirations and yearnings of children in this home,” said Mrs Okitikpi.

Dana Air has since inception supported charitable causes by providing a vehicle through which donations are collected onboard all its flights. The airline had helped to raise funds for Sickle Cell Foundation as well as for The Autism Awareness Drive and it is currently raising funds for the Sri Sai Vandana Foundation (SSVF) which manages all charitable activities for Dana Group. Also, the airline continues to give children an opportunity to experience air travel through its Kids Fly program.

opening new routes, increasing flight frequencies, and upgrading aircraft to meet the increasing demand. Exploring mutually beneficial agreements with established carriers such as TAAG Linhas Aéreas De Angola is another key strategy. We believe this new partnership will build on the success that we have seen on our Dubai-Luanda service, and also deliver operational and business synergies for both airlines.”

Augusto da Silva Tomás, the Minister of Transport for Government of Angola said: “The signing of this agreement today marks a very decisive step towards the restructuring of TAAG. With Emirates, our new partner and a leader in the world of civil aviation, equipped with know-how, technology and experience, TAAG is starting a new era of growth and progress which will also positively impact the development of Angola.”

Angola is Africa’s second

largest oil producer with a strong mining sector, and is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, making it an attractive business destination. Emirates’ first point in Africa was Cairo, launched in 1986, and the airline has since grown a strong presence on the African continent, serving 22 passenger destinations today: Abidjan, Accra, Addis Ababa, Cairo, Cape Town, Casablanca, Dakar, Dar el Salaam, Durban, Entebbe, Johannesburg, Khartoum, Lagos, Luanda, Nairobi, Tripoli, Tunis, Harare, Lusaka, Conakry, Algiers and Abuja.

As African economies continue to flourish and develop, Emirates is well placed to contribute to this growth, by providing valuable air links that enable trade and tourism flows. Emirates operates over 160 flights across the continent each week, connecting African economies and markets with Dubai and beyond to a global network of over 140 major cities.

Angola’s Minister for Transport, Augusto de Silva Tomás signs an agreement with the Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline Group, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum

Airline hosts Arab Idol finalists on a VIP trip to Dubai E mirates, a global connector of people and places, recently hosted the final 26 contestants of Arab Idol on a once in a lifetime VIP trip to Dubai.

Flying them to Dubai from their hometowns which are spread all over the Middle East and North Africa, Emirates gave many of the Arab Idol finalists the opportunity to visit the cosmopolitan city for the first time.

Many exciting and unique excursions were planned, including a stop at the Emirates Official Store, which carries the airline’s full range of merchandise; as well as a special visit to the Emirates A380 Experience - both located at The Village in Dubai Mall. The contestants then took the simulator for a fly-past over Paris’ historic sites, the canals of

Amsterdam, and Hong Kong’s unmistakable cityscape.

From planes to boats – the trip also included a private Dhow Cruise along bustling the Dubai Creek, organised

by Arabian Adventures, the region’s leading Destination Management Company.

After fivewhirlwind days in Dubai, the contestants then had to make their way back to Beirut, host city of the Arab Idol show for the start of the live programme segments.

Whisked to the airport by Emirates chauffeur drive service, and escorted through the airport by Marhaba services, the contestants enjoyed a smooth journey to Beirut on EK953, buoyed by the camaraderie of the trip and brimming with inspiration from their Dubai experience.

40

Business | Aviation

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

How I survived plane crash, by Samson One year after Associated Airlines plane crash of October 3, 2013, one of the survivors of the accident , Oluwatoyin Samson, narrated her experience to Aviation Editor, WOLE SHADARE. Excerpts Can we meet you?

I am Oluwatoyin Samson, a cabin crew with Associated Airline before the crash on October 3, 2013. I joined the Airline in year 2000. My appointment was confirmed in July 2001. I had training in BAC1-11 before it was phased out. I am also rated in B727, 747, HS 125, Embraer 120,145 and Short-360.

Before the October 3, 2013 incident, were you ever involved in any crash?

Oh, yes. I had a minor accident with the Short-360 from Benin to Lagos. Captain Yakubu was in command of that flight. The incident was weather-related. All the instruments in the aircraft packed up. We unknowingly over flew Lagos due to the weather prob-

lem. The turbulence was much.

When the instruments came on again, we returned to the Lagos airspace. By then we had run out of fuel. The Captain declared May Day (emergency landing). All other aircraft that were due to land in Lagos were diverted to other airports.

Before October 3, 2013 what was on your mind?

What was on my mind was for the Airline to phase out the Embraer 120 and go for the latest Embraer 125. Two weeks before the crash, I was just having bad dreams continuously seeing my own flesh. I was wondering who wanted me dead; I never envisaged a plane crash. I decided to do vigil, praying fervently. After boarding on that day, my second cabin crew requested to stay in the front for reasons best known to her. I did not argue with her. I moved to the back of the aircraft. I did not know why the aircraft did not take off at the runway of the local wing of the MMA. The plane taxied to the international terminal runway where it took off. The plane was shaking as it tried to be airborne. By the time the plane was coming down, I shut my eyes. I was not conscious when the aircraft finally came down. The last thing I saw was total darkness. I passed out.

When I regained consciousness I discovered I was lying

Samson

on the ground.

What happened next?

The seats on which the late Agagu’s son (Feyi) and that of the late Mr Okunsanya, the MIC Chairman, sat, shifted to my side. The front of the aircraft was dark. I thought there was lighting system failure in the aircraft; not realising there had been a fire that burnt parts of it. I tapped Feyi telling him there was a crash. I never realised he was unconscious.

I turned to the window, I saw fire men. It was then I realised there was fire. I then shouted to Feyi: ‘Oga, wake up, there is fire.’ He woke up and staggered and managed to walk out of

Group calls for probe of ‘mysterious’ Hercules C-130

T

he Media for Ethnic Equality (MEE) has urged the Federal Government to take necessary steps to unravel the mystery surrounding the collapse of a section of Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) building in Lagos recently.

The group, in a statement by its Executive Director, Gboyega Adeoye, want government to dig into the mysterious Hercules C-130 that “hovered round the building several times” before the collapse of the building.

Independent investigation carried out by the media group confirmed that the aircraft hovered round the building four times before the collapse in one fell swoop.

“We seek to know what a fighter plane was doing at midday over a residential area and most especially, over the building that collapsed under strange circumstances.

“We know that the flight routes of military aircraft are scheduled by the appropriate

Hercules C-130 aircraft

military service and are recorded in the service radar, thus making investigating the matter a simple matter,” MEE stated.

The group further stressed that the Hercules which usually fly at low altitude as a result of its design, are capable of carrying a heavy military load of several tonnes “and in particular, heavy armoured tanks and as such could on its own cause vibration that could lead to the building collapse.

“It can contain sophisticated war machinery, equipped with mechanisms for production of powerful electromagnetic waves, powerful ultrasound and infrared waves with the ability to focus on specific targets.

They are also capable of causing strong vibration in buildings, equivalent to bombing without being perceived by the human eyes or ears. The focus on the beam on specific targets like building can result in the collapse of the building, either directly or at a later time.”

the aircraft through the broken part of the aircraft where there had been fire. It was there Feyi had burns as he escaped through the burning fire. Seeing the fire I tried coming out through the cargo door where the casket of the late Agagu was lying but it was difficult. I then escaped through the same place where Feyi escaped from but then the fire had subsided.

I sustained burns as a result of the hot parts of the aircraft that rubbed against my upper arm.

When I managed to come out, I fell into a nearby canal. Two boys ran to me inside the canal.

They helped to bring me out, put me into the ambulance with Felix Fatoye, our aircraft technician. He (Felix Fatoye) was groaning in pains as he prayed for me that I won’t die and I also encouraged him that we would live. I want to note here that those boys were not First Aid experts and as such did not handle me well, thus worsening my injury, especially my burnt upper arm and the dislocation of my right hip. The ambulance took us to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)’s clinic first. They used scissors to remove my clothes because of the pains I had all over my body. From FAAN’s clinic, with the support of the medical staff, I was carried in a stretcher into the ambulance heading for an hospital in Ebute-Metta. I resisted the move, thinking that with my injury I might not make it to Ebute-Metta. I suggested to the medical team to take me to Ikeja instead. They agreed and took me to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

Nigeria’s Cat 1 recertification: NCAA lauds Ortom for providing leadership

T

he Acting Director General, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Benedict Adeyileka, has commended Chief Samuel Ortom for providing the leadership and support that culminated in Nigeria’s retention of the Category one status from the FAA. He stated this at a press briefing in Lagos on Nigeria’s category one recertification.

The Category One safety status is issued by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) only given to countries that have complied with a rigorous safety audit, in terms of technical capacity, manpower capability and regulatory oversight. It’s after this tasking process that the US will consider those countries airlines safe enough to fly into the USA. Chief Ortom was the supervising minister of aviation throughout the period the safety audit was conducted on Nigeria by the FAA. FAA had first awarded Nigeria Category One safety status in 2010, after it was confirmed that the country had met the

international aviation safety assessment standards.

Recall in March, 2014 the FAA visited Nigeria and had carried out an intensive safety assessment of the Nigerian aviation industry to ascertain if the status will be withdrawn or not.

The eight critical elements the US FAA team looked at were, primary aviation legislation, specific operating regulations, state civil aviation system and safety oversight functions and technical personnel qualification and training.

Other critical elements include, technical guidance and tools, licensing and certification obligations, surveillance obligations and resolution of safety concerns.

During that process some open areas were identified which needed to be closed within a specified period of time or Nigeria will lose the certification.

The NCAA DG confirmed that Chief Samuel Ortom, who was the acting minister of aviation at the provided support and leadership which saw the National Assembly and the Presi-

dency grant all the necessary funding and support in record time to beat the deadline set by the FAA. He said Chief Ortom indeed deserves commendation for the support and he public praised him.

“We recognised our deficiencies and we took our challenges to the then supervising minister for aviation, Chief Samuel Ortom” and he promptly acted on our concerns adding that the NCAA got the necessary support from Chirf Ortom.

Adeyileka also used the opportunity to thank all other stakeholders in the aviation industry who worked tirelessly to ensure Nigeria retained the certificate.

He announced government’s support to airlines who would want to take advantage of the Category One status to service the US route.

With this success, Arik Air has announced it will expand its routes to the US to include Houston and Washington DC, adding that it’s current JFK route will soon go daily.

Business | Money Line

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY OCTOBER 7, 2014

41

Naira faces worsening pressure LOWER REVENUE

Decline of revenue will not lead to currency adjustment Godson Ikoro

T

he nation’s currency, the naira, will continue to experience worsening pressure till post-election era, the Managing Director, Financial Derivatives Company, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, has said.

He stated this in his monthly Economic News and Views-Executive Breakfast session with the theme, “Cheaper oil, Lower Revenues and Higher Inflation, What Next,” presented at the Lagos Business School.

He argued that despite the rise in inflation for the sixth consecutive month, policy options constrained by the need to balance price and exchange rate stability with the need for real sector borrowing would keep the interest rate unchanged.

The naira, which has been under pressure leading to loss of one per cent at the interbank market last month, will

tion in October.

Besides, money supply expected to increase in Q4, 14, will be fueled by increased fiscal spending, security spending and electioneering, hence the headline inflation which picked up to 8.5 per cent from 8.3 per cent in July.

The pressure will continue

continue to experience worsening pressure.

According to him, the pressure will be aggravated by weaker oil earnings, the imminent rate like by the United States and domestic liquidity pressure.

Although further persistence of the rising inflationary trends may necessitate a rate like, he argued that given that the banking system required adequate consideration to safeguard price stability, a sustained decline in oil revenue would not lead to currency adjustment in 2014.

In his words, “The external reserve depletion will not get to a trigger level in 2014.”

Furthermore, while a currency adjustment of 3 – 5 per cent will ordinarily be economically realistic, but politically, it would be inexpedient.

Accordingly, he argued that there would be no currency value charge.

The currency pressure will also be aggravated by the Central Bank of Nigeria as it will likely increase the cash reserve ratio on public sector deposits in November even as it increases frequent and larger open market operations (OMO) interven-

Godson Ikoro

with agency report

T

he acquisition binge and rapid expansion across Africa by Pan-African lender, Ecobank, has eased off as it plans to focus on existing businesses, especially in Nigeria, Ghana, Angola and Kenya, its chief executive, Albert Essien, has said.

Essien averred that he aimed to expand existing businesses and make them more efficient, and thus more profitable.

Explaining further, he told Reuters, “these four countries together are very important to the future growth and earnings of the Ecobank group,” adding that the era of expanding the bank’s geographic reach was nearly over.

Ecobank) is one of the most prominent financial institutions in sub-Saharan Africa and has a presence in nearly

As at 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

Bid 12.10 12.10 12.05

Cajetan Mmuta

I Offer Yield 13.01 13.40 13.47 13.49 13.44 13.59

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

40 countries.

Nigeria and the West Africa region accounted for 60 per cent of revenue in the first half of 2014, Ecobank said in a results presentation, adding that its business was roughly equally split between retail and investment banking.

The bank will review how it pursues its growth strategy in November and decide at that point the amount of capital it needs to raise, Essien said.

South Africa’s Nedbank last week said it would acquire a 20 per cent stake in Ecobank for $493 million in cash, ending months of speculation it could walk away from the deal over governance concerns.

Qatar National Bank (QNB) last month became the top shareholder in the bank with over 23 per cent although it is due to pare that back to 20 per cent.

He said both companies see Ecobank as a vehicle for their plans to expand on a continent that has seen rapid economic growth in recent

years.

QNB says it wants to become the largest bank in the Middle East and Africa by 2017. At the moment it is the second-biggest by assets, behind South Africa’s Standard Bank.

Essien said QNB did not want to be a passive investor and had requested a seat on the board of Ecobank, formally known as Ecobank Transnational Incorporated.

Nedbank will have a seat on the board as part of its equity stake deal.

Some analysts question whether the two institutions will have competing visions for Ecobank’s management, or even become rivals.

Essien said the Qatar bank and Nedbank had a compatible vision for Ecobank and could work together.

“I am very, very optimistic that these two institutions, who are strong institutions and also have good corporate governance, will be able to work together with the Ecobank group,” Essien said by telephone from London.

Fidelity Bank, Foundation institute free eye surgery for Edo community

Treasury Bills Maturity Date 08-May-14 07-Aug-14 22-Jan-15

tem (RDAS) to cushion the effect of the demand pressure on foreign exchange.

The apex bank anticipates the pressure on the local unit and will continue to build into next week as the bank holidays limit the number of days available for the auction.

Ecobank to focus on existing businesses –CEO

Economic Indicators M2* CPS* INF IBR MPR 91-day NTB DPR PLR Bonny Light Ext Res**

this week following dollar supply shortage as foreign exchange markets close for the two days holiday to mark the Muslim festival.

However, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) may sustain the $500 million which is the amount of dollar offered at the Retail Dutch Auction Sys-

Open-Buy-Back (OBB) Overnight (O/N)

Rate (%) 11.33 11.63

NIFEX Spot ($/N)

Bid 163.4000

Offer 163.5000 Source: FMDQ

n furtherance of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Fidelity Bank Plc, through its helping hands program and in collaboration with Africa Cataract and Eye Foundation, is carrying out surgical operations for those with eye problems in riverine Ofunama Community in Ovia South-west council area of Edo State.

The Head, Midwest Region of Fidelity Bank, Mr. Emma Esinnah, said the helping hands scheme was instituted five years ago with a bottom to top approach to make life meaningful for the people.

Esinnah said, “Having seen that we are doing well as an organisation, we felt we should be able to do good.

That was why our helping hands scheme was established about five years ago.

In helping hands scheme, we adopt the ‘bottom-top approach where the life of the common man is affected positively.”

He explained that the bank decided to buy into the foundation’s idea due to its profitability to mankind.

Dr. Mejuya Okorodudu, who is the founder of Africa Cataract and Eye Foundation, explained that he was attracted back to the community because he had worked in the community before.

He said, “What we want to do is bring specialist doctors into the creeks. Hopefully someday, if you give us the land, we will build an hospital here. What I am going to do is my usual work to treat your eyes.”

“Let me use this opportunity to thank Fidelity Bank. What they have done is something I have always been looking out for, someone to recognise and help with the work. They have agreed to sponsor a number of free surgeries for the community. If I come to Ofunama and tell you that 100 people are blind, it means nothing, because every person gets blind alone, and suffers it alone. So when they told me they were going to help me with some surgeries, they didn’t know why I was very happy. If with their help we are able to make one, two, three people see again, that is massive”.

Business | Financial Market News

42

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

3-Oct-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 FGN Bonds

Price

Rating/Agency

Issuer

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

4,572.71

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

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

0.55 1.87 2.57 2.81 2.91 3.66 4.74 5.06 7.32 9.44 14.15 14.63 15.13 15.80 19.79

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

11.19 12.41 12.43 12.50 12.50 12.53 12.53 12.59 12.58 12.56 12.54 12.54 12.53 12.54 12.43

10.89 12.32 12.36 12.43 12.43 12.43 12.45 12.50 12.52 12.51 12.50 12.49 12.47 12.48 12.39

96.23 101.00 105.70 93.84 92.49 94.71 112.05 79.53 117.83 108.90 116.04 99.65 72.92 82.70 97.90

96.38 101.15 105.85 93.99 92.64 95.01 112.35 79.83 118.13 109.20 116.34 99.95 73.22 83.00 98.20

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

0.08 0.64 1.50 2.18 2.55 2.76

1.00 2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 1.00

12.04 13.85 14.26 14.49 13.49 13.50

99.09 91.77 103.86 99.95 97.89 95.21

Agency Bonds AMCON FMBN

NA

***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

1,301.62

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,285.14

Sub-National Bonds A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER 15-OCT-2014

15-Oct-09

14.00

6.00

15-Oct-14

0.03

3.29

14.23

99.96

A+/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.91

4.44

15.75

97.31

A/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

4.18

30-Sep-15

0.75

3.23

14.48

99.04

A-/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

6.27

30-Jun-16

1.03

4.46

15.84

98.67

A+/Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

7.37

30-Jun-16

1.04

3.48

14.87

101.17

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

2.54

5.59

18.08

84.07

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

A-/Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

29.92

30-Jun-17

1.59

1.00

13.08

101.27

A/Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

3.24

1.79

14.30

99.17

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

34.14

30-Sep-18

2.42

1.80

14.29

99.46

A-/Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

4.00

1.00

13.55

101.35

A/Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

09-Dec-11

14.50

14.96

09-Dec-18

2.41

1.00

13.49

102.25

A-/Agusto

*NIGER

14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018

12-Dec-13

14.00

11.13

12-Dec-18

2.42

4.78

17.27

93.97

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*ONDO

15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019

14-Feb-12

15.50

27.00

14-Feb-19

2.80

1.00

13.50

102.26

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*GOMBE

15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019

02-Oct-12

15.50

16.23

02-Oct-19

3.05

1.00

13.51

104.69

Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR

LAGOS

14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019

22-Nov-12

14.50

80.00

22-Nov-19

5.14

1.00

13.59

103.22

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019

12-Dec-12

14.75

27.51

12-Dec-19

3.02

2.74

15.24

98.90

14.75

11.40

30-Sep-20

3.55

1.00

13.53

103.26

A/Agusto

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN II 30-SEP-2020

30-Sep-13

Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR

LAGOS

13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020

27-Nov-13

13.50

87.00

27-Nov-20

6.15

1.00

13.61

99.50

A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro

KOGI

15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020

31-Dec-13

15.00

5.00

31-Dec-20

6.24

1.94

14.55

101.73

A/Agusto A-/GCR

*EKITI *NASARAWA

14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021

31-Dec-13

14.50

4.78

31-Dec-20

3.73

1.44

13.98

101.59

06-Jan-14

15.00

4.79

06-Jan-21

3.76

1.95

14.49

101.55

99.99

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

477.18 471.42

Corporate Bonds A+/Agusto; AA/GCR

LAFARGE WAPCO

11.50 LAFARGE WAPCO 7-OCT 2014

07-Oct-11

11.50

11.80

07-Oct-14

0.01

1.00

11.88

Aa/Agusto

13.50 GUARANTY TRUST 18-DEC-2014

18-Dec-09

13.50

13.17

18-Dec-14

0.21

5.21

16.57

99.25

Nil

GTB µ NGC

17.00 NGC 31-DEC-2014

01-Apr-10

17.00

2.00

31-Dec-14

0.24

8.71

20.16

99.07

Bbb-/Agusto A-/Agusto

*UPDC

10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015

17-Aug-10

10.00

3.61

17-Aug-15

0.63

4.88

16.09

96.86

*FLOURMILLS

12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015

09-Dec-10

12.00

13.62

09-Dec-15

0.70

1.00

12.24

100.40 100.76

BB+/GCR

*CHELLARAMS

14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016

06-Jan-11

14.00

0.60

06-Jan-16

0.78

2.63

13.89

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016

29-Sep-11

13.00

15.00

29-Sep-16

1.99

1.00

13.48

99.18

A-/Agusto

FSDH

14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016

25-Oct-13

14.25

5.53

25-Oct-16

2.06

1.34

13.83

100.70

A/GCR

UBA

13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017

30-Sep-10

13.00

20.00

30-Sep-17

2.99

1.00

13.50

98.79

BBB-/GCR

18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017

30-Nov-12

18.00

0.73

30-Nov-17

1.81

1.88

14.18

107.23

BBB+/DataPro†; BB+/GCR

*C & I LEASING *DANA#

MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018

09-Apr-11

16.00

7.20

09-Apr-18

1.77

3.48

15.74

100.47

A-/DataPro†; BB-/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

18.00

2.90

09-Sep-18

2.18

5.20

17.69

100.69

#

AAA/DataPro†; A+/GCR

*TOWER

MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

16.00

0.80

09-Sep-18

2.18

5.06

17.55

101.72

A/Agusto; A/GCR

UBA

14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018

22-Sep-11

14.00

35.00

22-Sep-18

3.97

1.35

13.90

100.29

Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018

18-Oct-13

15.75

2.70

18-Oct-18

2.04

2.29

14.78

101.84

BBB-/DataPro†; BB+/GCR

*LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS#

MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019

17-Feb-12

17.00

0.41

17-Feb-19

2.37

6.11

18.60

97.37

BBB/GCR

*DANA

16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019

01-Apr-14

16.00

4.50

01-Apr-19

3.24

2.16

14.67

103.29

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

14-Nov-13

15.25

2.05

14-Nov-20

6.12

2.76

15.37

99.48

11-Feb-18

3.36

1.00

13.52

91.24

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

141.62

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

141.52

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

IFC

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

12.00 10.95

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value ($mm)

Maturity Date

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

6.75 JAN 28, 2021

07-Oct-11

6.75

500.00

28-Jan-21

5.08

4.92

108.92

FGN Eurobonds

Prices & Yields

BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P

FGN

BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P

109.78

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

12-Jul-13

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

4.25

4.02

103.01

103.82

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

12-Jul-13

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

5.38

5.26

106.86

107.76

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,500.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,593.92

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

7.42

7.42

105.00

105.00

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

500.00

19-May-16

4.23

4.23

105.04

105.04 101.72

B+/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

6.56

6.56

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

8.13

94.86

96.14

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

5.94

5.64

100.20

101.29

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

6.25

6.25

100.00

100.00

B/Fitch; B/S&P

DIAMOND BANK PLC

8.75 May 21, 2019

21-May-14

8.75

200.00

21-May-19

8.91

8.64

99.39

100.39

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

FIRST BANK PLC

8.25 AUG 07, 2020

07-Aug-13

8.25

300.00

07-Aug-20

7.44

7.44

103.01

103.01

6.63 DEC 09, 2020

09-Dec-13

6.63

360.00

09-Dec-20

7.50

7.50

95.75

95.75

9.25/6M USD LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24, 2021

24-Jun-14

9.25

400.00

24-Jun-21

8.70

8.53

103.13

104.00

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

AFREN PLC III

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC II

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

FIRST BANK LTD

B-/S&P

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021

23-Jul-14

8.00

450.00

23-Jul-21

7.52

7.52

101.63

101.63

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

8.44

8.22

100.68

101.82

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,760.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,830.34

**Treasury Bills DTM 13 20 27 34 41 48 55 62

Money Market

FIXINGS Maturity 16-Oct-14 23-Oct-14 30-Oct-14 6-Nov-14 13-Nov-14 20-Nov-14 27-Nov-14 4-Dec-14

Bid Discount (%) 10.70 10.70 10.70 10.75 10.70 10.80 10.80 10.60

Offer Discount (%) 10.45 10.45 10.45 10.50 10.45 10.55 10.55 10.35

Bid Yield (%) 10.74 10.76 10.79 10.86 10.83 10.96 10.98 10.79

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 10.6667 12.4513 13.2925 14.2611

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

10.25

O/N Tenor Call 1M

10.50

REPO

Rate (%) 10.25 11.97

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M 3M

164.20 164.31 164.57 165.22 166.34 167.50

164.30 164.55 164.88 165.82 167.40 169.11

Sub-National Bonds A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER 15-OCT-2014

15-Oct-09

14.00

6.00

15-Oct-14

0.03

3.29

14.23

99.96

A+/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.91

4.44

15.75

97.31

A/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

4.18

30-Sep-15

0.75

3.23

14.48

99.04

A-/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

6.27

30-Jun-16

1.03

4.46

15.84

98.67

A+/Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

7.37

30-Jun-16

1.04

3.48

14.87

101.17

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

2.54

5.59

18.08

84.07

A-/Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

29.92

30-Jun-17

1.59

1.00

13.08

101.27

A/Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

3.24

1.79

14.30

99.17

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

34.14

30-Sep-18

2.42

1.80

14.29

99.46

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY OCTOBER 7, 2014 A+/Agusto; A+/GCR *DELTA

Business | Financial Market News

43

A-/Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

4.00

1.00

13.55

101.35

A/Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

09-Dec-11

14.50

14.96

09-Dec-18

2.41

1.00

13.49

102.25

A-/Agusto

*NIGER

14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018

12-Dec-13

14.00

11.13

12-Dec-18

2.42

4.78

17.27

93.97

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*ONDO

15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019

14-Feb-12

15.50

27.00

14-Feb-19

2.80

1.00

13.50

102.26

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*GOMBE

15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019

02-Oct-12

15.50

16.23

02-Oct-19

3.05

1.00

13.51

104.69

Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR

LAGOS

14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019

22-Nov-12

14.50

80.00

22-Nov-19

5.14

1.00

13.59

103.22

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019

12-Dec-12

14.75

27.51

12-Dec-19

3.02

2.74

15.24

98.90

A/Agusto

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN II 30-SEP-2020

30-Sep-13

14.75

11.40

30-Sep-20

3.55

1.00

13.53

103.26

Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR

LAGOS

6.15

1.00

‘Credit situation, bane of Nigerian investors’ –LCCI 13.50 He27-Nov-13 said the various 31-Dec-13 15.00 policy interventions 31-Dec-13 14.50 have06-Jan-14 not had the desired 15.00 impact on the sector, adding that unless there was an effective and sustained protection and 07-Oct-11 11.50 support for the sector, 18-Dec-09 13.50 and a01-Apr-10 dramatic improve17.00 ment17-Aug-10 in infrastructure, 10.00 the outlook 09-Dec-10 of the sector 12.00 06-Jan-11 14.00 would remain gloomy, 29-Sep-11 for the small 13.00 particularly scale25-Oct-13 industries. 14.25 30-Sep-10 13.00 According to him, “it 30-Nov-12 18.00 is impossible to have 09-Apr-11 16.00 a vibrant manufacturing 09-Sep-11 18.00 09-Sep-11 sector in the face of 16.00 ram14.00 pant22-Sep-11 dumping of cheap 18-Oct-13 15.75 imports in the country .

17-Feb-12 17.00 Some01-Apr-14 of these imports 16.00 are 14-Nov-13 landing at 5015.25 per cent of the cost of products produced locally.

Besides, manufacturers

13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020 scale enterprises still 15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 had serious challenge in A/Agusto *EKITI 14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 Group even06-JAN-2021 at A-/GCR decries *NASARAWAaccessing credit 15.00 NASARAWA this high rate.

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE challenges of TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION “The tight credit situaaccessing funds for tion is a major inhibiting Corporate Bonds factor to the capacity of investment in Nigeria 11.50 LAFARGE WAPCO 7-OCT 2014 A+/Agusto; AA/GCR LAFARGE WAPCO domestic enterprises to 13.50 GUARANTY TRUST 18-DEC-2014 Aa/Agusto GTB take advantage of the µ 17.00 NGC 31-DEC-2014 NGC Nil robust Nigerian market, 10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015 Bbb-/Agusto *UPDC Stories FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015 the SMEs. A-/Agusto by Chris Ugwu *FLOURMILLSespecially 12.00 14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016 BB+/GCR *CHELLARAMS The credit challenge was 13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 A+/Agusto; A-/GCR NAHCO he Lagos Chamidentified as the factor 14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016 A-/Agusto FSDH with the biggest negaber of Com13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 A/GCR UBA merce and Intive impact on business 18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 BBB-/GCR *C & I LEASING dustry confidence,” Yusuf said.

MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018 BBB+/DataPro†; BB+/GCR(LCCI) *DANA# # has identified He notedMPR+7.00 that TOWER the Ni9-SEP-2018 A-/DataPro†; BB-/GCRthe credit *TOWER MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 AAA/DataPro†; A+/GCR *TOWER# situation as a major gerian business envi14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018 A/Agusto; A/GCR UBAin problem for investors ronment was generally 15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR *LA CASERA the Nigerian economy . challenging for manuMPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019 BBB-/DataPro†; BB+/GCR *CHELLARAMS# Director General, facturing enterprise be16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019 BBB/GCR *DANA LCCI, Mr. Muda Yusuf, cause of the of 15.25quality NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020 A+/Agusto; A-/GCR NAHCO while speaking on the infrastructure; which is TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE challenges facing inves- why the risk of industriTOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION tors in the country, said al investment is high and Supranational Bondmedium many small and continues to increase.

LIQUIDITY A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro

KOGI

T AAA/S&P

Thomas Wyatt reports 131% growth in pre-tax profit

11-Feb-13

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

T

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

homas Wyatt Nige- corded the same period ria Plc has record- of 2012. ed B+/S&P a 131 per cent Revenue also dipped6.75 23JAN 28, 2021 BB-/Fitch; increase in profit before per cent to N94.027 milBB-/Fitch; FGN 5.13 JUL 12, 2018 taxBB-/S&P during the financial lion in the review period BB-/Fitch; year ended 2013. of 2013 from N122.345 mil6.38 JUL 12, 2023 BB-/S&P The company in a fil- lion in the corresponding TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE ing with the Nigerian period of 2012.

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Stock Exchange showed Chairman, Board of that profit before tax Directors Mr. Ike EmeagCorporate Eurobonds (PBT) appreciated wali, while address11.50 FEB 01, 2016 B/Fitch; B-/S&P AFREN PLC I N13.595 million in 2013 ing shareholders at the 7.50 MAY 19, 2016 B+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK PLC I company’s 2012 annual from a negative position 7.25 JUL 25, 2017 B+/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC of B/Fitch; N43.981 million in its general meeting, said 6.88 MAY 09, 2018 B/S&P FIDELITY BANK PLC the company’s recapi2012 audited year end, 6.00 NOV 08, 2018 B+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK PLC representing a growth 10.25 APR 08, 2019 B/Fitch AFREN PLC IItalisation programme commenced with of B+/Fitch; 131 per cent.

6.25 APR 22, 2019 BB-/S&P ZENITH BANKhad PLC 8.75 May 21, 2019 the Its profit after DIAMOND tax BANK B/Fitch; B/S&P PLCgranting of a plant 8.25 AUG 07, 2020 B-/Fitch; B/S&P down 85 FIRST PLC (PAT) went perBANK and machinery renewal 6.63 DEC 09, 2020 B-/Fitch; B/S&P AFREN cent to N6.890 million inPLC IIIfacility of nearly N200 USD LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24, 2021 PLC II itsB-/Fitch; 2013 B/S&P audited yearACCESS end BANK million by the9.25/6M Bank of 8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021 B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST BANK LTD from N45.211 million re- Industries (BOI).

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

10.20

12.00

J

14-Aug-14

11-Feb-18

working on this stratOutstanding Value Maturity Date egy for ($mm)two years. With Africa being a global investment destination, it makes sense 28-Jan-21 for the 500.00 JSE as a major exchange 500.00 12-Jul-18 player in Africa to be involved in providing 500.00 12-Jul-23 appropriate products to 1,500.00 mitigate currency risk and1,593.92 exposure when dealing in Africa,” Geers, said.450.00 01-Feb-16 The latest trade sta500.00 19-May-16 tistics from the South 350.00 25-Jul-17 African Revenue02-May-18 Service 300.00 (SARS) show trade flow 400.00 08-Nov-18 between Africa 300.00 South 08-Apr-19 and 500.00 Nigeria amounted 22-Apr-19 to R34,4 200.00 billion between 21-May-19 300.00 and July 07-Aug-20 January this 09-Dec-20 year.360.00 In the same pe24-Jun-21 riod,400.00trade between 450.00 South Africa and23-Jul-21 Kenya

ohannesburg Stock (%) Exchange Coupon (JSE) has inaugurated new range of African currency 07-Oct-11futures which 6.75 track the exchange rate 12-Jul-13 between the Rand5.13 and the 12-Jul-13 Nigerian Naira, 6.38 Zambian Kwacha and Kenyan Shilling.

According to the General Manager, Capital Markets at the JSE,11.50 War01-Feb-11 ren Geers, the currency 19-May-11 7.50 futures will allow inves25-Jul-12 7.25 tors as well as importers 09-May-13 6.88 and exporters to protect 08-Nov-13 6.00 themselves against the 08-Apr-12 10.25 currency 22-Apr-14 movement 6.25 in the foreign 21-May-14 country.8.75 07-Aug-13 8.25ex“The JSE is very cited09-Dec-13 about this 6.63 new 24-Jun-14 9.25 groundbreaking initia8.00 tive 23-Jul-14 as we have been 8.75

3.76

0.01 0.21 0.24 0.63 0.70 0.78 1.99 2.06 2.99 1.81 1.77 2.18 2.18 3.97 2.04 2.37 3.24 6.12

99.50 forward13.61 is to address the 14.55 101.73 fundamental constraints 1.44 13.98 101.59 com1.95to manufacturing 14.49 101.55 petitiveness in the Nigerian economy.”

Yusuf noted that the reality was that job loss1.00 99.99 es in the11.88 sector had been 5.21 16.57 99.25 on the increase over the 8.71 20.16 99.07 productivity 4.88years as16.09 96.86 dethe back100.40 of the 1.00clined on 12.24 2.63harsh operating 13.89 100.76 environ1.00ment.

13.48 99.18 1.34 13.83 “However, the 100.70 multi1.00 13.50 98.79 nationals and conglom1.88 14.18 107.23 some 3.48erates have 15.74 shown 100.47 trend in perfor5.20positive17.69 100.69 5.06mance and 17.55 resilience, 101.72 es1.35pecially13.90 100.29 in the foods and 2.29 14.78 101.84 beverage sector as well 6.11 18.60 97.37 in the cement industry .

2.16 14.67 103.29 Even then, they would 2.76 15.37 99.48 do much better if the operating environment were better,” he said.

1.94

3.36

1.00

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

250.00

14-Aug-21

5.08 4.25 5.38

7.42 4.23 6.56 8.57 5.94 8.68 6.25 8.91 7.44 7.50 8.70 7.52 8.44

13.52

91.24

amounted to R4,6 billion Bid Price Offer Price and trade between South Africa and Zambia was Prices & Yields valued at just less than 4.92R18 billion.

108.92 109.78 The JSE has partnered 4.02 103.01 103.82 with Barclays Africa and brokers,107.76 Tradi5.26specialist 106.86 tion Futures, to bring this new offering to market.

Lourens Harmse of Barclays Africa who looks after sub-Saharan 7.42 105.00 105.00 Africa Trading at the 4.23 105.04 105.04 Corporate and Invest6.56 101.72 101.72 ment Banking division 8.13 94.86 96.14 says, “Our involvement 5.64 100.20 101.29 listing 105.75 of the 8.68with the 105.75 currency futures 6.25African100.00 100.00 deep8.64on the JSE 99.39 further 100.39 7.44ens Barclays 103.01 103.01 Africa’s 7.50commitment 95.75 95.75 to growing 8.53Markets103.13 104.00 in participation 7.52 101.63 Africa. 101.63

8.22

4,760.00

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

3.73

12.00 10.95

Issue Date

FGN Eurobonds

B-/S&P

6.24

JSE unveils African currency futures

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

IFC

27-Nov-20 have 87.00 to worry about high 5.00 31-Dec-20 energy cost because the 4.78 31-Dec-20 power 4.79improvement 06-Jan-21 is yet to be sustained; they 477.18 have471.42 to worry about high interest rates – 20 per cent and above; they 07-Oct-14 have11.80 to worry about a 13.17 18-Dec-14 multitude of regulatory 2.00 31-Dec-14 agencies making differ3.61 17-Aug-15 ent demands on09-Dec-15 them; 13.62 0.60 06-Jan-16 they have to worry about 15.00 smuggling 29-Sep-16 massive and 5.53 under invoicing25-Oct-16 of im20.00 30-Sep-17 ports0.73 and many 30-Nov-17 more.

“The multinationals 7.20 09-Apr-18 and 2.90 other conglomer09-Sep-18 0.80 the sector 09-Sep-18 ates in may 22-Sep-18 to have35.00 the resilience 18-Oct-18 cope.2.70 But for most man0.41 17-Feb-19 ufacturing SMEs, it is 4.50 01-Apr-19 a nightmare.

Yet pro2.05 14-Nov-20 duction is critical to an 141.62 enduring economic and 141.52 social stability. The way

100.68

101.82

3-Oct-14

4,830.34

The FMDQ Bills Daily Quotations List (DQL) comprises market and model prices/rates of foreign exchange ($/N) products, fixedFIXINGS income securities and instruments the OTC market. The use of this report is subject to MoneyinMarket **Treasury Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) the FMDQDTM OTC PLC Terms of Use and Disclaimer Statement Maturity Bid Discounton (%)www.fmdqotc.com.

Offer Discount (%) Bid Yield (%) Tenor Rate (%)

13 16-Oct-14 10.70 20 23-Oct-14 10.70 30-Oct-14 10.70 FGN Bonds27 34 6-Nov-14 10.75 41 13-Nov-14 10.70 Rating/Agency Issuer Description 48 20-Nov-14 10.80 55 27-Nov-14 10.80 62 4-Dec-14 10.60 4.00 23-APR-2015 69 11-Dec-14 10.95 13.05 16-AUG-2016 83 25-Dec-14 10.80 15.10 27-APR-2017 90 1-Jan-15 11.00 9.85 27-JUL-2017 97 8-Jan-15 10.85 9.35 31-AUG-2017 104 15-Jan-15 11.00 10.70 30-MAY-2018 111 22-Jan-15 10.75 16.00 29-JUN-2019 118 29-Jan-15 11.00 NA NA 7.00 23-OCT-2019 125 5-Feb-15 10.70 16.39 27-JAN-2022 132 12-Feb-15 11.00 14.20 14-MAR-2024 139 19-Feb-15 10.70 15.00 28-NOV-2028 146 26-Feb-15 11.00 12.49 22-MAY-2029 153 5-Mar-15 10.75 8.50 20-NOV-2029 188 9-Apr-15 10.55 202 23-Apr-15 10.70 10.00 23-JUL-2030 216 7-May-15 10.40 12.1493 18-JUL-2034 307 6-Aug-15 10.50 TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE 3-Sep-15 335 10.40 *from the Amortising bonds, the average life is calculated and not the duration

10.45 10.45 10.45 10.50 10.45 Issue Date 10.55 10.55 10.35 23-Apr-10 10.70 16-Aug-13 10.55 27-Apr-12 10.75 27-Jul-07 10.60 31-Aug-07 10.75 30-May-08 10.50 29-Jun-12 10.75 23-Oct-09 10.45 27-Jan-12 10.75 14-Mar-14 10.45 28-Nov-08 10.75 22-May-09 10.50 20-Nov-09 10.30 10.45 23-Jul-10 10.15 18-Jul-14 10.25 10.15

10.74 10.76 10.79 10.86 10.83 Coupon 10.96(%) 10.98 10.79 4.00 11.18 13.05 11.07 15.10 11.31 9.85 11.17 9.35 11.36 10.70 11.11 16.00 11.41 7.00 11.11 16.39 11.46 14.20 11.15 15.00 11.51 12.49 11.26 8.50 11.16 11.37 10.00 11.08 12.1493 11.52 11.50

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

Risk Premium is a combination of credit risk and liquidity risk premiums **Exclusive of non-trading t.bills

Issuer

Description

AMCON

0.00 AMCON 31-OCT-2014 (SR.5 TR.1) 0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 Total Outstanding Porfolio Market Value(Bn) 0.00/16.00 LCRM 09-DEC-2016 Volume(Bn) 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 20-APR-2017 0.00/16.50 LCRM1,029.33 III 06-JUL-2017 998.07

Issue Date

Agency Bonds

NA

FMBN Modified Duration Buckets

***LCRM

<3

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

Tenor O/N 1M 3M Value Outstanding 6M

(N'bn)

535.00 23-Apr-15 545.27 16-Aug-16 NITTY 452.80 27-Apr-17 Tenor Rate (%) 20.00 27-Jul-17 1M 10.8604 100.00 31-Aug-17 2M 11.0577 300.00 30-May-18 3M 11.1660 351.30 29-Jun-19 6M 11.1729 233.90 23-Oct-19 9M 11.3451 600.00 27-Jan-22 12M 11.5704 331.35 14-Mar-24 75.00 28-Nov-28 150.00 22-May-29 NIFEX 200.00 20-Nov-29 Current Price ($/N) 591.57 23-Jul-30 BID($/N)105.00 164.4675 18-Jul-34

OFFER ($/N)

4,591.19

Coupon (%)

28-Dec-11 FMDQ FGN 0.00BOND 24-May-10 0.00 03-Apr-12by 17.25by Mkt Weighting Weighting 09-Dec-11 Vol 0.00/16.00 Outstanding Value 20-Apr-12 0.00/16.50 06-Jul-12 33.52 0.00/16.5033.39

3<5

1,100.61

951.30

31.95

35.70

>5

952.86

1,027.92

34.53

30.91

3,082.81

2,977.29

100.00

100.00

Market

Rate (%) 10.6667 12.4513 13.2925 Maturity Date 14.2611

OBB

10.25

O/N

10.50

REPO

TTM (Yrs) Tenor Call 1M 0.55 3M 1.87 6M 2.57

BidRate Yield (%)(%) 10.25

Tenor Spot 7D 14D Offer Yield 1M (%) 2M 3M 10.89 6M 12.32 1Y 12.36

11.97 11.19 12.72 12.41 13.57 12.43 2.81 12.50 12.43 12.50 12.43 NOTE: 2.91 3.66 12.53 12.43 :Benchmarks 4.74 12.53 12.45 * :Amortising Bond 5.06 12.59 12.50 µ :Convertible Bond 12.52 AMCON: 7.32 Asset Management12.58 Corporation of Nigeria 9.44 Government of12.56 12.51 FGN: Federal Nigeria 14.15 Mortgage Bank 12.54 12.50 FMBN: Federal of Nigeria 14.63 12.54 12.49 IFC: International Finance Corporation 15.13Contractors Receivables 12.53 12.47 LCRM: Local Management NAHCO:15.80 Nigerian Aviation Handling 12.54 Company12.48 O/N: Overnight 19.79 12.43 12.39

164.5675

UPDC: UAC Property Development Company WAPCO:West Africa Portland Cement Company

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

164.20 Price 164.30 164.31 164.55 164.57 164.88 Bid Price Offer Price 165.22 165.82 166.34 167.40 167.50 169.11 96.23 96.38 171.20 174.60 101.00 101.15 178.63 186.57 105.70 105.85

93.84 93.99 92.49 92.64 94.71 95.01 NA :Not Applicable 112.05 112.35 # :Floating Rate Bond 79.53 79.83 ***: Deferred coupon bonds 117.83 118.13 108.90 †: Bond rating expired 109.20 116.04 116.34 99.65 99.95 72.92 73.22 NGC: Nigeria-German Company 82.70 83.00 UBA: United 97.90 Bank for Africa 98.20

4,572.71

#

Rating/Agency

NIBOR

Bonds

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

24.56 3.30 Bucket Weighting 112.22 116.70 66.49 0.34

31-Oct-14 24-May-15 %03-Apr-17 Exposure_ 09-Dec-16 Mod_Duration 20-Apr-17 06-Jul-1714.70

0.08 0.64 1.50 Implied Yield 2.18 2.55 2.7612.42

1.00 2.63 2.27 Implied 2.00Price Portfolio 1.00 117.9271 1.00

1,301.62 0.32

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

INDEX 978.35

1,285.14

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

12.04 13.85 14.26 INDEX 14.49 13.49 1,120.07 13.50

99.09 91.77 103.86 YTD Return 99.95 (%) 97.89 12.0067 95.21

12.5096

31.26

12.57

132.8704

1,125.10

0.35

54.04

12.53

102.5831

1,199.38

19.9377

1.00

100.00

12.52

117.4042

1,121.11

12.1107

Sub-National Bonds A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER 15-OCT-2014

15-Oct-09

14.00

6.00

15-Oct-14

0.03

3.29

14.23

99.96

A+/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.91

4.44

15.75

97.31

A/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

4.18

30-Sep-15

0.75

3.23

14.48

99.04

A-/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

6.27

30-Jun-16

1.03

4.46

15.84

98.67

A+/Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

7.37

30-Jun-16

1.04

3.48

14.87

101.17

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

2.54

5.59

18.08

84.07

A-/Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

29.92

30-Jun-17

1.59

1.00

13.08

101.27

A/Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

3.24

1.79

14.30

99.17

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

34.14

30-Sep-18

2.42

1.80

14.29

99.46

Daily Summary as of 03/10/2014 Printed 03/10/2014 14:45:17.017

Daily Summary (Equities) Activity Summary on Board EQTY FINANCIAL SERVICES Micro-Finance Banks Micro-Finance Banks Totals Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services RESORT SAVINGS & LOANS PLC UNION HOMES SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC. Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

Business | Capital Market

44

Daily Summary as of 03/10/2014

Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FBN HOLDINGS PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UBA PLC Daily Summary asCAPITAL of 03/10/2014 Other Financial Institutions Totals Printed 03/10/2014 14:45:17.017

Printed 03/10/2014 14:45:17.017

Symbol Symbol RESORTSAL UNHOMES Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FBNH FCMB ROYALEX STANBIC UBCAP

No. of Deals 13

Current Price

Quantity Traded 2,128,000

Value Traded 2,098,250.00

No. of Deals

Current Price

Quantity Traded

Value Traded

1 2

0.50

1,000 301,000

500.00 150,500.00

No. of Deals 65 46 394 79 5 33 87 709

Current Price 3.30 4.09 13.48 4.51 0.59 35.00 2.18

Quantity Traded 8,694,328 1,766,917 11,251,614 7,371,169 10,100 123,030 6,289,604 35,506,762

Value Traded 28,657,594.58 7,068,212.26 151,618,509.42 31,819,285.82 5,794.84 4,151,587.08 13,764,547.04 237,085,531.04

468,808,517

2,443,949,203.51

Quantity Traded 92 92

Value Traded 159.16 159.16

0.507, 2014 300,000 150,000.00 TUESDAY, 1OCTOBER NEW TELEGRAPH

The Nigerian Stock Market Exchange as at October 3, 2014 Daily Summary (Bonds)

Activity Summary on Board DEBT Federal

Bond Name 16.00% FGN JUN 2019 Federal Totals

Symbol FG9B2019S3

DEBT Board Totals

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 111.85

1

Bond Activity Totals

Quantity Traded 10 10

Value Traded 11,630.89 11,630.89

10

11,630.89

10

1

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE Medical Supplies MORISON INDUSTRIES PLC. Medical Supplies Activity Summary onTotals Board EQTY

11,630.89

Daily Summary (Equities)

HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC PHARMA-DEKO PLC. Pharmaceuticals Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY AGRICULTURE Crop Production FTN COCOA PROCESSORS PLC OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. Daily Summary as of 03/10/2014 PRESCO PLC Printed 03/10/2014 14:45:17.017 Crop Production Totals Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals

Symbol FTNCOCOA OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 19 26 4 49

Current Price 0.50 34.00 37.50

Quantity Traded 1,109,654 225,175 7,536 1,342,365

Value Traded 554,827.00 7,529,686.47 281,236.00 8,365,749.47

Symbol

No. of Deals 19 19

Current Price 2.99

Quantity Traded 505,970 505,970

Value Traded 1,495,557.26 1,495,557.26

1,848,335

9,861,306.73

LIVESTOCK Daily Summary (Equities)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY AGRICULTURE Totals CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. JOHN HOLT PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © S C O A NIG. PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals

68

Symbol AGLEVENT JOHNHOLT SCOA TRANSCORP UACN

CONGLOMERATES Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals Infrastructure/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals Daily Summary as of 03/10/2014

Printed 03/10/2014 14:45:17.017 Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Real Estate Development Totals Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) SKYE SHELTER FUND PLC

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) Totals

Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. PREMIER BREWERIES PLC Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals Daily Summary as of 03/10/2014

Printed 03/10/2014 14:45:17.017 Food Products DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. CONSUMER GOODS Published by Food The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Products Food Products Totals

Current Price 1.54 1.08 4.67 5.79 58.00

Quantity Traded 38,000 1,000 Page 3,600 10,319,496 980,299 11,342,395

236

11,342,395

116,137,603.18

No. of Deals 18 18

Current Price 0.90

Quantity Traded 652,495 652,495

Value Traded 587,355.50 587,355.50

Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 4 4

Current Price 67.20

Quantity Traded 9,301 9,301

Value Traded 593,775.84 593,775.84

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 12 12

Current Price 15.85

Quantity Traded 22,116 22,116

Value Traded 349,743.36 349,743.36

Quantity Traded 5,000 5,000

Value Traded 500,000.00 500,000.00

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol No. of Deals Current Price SKYESHELT

1 1

100.00

Page 688,912

35

2

ICT Computer Based Systems COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC Computer Based Systems Totals Processing Systems CHAMS PLC Processing Systems Totals

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 6,125 6,125

Value Traded 3,062.50 3,062.50

Symbol CHAMPION GUINNESS INTBREW NB PREMBREW

No. of Deals 5 51 18 104 3 181

Current Price 12.35 195.70 30.90 176.66 4.40

Quantity Traded 200,390 87,664 205,839 815,195 21,000 1,330,088

Value Traded 2,474,590.30 16,821,371.42 6,298,596.45 144,367,349.84 87,780.00 170,049,688.01

Symbol 7UP

No. of Deals 13 13

Current Price 147.73

Quantity Traded 16,736 16,736

Value Traded 2,721,749.96 2,721,749.96

Symbol No. of Deals DANGFLOUR 55 DANGSUGAR 83 FLOURMILL 33 Daily Summary (Equities) HONYFLOUR 22 NASCON 43 NNFM 1

Current Price 6.55 8.17 62.00 4.00 9.37 21.99

Quantity Traded 152,820 2,680,729 50,464 916,159 655,499 217

Value Traded 963,302.50 21,932,258.09 3,120,524.57 3,674,008.20 6,092,936.25 4,969.30

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC IPWA PLC PAINTS AND COATINGS MANUFACTURES PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals

No. of Deals 36 50 86

Current Price 53.69 1,050.00

Quantity Traded 139,090 57,241 196,331

Value Traded 7,477,161.32 60,144,354.49 67,621,515.81

Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC. VONO PRODUCTS PLC. Household Durables Totals

Symbol VITAFOAM VONO

No. of Deals 11 3 14

Current Price 4.27 1.42

Quantity Traded 125,025 14,900 139,925

Value Traded 513,436.25 19,371.00 532,807.25

Symbol PZ UNILEVER

No. of Deals 72 39 111

Current Price 32.15 47.99

Quantity Traded 762,669 238,795 1,001,464

Value Traded 24,696,175.04 11,387,019.64 36,083,194.68

7,146,557

312,800,017.12

Current Price 9.02 6.25 18.70 2.05

Quantity Traded 11,885,323 7,349,729 6,792,518 24,205,413

Value Traded 107,038,202.45 45,937,638.85 127,024,063.51 49,594,343.77

Current Price 30.01 2.87 2.30 6.65

Page Quantity Traded 12,250,439 303,035,428 9,570,001 15,227,141

4Value Traded of 13 367,586,736.26 732,441,110.75 21,827,727.94 101,604,912.67

Value Traded 6,689,742.85 559,265.00 1,333,312.80 636,097,820.62 2,197,734,877.47

FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking UNION BANK NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC. ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals

Symbol GUARANTY

No. of Deals 286

STERLNBANK UBA

Quantity Traded 1,812,391 97,100 456,127 1,000 2,000 1,192,154 12,000 4,771,900 77,230 645,838 1,024,158 1,400 Page 80,000 823,769 10,997,067

Current Price 1.00

Quantity Traded 2,128,000

Value Traded 2,098,250.00

No. of Deals 13

Current Price

Page Quantity Traded 2,128,000

6 of 13 Value Traded 2,098,250.00

FINANCIAL SERVICES Published

by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Micro-Finance Banks Micro-Finance Banks Totals

Symbol Symbol RESORTSAL UNHOMES

No. of Deals 1 1 2

Current Price 0.50 0.50

Quantity Traded 300,000 1,000 301,000

Value Traded 150,000.00 500.00 150,500.00

Other Financial Institutions 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

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FBNH FCMB ROYALEX STANBIC UBCAP

No. of Deals 65 46 394 79 5 33 87 709

Current Price 3.30 4.09 13.48 4.51 0.59 35.00 2.18

Quantity Traded 8,694,328 1,766,917 11,251,614 7,371,169 10,100 123,030 6,289,604 35,506,762

Value Traded 28,657,594.58 7,068,212.26 151,618,509.42 31,819,285.82 5,794.84 4,151,587.08 13,764,547.04 237,085,531.04

468,808,517

2,443,949,203.51

Quantity Traded 92 92

Value Traded 159.16 159.16

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE Medical Supplies MORISON INDUSTRIES PLC. Medical Supplies Totals

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

2,214 Symbol MORISON

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 1.82

Page

7

of

Value Traded 108.00 108.00

Symbol CHAMS

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 1,000,000 1,000,000

Value Traded 500,000.00 500,000.00

1,000,200

500,108.00

Quantity Traded 2,643,413 33,337 147,362

Value Traded 84,569,986.83 299,187.04 5,643,811.99

2 Symbol ASHAKACEM

No. of Deals 44 5 16

Current Price 32.00 8.60 39.00

DailyBERGER Summary (Equities) CAP

Page

of

Current Price 1.80

Quantity Traded 318,691 318,691

Value Traded 578,705.80 578,705.80

Packaging/Containers AVON CROWNCAPS & CONTAINERS BETA GLASS CO PLC. Packaging/Containers Totals

Symbol AVONCROWN BETAGLAS

No. of Deals 1 3 4

Current Price 1.59 20.00

Quantity Traded 335 15,029 15,364

Value Traded 532.65 300,565.50 301,098.15

15,768,500

2,496,949,446.64

Quantity Traded 2,156,788 2,156,788

Value Traded 1,078,394.00 1,078,394.00

2,156,788

1,078,394.00

249 Symbol MULTIVERSE

No. of Deals 1 1 Daily Summary (Equities)

Current Price 0.50

1

Symbol JAPAULOIL

No. of Deals 50 50

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded Page 8,966,697 8,966,697

Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals 306 306

Current Price 26.37

Quantity Traded 7,522,790 7,522,790

Value Traded 196,897,347.21 196,897,347.21

Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors CONOIL PLC ETERNA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals

Symbol CONOIL ETERNA FO MOBIL MRS TOTAL

No. of Deals 30 26 63 25 1 17 162

Current Price 47.01 3.74 225.00 173.08 56.00 180.00

Quantity Traded 112,160 620,191 119,851 56,074 350 11,937 920,563

Value Traded 5,484,457.67 2,344,445.38 26,801,796.86 9,718,298.69 18,620.00 2,172,331.94 46,539,950.54

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals 25 25

Current Price 640.00

Quantity Traded 44,688 44,688

Value Traded 28,600,800.33 28,600,800.33

17,454,738

276,521,446.58 Value Traded 134,356.36

543

Daily Summary (Equities)

4,483,348.50 4,483,348.50

No. of Deals 13

Current Price 0.85

Quantity Traded 157,402

Symbol

No. of Deals 13

Current Price

Page Quantity Traded 157,402

Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals

Symbol REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR

No. of Deals 4 3 7

Current Price 4.40 1.35

Quantity Traded 12,579 14,654 27,233

Value Traded 55,797.60 20,103.66 75,901.26

Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals

Symbol CILEASING

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 10,515 10,515

Value Traded 5,257.50 5,257.50

Hotels/Lodging IKEJA HOTEL PLC Hotels/Lodging Totals

Symbol IKEJAHOTEL

No. of Deals 93 93

Current Price 2.00

Quantity Traded 23,539,246 23,539,246

Value Traded 46,695,672.00 46,695,672.00

Symbol ACADEMY LEARNAFRCA UPL

No. of Deals 1 5 24 30

Current Price 1.32 1.32 4.10

Quantity Traded 1 27,522 724,000 751,523

Value Traded 1.38 38,737.67 2,804,438.30 2,843,177.35

Symbol ABCTRANS

No. of Deals 9 9

Current Price 0.68

Quantity Traded 157,150 157,150

Value Traded 105,612.00 105,612.00

Symbol INTERLINK NSLTECH

No. of Deals 1 1 2

Current Price 4.66 0.50

Quantity Traded Page 54,281

Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Transport-Related Services Totals

Symbol AIRSERVICE NAHCO

No. of Deals 2 52 54

Current Price 2.01 4.98

Quantity Traded 50,000 3,650,263 3,700,263

Value Traded 105,500.00 18,643,451.59 18,748,951.59

Support and Logistics CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC Support and Logistics Totals

Symbol CAVERTON

No. of Deals 47 47

Current Price 5.00

Quantity Traded 4,648,110 4,648,110

Value Traded 22,124,322.50 22,124,322.50

257

33,046,723

90,986,700.02

EQTY Board Totals

4,322

560,322,603

5,758,044,369.95

Equity Activity Totals

4,322

560,322,603

5,758,044,369.95

Printing/Publishing Daily Summary as of 03/10/2014 ACADEMY PRESS PLC. Printed 03/10/2014 14:45:17.017 LEARN AFRICA PLC UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. Printing/Publishing Totals

SERVICES Specialty Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © PLC INTERLINKED TECHNOLOGIES

SECURE ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY PLC Specialty Totals

Daily Summary (Equities)

SERVICES Totals

Daily Summary as of 03/10/2014 Printed 03/10/2014 14:45:17.017

Exchange Traded Fund

Name NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF)

Exchange Traded Fund

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Name VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF Exchange Traded Fund Totals

1,000 55,281

13

9Value Traded of 13

Symbol RTBRISCOE

Road Transportation ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC

13

8

No. of Deals 11 11

Activity on Board RoadSummary Transportation TotalsEQTY

Value Traded 1,453,373.39 95,500.00 228,064.50 500.00 1,000.00 676,214.89 6,000.00 2,385,953.00 229,111.00 348,752.52 805,069.68 700.00 5 of 13 40,000.00 609,806.02 6,880,045.00

Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services RESORT SAVINGS & LOANS PLC UNION HOMES SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC. Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

Quantity Traded 200 200

Symbol CUTIX

SERVICES Published

by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals

Current Price 0.80 1.00 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.59 0.50 0.50 2.90 0.54 0.79 0.50 0.50 0.74

No. of Deals 13

Current Price 0.52

Electronic and Electrical Products CUTIX PLC. Electronic and Electrical Products Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Symbol No. of Deals AIICO INSURANCE PLC. AIICO 24 CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CONTINSURE 5 CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. CORNERST 8 GREAT NIGERIAN INSURANCE PLC GNI 1 GUINEA INSURANCE PLC. GUINEAINS 1 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC INTENEGINS 16 LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. LASACO 3 LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC. LAWUNION 10 MANSARD INSURANCE PLC MANSARD 8 MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. MBENEFIT 4 Daily Summary as of 03/10/2014 N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. NEM 14 Printed 03/10/2014 14:45:17.017 PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. PRESTIGE 1 Published by The Nigerian Stock ExchangeINSURANCE © STANDARD ALLIANCE PLC. STDINSURE 1 WAPIC INSURANCE PLC WAPIC 40 Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals 136 Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol NPFMCRFBK

No. of Deals 1 1

Value Traded 16,844,549.41 2,266,230,282.32 5,500.00 1,092.00 122,475,233.10 2,496,069,642.69

SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC.

Quantity Traded 714,535 1,118,530 1,408,878 26,317,753 419,875,688

Micro-Finance Banks

Symbol COURTVILLE

OIL AND GAS Totals

Current Price 9.39 0.50 0.95 24.30

7,229,269.47

Quantity Traded 1,094,572 10,538,928 11,000 650 965,183 15,434,445

Exploration and Production Daily Summary as of 03/10/2014 SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Printed 03/10/2014 14:45:17.017 Exploration and Production Totals

No. of Deals 58 5 28 201 1,354

Activity Summary on Board EQTY NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC

Symbol UBN UNITYBNK WEMABANK ZENITHBANK

47 201

1,060,938

Current Price 15.75 220.80 0.50 1.60 127.00

OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Energy Equipment and Services Totals

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

Value Traded 346,801.55 of 13 1,182,229.27 4,934,384.34 748,815.10 14,510.05 2,370.00 7,229,110.31

7

No. of Deals 36 71 1 1 60 234

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals

Daily Summary (Equities) 151 SKYEBANK

Quantity Traded 172,030 Page 354,919 80,420 439,029 13,448 1,000 1,060,846

74

NATURAL RESOURCES Totals Activity Summary on Board EQTY

3Value Traded of 13 35,787,998.91

GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC. UNITED BANK FOR Activity Summary onAFRICA Board PLC EQTY

Current Price 2.05 3.33 62.61 1.72 1.06 2.49

Symbol CCNN DANGCEM IPWA PAINTCOM WAPCO

NATURAL RESOURCES Mining Services MULTIVERSE PLC Mining Services Totals

Page Quantity Traded 4,455,888

Symbol No. of Deals ACCESS 118 Daily Summary (Equities) DIAMONDBNK 49 ETI 82 FIDELITYBK 128

No. of Deals 9 5 24 27 7 1 73

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals

Current Price

643

1.82

Daily Summary as of 03/10/2014 Printed 03/10/2014 14:45:17.017

No. of Deals 237

FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED Daily Summary as ofBANK 03/10/2014 Activity Summary on Board FIDELITY PLC EQTY Printed 03/10/2014 14:45:17.017 FINANCIAL SERVICES PublishedBanking

by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

1 1

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Published

by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Symbol

Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Personal/Household Products Totals Daily Summary as of 03/10/2014 CONSUMER GOODS Totals Printed 03/10/2014 14:45:17.017

Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH PHARMDEKO

Daily Summary as of 03/10/2014 ICT Totals Printed 03/10/2014 14:45:17.017

of 13 2,030,874.70

Symbol DUNLOP

MORISON

HEALTHCARE Totals

Value Traded 53,270.00 1,030.00 1 of 13 15,984.00 59,232,604.83 56,834,714.35 116,137,603.18

Symbol COSTAIN

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE PublishedCONSTRUCTION/REAL

by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ESTATE © Totals CONSUMER GOODS Automobiles/Auto Parts DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC Automobiles/Auto Parts Totals

No. of Deals 5 1 2 181 47 236

2,214

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol No. of Deals Current Price

10 of 13 Value Traded 134,356.36

Value Traded 11 252,949.46 of 13 500.00 253,449.46

Daily Summary (ETP) Symbol

No. of Deals 1

Current Price 1,908.00

Quantity Traded 12

Symbol VETGRIF30

No. of Deals 2 3

Current Price 18.73

Page Quantity Traded 110 122

NEWGOLD Daily Summary (ETP)

Value Traded 22,896.00 12 of 13 Value Traded 2,076.30 24,972.30

ETF Board Totals

3

122

24,972.30

ETP Activity Totals

3

122

24,972.30

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

45

Features Poor roads to Nigeria’s gateway

A failed section at Junction bus stop

The deplorable state of roads across the country has overtime raised questions as to what the governments at all levels are doing to mitigate the situation, which invariably has become a nightmare for road users. One of such roads is the ever-busy Lagos International Airport Road, which leads in and out of the nation’s busiest gateway – the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, writes NDUBUISI UGAH In the beginning

J

uly 15, 2014 broke out like any other day for Mr. James Oke (not real names). As early as 5a.m., he was out of his bed ostensibly to put certain things in place ahead of his

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES EDITOR

abiodun. bello@newtelegraphonline.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

planned trip to France. His flight was scheduled for 11.15a.m.

Knowing Nigerians’ attitude to keeping appointments, Oke decided to head to Magodo as early as possible to finalise his transactions with an IT firm, which is handling his ‘new child’.

Interestingly, Oke was about starting an IT firm, which is expected to begin soon. As he hurriedly concluded the meeting in Magodo, at 8a.m., Oke headed home to prepare for his journey. His destination this time around was the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.

With his boarding time constantly re-echoing in his thoughts as the Metro Taxi cab tried to meander its way to the airport, Oke became uncomfortable with the reality of missing his flight no thanks to the gridlock on Airport Road en route MMIA. But with sheer providence, Oke was able to beat the traffic jam and with boarding formalities concluded, he was sure to be in France in the next six hours or so.

Oke’s account is also corroborated by the account given by Hajia Binta Yusuf, who on return from Dubai, the United Arab Emirate (UAE), also experienced similar nightmare on arrival in Nigeria.

Oke and Yusuf ’s nightmare on the road represents the pains and agonies most Nigerians experience while plying the Airport Road daily.

More than 80 per cent of vehicular traffic in Nigeria is on federal roads, irrespective of the state they transverse

How did it degenerate?

The 3.83-kilometre road, which leads in and out of the nation’s busiest gateway – the MMIA – is fast becoming a nightmare for commuters, motorists and others.

The road is fast sullying the image of the nation, especially for first-time visitors and tourists as they are welcomed into the cold embrace of a mindless gridlock that may keep them at the same spot for hours.

Investigations by an online news portal, News Express, showed that traffic jam occurs all day. It is usually caused by the bad state of the road and long queue of fuel-laden trailers parked indiscriminately on it.

However, owing to the recent strike embarked on by members of the petroleum industry workers over the N85 billion unfunded pension fund, it was gathered that about 21 petrol tankers were packed on the road leading to the international airport.

These were outside those laden with Jet A-1 (aviation fuel), most of which were not making use of the parking lot allotted to them.

Car owners, commercial drivers and owners of business outlets along the road said the tankers were their major headache.

“These trailers are the major cause of the gridlock that has made the road imC O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 4 6

46

FEATURES

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Airport Road and man-hour loss

Fuel trucks on the road

A pothole on the road

PHOTOS: TONY EGUAYE

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 4 5

passable in recent time,” Mr Taiwo Onifade, who lives at Mafoluku, said.

A motorist, Mr Wasiu Olusanya, said tankers blocked one of the lanes, forcing all vehicles to make use of one lane, ultimately forcing cars from NAHCO to drive against traffic and invariably causing the gridlock.

He said: “In fact, the tankers here are the main cause of the traffic including vehicles coming from NAHCO that make a U-turn opposite Ajao Estate entrance. We sometime spend three hours on the road for a 15-minute journey. An airport road is supposed to be wide and about four lanes but we have only two lanes.”

Mr Festus Badmus, who works with Mr. Biggs on Osolo Way, said the traffic affected them as vehicles had turned the filling station into carriageway.

“At such times, vehicles that ought to branch to refill are prevented and this can last for hours.

The traffic is a major hindrance.

Government should widen the road and force these trailers out of the road. Vehicles driving against traffic facing NAHCO should also be apprehended,” he said.

A commercial bus driver, who identified himself simply as Sakariyau, said the tankers should not be allowed to pack along the road. He said all commercial bus drivers plying the route must use their parking lots to avoid the crisis on the road and urged tanker drivers to do same to reduce the stress of motorists and other road users.

We have not had enough budgetary provision for us to maintain that road

FAAN’s effort to address the issue The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) had in August 2013 relocated the tanker drivers to a permanent site within the airport after years of causing havoc on the highways at the airport, but many have refused to leave the road, insisting that the allocated space is inaccessible.

The National Public Relations Officer (PRO), Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), Atanda Adebayo, said the problem with the Airport Road was that many trailers, with no business in that area, were usually found there.

He said the union would be willing to cooperate with security operatives to sanitise the area to ensure that only aviation fuel-laden trailers were allowed to operate there.

Adebayo, however, called for a more conducive space to be allotted

Jonathan

to tankers, adding that the space allotted to trailers was marshy and inaccessible, a development that made many of them to avoid the place.

But as the pains and agonies experienced by Nigerians intensify, experts say it is only when the Federal Government intervenes that a near resolution to the plight of motorists on that busy road could be resolved.

FG’s response However, the Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen, in an interview recently reassured Nigerians that he knew the situation of Nigerian roads like the back of his palm.

Onolememen also said President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration was working round the clock to fix the roads.

He said: “In November last year, about N8 billion was paid out to a number of state governments as refund for road repairs under this regime.”

Lagos govt’s point of view In a veiled reference that it would complete all ongoing projects in Lagos State, Governor Babatunde Fashola said his administration had approved the reconstruction of 25 roads in addition to ongoing rehabilitation of more than 200 roads across the state.

The governor, who stated this

Onolememen

at the presentation of 2014 budget proposal to the state House of Assembly, in Alausa, thanked the Federal Government for approving the N200 million World Bank loan for capital projects, including the Light Rail, and Adiyan Water Works in the state.

The governor, however, said the loan came behind schedule.

“The recent inefficiencies that states have experienced in the process of Federal Government agencies accounting for revenues and the consequent delays in remittances owing to disputes over accounts have affected all states in different degrees. While salaries were delayed in other states, that did not happen here, but the effect was felt in a slight reduction of our third quarter budget performance.”

The way forward But the question, therefore, which analysts have asked is: what could have caused the road to degenerate to that extent?

“What has happened in our system is that we have not had enough budgetary provision for us to maintain that road the way it ought to have been maintained because, at that point, we are supposed to remove the entire wearing course, stabilise the base course and do complete asphalt overlay,” Onolememen said.

The minister added that the National Council on Works (NCW), in

trying to resolve the issue, resolved that roads within five-kilometre radius of most cities would be offloaded to the state governments because they are urban roads, not interstate roads.

“It will interest you to note that the NCW is made up of the Minister of Works, all the commissioners for works in the 36 states and the FCT, as well as other critical stakeholders like the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

“We all reached that joint resolution as a way of dealing with this issue. Apart from those that fall within those categories, the Federal Government certainly intends to keep its mandate of providing roads that traverse different states of the country.

“More than 80 per cent of vehicular traffic in Nigeria is on federal roads, irrespective of the state they transverse, so we, the federal, truly bear the brunt of carrying economic activities on our roads. I repeat, no state government comes near to that.

“Today, we have about 60,000 kilometres of roads paved in bitumen; 35,000 kilometres of those belong to the Federal Government, and these account for about 80 per cent of economic activities in the country. Whereas the states jointly own about 30,000 kilometres, most of them are not arterial roads. These state roads lead to hinterlands and they are not really Grade ‘A’ roads.”

News 47

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY OCTOBER 7, 2014

Group adopts Ewuga as governorship candidate Cheke Emmanuel Lafia

A

political group in Nasarawa State, Youth Solidarity Forum, yesterday endorsed Senator Solomon Ewuga, as its governorship candidate for the 2015 general elections.

Addressing journalists at the NUJ Press Centre yesterday in Lafia, the Director, Solomon Ewuga Youths Solidarity Forum, Mr. Jilemsam Abel Samuila, said they decided to endorse Ewuga because of his leadership qualities and his quest to provide genuine leadership based on transparency, accountability and quality service delivery to the people.

Samuila argued that aside exemplary leadership qualities, Ewuga’s track records of service in governance as former deputy governor, former minster and now senator, has no mark of corruption or immorality throughout.

He added that Ewuga is one outstanding politician, who has the requisite credential and capacity to govern the state at this critical time when the state is passing through series of challenges.

L-R: Comrade Ayodele Akele; Prof. Kolawole Raheem of the University of Education, Ghana; chief promoter, Olokun Festival, Chief Gani Adams and Prince Lambert Dike, during a press conference to announce the 2014 Olokun Festival in Lagos.

Aliyu insists on zoning in Niger Dan Atori Minna

A

head of the Niger State gover norship election in 2015, Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu, has called on the people of the state to respect the zoning formula put in place by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to ensure a smooth transition.

He said zoning has al-

ways been the stabilising factor in the politics of the state.

Aliyu, who was at Kontagora yesterday to condole with the Emir, Seidu Namaska, over the death of his son, called on him to rally his people to work towards making sure that the next governor is from Zone C. The governor said those peddling the idea of discarding the existing zoning arrangement

do not mean well for the state, urging other zones to support Zone C as that was the practice.

According to him; “We must work within the confines of the existing zoning arrangement in Niger State. There is rumour that some politicians are planning to present a governorship candidate to counter the existing arrangement. We must eschew the rumour and if it becomes real, unani-

mously counter the plot.”

He, however, appealed to the people of Kontagora and Borgu Emirate Councils, located in the zone to harmonise the arrangement to avoid having challenges at the polls.

“The political arrangement is for Kontagora to produce the next governor while Borgu is to produce the next senator,” he added.

On the issue of candidates jostling for the gov-

ernorship seat from the zone, he said those from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) must choose a candidate among themselves to avoid unnecessary tension during the primaries.

Governor Aliyu further asked politicians to always be grassroots based and ensure the dividends of democracy, adding that candidates deficient in these characteristics will not be sellable.

5,000 PDP members defect to APC in Kogi Ex-NUJ VP eyes National Assembly seat Muhammad Bashir

N

o fewer than 5,000 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the week denounced their membership of the party to join the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State.

The defectors, majorly from the eastern flank of the state, marched in their thousands to the residence of the former state governor, Prince Abubakar Audu, at Ogbonicha in Ofu Local Government of the state.

Audu, who was about to drive out of his residence, was taken unawares by the defectors, who besieged his residence, tearing and burning their PDP membership cards and flag.

The former governor, having noticed the desperation of the crowd, turned back and ordered that the defectors be moved to his auditorium, where he addressed them.

Receiving the defectors, he congratulated them, assuring that the party will carry them

along in all its activities.

“I welcome you all into the APC. We in APC will conduct ourselves democratically and will continue to set the template for a better Nigeria. We are almost there and recent events have shown that APC is the preferred party in Kogi State and Nigeria.

“Our major preoccupation at the moment, is to consolidate on the gains recently recorded by the party in the state. The decamping of some prominent members of the PDP is heartwarming, fascinat-

ing and unprecedented.

“In APC, we follow the rules; we will make Nigerians proud through the setting of democratic standards and ensuring that the political space is open to all,” he added.

Audu, who is also the state leader of the party, told journalists, that the forthcoming presidential primary will follow due process, adding that APC is not interested in imposing any candidate, but will ensure that a candidate must emerge through the electoral process.

Charles Onyekwere ABAKALIKI

F

ormer National VicePresident of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chief Abia Onyike, has joined the race for the House of Representatives’ seat for Afikpo-North and Afikpo South federal constituency.

Briefing journalists yesterday in Abakaliki, Onyike, a former Commissioner of Information and Orientation and immediate past Personal Assistant to Governor Martin Elechi on Media, said he decided

to contest the seat based on the experience he had garnered over the years.

He said he would contest under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), adding that he wanted to serve his people as a lawmaker while also advocating for the promotion of good governance in the country.

“I believe the experience I have garnered over the years should be put at the disposal of my people.

I want to serve them as a legislator and also advocate for the promotion of good governance.

“I would like to inform you, my constituency, about my desire to contest the forthcoming election into the lower chamber. I have laboured with you all over the years in the difficult task of promoting national discourse and nation building,” Onyike added.

It will be recalled that since 1959, seven people from Afikpo South-West constituency have represented the area at the National Assembly while no person from Afikpo South-East constituency has held the position.

described the Sallah period as a moment of sober reflection about the security situation in the country, urging Nigerians to live together peacefully irrespective of religious, ethnic or political affiliations.

He urged Muslims in to continue to pray for the country so that the security challenges confronting her could resolved.

The minister said there was a serious improve-

ment in the security situation in the country, adding that it was only when there was peace and harmony that the rest of the world would respect Nigeria as a great country.

“When there is peace, our economy will boom.

We must see this period as a time of sacrifice.

Such sacrifice must be for the achievement of peace, love and harmony among ourselves,” he said.

Hausa in Rivers back Wike’s ambition Emmanuel Masha Port Harcourt

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he Hausa community in Rivers State yesterday said that Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, will get their support, because he deserves it as a man who has a solid relationship with them.

The Turakin Hausa, Alhaji Salusi Kampala, who stated this when he led his kinsmen to visit the min-

ister in in Port Harcourt, said Wike has for several years maintained a “positive” relationship with the Hausa people.

He said they are ready and willing to mobilise support for Wike whenever he declares his governorship ambition.

He said: “We will support the governorship ambition of Nyesom Wike. We have an existing corporate relationship

between us. The already existing corporate relationship between us and the Rivers people will be given the needed boost.

“Hausa people will never have the course to have any security issue in Rivers State. We support you.

That is why we are calling on you to come out and declare for the governorship position, because we want you,” Kampala said.

In his response, Wike

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Attack on Ekiti judiciary: IGP orders probe lAPC, PDP trade tackles over planned violence Emmanuel Onani and Temitope Ogunbanke

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he Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Suleiman Abba, has ordered thorough investigation into the attack unleashed on Ekiti State judiciary by political thugs.

The police boss, particularly deplored the attack on Justice Olusegun Ogunyemi on September 22, describing the action as “reprehensible”.

Suspected political thugs were reported to have invaded a High Court in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, on the fateful day and assaulted the judge hearing a suit in-

stituted against the Governor-elect, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, by a group, E-11.

The attack forced the state’s Chief Judge, Justice A. Daramola, to order the immediate closure of courts, even as a petition was written to the National Judicial Council (NJC), which in turn, requested the IGP to take over investigation into the ugly incident.

Responding to New Telegraph’s enquiry on whether the IGP has raised an independent panel to probe the disturbance, Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Emmanuel Ojukwu, an Acting Commissioner of Police, noted that the police chief has since directed that appro-

priate actions be taken, to restore peace to the state, as well as ensure that suspects with prima facie cases were brought to justice.

He promised that those found culpable in the act may be put on trial, once courts resume.

His words: “The attack on a judge in Ekiti State is reprehensible and condemnable. Long before the request by NJC, the IG has since directed appropriate action to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“A number of persons are being interrogated, and as soon as the courts reopen, the culpable ones may be arraigned. Normalcy is returning speedily to the state,” he stated.

Though, the FPRO failed to confirm if a special panel was raised from the Force Headquarters, he, nonetheless, clarified that with an Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police in the area, a team need not necessarily come from Abuja.

In another development, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of planning another fresh insurrection in the state, with the aim of intimidating everyone into submission towards the October 16 handing over to the Governor-elect, Fayose.

The APC Publicity Secretary in the state, Taiwo

Olatubosun, alleged that the PDP is now mobilising for a showdown against both the government and the judiciary in the state.

“We have our facts that beginning from Wednesday October 8, Fayose and the PDP leadership will take to the streets again to foment trouble, using some thugs brought in from the neighbouring state and Ibadan.”

But the PDP Publicity Secretary, Pastor Kola Oluwawole, described the allegation as “not only laughable but ridiculous, especially when it is coming from a party rejected

by Ekiti people in a way no incumbent government had been rejected before.”

Wife of the Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun (middle), carrying two children and others, during the flag-off ceremony of the community-based Health Insurance Scheme (Araya), at the Primary Health Centre, Italapo in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State...at the weekend

Insurgency: Ekhomu tasks US on weapons Isioma Madike

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enowned security expert, Dr. Ona Ekhomu, has called on United States’ the to sell arms and ammunition to the Nigerian government to enable speedy and successful prosecution of the war against Boko Haram.

“Nigeria needs special anti-terrorist rifles, attack helicopters, technical intelligence and training from the Americans in order to expedite defeat of the enemy,” he said.

Ekhomu was a guest speaker at the 60th Annual Seminar and Exhibits of the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS International), in Atlanta Georgia, USA on October 1.

He argued that US government support and capability enhance-

ment were necessary as Nigeria and the USA were fighting a common enemy.

He identified the terror networks as those of ISIS, Boko Haram, Al Qaeda, Ansar Dine, Jabhat Al Nusra, Khorasan as well as the Talibans.

Ekhomu said that Boko Haram and ISIS were ideologically and operationally linked as evidenced by the sect’s land grab strategy in North-Eastern Nigeria and the declaration of the Islamic Caliphate in Gwoza, which were similar to the ISIS land grab in Syria and Iraq and declaration of Islamic Caliphate in Iraq and Syria.

He said the allegations of human rights abuses levelled against the Nigerian military by Am-

nesty International were “untrue, exaggerated and unsubstantiated.”

He said that arms sales to Nigeria were being denied by the US government as per provisions of the Leahy Act on the basis of “these unsubstantiated and unfortunate allegations.”

Ekhomu urged the US authorities to conduct independent verification of the “nonsensical allegations”.

He described the Nigerian military as disciplined and focused on doing its job of defending Nigeria against internal and external enemies.

The security expert said: “Due to undue political interference, the military appears to be fighting with its hands tied behind its back.”

Agbo dumps PDP, joins APGA for governorship Charles Onyekwere Abakaliki

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onetime senator representing Ebonyi North Senatorial Zone, Sen. Anthony Agbo, has resigned his membership from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and declared for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Addressing journalists at his hometown, Mgbo in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the state, Agbo said that APGA provided him the veritable platform of realizing his gubernatorial ambition.

Agbo, who was a founding member of the PDP, said that APGA was an amazing national party with an amazing motto, ‘Be Your Brothers’ Keeper’.

“Things have however changed, it has become

difficult to reconcile my personal philosophy and ideology with events within the party in Ebonyi.

He noted that his personal beliefs have become totally irreconcilable with PDP’s activities, as he was, however, leaving with a sense of nostalgia.

“I would miss the original PDP members who toiled during the party’s transformation till presently and waded through many battles in the process but I assure them that the incoming APGA-led government which I would be leading, is also going to be their government.”

He noted that he had forwarded his resignation letter to the PDP chairman in Abakaliki, noting that APGA’s motto encapsulates the entire essence of leadership, love and godliness.

Discordant tunes over Ogoni agenda Emmanuel Masha and Charles Onyekwere

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he Rivers South-East Renaissance Movement (RISERM) has described as unjust the campaign

by Ogoni leaders for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to field candidates from Ogoniland in the next governorship election in Rivers State.

Some Ogoni leader’s recently met and declared their readiness to support any party that fields an Ogoni candidate in the 2015 governorship election.

But a group known as Ikwerre/ Etche Peoples’ Forum, which is made up of two ethnic nationalities in Rivers State, has backed the recent decision by Ogoni Leadership Forum to only support political parties that feature Ogoni governorship candidate.

The group, Ikwerre / Etche Peoples’ Forum, has six local governments under its operational zone and one of the influential ethnic groups in Rivers state that has been canvassing for Ogoni candidate in 2015.

At a ward rally at weekend in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, the group lauded Ogoni Leadership Forum for taking a decisive conclusion that no Ogoni man will vote for any political party without Ogoni man as candidate.

The President General of Ikwerre/ Etche Peoples’ Forum, Hon. Emmanuel Amadi said his group will join hands with Ogoni leadership Forum to ensure that their decision to back only political parties that feature their sons and daughters will be supported.

However, RISERM in a statement signed by its coordinator, Barr.

Dornu Barida Nwinang said the call for an Ogoni governor was “myopic, self-centred, parochial and unachievable,” noting that there were other ethnic groups in Rivers South East senatorial district apart from Ogoni.

The group said that the emergence of a credible candidate from the senatorial district will deepen the unity and progress of the state.

“RISERM is worried by the persistent singular call by a few individuals in the guise of Ogoni ethnic group.

“The overall interest of the Ogoni or any ethnic group in Rivers South senatorial district will be possible only when we canvass for the governorship of Rivers State”, they said.

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NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY OCTOBER 7, 2014

Enugu 2015: Regeneration Group lauds Chime, hails Ugwuanyi’s emergence Wale Elegbede

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he Enugu Regeneration Group has described the recent report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), of the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) profile of states of the federation for 2013, in which Enugu State came third as an indication of the focused, creative, and prudent administration of Governor Sullivan Chime.

The group also ap-

plauded the endorsement of Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as consensus candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) for governorship ahead of the 2015 general elections by majority of the contestants, party stake-holders and leaders of Enugu North Senatorial Zone .

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Mr. Hilary Ogili, the group averred that “a profligate administration would have frittered away the revenues by out-right-

ly siphoning the monies or embarking on spurious projects, noting that even though the state cannot be considered among the states with established industrial and commercial enclaves, yet, it has demonstrated an unparalleled capacity reminiscent of the state of Israel which literally transformed its arid, desert landscape into a land of beauty and wealth”.

According to the report, the IGR of Enugu State moved to N20.2 billion in

2013, up from N12.2 billion in 2012, representing 80 per cent increase within the year under review.

The group, therefore, urged President Goodluck Jonathan to make good his promise during a rally in Enugu last week of the approval for the establishment of a coal power plant that would generate 1000 mega watts of electricity in the state to boost the industrialization effort of the Sullivan administration.

‘Vote for credible candidates’ Gabriel Choba Ughelli

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politician in Delta Central, Olorogun Godwin Edoja, The Ogbawirhe of Udu Kingdom yesterday advised the electorates to throw their weight behind the most credible candidate in the coming governorship and state house of assembly elections in Delta State irrespective

Terrorism: Jonathan attends summit in Niger Anule Emmanuel Abuja

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L-R: Pastor Solomon Kenrick; member, Murtala Mohammed Foundation, Mrs. Funmi Adesanya; members, Women Arise for Justice, Ms. Ayo Obe; Ms. Yemisi Ransome-Kuti; actress Joy Elias Rilwan and others, during a rally on ‘Bring Back Our Girls’ by Women Arise for Justice in Lagos…at the weekend.

PHOTO: GODWIN IREKHE

Imoke appoints new SSG Clement James Calabar

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he Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke has announced the appointment of a new Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

He is Mr. Tom Ogar.

The new SSG was until his appointment, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Due Process.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Christian Ita said Mr. Ogar’s appointment takes immediate effect.

Ogar replaces the immediate past Secretary to the Government, Barr. Mike Aniah who resigned last Tuesday, September 30 to further his aspiration as the PDP candidate in the 2015 governorship election.

Ekiti crisis: E11 raises the alarm

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non-governmental forum of stakeholders in Ekiti State, E-Eleven yesterday decried the death threat its members had received through phone calls and messages over the suit it filed in an Ekiti State High Court, challenging the eligibility of the governor-elect, Mr. Ayo-

dele Fayose to contest the June 21 election.

The group’s Chairman, Mr. Femi Ajiran, made the allegation in a statement he signed, calling on the Nigeria Police and State Security Service among others to track and bring the masterminds of the threat calls and messages to book.

Amosun charges electorate on PVC

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gun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has urged Nigerians to make themselves available for the collection of the permanent voters cards in order to elect candidates of their choice in the forthcoming general elections.

He also advised parents not to allow their wards and children from being used by politicians

to perpetrate violence throughout the election period, stressing that, “we all have a role to play in maintaining peace.”

Governor Amosun gave this charge while speaking at the 2014 edition of Ojude Oba Festival held in Ijebu-Ode, describing it as an avenue for Ijebus to display their rich culture and promote the values and norms of their land.

Zoning is undemocratic –Group Peter Osondu Aba

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political pressure group, the Old Bende/ Ukwa Ngwa Coalition Movement (OBUNCM) has described the recent zoning of the Abia governorship in 2015 to Abia South by the caucus of the Peoples’ Democratic Party

(PDP) in the state as antidemocracy which should not be allowed to stand.

In a release endorsed by Goodluck Ogwo Okpara, president, Ochetachi Ugboaja, vice president and Nwadiala S. Dike, secretary, OBUNCM said there was nowhere in true democracies of the world that zoning had been made an issue.

Okunniyi pledges to develop Ogun Wale Abiodun

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delegate to the just concluded national conference and spokesperson of Pro National Conference (PRONACO),

Olawale Okunniyi yesterday stated that he is set to effect a positive change in Ogun State come 2015 if he emerges as the governor of the state.

Okunniyi, who is a

governorship aspirant on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) added that he is very much prepared for Ogun State 2015 governorship election.

“Consultations and

campaigns are in top gear. I am out to effect positive change in Ogun State with my gubernatorial aspiration. I already have my structures in place in all the wards.”

of their political parties.

Olorogun made this statement while briefing newsmen on the way forward to ensure that selfless people emerged as leaders in order to accelerate development in the state.

He also appealed to the state and federal government to conduct due diligence before giving out high position to any politician in constituency, state or federal levels.

resident Goodluck Jonathan will depart Abuja today to participate in an Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Lake Chad Basin Commission.

A statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Dr. Reuben Abati, yesterday said the participating Heads of State and Government will, during the one-day meeting, review ongoing collaboration against terrorism and agree on further joint action to curb insurgency within and across their national boundaries.

It will be recalled that President Jonathan and the Heads of State and Government of the neighbouring countries of Niger, Chad, Cameroon and Benin Republic resolved at a meeting in Paris in May this year to intensify joint efforts to curtail terrorism and violent extremism.

At the Paris Summit hosted by President Francois Hollande of France in the aftermath of the dastardly abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls, President Jonathan and other heads of state agreed to establish joint anti-terror-

ism patrols and a system of sharing intelligence to support operations against terrorists and other cross-border criminals.

They had agreed to create a dedicated team to draw up and advise on the implementation of regional counter-terrorism strategy under the framework of the Lake Chad Basin Commission.

Benin Republic, which participated in the Paris Summit but is not a member of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, has been invited to the Niamey talks.

The Lake Chad Basin Commission was established in 1964 by Nigeria, Chad, Niger and Cameroon with the mandate of sustainably and equitably managing shared water resources of the Lake Chad Basin and promoting regional integration, peace and security across the Basin.

President Jonathan, who will be accompanied to Niamey by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Aminu Wali; Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro; the Chief Of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshall Alex Barde and other senior government officials will return to Abuja at the conclusion of the one-day summit.

$9.3m saga: CAN backs Oritsejafor Gabriel Choba Ughelli

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he Ughelli North Chapter of (CAN) yesterday told critics of the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor to leave him out of their dirty politics.

They gave the advice, following the controversy trailing the alleged use of the private jet of Oritsejafor to smuggle $9.3m into South Africa.

Reacting to what they described as the unwarranted verbal attacks targeted at Oritsejafor, the Chairman of the Ughelli North Local Government Area chapter of CAN, Rt.

Rev. Diamond Emuobor in a statement described the CAN President as a man of integrity, a renowned world leader and preacher.

He alleged that the whole world was aware that elements in the northern part of Nigeria are the ones using public funds to cause mayhem in the country, adding that none of that extraction has ever queried the senseless massacre of Christians and few Muslims in that part of our country.

According to Emuobor, sitting governors, prominent politicians, devout religious elements and eminent personalities in the north are outrightly dismembering Nigeria.

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Kenyan president to step down during court hearing

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enyan President Uhuru Kenyatta yesterday told the nation in an address before parliament that he would temporarily step down as president while attending a hearing at the International Criminal Court this week.

Kenyatta faces crimes against humanity charges at The Hague, Netherlands-based court for allegations that he helped instigate violence that followed Kenya's December 2007 presidential election, when more than 1,000 people were killed.

The court ordered him to attend a status hearing tomorrow, denying his request that he par-

ticipates by video. The hearing would be the first time a sitting president attends an ICC session, a mark Kenyatta's political supporters have urged him to avoid.

Seeking to bypass that notation in history, the president, on Monday, said he would invoke a never-before-used article of the constitution that will see Deputy President William Ruto temporarily becoming president. The temporary abdication is Kenyatta's way of fulfilling the court order, but also insisting that he be a private citizen during the hearing.

In his speech, Kenyatta maintained his innocence, not-

Kenyatta

ing that the ICC prosecutor has been admonished by the court for her faltering, and recalled that

the African Union has passed a resolution granting immunity from international tribunals for sitting presidents.

Kenyatta also said Africa's "century of exploitation and domination" by the West continues. Critics of the ICC note that it has only prosecuted Africans.

Lastly, Kenyatta said the accusations he faces occurred before he became president.

"It is for this reason that I chose not to put the sovereignty of more than 40 million Kenyans on trial since their democratic will should never be subject to another jurisdiction," Kenyatta said.

"Therefore let it not be said that I am attending the status conference as the president of Kenya," he continued. "Nothing in my position or my deeds as president warrants my being in court." George Kegoro, executive director of the Kenyan chapter of the International Commission of Jurists, lauded the president for following the rule of law.

If Kenyatta had refused to go, he risked an international arrest warrant and international condemnation or economic sanctions against Kenya.

"If he had refused it would have destroyed our economy.

British parliament to hold symbolic vote on Palestine status

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Protesters of the Occupy Central movement rest under a tent on a main road at the Mong Kok shopping district in Hong Kong

Hong Kong democracy protests fade, face test of stamina

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ro-democracy protests in Chinese-controlled Hong Kong subsided yesterday as students and civil servants returned to school and work after more than a week of demonstrations, but activists vowed to keep up their campaign of civil disobedience. Protesters lifted a blockade of government offices in the heart of the city, which had been the focal point of their action which initially drew tens of thousands onto the streets.

The civil servants were allowed to pass through protesters' barricades unimpeded.

By late afternoon yesterday, about a hundred protesters remained in an area that houses offices for international banks as well as the main stock exchange, although some students on campus remained defiant and promised to return after

classes in the evening. "I hope students can persist. If we retreat now we will lose the power to negotiate," said Chow Chinglam, studying on the ground at the protest site near the offices of the city's Beijing-appointed leader Leung Chun-ying.

The protesters remain at a stalemate with Leung's government and there was no sign of movement on talks that were proposed to end the stand-off. The protests have ebbed and flowed over the past week, with people leaving the streets overnight to return later. The test yesterday will be whether that pattern continues in the face of the government's determination to get Hong Kong back to work. "I don't think the protests have achieved anything particularly substantial at this point â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but at least we were able to put some pressure

on top government officials who seemed to be more willing to talk as opposed to before," said Tsz Hong Lan, 20, a student at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Fearing a crackdown after city leaders called for the streets to be cleared so businesses, schools and the civil service could resume yesterday, protesters who have paralyzed parts of the former British colony with mass sit-ins pulled back from outside Leung's office. The main road leading into the Central business district remained closed to traffic even though many protesters had left during the night. Heavy traffic was reported on other thoroughfares. Some banks that had closed branches during the unrest of the past week also threw open their doors for business yesterday.

Brazil's Rousseff, Neves in tight election runoff

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n unexpectedly competitive runoff campaign for Brazil's presidency kicked off yesterday with leftist incumbent Dilma Rousseff and her pro-business rival Aecio Neves racing to win over supporters of an ousted third-place candidate and other voters frustrated with a stagnant economy.

Neves, a centrist senator who has pushed for greater trade and lower government spending but who had been widely

written off until the last few days of the campaign, rode a late surge in support to a strong second place with 33.6 percent support in Sunday's first round of voting.

He will face the leftist Rousseff, who won 41.6 percent support, in the Oct. 26 runoff that will decide what has been Brazil's most unpredictable election in decades. Rousseff remains a slight favorite due to her enduring support among

the poor, but Neves is within striking distance.

Both remaining candidates immediately shifted their focus to the 21 percent of voters who backed the third-place finisher, environmentalist Marina Silva. Silva's campaign fell apart late in the race amid questions about her shifting views on major issues, but she remains admired by many voters and she could still help swing the election with an endorsement.

ritish lawmakers will next week hold a symbolic parliamentary vote on whether the government should recognize Palestine as a state, a move unlikely to shift official policy but designed to raise the political profile of the issue.

Britain does not class it as a state, but says it could do so at any time if it believed it would help the peace process between the Palestinians and Israel. The motion due for debate in Britain's lower house of parliament on Oct. 13 will ask lawmakers whether they believe the government should recognize the state of Palestine.

It is unlikely to win approval through the British parliament because it is at odds with official policy, but even if it did pass, it is nonbinding and would not force the government to changes its diplomatic stance. "It's against the government position, but it's not an attack on them as such, we just feel that now's the time shout out loud that this should be done," said lawmaker Grahame Morris from the opposition Labour party who is sponsoring the debate. "Not only is statehood the inalien-

able right of the Palestinian people, but recognizing Palestine will breathe new life into a peace process that is at an impasse."

The debate comes as Sweden's new center government is set to officially recognize Palestine, a move that has been criticized by Israel. The U.N. General Assembly approved the de facto recognition of the sovereign state of Palestine in 2012 but the European Union and most EU countries, including Britain, have yet to give official recognition. "We continue to believe that negotiations toward a two-state solution are the best route to meeting Palestinian aspirations in reality and on the ground," a Foreign Office spokesman said.

The Palestinians want an independent state in the West Bank and Gaza, with its capital in East Jerusalem.

While Gaza's boundaries are clearly defined, the precise territory of what would constitute Palestine in the West Bank and East Jerusalem will only be determined via negotiations with Israel on a two-state solution, negotiations which are currently suspended.

Court hears forensic evidence in honeymoon killing

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British man accused of arranging the murder of his wife during their honeymoon in South Africa pleaded not guilty yesterday to all charges. It was the first day of a trial delayed for years by an extradition process between South Africa and the United Kingdom.

Shrien Dewani's lawyer read a nearly 40-page statement on behalf of his client, recalling the details surrounding the death of his wife Anni.

Dewani claims he and his wife were hijacked and kidnapped at gunpoint in Cape Town.

During the incident Dewani was released unharmed, while Anni was shot dead.

The millionaire business-

man described the killing as "a traumatic experience" saying that he suffered "flashbacks, nightmares and anxiety attacks" that have affected his ability to remember clearly. He is charged with conspiracy to commit murder, kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and defeating the ends of justice.

Dewani's statement also painted a detailed picture of the couple's relationship, which had been under scrutiny in previous hearings. He recalled how they met, their lavish Mumbai wedding and the moments before her murder. Dewani said he and Anni were both "headstrong and often argued with each other."

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

EURO Football

Athletics

Sports News

Rio 2016 preparations must start now –Okagbare

‘Ronaldo is from another planet’

Ambrose expects tough Sudan games

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Did you know?

The longest tennis match took place at Wimbledon 2010 when John Isner of the United States beat Nicolas Mahut of France 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (7), 7-6 (3), 70-68 in a match that lasted 11 hours and five minutes, played over three days, June 22, 23 and 24.

Babayaro faults

Keshi’s list for sudan Vincent Eboigbe

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ormer Super Eagles goalkeeper, Emmanuel Babayaro, has described Stephen Keshi’s invitations for the two-legged ties against Sudan in the African Nations Cup qualifiers on October 11 and 15, in Omdurman and Abuja as a ‘complete hoax.’

The Eagles coach handed invitations to players with no experience and have never featured for Nigeria at whatever level for the double fixture and yet insists that youth international, Kelechi Iheanacho, is too young and inexperienced to play for the senior team.

Babayaro argued that this scenario was not only contradictory but cast aspersions on Keshi.

“The latest invitations are a complete hoax. We must have defined yardstick or criteria for calling players for national engagements. We can’t keep bringing in players from places like China and Austria; if that is the case then we can as well depend on our domestic league players because we have home-based players who can do a good job,” Babayaro told our correspondent on the telephone.

“There is a clear case of inconsistency. Keshi says a particular player is inexperienced and yet goes ahead to hand call-ups to players

Babayaro

who have no experience, all in one breath. It is contradictory and casts doubts on him as a coach.” Not inviting Iheanacho for instance is totally wrong and as far as I am concerned Keshi has not got anything right.”

The Atlanta 1996 Olympic football gold medalist also took umbrage at Keshi’s constant bickering with his players. Osaze Odemwingie and Ikechukwu Uche at one time or the other had issues with the ‘Big Boss.’ The latest being Emmanuel Eme-

Keshi’s untouchables divide Eagles Emmanuel Tobi

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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

nike.

Keshi was reportedly angry with the striker for coming late to camp the last time, not playing to instructions and causing disaffection in camp. Emenike retorted by saying that he was prepared to be left out of the Super Eagles rather than being labeled a rebel before Nigerians.

Although Babayaro is somewhat skeptical of the authenticity of some of the reports, he however maintained that Nigerian coaches are too sentimental in their decisions.

“The biggest problem Nigerian coaches, myself inclusive, have is that they are too sentimental and football and sentiments don’t mix.

That is one area Keshi is seriously lacking and is the reason he keeps having issues with his players,” noted Babayaro.

“In Europe, coaches use players they are not particularly friendly with because football is result-oriented and the coaches want results. Football is business and until we imbibe that attitude we will keep running into this kind of problem.”

Keshi

ew days to the crucial Nations Cup qualifiers against Sudan, fresh facts have emerged that all is not well with the Super Eagles camp as some of the players are not favourably disposed to coach Stephen Keshi’s pampering of other players whom they described as “Untouchables”.

The players who are trading blames for the precarious situation of the team in the race for the 2015 African Nations Cup, maintained that Keshi’s inability to blame the ‘Untouchables led by Mikel Obi” even when it is obvious that he (Mikel) was one of the main culprits during their dismal performance against Congo and South Africa.

“We all failed against Congo and South Africa but it was wrong for

the coaching crew to single out and blame some players while it was obvious some untouchables played badly in the games,” revealed a player who pleaded anonymity.

He further stressed, “This trend has continued for long and has been dividing us in the camp but nobody can speak out because of victimisation. This is why we are in the situation we find ourselves because nobody wants to play for one another or take responsibility.”

Meanwhile, New Telegraph scooped that the players are waiting anxiously for the coaching crew’s decision over the recent outburst of Fernabache striker, Emmanuel Emenike.

“Emenike sometimes is too vocal but on this very issue, he is on the right track because we need someone to let Nigerians know what is happening in the camp,” he added.

Mikel

52

SPORT

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Sport Trending Rio 2016 preparations must start now –Okagbare

TWITTER |@NTelegraphSport

Hope Akpan Arise, O compatriots #supereagles @HopeAkpan

Kanu Nwankwo May the Blessing of Allah be with u and ur family. May this day bring u all the happiness that u have ever wished for. Barka Da Sallah.kanu @papilokanu

Emmanuel Tobi

C

ommonwealth Games sprint double gold medallist, Blessing Okagabre, has urged the National Sports Commission to begin preparations for the 2016 Olympics in Rio, Brazil.

Speaking with New Tele graph in Lagos on Monday, Okagbare stressed the need for the NSC to put in place a deliberate programme for Team Nigeria athletes instead of the fire brigade approach which the country is noted for.

“The programme for my season starts from the 1st of November but what we see is that our officials will bring money for training in March for an event in June or July. They will now want you to win gold or even a medal; it does not work like that. That money is for shopping “We must begin preparations for the 2016 Olympics now but we must have a well-structured programme to achieve good result. Our athletes are tired of hearing no budget or the budget has not be passed and approved,” she lamented.

Okagbare who also won the 100m gold at the African Senior Athletics Championship in Marrakech, Morocco, however praised President Goodluck Jonathan for bestowing on her the MFR award stating that, “the gesture will inspire Nigerian athletes to strive for greater heights.”

Elderson Echiejile Barka de Sallah to all my Muslim brothers and sister.

May the almighty Allah be with you @EldersonEch William Oluremi John Debut done glad to officially be on the field representing #MASFES @WillJohn10 Chiney Ogwumike Congrats to @Nnemkadi30 and Team USA!!!! #Golden @Chiney321 Roger Federer Thank you, awesome fans! “@GoRogerFederer: Roger Federer has arrived in China for the Shanghai Rolex Masters 2014. @rogerfederer

Okagbare

Victor Oladipo Climb the mountain not so you can see the world but so the world can see you. @VicOladipo

Falcons need more technical input – Owolabi Charles Ogundiya

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ormer international, Felix Owolabi, has said the Super Falcons will be the team to beat in Namibia as they battle to reclaim the African Women Championship trophy.

Speaking with New Telegraph, Owolabi said the side was better

than the other teams on the continent but needed a little bit of technical input to be a big force in global stage.

He said; “The girls are good naturally and I don’t see any team defeating them. Whether the coach is good or not, the players are talented and it will be hard for any team to beat them in Namibia.

“They have been dominating the African terrain for a long time and one good thing for the girls is they really want to prove that they can do it.

“When they get to the big stage, they are always ready to prove their mettle, they make sure they get results, their mindset is different from the male team and I have big respect for them.”

Nwakali ready for Belgium league challenge

Money plays role in elections – Pinnick

Charles Ogundiya

P

M

anchester City’s Nigeria youth international, Chidiebere Nwakali, has said he will be happy taking his trade to Belgium after he was loaned to Mechelen in the Belgian league.

The former Golden Eaglets star, who was snapped up by the English Premier League side after helping Nigeria to a record fourth FIFA Under-17 World Cup last year, is being

farmed to the Belgian top league club to acquire more experience.

Nwakali made his mark within the youth section of Manchester City and also during the team’s pre-season preparation in Scotland where he copped an injury.

The youngster said the move was a good development in his career progression since he would be able to get the required experience to play at the top level.

“The loan deal would last till

Ifeanyi Ibeh

January,” informed Nwakali who is expected to depart London later this month.

“It is good for my game since I would further develop and have a first team experience which is different from youth set up.”

While Nwakali is heading to Belgium, his compatriot Kelechi Iheanacho who was also acquired by Manchester City is also training with Columbus Crew in the Major League Soccer.

resident of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, has played down suggestions that he used money to manipulate the outcome of last week’s election into the executive committee of the NFF. Speaking on a television programme monitored in Lagos on Monday, Pinnick stated that money can be used for other purposes other than bribing people for their

NFF to compensate Dikko with LMC role Ajibade Olusesan

I

Dikko is not going to lose ultimately in the scheme of things

t is not all bad for Shehu Dikko, an aspirant in the just-concluded 2014 Nigerian Football Federation election as New Telegraph reliably gathered that he has been earmarked to take over as the Chairman of the League Management Committee.

Dikko was the leading candidate in the NFF election, in fact he was regarded as the anointed candidate of the immediate past President of the federation, Aminu Maigari, but in a twist of events he withdrew from the race at the last minute. Amaju Pinnick has since been elected as the helmsman of Nigerian football.

However, several sources informed our correspondents

that Dikko was actually advised to abandon his ambition for the exalted post and he entered a deal which included that he will get the position of Chairman of the League body instead.

LMC has been run by the Nduka Iraboh-led interim management team and many stakeholders have been calling for election to form the substantive board of the league body. So, our sources said that Dikko who is a director in the interim board, has gotten the nod to become the substantive chairman.

“Dikko is not going to lose ultimately in the scheme of things because they have approached him for a role in the new dispensation. He

has been promised the LMC chairmanship and by virtue of that he will become the 2nd Vice President of NFF. The understanding is there and by the time the LMC election will be held it will just be to rubber stamp his candidacy,” a source said.

Dikko

votes.

“There is nowhere in the world where they don’t use money for an election,” said Pinnick. “Even (US president, Barack) Obama needed money to become president.

“Money can be used for logistics and not necessarily to bribe people to vote.”

He added: “For once, Nigerians came out to say that they desire a generational change; something new; some kind of engineering; some kind of new look. And it goes beyond that, but there is nowhere in the world where they don’t use money to win an election, it’s not possible.

“But I am very straight, and I will keep being straight because being straight is what has gotten me elected.”

Pinnick also disclosed: “A lot has been going on right from when I got elected, because we need peace and stability for football to thrive. I have reached out to everybody, including Dominic Iorfa.

“I have spoken to Taiwo Ogunjobi, and I am going to see him in Ibadan. But the gospel I have always preached is that it is only one person that can be there (as NFF president) at every point in time.”

SPORT | EURO FOOTBALL

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

53

‘Ronaldo is from another planet’

A Ronaldo(right)

Romário wins senate seat

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he former Brazil striker Romário has been elected to the senate in his home country after winning 63.4 percent of the vote for the Rio de Janeiro seat.

The 48-year-old Socialist candidate, who was part of Brazil’s 1994 World Cup-winning side, finished comfortably ahead of his Democratic Party rival, Cesar Maia, who received 20.5percent.

Elected as a congressman for the Socialist Party in 2010, Romário, who

scored 55 goals in 70 appearances for the Seleção, was strongly opposed to Brazil hosting the 2014 World Cup, alleging corruption and a waste of public money.

In his playing career, Romário shot to prominence in Europe after a successful spell with PSV Eindhoven, secured a move to Barcelona in 1993, where he helped the Catalan club to La Liga title and the Champions League final in his first season, scoring 30 goals in 33 matches.

Juve boss blasts Totti

J

uventus sporting director Giuseppe Marotta has hit back at Francesco Totti following the attacker’s comments in the wake of Roma’s 3-2 loss against the reigning Serie A champions on Sunday.

The 38-year-old Giallorossi captain was furious after Sunday’s defeat, claiming that the Bianconeri only emerged victorious because of referee Gianluca Rocchi, who awarded the hosts two penalties as well as failing to notice Arturo Vidal standing in an offside position in front of goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski for Leonardo Bonucci’s late winner.

Marotta feels Totti has

crossed a line with his remarks, though, and believes Juventus deserved their win.

“I have great respect for Totti as a player. It’s understandable that he’s upset about the result but what he said was unacceptable,” Marotta told reporters.

“In the past Juve have had to bear the brunt for others’ mistakes, but when the team has won it has won legitimately and deservingly from a footballing point of view.

“Every year Juventus are accused of being favoured in dubious or unclear situations, but I believe that these decisions even themselves out over the course of a season.

Kalou targets Pokal success with Hertha

Kalou

S

alomon Kalou has his eyes on DFB-Pokal success with Hertha Berlin after making a strong start to life in the German capital.

Kalou has three goals from five Bundesliga appearances this season after making the switch from French side Lille at the end of August.

Having scored a winner against Wolfsburg in September, Kalou was on target twice in Hertha’s 3-2 win over Stuttgart on Friday - sending the 29-year-old into the international break in good form.

On his return, Hertha must negotiate league fixtures against Schalke and Hamburg before travelling to Arminia Bielefeld in the Pokal, with Kalou eager to continue his fine cup record with his new club.

“I have a dream; I want the final,” the four-time FA Cup winner told Bild.

“I want to be one of the first to win the trophy with Hertha. You have to aim high to develop.”

nder Iturraspe says Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo is “from another planet” after he scored his third hat-trick in four games in the 5-0 demolition of Athletic Bilbao.

His tally for the season now stands at 13 goals from just six matches to put him out in front as the standout candidate to win a third

Ballon d’Or. Bilbao midfielder Iturraspe had the misfortune of watching Ronaldo at close quarters during the encounter but was generous in his praise of the Portugal star.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is a player on another level, on another planet,” he exclusively told Goal.

It was a fary cry from the last meeting between

the two clubs, when Ronaldo was sent off after becoming embroiled in a confrontation with Iturraspe in the 1-1 draw at San Mames last term.

He added: “With Cristiano Ronaldo things were completely normal, despite what happened last season. I met him at all the set pieces and there was plenty of respect. There were no problems.”

Wenger to escape FA axe

A

rsene Wenger will face no punishment from the Football Association after his altercation with Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho in Gunners’ 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

The Frenchman entered the home technical area to complain about a challenge from Gary Cahill on Alexis Sanchez during the first-half.

And as tempers flared, Wenger pushed the Portuguese, before claiming after the match that Mourinho had prevented him getting “from A to B”.

Referee Martin Atkinson dealt with the issue at the time, warning

the pair about their conduct, while deciding not to send them off.

Under FA rules, his actions meant that further action was always unlikely, and the FA has seen fit to stand behind their officials’ decision.

Asked about the exchange after the game, the Gunners boss said: “I don’t regret it. What is there to regret? I wanted to go from A to B and somebody confronted me before B without any sign of welcome.

“B was Sanchez, to see how badly he was injured. Honestly, I don’t listen to what he says. You could see if I really tried to push.

Wenger (left) and Mourinho Come on.”

Ibrahimovic: Mourinho the most intelligent coach I’ve worked with

P

aris Saint-Germain star Zlatan Ibrahimovic has revealed Jose Mourinho is the most intelligent coach he has ever worked with.

The pair enjoyed success together at Inter during the 2008-09 season, in which Ibrahimovic finished as Serie A’s top goalscorer as the club lifted the league title.

The 33-year-old has worked with a host of top coaches during his career, including former Barcelona boss and current Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola, but he says nobody comes Ibrahimovic close to Mourinho.

Courtois gets the all-clear C

helsea have revealed that goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has been given the all-clear after suffering a head injury on Sunday.

The Belgium international was substituted during the 2-0 London derby victory over Arsenal following a first-half collision with Alexis Sanchez at Stamford Bridge.

Courtois was taken to hospital, but Chelsea revealed on Monday that he is set to link up with the Belgium squad ahead of their Euro 2016 qualifiers against Andorra and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

A statement on the club’s official website said: “Chelsea Football Club can confirm Thibaut Courtois went to hospital during our Premier League game against Arsenal yesterday [Sunday] for precautionary tests on a head injury.

Those tests came back all clear.

“Thibaut was treated for a minor cut to his ear and was released

from hospital last (Sunday) night.

He is expected to report for international duty later this week.”

Courtois himself also took to Twitter to thank fans for their support and say he expects to play again soon.

“Thanks for all the messages!

I’m already feeling better. Now I’m resting to fully recover and be back on the pitch soon. Great victory yesterday,” he wrote.

Courtois

He told the Guardian : “Mourinho is very intelligent. He doesn’t treat everybody the same.

He knows how to treat people as individuals to get 100 per cent out of them.

“He’s the most intelligent coach I’ve worked with in the way he approaches players and – ‘manipulates’ is the wrong word – gets them very pumped up. No doubt.”

Van Gaal unhappy over Di Maria’s trip

L

ouis van Gaal has admitted his frustration at Argentina’s plans to fly Angel Di Maria and Marcos Rojo to China during the international break.

Argentina are set to play Brazil in Beijing on Saturday followed by a game against Hong Kong three days later.

United are next in action against West Brom at the Hawthorns on October 20, and Van Gaal admits it’s not ideal that two of his key players will only return from a 10,000-mile round trip a few days before the game.

Van Gaal said: “I said before the match (with Everton) we have to do things better and improve.

“That is why we have to train but now all my players are gone. “The rest are injured so we cannot train. Now I have to wait.”

54

SPORT

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Countdown to Nigeria v Sudan

Ambrose expects tough Sudan games

Emmanuel Tobi

S

uper Eagles and Celtic of Scotland defender, Efe Ambrose, has predicted a tough outing for Nigeria when they confront Sudan in a vital Africa Cup of Nations double-header.

The Super Eagles only garnered one point from their opening two group matches and must win their four remaining fixtures to guarantee qualification to the finals in January.

“For me, it’s going to be the most difficult test for us as we had poor results in the games we played last month; so we need to win these two matches to be in the race to qualify for the Nations Cup,” he told Celtic official website.

“As the defending champions, we

Eagles’ camp resumes with 10 players l Anyansi, Keshi say Sudan must fall

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have to qualify, so these are games which will be intense. Sudan aren’t pushovers, and in Africa, every country wants to beat Nigeria which makes it harder.

“We know what we need to do and the coach and the technical staff would have mapped out our strategy for us. So it’s up to us to go out there, execute it and keep ourselves in good shape in the qualifying.”

Six points from those two fixtures would be an ideal early birthday present for Ambrose, who will celebrate turning 26 on his return from national service.

“I should be back after being away with Nigeria so we will see what happens, but I will celebrate it with my baby and family at home,” added the player.

he seriousness of the Super Eagles double header against Sudan in Omdurman and Abuja has been underlined by the promptness of players’ arrival to the team’s camp at the Bolton White Apartment in Abuja, the Federal Capital.

As at 3pm on Monday, at least 10 players have arrived the team’s camp with training expected to commence on Tuesday Morning at the training pitch of the Abuja National Stadium. All other players invited for the game are expected on Tuesday before dinner time.

Among the early arrivals are Omatsone Aluko of Hull City, Hope Akpan, Babatunde Michael, who shone like a million star at the Brazil 2014 World Cup, midfield gem, Noskhare Igiebor, who recently relocated to Israel, Aaron Samuel, Gbolahan Salami of Warri Wolves, his team captain in Warri, towering Azubuike Egwuekwe, Emem Edward, Chigozie Agbim and leading Nigerian

Ambrose

league scorer, Ighodalo Osaguona.

A visibly refreshed Head Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, said he was impressed by the response of the players because of the need to bond well before the first leg game against Sudan. “The response so far has been wonderful and I am in touch with those who are yet to arrive and they will surely be here in time for proper preparation against Sudan.

Speaking in the same vein, re-elected member of the NFF Executive Committee, Chief Felix Anyansi Agwu, said the new board under the leadership Melvin Amaju Pinnick is determined to not only qualify Nigeria for the Maroc 2015 Nations Cup but also to retain the trophy. “We have the experience of a lot of the executive committee members and the President is determined that we will reach our destination, that is why we are meeting this week to chart the way forward for the national teams,” he declared.

Keshi, Emenike rift handiwork of detractors, says Nwosu Vincent Eboigbe

A

former Eagles skipper, Henry Nwosu, has dismissed reports suggesting that coach Stephen Keshi is having a running battle with star striker, Emmanuel Emenike, saying the story may be the handiwork of the coach’s enemies.

Keshi had reportedly criticised the striker for arriving late to camp the last time, not playing to instructions and

Emenike

Keshi needs help – Pinnick Charles Ogundiya

N

ewly-elected president of Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, has said Super Eagles interim coach, Stephen Keshi, will be given necessary help to succeed with the national team.

Speaking on a television program on Monday, Pinnick said it was obvious the team lacked some technical depth at the Brazil 2014 World Cup and there was need to correct the deficiency

in the team.

“We saw the team at the World Cup and we all saw what the team was lacking. The Nations Cup qualifiers have showed that Keshi needs help.

“I think we should have a consortium of experienced coaches that will be streamlined to help as match analysts and give useful information to the team,” he said.

Speaking further he said the board would create avenues to work with the coach and that only when there is failure to agree on a com-

mon ground there would be need to look elsewhere.

Pinnick added; “We will explore all avenues to work with the coaches but if it fails, then we will seek alternatives which include getting a foreign coach.”

He however said any decision taken would be to develop Nigerian football and not to victimise anybody.

Having lost one and drawn one of their two 2015 AFCON qualifiers, Saturday’s match against Sudan is a must win for the Super Eagles who are currently third in Group A.

Moses rues injury, Sudan games miss N igeria international winger Victor Moses has spoken about sadness at missing the upcoming 2015 Africa Nations Cup qualifying games against Sudan.

The Super Eagles will face Sudan in two games that could potentially decide their fate as far as qualifying for the 2015 Afcon is concerned.

Moses, who was originally

named in the 23-man-squad made public by Nigeria head coach Stephen Keshi just over a week ago, will however miss both games.

This was after he aggravated a thigh injury while on duty for Barclays English Premier League club Stoke City against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

The 23-year-old was predictably pained at the timing of the injury and took to Twitter to voice his sentiments.

“Thanks for all your messages. I’m disappointed that I am unable to go away on international duty due to injury but am working hard to get back fully fit as soon as possible,” he tweeted via @VictorMoses.

causing trouble in the national team.

But Emenike fired back last Tuesday in a recent interview, saying that the coach should leave him out of the Eagles rather than labeling him a troublemaker.

And Nwosu, who is also Gateway FC coach, noted that although altercation in the national team was something to be discouraged, he however said that he was not convinced that there was any truth in the re-

port of a fallout between coach and player, saying it may all be detractors bent on seeing Keshi out of the national team coaching job at work.

“It is difficult to comment now since I have not heard from either Keshi or Emenike, but trouble in whatever form in the team is not healthy. Having said that I think some people with ulterior motives may be out to get Keshi so as to achieve their agenda of pushing for another coach,” Nwosu noted.

Eagles invitation excites Eduok D

olphins of Port Harcourt forward Emem Eduok has confirmed that he has been called up by Nigeria manager Stephen Keshi for back-to-back African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sudan.

Chelsea loanee Victor Moses has been ruled out of both games after picking up a thigh injury during Stoke City’s clash against Sunderland last weekend.

The national team handlers have moved quickly to replace the winger with former Flying Eagles striker, Emem Eduok, who has smashed in 13 goals in the domestic championship this season.

Eduok said: “The Nigeria Football Federation called the coach and the media officer yesterday (Sunday) to inform them I have been invited to replace Victor Moses.”

“This will be my first time in the national team,

and I feel very happy about it. As a young and talented player, I hope to prove myself in camp.

“I’m now on my way to Abuja to join the rest of the invited players.”

The 20-year-old starred for the Flying Eagles at the 2013 FIFA Under-20 World Cup, playing in matches against Cuba and Korea Republic.

Eduok

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

55

Sanctity of Truth

On Marble

We read books to find out who we are.

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014.

N150

Mental illness as a time bomb

GUEST COLUMNIST Tayo Ogunbiyi

T

he World Mental Health Day is observed every 10th of October. The World Health Organisation (WHO) set the day aside to raise awareness of mental health issues and mobilize efforts to tackle the problem. The Federation for Mental Health founded in 1948 to prevent emotional and mental health disorders and help those who do suffer from them, is responsible for the organisation of the annual World Mental Health Day. The day is meant to create an avenue for all stakeholders on mental health issues to freely discuss and share experiences about their job. This is quite important in view of a recent research, which reveals that about 240 million people across the world experience depression and other symptoms of mental illness during their lifetime.

Thus, if not properly addressed, mental illness could as well turn out to be a time bomb waiting to explode in an already troubled world.

The Medilexicon's medical dictionary depicts mental illness as medical conditions that disrupt a person's thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others and daily functioning.

Just as diabetes is a disorder of the pancreas, mental illnesses are medical conditions that often result in a diminished capacity for coping with the ordinary demands of life. Serious mental illnesses include major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and borderline personality disorder. Mental illnesses can affect persons of any age, race, religion, or income. Mental illnesses are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character or poor upbringing.

And they cannot be overcome through "will power" and are not related to a person's "character" or intelligence.

This illness falls along a continuum of severity. According to a WHO data, four of the 10 leading causes of disability in the United States and other developed countries are mental disorders.

By 2020, major depressive illness will be the leading cause of disability in the world for women and children.

Mental illness usually strikes individuals in the prime of their lives, often during adolescence and young adulthood. All ages are susceptible, but the young and the old are especially vulnerable. The consequences of mental illness for the individual and society are staggering. It could lead to unnecessary disability, unemployment, substance abuse, homelessness, inappropriate incarceration, suicide and wasted lives. The economic cost of untreated mental illness is more than $150 billion each year in the United States. Approximately 25% of people in the UK have a mental health problem during their lives. Equally, in the UK, Canada, the USA and much of the

The Aro psychiatric hospital, Abeokuta

Fashola

Minister of Health, Onyebuchi Chukwu

developed world, mental disorders are the leading cause of disability among people aged 15 to 44.

The best treatments for serious mental illnesses today are highly effective; between 70 and 90 percent of individuals have significant reduction of symptoms and improved quality of life with a combination of pharmacologi-

cal and psychosocial treatments and supports. The good news about mental illness is that recovery is possible.

The causes of mental illness are complex and vary depending on the particular disorder and individuals.

Genetics, early development, drugs, a loss of family member, disease or injury, neurocognitive and psychological mechanisms and life experiences, society and culture, can all contribute to the development or progression of different mental disorders in people. The most common view, however, is that mental disorder tends to result from genetic vulnerabilities and environmental stressors combining to cause patterns of dysfunction or trigger disorder. Signs of mental health condition include erratic or changed behaviour, depression, loneliness, desperation among others.

No matter how seemingly severe the effects of mental health issues are, whether it is depression, epilepsy, dementia alcohol dependence or death, they can be managed effectively with the affected individual living a reasonably normal life. Not managing mental health in the workplace has a huge impact on individuals and is equally bad for business too, with an estimated annual cost to employers of over 25 billion pounds. Recent survey indicates that 40 per cent of employers view work-

No matter how seemingly severe the effects of mental health issues are, whether it is depression, epilepsy, dementia alcohol dependence or death, they can be managed effectively with the affected individual living a reasonably normal life

ers with mental health conditions as a significant risk while 42 percent of employers still underestimate the relevance of mental health in the workplace. Given the negative perception from employers, many applicants may feel that it is in their best interest not to disclose their mental conditions. Today, 73 percent of work places across the globe still have no formal mental health policy.

Schizophrenia, which affects about 26 million people in the world, is the focus of this year’s World Mental Health Day. Though it is a mental condition that can be treated, more than 50% of people with schizophrenia cannot access adequate treatment. Schizophrenia is particularly considered a dangerous mental state because it affects the way a person thinks, feels, and acts. Some of the major features of early Schizophrenia include insomnia (sleep disturbance), unusual behavior, incoherent speech, persistent feelings of unreality and appetite disorder. Schizophrenia can occur in anyone but it's a treatable disorder. Long term medication may be necessary for some people but talking therapies and self-help groups can also be effective.

In Lagos, an average of 14.1 percent of the total population suffers from one mental case or the other. It was this realisation that, perhaps, made the state government adopt a policy that aims to respect the rights of residents with mental disorder. The objective is to guarantee social justice and equity for victims of mental illness as well as ensure that the rights of people suffering from mental disorders are respected.

This new approach by the state government includes sufficient and detailed strategies aimed at reducing the impact of mental health in the state.

The basic components of the state’s mental health policy include promotion aimed at conducting awareness programmes and educating the people about the effects of substance and alcohol abuse, primary care and access to services, treatment guidelines at health care level, services for people with severe mental illness, reduction of work place stress and the risk of suicides and human resources for mental health.

Presently, the first step in this new policy is investment in mental health across the state.

With appropriate and effective medication and a wide range of services tailored to their needs, most people who live with serious mental illnesses can now significantly reduce the impact of their illness and find a satisfying measure of achievement and independence.

We have for long allowed stigma and an unwarranted sense of hopelessness to erect attitudinal, structural and financial barriers to effective treatment and recovery of victims of mental illness. It is hoped that the occasion of this year’s World Mental Health Day would help, even if in a small way, to break down these barriers.

• Ogunbiyi is of the Features Unit, Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja.

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