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Friday, May 9, 2014 Vol. 1 No. 80

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lDangote to invest $12bn in Nigeria Abuja

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Nigeria’s most authoritative newspaper in politics and business

PriceWaterhouseCoopers to audit NNPC accounts

Simeon Ogoegbulem, Abdulwahab Isa

www.newtelegraphonline.com

he Federal Government has appointed PriceWaterHouseC-

oopers (PwC), one of the foremost auditing firms in the world, to carry out

2015: 500 politicians to watch

Ex-Customs officers, Army Generals dominate Kebbi Pages } 13-16

a comprehensive forensic audit of accounts of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 2

Buhari: Let’s recover Nigeria’s sovereignty from Boko Haram lChibok girls’ abduction signals end of sect, says Jonathan Simeon Ogoegbulem, Anule Emmanuel and Abdulwahab Isa Abuja

ormer military Head of State, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday came down hard on Boko Haram, which has hidden under Islam to unleash terror on Nigeria. Buhari, in his second intervention following the growing insurgency in

the north, said in a statement that there was no justification for the sect’s wanton disregard for the sanctity of human life as epitomised by its orgy of killings and terror against women and children. He called on Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation, to put aside their differences and rally round the government to recover the nation’s sovereignty from the insurgents. He also condemned

the abduction of over 200 schoolgirls from Government Girls’ Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State and expressed the hope that they would soon be freed from captivity. His statement came just as President Goodluck Jonathan said the abduction of the pupils would lead to the end of the reign of terror which Boko Haram has unleashed on Nigeria. According to Buhari, C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 3

Ekiti 2014: Monarchs commit Fayemi, Fayose, Bamidele to violence-free poll

APC asks National Assembly to probe military spending Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

United States First Lady, Mrs. Michelle Obama campaigning for the release of the Chibok girls in Washington

he All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the National Assembly to urgently initiate a probe into how the budgetary allocations to the military have been spent in recent years. This, the APC said, would help to establish whether or not the military is adequately empowered to effectively tackle the worsening scourge of terrorism in

the country. The party in a statement in Lagos yesterday by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the National Assembly, in the exercise of its constitutional duties, must invite service chiefs and other relevant government officials to shed light on this issue. It said the probe became necessary because of the insinuation in certain quarters about the ability and capabil-

Associated Airlines pays bereaved relatives $.48m compensation

ity of the nation’s military in the ongoing battle against Boko Haram. “The Nigerian military comes highly recommended globally because it has excelled, since 1960, in peacekeeping operations around the world. In fact, NiC O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 4

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My grouse against Amosun –Osoba Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

ormer Ogun State Governor and a stalwart of All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Olusegun Osoba, yesterday broke his silence on the crisis rocking the state chapter of the party, saying there is a grand plot to destroy the party ahead of the 2015 general elections. He also declared that his political disagreement with Governor Ibikunle Amosun, which has factionalised the Ogun APC, was purely based on issues and justice and not for selfishness or personal aggrandisement. Osoba spoke at an APC consultative meeting held within his Ibara GRA residence in Abeokuta, where the party’s members in the NationalAssembly, some state lawmakers and thousands of party stalwarts converged. It will be recalled that the state APC crisis degenerated last month during its ward, local government and state congresses which resulted in the emergence of parallel executive officers along the camps of Amosun and Osoba. But speaking against the backdrop of the inter-

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nal wrangling in the party, Osoba urged APC members in the state to await the meeting anddecision of the national headquarters of the party on the recent parallel congresses. The meeting, New Telegraph reliably gathered, will hold in Abuja on May 13. The former governor expressed surprise at the planned inauguration of Amosun’s factional executive of APC, which was reportedly stopped on Tuesday by the national leadership of the party. Osoba, who vowed to relocate to Abeokuta to pursue “a new political en-

gineering,” hinted of possible defection in the state APC if the festering crisis was not well managed. He urged his supporters to the thought about defection to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP), saying the two parties “are one and the same and they are being used to destabilise the South West.” Osoba said he had made huge sacrifices to finance the political activities of the progressives, saying at a time he sold his houses in Ilorin, Kwara State as well as Ibadan, Oyo State. The former governor warned Amosun to be

wary of sycophants whom he said sang his (Osoba) praises in the past and now singing thegovernor’s praises today. He said: “The agenda of 2003 is still very much alive and that agenda is to destroy and finish Osoba politically. The same pattern and the same route is being followed. I never knew I made a mistake; I forgave all those who wronged me. In the eight years of PDP government, they didn’t want us to survive. I didn’t know it’s an offence for me to forgive and forget. I decided to forgive and forget so that we can wrestle power back.

“A lot of misinformation was going round that I have been compromised. They said I have been bribed, and I said how much could they pay back for the efforts of the people during the 2011 elections? Can we quantify that? What we are asking for is that the people who worked during the election should benefit. “I am not fighting him and no one should fight him because he is the governor. As long as he is on that seat, he must be respected. I’ve been on that seat twice. But we should deploy our brains, experience, ideas and fight based on issues.”

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 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

L-R: Niger State Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu; USAID Administrator, Rajiv Shars; Nasarawa State Governor, Alhaji Umar Tanko Al-Makura; acting Taraba State Governor, Alhaji Umar Garba and Adamawa State Governor, Alhaji Murtala Nyako, during a meeting with USAID officials in Abuja…yesterday

PriceWaterhouseCoopers to audit NNPC accounts CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

The accounting firm, whose appointment was announced yesterday by Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, during a debate at the ongoing World Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa in Abuja, has 16 weeks to complete its assignment. It will however work under the supervision of the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation. Also at the forum, President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, unfolded plans by his corporation to invest a total of $12 billion in various sectors of the Nigerian economy over a four-year period. Okonjo-Iweala, who was contributing to the debate on the theme: “Forging inclusive growth, creating jobs,” said PwC’s appointment to look into the books of the NNPC was in response to allegations by the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who

had variously accused the oil corporation of shortchanging the federation by failing to fully remit proceeds from oil sales to the Federation Account, as required by law. Sanusi, in a leaked memo to President Goodluck Jonathan, had accused the NNPC of withholding over $49 billion in remittances from the Federation Accounts. His allegation had stirred a controversy that prompted the Federal Government to raise a committee to reconcile the accounts. However, the setting up of the committee did not resolve the knotty issue as there was a disagreement between Sanusi and the members. While Okonjo-Iweala, who was a member of the committee had claimed the amount unaccounted for was $10.8 billion, Sanusi retracted his allegation, said the figure was $12 billion. Shortly after that, the suspended CBN governor, while appearing before an

investigative panel set up by the House of Representatives to probe his allegation, came up with a new figure of $20 billion being the amount of proceeds for crude oil sales that the oil corporation had not accounted for. Justifying the task before PwC, Okonjo-Iweala, during the debate, said the forensic audit of the NNPC accounts, which the Federal Government had earlier ordered in March, would help resolve the controversy over the amount of money the oil corporation had not accounted for. She said: “The (suspended) CBN governor raised issues on unaccounted amount from the Federation Account. We at the Ministry of Finance have for two years been reconciling these figures with the NNPC to know what they are supposed to remit to the Federation Account. “Our feeling is that the only way is to have a forensic audit that would let Nigerians know the issue. There is a forensic audit

that the government has approved and it is being done by PwC under the supervision of the Auditor General of the Federation and they said they needed between 12 and 16 weeks to do that and all these would be clarified.” On poverty and inclusive growth, the minister explained that the nature of economic growth in the continent had not been inclusive enough and more needed to be done to improve the situation. “It is obvious that the quality of our growth is not good enough because we are rising with inequality and without creating jobs for our people,” she added. She expressed regrets that although Nigeria is growing, enough jobs are not being created. The Federal Government, she added, is concerned about how to change the quality of the growth. “We need to get people to go into farming through agroprenuers where 750,000 CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

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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FG targets 75% access to electricity by 2020 James Nwabueze Abuja

he Federal Government has said it targets 75 per cent access to electricity by 2020, stressing that the country harbours huge investment potential in the power sector. The Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, who stated this at a Breakfast Forum tagged ‘Private Sector Participation in Achieving Access to Pow-

3.99m

The total number of internet users in Norway in 2010. Source:Blatantworld.com

er’ in the ongoing World Economic Forum, Africa (WEFA) in Abuja, declared that plans were underway to connect an average of 1.5 million households to electricity every year. According to him, about 30 million households are still without electricity in the country, adding that Nigeria needs to quadruple its 4000MW generation capacity to meet the huge demand for electricity in the country. “Our target is to achieve

0.86

up to 75 per cent access to electricity by the year 2020, and by connecting an average of 1.5 million households every year. We will do that, the ongoing reform of the power sector will improve access through grid extension, and non-grid solutions using renewable energy which includes solar, wind, bio-mass and small and medium hydros. Seventy per cent are thermal, gas-fire turbines and the rest hydro. We have the

The number of fixed-telephone subscriptions per 100 inhabitants of Nigeria in 2008. Source:Blatantworld.com

coal, we need renewable energy, we need more hydros, we need solar, wind, we need bio-mass and all these are very critical,” he said. Nebo, who lamented the country’s overdependence on gas for electricity supply, reiterated the need to encourage a robust energy mix like coal, solar, wind, bio-mass among others. He said although Nigeria sits on the eighth largest gas deposits in the whole world, it can-

480,000

The number of adults and children estimated to be living with HIV in Ivory Coast in 2008. Source:Blatantworld.com

not continue to generate most of its electricity by gas, stressing that the economics does not favour gas dependency. Apart from the economic implications, the minister said the acts of vandalism of the gas pipelines have made dependence on gas risky. He stated that the privatisation process aims at solving several years of neglect because for many decades as the population was growing, there was no concomitant development of infrastructure in the electricity sector. He added that if the power situation is fixed, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) may grow to a

A cross-section of members of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Nigerian Union of Electricity Employees protesting against the anti-labour practice of electricity distribution companies in Lagos …yesterday. PHOTOS: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

double digit from 6.5 per cent yearly average, and issues of unemployment and poor industrialisation would be addressed. Also, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Power, Godknows Igali, assured that current power supply situation in the country would improve in the next few months through an incremental process. Igali said: “We are expecting improvement in the next few months. It will be incremental as it will be improving on daily basis.” He stated that the poor state of the networks before private investors took over affected power improvement, adding that the investors’ Capital Expenditure Plan (CAPEX) is impressive. Igali said some of them, including Transcorp Ughelli Generation Company (Genco) are expanding to 1000mw capacity shortly while Kainji hydropower is ensuring that at least seven of its eight turbines are fully functional soon. Meanwhile, Ghana’s Minister of Finance, Seth Terkper, representing President John Mahama, has urged foreign investors to leverage on the opportunities in Nigeria’s power sector and other African countries, including Ghana. “Investors should note that there is a regional market out there to be tapped even as you invest in Nigeria,” he said.

Buhari: Let’s recover Nigeria’s sovereignty from Boko Haram CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

the abduction of the schoolgirls has underscored the threat facing Nigeria as a nation from “the actions of misguided persons masquerading as adherents of Islam”. “Our hearts are with families who have lost loved ones in this cycle of senseless violence. We also empathise with the parents of children whose daughters are in the custody of a group of anarchists,” he added. Buhari, a bigwig of the All Progressives Congress (APC), condemned a video by Boko Haram’s self-acclaimed leader, Abubakar Shekau, released on Monday in which the group claimed responsibility for the kidnap and threatened to sell the pupils. “That horrific video posted on the Internet is a clear manifestation of the

mindlessness of the bigots. It shows them for whom they are, such men cannot threaten nor should they be allowed to violate our sovereignty. It is clear from what they profess that they are not followers of God. They do not mean well for our country and her citizens. I am a Muslim, I am versed in the teaching of Christianity and I understand both religions to seek peaceful co-existence of all humanity. “I wish to reiterate that there is no justification whatsoever for this unrestrained disregard for the sanctity of human life. It has no place in the Holy Quran and neither does it have a place in the Holy Bible. “Let these people know that the entire civilised world is united against their terrorist act. We are grateful to the world for standing by Nigeria at this

trying time. We hope and pray that the young ladies will be reunited with their respective families in the days to come,” he said. He called on the Federal Government to put in more efforts to ensure the safety of the people and expressed happiness that government has accepted international assistance in rescuing the pupils and in ending insurgency in the country. “I fought for a united Nigeria. In my old age, I want my grandchildren, your grandchildren, our youths and indeed all Nigerians to benefit from a prosperous and united country devoid of sectarian violence whether home-grown or imposed on us from outside. “Now is not the time to play politics. Now is also not the time to trade blames and amplify our ideological differences.

The unity of Nigeria is not negotiable and nothing should divide us as a people. I therefore urge all Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora to support the country in her effort to bring an end to this attack on defenceless citizens and indeed a united nation. “We must put aside all other considerations and ensure that our country, Nigeria, pulls together now so as to recover our sovereignty. After all, we all know that Nigeria is the only country we have that we can call our own,” he stated. Buhari’s attempt to rally support for the Federal Government against Boko Haram came hours after Jonathan yesterday expressed confidence that the sect would soon be history. The president, in an address at the opening ceremony of the World

Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa, being hosted by Nigeria, in Abuja, anchored his optimism on the global support the Federal Government has received in the concerted efforts to find and rescue the schoolgirls. So far, the United States, Britain, France, China and Canada have pledged to deploy both human resources and technologies to assist Nigeria in liberating the schoolgirls from the den of Boko Haram. He described the abduction as a turning point in terror activities in the country, especially in the North-East that has remained the hotbed of insurgency in the last four years. “Foreign governments have offered to help end the crisis and the kidnapping of the girls is the beginning of the end of terror in Nigeria,” the president said.

He thanked the over 1,000 delegates who attended the forum in spite of the insurgency in some parts of the country. According to him, “your presence has supported us in winning the war on terror. If you had refused to come because of fear, the terrorists would have jubilated and may have created more havoc, but your coming here to support us morally is a major blow to the terrorists and by God’s grace we will conquer the terrorists.” On the theme of the WEF, which is “Forging inclusive growth and creating jobs”, Jonathan said: “Job creation has been the main focus of government’s transformation agenda and it has kept me up at night.” He regretted that “in Africa, the unemployment problem is compounded by C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 5

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APC asks National Assembly to probe military spending CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

geria is among the top troop contributors to global peacekeeping operations, by virtue of the acknowledged sterling performance of its military in the various missions “Our military has also performed creditably in internal security operations in the past. If suddenly the ability and capability of this same military are being called to question in the ongoing battle against the Boko Haram terrorists, then something must have gone wrong. “This is why we are calling on the National Assembly to find out whether or not the soldiers we are sending out to battle the insurgents are adequately equipped to carry out their duties; to find out whether their morale is at the right level; to find out whether the huge funds being allocated for security are being used for the right purposes. “It is important to find out whether the huge funds which are being deposited into the bank accounts of politicians, or being used to lure them into the ruling party, are being taken from the allocation to security, in which case the purpose for which the funds were allocated in the first instance would have been defeated,” APC said. The party said the National Assembly should not be deterred by those saying military or security expenditure could not be probed or those who would read ‘’political meaning’’ to this call. “The tendency for those who want to silence all the voices of reason to attribute political undertones to any statement, especially from the opposition, on the burning issue of terrorism will not and cannot silence us. We say, unequivocally, that our call is in the best interest of the nation, which is under siege from terrorists, and that it is also in line with global best practices. “During the Iraq war, the issue of whether or not the American troops battling insurgents across Iraq were adequately provided with the appropriate body armour and whether their armoured personnel carriers could withstand the enemy firepower were

publicly debated without anyone accusing that country’s opposition of playing politics with security,” it said. According to the party, its call became even more relevant and urgent after a serving senator said on the floor of the legislative chamber that during a recent trip to the Sambisa Forest, regarded as the stronghold of the terrorists, the military armoured personnel carrier that was escorting his team broke down. It said there had also been stories concerning the low morale of the troops on the battle front, cases of soldiers being given obsolete guns as well as cases of desertion. “We do not know whether or not these stories are true. But what we do know is that something seems not to be right with the way we are waging the war against these terrorists, and the only way to know for sure is for the National Assembly to ask the pertinent questions,” APC said. The party also commended the United States, Britain, China and all the other countries that have offered to assist Nigeria to rescue the over 200 abducted girls, saying such offer of assistance was long overdue, in view of the global nature of terrorism. The party expressed the hope that the assistance would extend beyond the rescue of the girls to also include all other strategic initiatives that would help Nigeria to crush the Boko Haram terrorist group. It said, however, that the Jonathan administration must realise that it is ultimately responsible for the safety and security of all Nigerians, hence cannot afford to shirk its responsibility in that regard. Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has warned politicians against exploiting protests by Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to undermine the ongoing military operations aimed at rescuing the abducted students. Director of Defence Information (DDI), Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade, in a statement, Nigerians of the readiness of the military to rescue the schoolgirls and to end the insurgency.

Jonathan, US envoy discuss details of military support

Anule Emmanuel

resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday met with the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. James Entwistle, to discuss the details of the offer made by President Barrack Obama to assist Nigeria in rescuing over 200 schoolgirls kidnapped from Government Girls Secondary School Chibok, Borno State. The meeting, in Abuja, held on the sidelines of the ongoing World Economic Forum on Africa. America is among five other countries that have offered assistance to the Federal Government in rescuing the abducted

girls. Jonathan, during the meeting, according to a statement by presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, reiterated Nigeria’s appreciation of the United States’ offer to deployment its security personnel and assets in the search and rescue operation. Others received by Jonathan included the President of Ghana, Mr. John Mahama and the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Kadré Désiré Ouédraogo, who brought him a message of solidarity from ECOWAS Heads of State and Government. Mahama told Jonathan that in a bid to support Nigeria’s efforts to rescue the abducted girls and defeat

terrorism, ECOWAS leaders have decided to invoke the community’s protocols on counter-terrorism. The Ghanaian leader said a meeting of heads of intelligence services of ECOWAS member countries would hold in Accra next week to work out a new framework for intelligence sharing in support of the effort to eradicate terrorism in Nigeria and the entire West African sub region. Jonathan also had private meetings with Prof. Klaus Schwab, the founder of the World Economic Forum, who said Nigeria deserved the maximum solidarity of the world at this trying moment. He later met with Presi-

dent Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, former President Lula Da Silva of Brazil and the Prime Minister of Mali, Mr. Moussa Mara all of who conveyed the solidarity of their governments and people. The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki Moon, also spoke with the president on the phone yesterday to convey the sympathy and solidarity of the global community with the government and people of Nigeria. Ki Moon assured Jonathan that the United Nations was ready to help Nigeria to rescue the abducted girls and achieve greater security of lives and property in all parts of the country.

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties, Dr. Aderemi Desalu; Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Wale Ahmed and Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Mr. Lateef Ibirogba, at a press briefing in Lagos…recently

PriceWaterhouseCoopers to audit NNPC accounts CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

youths would be encouraged to go into agriculture. “Africans want decent jobs and we should admit that we have those at the bottom who can’t get decent jobs so we need to create social safety nets to take care of this. We also need to look at building skills for our young people,” she stated. The minister also said government was striving to address the issue of infrastructure, stressing that a development finance institution would be unveiled before the end of this year. The institution will provide long-term funding to address the developmental needs of the country, she said. “In Nigeria, we have been doing long-term

development with shortterm money and this is why we don’t have sustainable growth. “But we are developing a development finance institution that will commence by the end of this year and this will help us provide long-term finance of up to 10 years to address the developmental needs of the country,” she said. Also in his contribution at a WEF session yesterday, Dangote said his conglomerate would invest a total of $12 billion in Nigeria and $4 billion outside the country, over the next four years. Of the amount, according to Africa’s richest man, $2.3 billion will go into investment in sugar and rice production in the North. Dangote also advocated

promotion of intra-trade among African countries as the only way to reduce poverty and provide employment on the continent. Dangote, who spoke at the session with the theme: “Africa Rising”, regretted that not much was happening in terms of trade among African nations. According to him, trade among African countries in 2012 stood at a mere $100 billion, a figure he said was less than 15 per cent of transaction between the countries and Asia. “We have to learn to trade among ourselves because majority of what we are consuming are imported from other continents which shows that we are exporting jobs to those continents and importing poverty in return,” he

added. He also criticised the attitude of some wealthy Africans who prefer to keep their huge resources overseas as against investing at home. Calling for change of attitude from wealthy Africans, he said their investment commitment in Africa would boost the confidence of other investors to invest in Africa. He put his investment in agriculture, his newest business foray, at $2.3 billion while his total investment in the last five years has hit $62 billion. He said about 180,000 jobs would be created through agriculture following a plan to cultivate rice and sugar in some states such as Edo, Adamawa, Kogi, Taraba and Kano.

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Fraudsters hack into NNPC GMD’s mail Adeola Yusuf Houston, Texas

anaging Directors of top International Oil Companies (IOCs) and politicians yesterday received scam letters and phantom oil contract deals from the e-mail address of the Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Engr. Andrew Yakubu. The management of the NNPC, which confirmed this also raised the alarm over what it termed the desperate attempt by internet fraudsters to desecrate the

character and person of its Group Managing Director. The corporation noted in a statement by its Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs, Ohi Alegbe, that some hackers and internet scam artists had broken into the personal email account of the NNPC GMD early yesterday and have been using the account to send all manner of scam letters and phantom contract deals to some highly placed contacts within and outside the oil and gas industry. The NNPC said days earlier, some online news sites were intermittently

flashing a strange icon which had the photograph of the NNPC GMD juxtaposed with some members of the House of Representatives under the caption “The blackmailers”. “While we explore all options to arrest this menace, we wish to advise members of the public to disregard any such seemingly juicy voodoo contract proposals said to be emanating from the email address of Engr. Andrew Yakubu or any other email address. Anybody who commits to such transaction is doing so at his own risk,” the NNPC said.

On the strange online icon, the NNPC blamed it on the handiwork of some desperate individuals bent on tarnishing the image and hard-earned reputation of Yakubu. It notes that Yakubu is neither a politician nor one whose temperament is given to political chicanery. “Engr. Andrew Yakubu is a well-heeled technocrat who in the last three decades has demonstrated an abiding commitment to evolving the NNPC into an efficient national oil company with global aspirations. We call on wellmeaning members of the

L-R The Honorary Consul of Italy in Lahore, Mr. Cav Hussain Dawood; Group Chairman, ORANTO Petroleum, Chief Arthur Eze and Vice-President/ Chief Commercial Officer (Distribution), General Electrical Power and Water, Mr. Darry Wilson, briefing State House correspondents after a meeting with Vice-President Mohammed Sambo in Abuja...yesterday. photo TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN.

N236.4bn

The IGR realized from direct assessment sources of Benue State in 2010. Source:National Bureau of Statistics

5.8%

The estimated percentage prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in girls and women (15 49 years) of Togo in 2006. Source:Blatantworld.com

3.2m

The total population of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania in 2010. Source: Blatantworld.com

public, especially the oil and gas stakeholders, to disregard the strange icon as it has nothing to do with what the GMD stands for or represents,” the NNPC said.

The corporation warned that facts available to it indicate that the campaign of calumny is likely to continue in the electronic and print media in the days ahead.

African leaders signs $700m MoU to support immunisation

frican leaders yesterday signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of $700 million to support immunisation and investment in the health sector across the region. The President African Development Bank (ADB), Mr. Donald Kaberuka, said this at the launch of “Immunise Africa 2020 leaders”, at the ongoing 24th World Economic Forum on Africa, in Abuja. Kaberuka said the amount would help cofinance the purchase of vaccines by GAVI Allaince and the bank between 2016 and 2020. Gavi Alliance is a publicprivate partnership, committed to saving children’s lives and protecting people’s health by increasing access to immunisation in poor countries. “The investments countries that are making vaccines today will reap enormous benefits in the short and long term. “With commitment to immunisation, African leaders are taking a bold step towards securing their countries’ prosperity and economic security,” he said. Kaberuka explained that the amount was an addition to the billions of dollars African countries had already spent on health services. He said that strong

progress was being made on improving the health of people across Africa. He urged GAVI Alliance and its partners to do more to help continue the decline in child death rate on the continent. President John Mahama of Ghana said that immunisation was one of most important treatment given to children to guarantee their future. “Immunisation is one of the most important investments we are making in our children and in their future. “We are committed to ensuring that vaccine programmes in Ghana will be sustainable, so that our children are fully protected from potentially fatal diseases.” President Jakaya Kikete of the Republic of Tanzania said immunisation was the smartest investment that African leaders could make in the health sector for the citizen and for the future of the nations. “As leaders of this dynamic continent, we will ensure that our children have access to the best, most sustainable technologies to provide them with the best possible start in life,” Kikete said. Other president present at the launch was President Macky Sall of Republic of Senegal.

Buhari: Let’s recover Nigeria’s sovereignty from Boko Haram CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

our youthful population and pending demographic transition. As you know Africa’s population is very young. Other continents are “aging”, but Africa’s population of young people is growing. African leaders therefore face special challenges. We have the challenge to provide jobs, housing and healthcare.” McKinsey, a consulting firm, he said, calculated that an additional 122 million workers would enter Africa’s labour force by 2020. “By 2035, the combined size of the African labour force would be greater than that of the most heavily populated countries in the

world, including China,” he added. He regarded the prediction as “daunting and should be a wake-up call to all of us in Africa to work harder on job creation with a great sense of urgency. We have a lot of young people who are unemployed but who also do not necessarily have the required competencies or skills, even if the jobs are available and that again, is a major challenge.” While shedding more light on efforts by his administration to create more jobs, Jonathan said the private sector would be the engine of growth and job creation, adding that that was why govern-

ment is devoting considerable energy to supporting private sector’s growth such as ensuring stable macroeconomic environment, low inflation and exchange rate, investing in critical infrastructure and development of skills of the people. “After our GDP rebasing exercise, our GDP for 2013 is now estimated at about $510 billion. Yet, the quality of our growth has been less than desirable in the sense that we are not creating as many decent jobs as we need to,” he said. The Federal Government, he stated, “focused on a number of priority sectors which have

high job-creating potential, such as agriculture, manufacturing, housing and construction, and the services sectors. And in each of these sectors, we are working to unlock the various obstacles faced by businesses so they create jobs.” The recent GDP rebasing exercise, according to him, shows that the service sector now accounts for about 51 per cent of the Nigerian economy, up from 26 per cent. “So, we are introducing targeted measures to further harness this sector by supporting the development of our SMEs. For example, we are working to develop our housing and

construction sector, given its potential to create jobs for our craftsmen and artisans. We also recently launched our National Industrial Revolution Plan which will further invigorate our manufacturing sector,” he said. Also speaking on the occasion, Chinese Premier, Mr. Li Keqiang, described Africa as an emerging “pole” in world affairs, saying that in the international political and economic landscape “it is always better to have more poles in the world than fewer poles.” He listed three key reasons why Africa can no longer be ignored in world affairs.

According to him, Africa with 54 countries accounts for over “a quarter of United Nation’s members is increasingly speaking with one voice and playing an ever increasing role in the governance of world affairs” has made Africa a “major pole in the world political arena”. “Second, Africa has a total population of one billion and an economic aggregate of over $2 trillion. Of the world’s 10 fastest growing economies in 2013, seven are in Africa, which indicates its growing weight in the developing world, Africa is therefore also a major pole in global economic growth,” said Keqiang.

NEWS

PEACE Top three contestants in Ekiti get commandments from royal fathers Stories by Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

s part of their efforts at ensuring a peaceful governorship election on June 21 this year, traditional rulers in Ekiti State yesterday committed parties and their candidates to a violence-free election. The monarchs, under the aegis of Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, held a stakeholders' meeting in Ado-Ekiti, where they extracted the commitment from the can-

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, May 9, 2014

Monarchs commit Fayemi, Fayose, Bamidele to violence-free polls didates. The Chairman of the Council, the Onitaji of Itaji-Ekiti, Oba Adamo Babalola, who chaired the occasion, also sounded a note of warning to traditional rulers over complaints by some candidates that some monarchs were actively into partisan politics. "The Monarchs are enjoined to accommodate all candidates. We should not play to the gallery. We are Obas," Oba Babalola said. He also warned security agencies, the Federal Government and the In-

dependent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against compromising fairness, justice and objectivity in the conduct of the election. The Onitaji urged all candidates and their parties to play the game according to the rule. "They should not maintain thugs or sponsor violence. It is assumed that if the followers of any candidate cause any disturbance, it is the candidate who sponsored it. No one should taunt opponents to avoid clashes and if party

A is billed to campaign in a place on a particular day, party B should avoid campaigning in the same place, same day and same time," he said. In his remarks, Governor Kayode Fayemi of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said it was not competition that was the bane, but unhealthy competition. The candidate of Labour Party (LP), Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele, while listing a number of instances where his supporters had been attacked,

blamed the situation on tyranny of the incumbency. He alleged that places where his team had been attacked were the home towns of people in government. In his remarks, the Accord party candidate, Mr Kole Ajayi, accused APC members of fomenting trouble across the state and mentioned the case where some APC members in Aramoko-Ekiti attacked his members, while erecting his billboard.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, former Governor Ayo Fayose, also pledged the support of his party to the initiative. Other candidates present at the meeting included those of United Democratic Party (UDP), the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Alliance for Democracy (AD), Citizens Party, Mega Party, the National Conscience Party (NCP) and Kowa Party. Others were: ACPN, Action Alliance, People Party of Nigeria (PPN) among others.

My choice of deputy is divine – Fayose

ormer Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose, yesterday said the selection of Dr Olusola Ojo, a university lecturer as his running mate in the coming June 21 poll was divine. Fayose, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the election, said in Otunja-Ekiti, Ikole Local Government that he sought God's guidance on who would be his running mate in the poll and that it was after he prayerfully asked God for direction that the lot fell on Ojo. He was clarifying the air on why he chose Ojo as running mate instead of a known politician. He dispelled insinuations that his choice of the Associate Professor at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State was strategically hinged

on Ojo's solid academic qualifications. He also debunked the rumour that he went for Ojo because he (Fayose) did not trust a politician as deputy. He said; “The choice of my deputy, Dr Olusola Ojo, is God ordained. I presented eight people to God and God chose him for me. I prayed to God to direct me according to His will. It was purely a divine inspiration. “But I had earlier preferred somebody that was apolitical for reasons best known to me. But in clear terms, I did not choose him because of his qualifications. “Though I quite appreciate the fact that education is essential in governance, you don’t need to be a Doctor or Professor before you can add value to the lives of your people”, Fayose said.

Fayemi is 'Awolowo' of our time, says Oba Adejugbe

L-R: Governorship Aspirant, Labour Party, Mr. Bamidele Opeyemi, Ekiti State, Governor Kayode Fayemi; and Governorship Candidate, Accord Party, Mr. Kole Ajayi, during a meeting with all the governorship aspirants and party leaders, at the instance of the State's Council of Obas, in Ado-Ekiti... yesterday

17.5%

The percentage of individuals using the internet in developing countries in 2009. Source: Itu.int

8.43m

The total population of Tehran, Iran in 2010. Source:Blatantworld.com

...As city stands still for apc rally

APC, PDP trade, words

Ado-Ekiti traditional Tdayheinstitution on Wednesendorsed the re-

he Kayode Fayemi Ttion, Campaign Organisayesterday accused

election bid of Governor Kayode Fayemi, describing the him as "Awolowo of our time". The Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, who received Governor Fayemi in his palace, described the first four years of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate as "remarkable, unprecedented and unforgettable in the history of the city and the entire state". The traditional ruler likened Governor Fayemi's strides in Ekiti to those witnessed during the premiership of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo in the old Western Region. Unable to hide his joy on the Fayemi administration's urban renewal which has changed the face of

Ado-Ekiti and turned it into a worthy state capital, Oba Adejugbe told the huge crowd that stormed his palace in solidarity with the governor that "Awolowo has resurrected in Ekiti". The governor paid a visit to the Ewi's palace on Wednesday at the commencement of his two-day electioneering campaign around the city. Fayemi's royal visit was turned into a big carnival by indigenes of Ado-Ekiti who turned out in large numbers to usher the governor into the palace with trumpeting, singing and dancing. Oba Adejugbe said what Fayemi has done in his kingdom has brought joy to all sons and daughters of Ado-Ekiti at home and abroad praying, that Fayemi will realize his dream of taking the state to greater heights.

the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of planning to rig the June 21 election in Ekiti State by placing leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) under house arrest on the day of the election. In a statement in AdoEkiti by the Head of Media of the campaign outfit, Dimeji Daniels, the plan was to create fear in the minds of the followers of such leaders, who might become jittery and decide to stay away from polling units, thereby leading to voter apathy. "This plan is to be executed with fake policemen, who are currently being recruited and trained by the PDP. "Some of these fake policemen trained in Osun

and Ondo states are already assigned to the PDP candidate, Ayodele Fayose, and his Labour Party (LP) co-conspirator, Opeyemi Bamidele," he alleged. In a swift reaction, the Head of Media, Ayo Fayose Campaign Organisation, Chief Gboyega Aribisogan, described the allegation as fallacious. "This is not only a fallacy, but it shows what the APC people are planning to do. They are liars and any sinister motive they plan to implement is what they will always want to lay on the neck of the opposition," Aribisogan said. He urged the people of the state to disregard the cry by the APC, saying the APC had become jittery over its imminent defeat at the poll.

184.8m

The population of Pakistan (representing 2.67% of world’s population) in 2010. Source: Blatantworld.com

Defection: Former loyalists disown Oni upporters of former EkiSSegun ti State Governor, Chief Oni, including his

deputy while in office, Dr Sikiru Tae Lawal, have said Oni is on a lone journey to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The people, who yesterday said this in Afao-Ekiti, added that they would never follow Oni to the APC and pledged to remain in the PDP. Lawal's declaration coincided with that of former Chairman of Ado Local Government, during Oni's tenure,Mrs Tosin Aluko, , who also vowed not to quit the PDP with her supporters. Lawal and Aluko, who led scores of other erstwhile loyalists of the for-

mer governor to the home of PDP candidate, Mr Ayo Fayose, on a solidarity visit, said they would rather pitch their tent with Fayose. According to them, Fayose represented the conscience of PDP in the state, and had all it takes to win next month's gubernatorial election for the party. They described the ruling APC as a failed party that must be checkmated by a PDP-led government. In his response, Fayose expressed gratitude to the gladiators for identifying with him openly. He pledged not to let PDP down in the election, with a pledge to ensure that all of them were adequately compensated if the party wins the poll.

NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, May 9, 2014

INSURANCE

Seven months after their beloved ones perished in air mishap, families get something off Associated airlines Wole Shadare

t was an emotional scene yesterday for the 16 relations of people who died in the Associated Airlines Limited ill-fated plane crash of October 3, 2013. They came in quietly to the airline’s office at Adeniyi Jones Street, Ikeja to collect the payment of $30, 000 which is the first tranche of compensation for families involved in plane crashes as stipulated by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the global aviation regulatory body. Representatives of the Nigerian Civil Aviation

27.5%

Relatives get Associated Airlines' $480,000 compensation l Firm promises balance of $11.2 million Authority (NCAA) were in attendance to monitor the disbursement of the funds. The Montreal Convention of 1999 states that airlines wishing to operate on domestic routes shall adopt the approved liability limits in line with the requirement of the ICAO which states that the airline shall pay compensation in the case of death, or injury of passengers of $100, 000 per person, destruction, loss or delay of baggage shall be $1, 000 and destruction, loss, damage or delay of cargo shall be $20 per kilo. International flights are governed by the Mon-

The percentage of individuals using the internet in developing countries in 2012. Source: Itu.int

treal Convention, an international air carrier treaty adopted in 1999 by the ICAO, a United Nations agency. If the airline is found at fault for an accident, the Montreal Convention stipulates that it is liable for up to $113,100 special "drawing rights" per passenger, a value established by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The value changes regularly, and for now equals about $170,000 per passenger in the United States of America. Associated Airline however disclosed that the balance of $70, 000 would be paid as quickly as possible when other matters

1.92m

The total area (in sq. km) of Indonesia. Source: Worldfactsandfigures.com

pertaining to documentation would have been resolved.In all, the airline paid out $480, 000 to the victims’ families. The relatives were individually presented with “certificate of release and discharge”, which would enable them to process the funds domiciled with Skye Bank. Among those who died in the crash which occurred within the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos were Tunji Okusanya, Samson Hassan, Deji Falae, Rajeem Bernard, Kingsley Amaechi, Yakubu Lateefa. Others were Abdulkareem Ibraheem, Kola

22,000

The number of fixed-telephone subscriptions of Guinea in 2009. Source: Itu.int

Oyinlola, Bisi Awoyomi and Chijioke Duru among others. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Operating Officer of the airline, Mr. Taiwo Raji, stated that there were insinuations immediately after the crash that the carrier was shirking its responsibility to do the needful.

“We have been meeting with our insurers but it has been very slow. We are working with them to resolve the whole issue. The insurers and the airline have resolved to 30 per cent of what should be paid now while the 70 per cent balance will also be paid later as quickly as possible.”

Nasarawa women protest abduction of school girls, demand their release Cheke Emmanuel LAFIA

undreds of women in Nasarawa State yesterday marched to the Government House Lafia, the state capital, protesting the abduction of female students of the Government Girls College, Chibok, Borno state. Some of the protesting women wore black clothes and carried placards with inscriptions like: “Our girls girls are our hope”,”We want them back now”. They also chanted. The women, made up

of both the state's chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Women Wing and the Federation of Muslim Women of Nigeria (FUMWAN) were received by the Secretary to the State Government, Hajiya Zainab Abdulmumini, amidst tight security. Speaking separately, the Amira FUMWAN and CAN Women chairperson, Hanatu Kabir and Mrs Lydia Attah condemned the abduction of the schoolgirls and called on government to do everything necessary to secure their release .

Adamawa Immigration command resumes clampdown on illegal aliens Ibrahim Abdul Yola

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Dr Godknows Igali; Chief Executive Officer, Standard Bank Group, Mr. Sim Tshabalala; Chairman, Stanbic IBTC, Mr. Atedo Peterside and Mission Director, USAID Nigeria, Mr. Michael Harvey, during the Power Forum Breakfast at the World Economic Forum in Abuja …yesterday

Clement James Calabar

he controversy surrounding the ambition of a frontline governorship aspirant in Cross River State, Mr. Goddy Jeddy-Agba, took a new twist on Wednesday when the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ntufam John Okon, declared that he (Jeddy-Agba) was not “a card carrying member of the party.” Jeddy-Agba is the General Manager (Crude) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) whose ambition to run for the governorship in the state has ruffled many feathers. In an exclusive inter-

Jeddy-Agba not a member of C’River PDP - Okon view with New Telegraph, Ntufam Okon said his office did not have any evidence that Jeddy-Agba is a PDP member “because he is a civil servant.” Asked if the NNPC manager is a PDP member, Okon said; “No. Not to my knowledge. He is not a member of PDP for now. If he comes in and asks to be registered, we will register him. There are procedures for registration. As far as we are concerned, Jeddy-Agba is not a card-carrying member of PDP in the state.”

When told that Agba’s supporters claim that he had been registered at the ward level, the chairman asked; “How can he be registered at the ward level and we are not aware? Who put him in the ward? The ward cannot register a civil servant. There is a rule that the Ward cannot register a civil servant. He cannot come and say he wants to contest on the platform of the party because we will look at the constitution.” On whether the controversy generated by Agba’s

ambition is not a sign of an impending crisis, the former Clerk to the State House of Assembly said what is happening is not crisis “but a trend.” “We are a cohesive party and serious aspirants are working within the rules. I can assure you that what is happening now is not crisis. It is called “trend”. Naturally, there are interests and I can beat my chest and say we have been able to accommodate genuine interests and we will continue to do so,” he said.

he Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Adamawa State Command yesterday arrested 45 suspected illegal aliens in Yola. Speaking while parading the suspects in Yola, the stale Controller of NIS, Alhaji Rauf Adeboyega, said the arrest was part of the renewed effort by the command to check illegal immigration. Adeboyega said the aliens, comprising 36 men and nine women, were from neighboring countries and would be eased

out accordingly. "We are not saying that foreigners should not come into the country, but when they are coming they should come with their valid documents so that we will be able to identify them. "It will make our job of monitoring their activities in the country easier," Adeboyega said. He lauded the support of the public, particularly community leaders in exposing such aliens, adding that with the current security challenges, the public needed to be more security-conscious and support security agencies.

Bayelsa assures envoy on release of kidnapped Dutchmen

ayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has assured the Dutch Ambassador to Nigeria, John Groffen, that everything was being done to secure the release of three Dutch nationals kidnapped at Letugbene community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of the state. Chief Press Secretary to the state governor, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, in a statement yesterday said the governor who gave the assurance, when the Ambassador visited him at the Bayelsa House in

Abuja, expressed regret over the incident, adding that the government in collaboration with the security agencies was working round the clock to ensure the safe release of the victims. He noted however that the three Dutch nationals were escorted into the Niger Delta, through Warri in Delta State, by a Non-Government Agency (NGO), without any notice to the governments or security agencies of either Bayelsa or Delta states, until they were abducted.

Ekiti 2014

NEWS

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Friday, May 9, 2014

Oyo women hold prayers for Chibok girls Sola Adeyemo housands of Oyo State women led by the wife of the governor, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi yesterday converged on the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, for an inter-

denominational prayer rally for divine intervention in the release of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls. Ajimobi used the occasion to call on the Federal Government and security agencies in the country to do the needful in ensuring that Nigeria

becomes safe once again. While speaking after the prayer session, Mrs. Ajimobi lamented that rather than taking decisive action on the perpetrators of the abduction, the nation has been inundated with trivialities and unexpected drama from the leadership.

FRSC cautions Rivers’ road users on safety L-R: Chief executive Officer, Seplat Petroleum Development Company, Mr. Austin Avuru; Edo state Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, and Managing Director, Azura, Dr. David Ladipo, after the agreement signing ceremony for the Aura-Edo US$1 billion 450MW gas turbine power project in Abuja

APC holds NEC meeting Tuesday Yekeen Nurudeen

Abuja

he National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been scheduled to hold next week Tuesday at the party’s National Secretariat, Abuja.

The meeting according to a source within the party would be preceded by a meeting of the governors of the party in Kano on Sunday. This, however, was confirmed by the Interim National Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Lai

Mohammed, who spoke with New Telegraph on telephone. He said the meeting was a regular NEC meeting of the party. New Telegraph gathered that the outcome of the Kano meeting by the governors would form the agenda of the Tuesday’s NEC meeting.

‘Cash and carry’ politics, bane of Nigeria’s progress – Fasehun Dominic Adewole

Asaba

ounder of the O’odua Peoples Congress (OPC), Dr. Fredrick Fasehun, yesterday said that the bane of the country’s progress was its cash and carry politics. Fasheun, also the leader of the newly formed Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), who flayed the corruption and non-accountability of the present crop of Ni-

gerian leaders, wondered why those he referred to as “generation of vipers,” have looted everything at local, state and federal levels. He said unless Nigeria is set free by a vanguard of female stakeholders, the current suffering and smiling in the hands of “an army of locusts” would continue. Speaking as a guest speaker during the seventh anniversary cum

award conference tagged; “Gender Balancing: The Place of the Nigeria Woman in 21st Century Politics,” put together by Kate Onianwa, a lawyer, in Asaba, Delta State, the OPC chieftain maintained that an army of politically-savvy Nigerians must be raised to support honest, compassionate and visionary woman to take over power if Nigeria must outlive its present predicament.

Illegal taxes: Oshiomhole reads riot act to LG bosses Cajetan Mmuta

BENIN

do State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, yesterday asked the chairmen of local governments in the state to desist from the collection of illegal taxes in their council areas, saying only legitimate and approved taxes must be collected.

Oshiomhole, who also warned against double taxation, said it amounts to extortion of the taxpayers if he was made to pay tax to both the state government and local government on the same matter. The governor gave the order during a meeting with the chairmen of the 18 local government areas of the state held at the

Government House, Benin City, the state capital. Oshiomhole said: “Our local governments must be careful on the issue of revenue collection. I recognise the legitimacy of tax collection. Everywhere in the world, taxes are paid. Government needs it to run and provide services to the people.

Boat mishap: Fashola orders compulsory use of life jackets Muritala Ayinla agos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, yesterday ordered the compulsory use of life jackets for commuters on Lagos waterways even as he decried the stealing of navigational signs on waterways by

unscrupulous individuals. The governor’s marching order followed frequent boat mishaps in some parts of the state which claimed lives of residents and left many injured, a development that hinders government’s campaign to commuters to embrace water transportation in the state.

But speaking at the inauguration of a life jacket distribution exercise in Ebute-Ojo Jetty in Ojo area of the state, Governor Fashola said the state government championed the responsibility of providing life jackets to avert further loss of lives, arising from non-usage of the jackets.

Group, FOMWAN to partner on maternal/neonatal care Ugo Willies

GOMBE

he Society for Family Health yesterday said it was partnering the Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN) and Traditional Birth

Attendants in improving maternal and neonatal care in the North-East subregion. Project Director for the Society for Family Health, Fatima Mohammed, stated thisduringaone-daymaternal and neo-natal health learning project for Traditional Birth

Attendants and FOMWAN volunteers held yesterday in Gombe. She said the Society for Family Health had, between December 2009 and April 2011, conducted a maternal and neonatal health learning phase as well as support public sector health facilities.

Charles Onyekwere PORT HARCOURT

he Rivers State command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has warned motorists plying highways in the state to be wary while driving to avoid mishap.

State sector command of the FRSC, Mr. Sunday Oghemekaro, stated this at the flagging off to mark the maiden edition of West Africa Road Safety Organization (WARCO) held yesterday in Port Harcourt. The West Africa Road

Safety Day is set aside by the West Africa Road Safety Organisation, which is the umbrella body instituted by member countries of the region, following the need for a Sub-Regional Road Safety Organ that will co-ordinate road activities within the region.

Ajaokuta Steel key to national transformation – NLC Muhammad Bashir

Lokoja

ational President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar, has said that the ailing Ajaokuta Steel Company will play a major role in the

transformation programme of the current government, if completed. The NLC president stated this yesterday in Ajaokuta during a facility tour of the steel plant by the labour leadership. He said the steel company has what it takes to

compete favourably in the international steel market. While commending the president for his attention on the steel company, Omar said the current management team of the steel should continueintheireffortsatprotecting and managing the multibillion naira steel project.

Ondo trauma centre offers free screening, dialysis

ver a thousand people thronged the Ondo Medical Village to benefit from the free screening and dialysis programme offered by the kidney centre which ended yesterday. The village houses the trauma, surgical and kidney centres, among

others. The three-day programme was held in collaboration with the Care for Life Catholic Centre under the Catholic Diocese of Ondo. The screening exercise was part of a health conference organised at the centre with the theme:

Sudden Death - Health Care Challenges and Prevention. A total of 1, 018 people together with an earlier free screening exercise carried out by the centre in February, 2014 were in attendance. There were 355 men and 663 women of between two and 100 years for both gender.

SEPLAT named WEF global growth company

he World Economic Forum has named SEPLAT Petroleum Company Development Company Plc a Global Growth Company (GGC). With this recognition, SEPLAT joins a vibrant community of the world’s most dynamic, influential and high-growth companies. Companies are judged

on their compliance with set criteria - growth, global corporate citizenship, executive leadership and impact on the competitive landscape of their region or industry. Commenting on the rationale behind SEPLAT’s recognition as a global growth company, Managing Director and Head

of the new champions at the World Economic Forum, David Aikman, said; “When choosing entrants to our community of global growth companies, we assess companies on their business model, annual revenues and growth rates, executive leadership and market position.

Oyinlola’s SSG declares governorship ambition Adeolu Adeyemo

OSOGBO

ormer Secretary to the Osun State Government during the administration of Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola and a gubernatorial aspirant under the platform of the Labour Party (LP) in

the state, Alhaji Akinade Akinbade, yesterday declared his governorship intention under the platform of the party. He warned the electorate not to allow themselves to be bought over by desperate politicians who are vying for the same position. Akinbade, who dropped

the warning at the official declaration of his intention for the position at the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo, advised the electorate to cast their votes for their choice candidates and turn down financial inducement that could come from any politician.

Northern govs condole with FCT Minister over mother’s death Dan Atori

MINNA

he Norther n States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has commiserated with the Minister of the Federal Capital Ter ritory (FCT), Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, over the death of his

mother, Hajiya Aisha Mohammed. Chairman of the forum and Governor of Niger State, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, described the death of Hajiya Aisha as a big loss to Senator Mohammed and the entire people of the FCT, especially that it came at a critical period when

her parental support is needed to help resolve the myriad of challenges confronting the nation. A condolence message signed by Governor Aliyu’s spokesman, Danladi Ndayebo, urged the FCT minister to be consoled by the fact that it is only God that gives and takes life whenever He pleases.

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, May 9, 2014

STABLE Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Olusola Oworu says Lagos is still booming Muritala Ayinla

he Lagos State government yesterday said the United States’ terror alert on Lagos has no negative impact on the state’s economy. It said adequate and proactive measures had been put in place to forestall any harmful impact of the alarm on the state’s commerce and industry. This was as it also said that its locked-up capital, otherwise known as dead capital, has reduced from N7.615 trillion to N7.22 trillion. Briefing journalists on activities of her ministry in the last one year at the 2014 ministerial press briefing held at the State secretariat, Commissioner for Commerce

US terror alert has no impact on economy – Lagos govt and Industry, Mrs. Olusola Oworu, who made the disclosure, said the terror alert by the United States had no effect on the state’s commerce and industry in the past week. She said: “As far as I know, it had no effect on commerce and industry within the last week. More importantly, because the state government already has in place a mechanism to ensure security of lives and property in the state. “Just recently, the state governor presented patrol vans and motorbikes to police authorities to enhance the effectiveness of monitoring security and activities in the state. This is an ongoing process, we will continue in what we are doing to improve the security of lives and property in the state.” Oworu said the dead capital represents the economic potential of

New polls results says Jonathan has done well Siaka Momoh

recent governance polls’ results released by NOIPolls for the month of April 2014, has revealed that less than half of Nigeria’s adult population, about 49 per cent, approve of the job performance of President Goodluck Jonathan. This represents a 4-point decline from March 2014 and a 1-point drop from his 16-month average of 50 per cent. More findings revealed that based on the transformation agenda, the President has maintained a ‘very poor’ ranking on his performance in security, power and job creation while maintaining average ranking on economy, education, foreign policy and diplomacy, health, agriculture and food security and transportation. The poll also revealed that the power situation in the country still showed no improvement in April 2014 as 71 per cent of Nigerians affirmed that power supply to their households

have worsened/seen no difference over the past one month; the same rating from March 2014, following a continuous decline since January 2014. Similarly, the SouthSouth region was reported to have experienced the worst power supply of about 75 per cent, followed by the South-West, 57 per cent; South-East, 51 per cent; North-West, 51 per cent; North-East, 44 per cent and North-Central, 41 per cent. These are some of the key findings from the Governance Snap Poll conducted in the last week of April 2014.

the extra-legal sector that is not utilised due to institutional restrictions, adding that the estimate represents about 14 times the state budget, using

Year 2012 as a basis and 11 times the traded stock in the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 2012. She continued: “The locked up capital by the

lion). Dead capital represents the economic potential of the extralegal sector that is not utilised due to institutional restrictions.”

L-R: Chief Financial Officer, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), Mr. Olusola Olayinka; Head, Aeronautical Services, Mr. Raphael Uchegu; Chief Operating Officer, Ms. Adebisi Awoniyi and Lagos Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. Chidi Nkwota, during the handing over of the Toyota Hilux patrol van, donated by the company to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), in Lagos…yesterday. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

The percentage of individuals using the internet in Colombia in 2009. Source: Blatantworld.com

$US169.5bn

The nominal GDP of Chile (IMF) in 2009. Source: Blatantworld.com

200,000

The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) of Ethiopia in 2009. Source: Blatantworld.com

Kwankwaso signs child labour bill into law Muhammad Kabir KANO

ano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has signed the Kano Child Labour Prohibition Bill and three other bills into law. The others are the Residents Registration Agency Law, Kano State Entrepreneurship and Vocational Studies Law and the Micro Finance Agency Law.” Shortly after assenting to the bills at the Government House, Kano, Gov-

ernor Kwankwaso, who spoke extensively on the Child Labour Bill, explained that henceforth, any person found exploiting children in the state would be prosecuted. Governor Kwankwaso said the law stipulates two years in prison for offenders, a fine of N50, 000 or both with a view to discouraging child exploitation. The other bills signed into law by the governor were enacted in order to obtain accurate data on

Insecurity: Dickson calls for vigilance in Bayelsa ayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson, has urged non-indigenes in the state to be vigilant, especially in the face of the current security challenges facing the country. Governor Dickson gave the advice while addressing non-indigenes at a reception held in his honour during his ‘thank you’ visit to the Supreme

informal sector, otherwise called dead capital associated with business and real estate in the state is presently estimated at $45.13 billion (N7.22 tril-

NEWS

Council for Non-Indigenes at the Peace Park, Yenagoa. He told them to see security of lives and property as a collective responsibility and not allow suspicious characters infiltrate their ranks while they should report any suspicious person or movement to law enforcement agencies for prompt

action. The governor also urged them to remain peaceful and law-abiding, noting that the state was now one of the most peaceful states in the country as a result of the people’s support. He thanked the nonindigenes for supporting him during and after the governorship election.

the people living in the state, to protect the 24 institutes established by the present administration as well as to encourage the people to engage in productive economic ventures. Meanwhile, the governor has received five awards of excellence from the Kano State Community Development Organisation for en-

hancing environmental hygiene in the state; from the Kano State Pharmaceutical Technology Students for promoting technical education; the Kano State Cabin Crew Students for making them professionals, Rotary Organisation for the eradication of Polio and from the World Environmental Management for beautifying the state.

FG lauded for funding constituency projects Ibrahim Abdul YOLA

he Federal Government has been commended for providing and sustaining funding for the execution of constituency projects in the country. Member of the House of Representatives Hon. Aishatu Dahiru (PDPYola North/Yola South/ Girei) federal constituency made the commendation

yesterday at the flag-off of her free medical treatment under the constituency project in Yola. “Let me use the opportunity to thank Mr. President and the Federal Government for continuously providing funds to support members of the National Assembly in the implementation of zonal constituency projects very many of these projects have direct bearings on the lives of our people.”

10 NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, May 9, 2014

Babalola challenges Chibok: FG not serious about Afe lawyers on insecurity tackling insecurity, says CSOs Adesina Wahab

INSURGENCY Pressure groups rule out religion in the abduction of Borno school girls Tunde Oyesina Abuja

ivil Society Organisations (CSOs) made up of about 60 rights’ groups yesterday said the Federal Government was not serious about dealing with the problem of insecurity in the country. Reacting against the

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background of the abduction of 276 girls in Chibok, Borno State and the twin bomb blast that occurred in Nyanya, an outskirt of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Abuja, leaving about 100 people dead and several others injured, the CSOs called on the Federal Government to outline its strategies of apprehending the insurgents, who abducted the school girls and perpetrators of the bomb explosion. Briefing newsmen at the end of its situation report held in Abuja, spokesperson of the group, Clem Nwakwo, said the abduction of the girls has nothing to do with religion or

The total population of Ecuador (representing 0.2% of world’s population) in 2010. Source: Blatantworld.com

ethnicity, calling on those linking the abduction with such to desist. “The issue is that our girls have been abducted and we want them back. The abduction has nothing to do with the religion of the abducted girls or the ethnic group they come from. We do not want religion to demobilise the international dimension this issue has taken. “The only way to face the security challenge is to include citizens’ participation, military alone cannot face insecurity,” Nwakwo said. The CSOs also expressed worry about the growing economic crisis

N2.8bn

The IGR realized from PAYE (taxes) of Kogi State in 2012. Source: National Bureau of Statistics

of Nigeria, especially the unprecedented levels of unemployment, poverty, collapse of infrastructure and the unparalleled corruption in the country. It, however, called on the government to take steps to curtail corruption. “There is also a strong need for rural communities to be better protected all over the country due to the high migration of people seeking refuge from terrorists. Communities also have to take precaution by monitoring strangers/visitors to the communities. This was common practice in Damaturu, Yobe State.

20,000

The total number of internet users on Liberia in 2007. Source: Blatantworld.com

Ado-Ekiti

egal luminary, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), has charged lawyers in the country to rise up to the challenge of insecurity in the country by using their ‘special position’ to save the country. Babalola, who gave the charge at the opening of the 2014 Law Week of the Ado Ekiti branch of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on Wednesday, said as lawyers, “We are in a special position to join the nation to ensure that the worse does not become the worst.” He was reacting to the

position of the branch Chairman, Mr. Joseph Adewumi, in his opening speech on the occasion that “all indices of a failed nation or democratic governance are staring us in the face” and that “except the drowning ship of democratic governance is urgently arrested, the ship may be heading for a terminal head-on collision sooner than later.” Chief Babalola, however, said: “About three years ago, the United States warned Nigeria that come 2015, there may be no Nigeria again. All the indices seem to point to that now.

Taraba women offer special prayers for schoolgirls Sabiu Mustapha JALINGO

araba State chapter of the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS) on Wednesday led women associations in the state on a one-day prayer and fasting session for the abducted Chibok schoolgirls in the state capital, Jalingo. The women were seeking God’s face for the abductees that had been held by Boko Haram insurgents for more than three weeks now. The women also called on God to intervene so that the girls would be released to their parents unharmed. Addressing the gathering, state President of the NCWS, Mrs. Virginia Baba Bambur, said the programme was organised on the directive of the national headquar-

ters of the council, to cry unto God on behalf of the abducted schoolgirls. She said she was confident that God, who controls the world, will make a way and the girls would be released to reunite with their loved ones. Elsewhere, the state chapter of the Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN) also held a prayer session for the abducted schoolgirls. Taraba State Head of FOMWAN, Hajiya Mariya Ibrahim Bello, called on women to be persistent in their prayers for God to intervene in the release of the young schoolgirls. The women also prayed for unity and peace in Nigeria as well as the security agents and leaders at all levels, to have divine wisdom and understanding in the discharge of their duties.

Obanikoro receives US Sack fever grips Benue workers naval vessel for Nigeria

Rivers state Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi (right), welcoming the Chairman, Senate Committee on Privatization, Senator Olugbenga Obadara, during a courtesy visit to the Government House, Port Harcourt…yesterday

Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

orkers in Benue State are now living in fear of losing their jobs following Governor Gabriel Suswam’s pronouncement to downsize the workforce in the state. The governor said this was necessary to enable him meet the demands of teachers that had been on strike in the last six months. Governor Suswam

change of name

Ojimba

I, formerly Chinenye Sandra Ogbu, now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs. Chinenye Esther Sandra Ojimba. All other documents remain valid. ESUT and NYSC please take note.

over teachers’ strike said at least 40 per cent of the workers are to be affected in the impending exercise, explaining that the massive sack would further guarantee the future of the Benue child. Already, the governor said he has directed that names of civil servants likely to be affected be complied for necessary action. Speaking during the flag-off of fertilizer sales and distribution at Zaki Biam in Ukum Local Government area yesterday, the governor said this became inevitable following the teachers’ strike and the need to bring them back to the classrooms.

He lamented that the meagre allocation accruing to the state was not enough to cater for the needs of the teachers, adding that the only panacea towards ending the impasse was to retrench workers. Governor Suswam, who announced the price of a bag of fertilizer as N3, 300 against the market price of N5, 500, warned against diversion of the commodity by middlemen. He acknowledged the resilience and contribution of the people towards the return of peace in the area, especially during the recent Fulani inva-

sion in the state, imploring them to continue to protect their land against invasion while pledging government’s continued support for the people. Earlier, Commissioner of Agriculture, Mr. Donald Amokaha Gbugho, commended the giant strides of the governor in the agricultural sector, saying arrangements have been completed with the Federal Government to increase Benue farmers’ participation in the e-Wallet Fertilizer Distribution Project under the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) Scheme of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda.

he United States navy has officially transferred the former Coast Guard Cutter Gallatin into the hands of the Nigerian Navy. The Gallatin was offered to Nigeria April 24, 2013, through the United States Foreign Assistance Act and was decommissioned from the United States Coast Guard service on March 31, 2014. During the ceremony, US Coast Guard Chief Acquisition Officer, Rear Admiral Bruce Baffer and Nigerian Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, signed transfer documents in front of United States and Nigerian spectators, marking the official handoff

of the ship to Nigeria. Baffer said the transfer was bittersweet, but said he that he believes the ship, now renamed NNS Okpabana, will provide valuable service to Nigeria. Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, who received the vessel on behalf of Nigeria, thanked the United States navy for their consistent support to the country. He said the ship will strengthen Nigeria’s ability to combat terrorism and illegal activities in the country. “I am glad to know that American support has greatly enhanced the capacity of the Nigerian navy,” he said.

NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, May 9, 2014

South-East govs mourn Oputa Abia indigenes top list EULOGY

Governors from the S/East celebrate one of the nation's best judges Ikechukwu Ucheoma Umuahia

overnors of the South-East states have expressed sadness over news of the transition of Justice Chukwudifu Oputa. They however celebrated his life as a shining example of the Igbo phi-

3.75m

losophy of hard work, diligence and thirst for excellence. In a statement signed by the Governor of Abia State and Chairman, South-East Governors Forum, Chief Theodore Orji and made available to journalists in Umuahia, the governors said the zone and indeed Nigeria has lost an illustrious personality in Justice Oputa. They noted that as the eminent jurist battled with illness, "we were with him in prayers, hoping that he would rise up from his sick bed to continue his march to

The total population of Sydney, South Africa in 2010. Source: Blatantworld.com

possibly become a centenarian. But the will of the Almighty God has prevailed." According to them, though Oputa left the stage at a ripe age of 96, “our eyes are still drenched in tears for losing such an exceptional jurist and statesman "As a justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Justice Oputa acquitted himself creditably to the admiration and applause of the legal profession. He left behind landmark judgments and judicial pronouncements that will forever illuminate the nation’s

N5.63bn

The IGR realized from PAYE (taxes) of Imo State in 2012. Source: National Bureau of Statistics

judicial system," the governors declared. In the quest to build a nation where peace, justice and equity reign, they added, “Oputa contributed in no small measure. He offered his services, wisdom and legal insights to make our fatherland better when he presided over the famous Oputa Panel that took far-reaching decisions to restore peace after a turbulent political crisis that shook the very foundations of Nigeria’s nationhood.” They prayed God to grant the late jurist eternal rest.

80,000

The number of adults and children estimated to be living with HIV in Malaysia in 2008. Source: Blatantworld.com

of MOUAUA staff

Ikechukwu Ucheoma Umuahia

bia State indigenes are the most favoured in the list of workers of the Federal Governmentowned Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike ( MOUA ) located in the state and are topping the list of employees in the institution. New Telegraph gathered that the workers of the institution, comprising Academic, non- academic, senior and Juniors cadres were as at 31st July, 2013 drawn from 19 out of the 36 states. According to the record, indigenes of Abia, the university's host state, constitute 81.61% of its teaching staff, 51.76 % of Senior non-teaching staff, 87.45% of Senior staff and 74.80 % of the junior ones. The neighbouring Imo State ranked second as its citizens at the same period constituted 58.44% teaching, 21.05% Senior non- teaching staff, 30.27% senior staff and 15.60% junior cadre . Enugu State ranked third with 21.94% teaching

staff, 11.03% senior nonteaching, 15. 82% Senior and 3.75% juniors while Anambra ranked fourth with 16.26% Teaching, 3.06% senior non-teaching, 5.33% seniors and 0.86% juniors. Ebonyi State ranked fifth with 5.13% Teaching, 3.98% senior non-teaching, 5.73% Senior and 2.32% juniors while Akwa Ibom is sixth with 1.95 % teaching, 0.92% senior non-teaching, 2.09% senior and 1.30% junior, Delta state indigenes constituted 2.30% teaching, 0.92% senior nonteaching, 1.78% seniors and 0.43 % juniors to rank the seventh position. The next ranking states in that order are Ogun, Rivers , Edo, Kogi, Ondo, Oyo, Benue, Cross River, Osun, Lagos, Kwara and Ekiti The Governing Council of the institution, with the Pro-Chancellor, professor Anya O. Anya as Chairman, listed the ranking of the 19 states recently to set the records straight saying: “As at 31st July, 2013, Abia State indigenes topped the staff distribution by state of origin .

Panel vows to punish sharp practices among oil dealers, others in Edo Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

T L-R: Co-founder, Convention on Business Integrity, Mr. Soji Apanpa; Chief Executive Officer, Deloitte Nigeria, Mr. Tawanda Gumbo; Coordinator, Clean Business Practice Initiative, Mr. Emmanuel Ijewere; Member, Honorary International Investment Council, Mr. Andy Brown; Group Chief Executive, Oando PLC, Mr. Wale Tinubu; Director, Stakeholder Relations and Corporate Communication, Dangote Group, Mansur Ahmed; Senior Director, Centre for Global Industry, World Economy Forum, Mr. Alex Wong and Company Secretary/Chief Compliance Officer, Ms. Ayotola Jagun, during a Business transparency breakfast meeting organized by Oando and Partnering Against Corruption Initiative (PACI) of the World Economic Forum in Abuja..yesterday

Fair wealth sharing will check oil theft, vandalism, says Alele-Williams Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

he first female Vicechancellor of a Nigerian university, Professor Grace AleleWilliams, yesterday canvassed an all-inclusive distribution of oil wealth as a panacea to the problems of oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the country. Prof. Williams gave the recipe in her speech as the chairperson during the presentation of two books on ‘Oil thefts and Pipeline vandalization in Nigeria’ and ‘The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Nigeria’, written by Professor Patrick Igbinovia and his wife, Blessing. The launch

was held in Benin, the Edo state capital. The former VC of the University of Benin said such positive step became imperative to douse the worry by millions of the citizens about the state of the nation’s economy, particularly the unnecessary over dependence on oil for the country’s growth and development. She said there was an urgent need to diversify the economy and deal with the current cancer of oil theft and pipeline vandalism threatening the oil sector. "Direct thefts of the nation's oil from a myriad of sources and at many levels in the production, transportation and sale over the past

60 years has created annual increasing loss to our country's wealth," the professor lamented. According to her, Nigeria can use her oil wealth to lighten darkness in many communities using new technology that provides power from gas being flared and with the right type of education, the nation can produce better educated people who can share in her riches. The university don pointed out that enabling laws have the positive tendency of creating fair opportunities, health, transportation and improved agriculture which have the capacity to promote peace and harmony among the people and governments.

In his remarks, Professor Igbinovia, said the books were unveiled to underscore the severity and magnitude of the problems of oil theft and vandalism of oil and gas infrastructure for which the President Goodluck Jonathan said the sum of $1billion was budgeted in 2014. He noted that, “The basic aims of the two books was to evolve serious thinking and strategies to help solve and check the problems to help government stem oil theft and to help make the EFCC effective in fighting economic and financial malfeasances in Nigeria and to make the Nigerian commonwealth better for its citizens."

he Edo Committee on Petroleum Monitoring has promised hell for those involved in product adulteration, under-dispensing and high pump price in the state. Executive director of the committee, Mr. Sunny Idahagbon told newsmen yesterday in Benin, the state capital, that the body was determined to ensure that consumers get the right value for their money. He noted that sharp practices in petroleum distribution has assumed a worrisome level and assured that steps would

be taken to deal with the menace. Idahagbon blamed lack of special court to prosecute offenders as major reason for continued sharp practices. He said, “But, in spite of these shortcomings, we as a responsible committee will fashion out way of dealing with this challenges. Whether there is mobile court or not, the fact remains that what is right is right and what is illegal is illegal.” The committee boss said, “We intend to work with the stipulated penalty for these crimes; it will only take time for us before the result becomes visible.”

Obanikoro extols Otedola’s virtues

inister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro has described the late Pa Michael Otedola as a perfect gentleman and one of the finest politicians the state has ever produced. While acknowledging that his loss was painful, he added that the octogenarian lived a fulfilled life. The statement read in part: “It is with deep sadness that I, on behalf of myself and my family, convey our condolences to the Otedola family over the passing of its patriarch, former Governor of Lagos State, Sir Michael Otedola on Monday May 5, 2014 at the fruitful age of 87. “While Pa Otedola has left us at a very painful

moment, we must also thank God for the life he lived. I am honoured to have worked under his leadership, as Governor of Lagos State when he appointed me Director, Lagos State Bulk Purchasing Corporation (LASBULK). I knew him to be a perfect gentleman, an icon of excellence and one of the finest politicians our nation has ever produced. “Sir Otedola was a real human being. His modest lifestyle and love for humanity was characterized by his philanthropic efforts, which touched and transformed the lives of many Lagosians and Nigerians across the world. Indeed, Nigeria has lost a rare gem."

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Sympathisers and FRSC officers removing the bodies of the victims.

Two die as building T collapses

INFERIOR MATERIALS Ondo State Government says use of low quality materials responsible for the collapse of the building which claims two lives

Babatope Okeowo Akure

wo persons were reportedly killed yesterday while three others were critically injured when an uncompleted two story-building collapsed in Akure, the Ondo State capital. The building, located on Akure - Ado-Ekiti Road, according to the residents, is meant for a private secondary school. The proprietor has a group of schools in Akure and Ondo in Ondo West Local Government Area. A witness, Mr Abiodun Sunday, told journalists at the scene that the building collapsed about 7am with a loud sound which attracted the neighbours.

I was lured into robbery, set up –Suspect Juliana Francis

suspect, simply identified as Victor, is angry with his accomplice, Ajao Musbau aka Alewedo, for luring him into robbery and turning around to assist police in catching him. Victor said he complained to his friend, Musbau, that feeding his family was getting tough daily and that he was tired of collecting handouts from his friend. According to a police source, he had begged his friend to introduce him to his line of business. “But I didn’t tell him to introduce me to robbery. He planned with the police to catch me. In fact, it was only twice I went to rob with him. It was only one car we snatched. “He went for a robbery and they arrested him. I didn’t go with him to the operation where he was arrested,” he said. Victor was arrested after Musbau called and told him to meet him

Sanctity

somewhere; that there was an operation they would be going for. Victor dashed to the rendezvous but while he was discussing with Musbau, policemen appeared from nowhere and arrested him. Preliminary investigation shows that Musbau is an Indian hemp seller who heads a robbery gang in Lagos. Musbau, who used to sell hemp at Alakoko area, was used as bait by the police to catch other members of the gang. Also in police custody, are Sunday and Emmanuel Ajao. The police also recovered four locally-made guns and 24 cartridges from the gang. Musbau was said to have been arrested while returning from a robbery operation. While being quizzed by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) detectives, Musbau named Victor. According to Victor, Musbau told him that he would assist him with a job, if he knew how to drive very well. He said: “Musbau told me that

somebody wanted a car, that there was a place we should go and collect the car at Ikorodu. When he said that, I told him that I have two friends, who can also go with us. I wanted to know how we would collect the car, but Musbau said I should not worry.” On the fateful day they would go for the operation, Musbau came with four guns, while Victor came with the two friends he had earlier promised to get. “They left for Ikorodu that night and succeeded in snatching a Camry car. Victor said he later didn’t know how Musbau disposed the car. But he was given N80,000 for that operation,” a police source said. Victor kicked against the sharing formula after he discovered that Musbau took the lion’s share. He wanted Musbau to share the money equally, but the friend said that it was not done in any gang. Two weeks later, Musbau called Victor for another operation. The operation was at Ojota area of Lagos State.

He said the neighbours invited security agents including fire service, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSDC) and Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC). According to him, two persons who died were removed from the rubbles by the security agents. He added that one person was critically injured and taken to the hospital. Sunday said the workers had already resumed for work at the site when the incident occurred. According to him, those who died wanted to escape when they heard the sound of cracks but were trapped in the process. The Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Dr Bade Omoloja, told journalists at the scene that the building was not approved and that two different directives had been given to stop its construction. He said: “It is tragic that we just lost two boys and three others are in critical condition due to negligence and stubbornness of designers and engineers.” Omoloja said that inferior materials were used for the building. Similarly, the Commissioner for Works, Gboye Adegbenro (an engineer), said the collapse was caused by structural failure. Adegbenro added that government would set up a committee to forestall similar occurrence in future. The South-West Zonal Coordinator, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr Iyiola Akande, advised the government to maintain adequate supervision of building construction. He stressed that it was not sufficient for government officials to sit down in office and approve without proper monitoring by competent and structural engineers. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Wole Ogodo, described the incident as catastrophic and disturbing. Ogodo said the security personnel were on ground to ensure successful rescuing operation and to check the activities of hoodlums at the scene.

Ogunjobi leading the exercise

Pas don

Camillus Nna Charles Onye

o reduc the Fed mission a new a The prog sengers spea drivers,” wa the Lagos- Ib Speaking African Roa (WARSO), U Mowe Com Commander said the exec held in Coton April 24 to 26 that every M regional Safe mittee compr West African practice road Ogunjobi was to invo in issues per

Amarachi: Poli

Taiwo Jimoh

he father of an eight-year-old girl, who was reportedly kidnapped by a policeman identified as Augustine Gbuchenge, has accused police of not doing enough to resolve the issue. The 52-year-old Patrick Unyebuchukwu told our correspondent yesterday that since the incident about two weeks ago, the police were yet to invite him or apprehend the policeman. Unyebuchukwu called on the Inspector General of Police Muhammed Abubakar and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko, to arrest Augustine for the safety of his daughter, Amarachi. The said he was surprised at the way the police were handling his daughter’s case. He said: “My daughter told me on her sick bed that the fleeing mobile policeman used pressing iron on her head, when she wanted to run out from his apartment. She said immediately

the iron hit he conscious. “I am surp police are han ter, especially State MOPOL ron where the policeman cla was his beat the command of the Squad denied ever kn ing him. “I was not vited by anyb since the inci happened. My and I were the taking care daughter with sistance from members. “Although t don’t know h worked at Ket and lately Aje But while f

Confab: Nigeria needs restructuring to survive –Elliot/ PAGE 18

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2015: 500 POLITICIANS TO WATCH

Ex-Customs officers, Army Generals dominate Kebbi The people of Zuru Emirate in Kebbi South Senatorial District have neither produced a governor nor deputy governor in the state. This time around, the political elite, youth organisations as well as their Emir, General Sani Sami (rtd) have been agitating, pleading and lobbying other parts of the state for power to shift to them. However, it seems that not everyone is listening to their plea as aspirants from Gwandu emirate are bent on maintaining the status quo. IBRAHEEM MUSA reports

n 2007, General Mohammed Magoro (rtd), now a senator, wanted to run for the governorship of Kebbi State. Wealthy, well connected and very popular, Magoro cashed in on Zuru people’s sentiment of marginalisation. Since 1991, when Kebbi was created, no person from Zuru emirate has ever governed the state, whether as a Military Administrator or civilian governor. Comprising Dakarkari, Dukawa and Fakawa, including Kelawa, Gellawa and Dankawa as well as Achifawa ethnic groups, the area has never produced even a deputy governor for the state. Alhaji Abubakar Musa, Garkuwan Yauri, was the first civilian governor of the state but he ruled for only 22 months. Musa, a retired customs officer, is from Yauri emirate while his deputy, Alhaji Sani Aliyu Augie hailed from Argungu emirate. In 1999, Alhaji Mohammed Adamu Aliero, another retired customs officer, assumed the mantle of leadership seven years later. Aliero, who is from Gwandu emirate, governed for eight years and within that period, he had three deputy governors, all of them from Argungu. In quick succession, there was Alhaji Abdullahi Argungu, who was impeached, Alhaji Suleiman Argungu and Alhaji Bello Dantani Argungu. Significantly, at one time or the other, Gwandu, Yauri and Argungu emirates have produced either the governor or deputy governor of Kebbi State in its 20 years of existence, leaving Zuru emirate in the lurch. Similarly, the people of Zuru had other complaints, especially on the uneven distribution of projects. The area, according to them, have not enjoyed a fair share of democracy dividends and for that reason, most people from the area felt alienated from government, disenchanted with

the system and frustrated with democracy. Well educated, had working and highly productive, Zuru people embraced western education very early and for this reason, their sons and daughters are found in every sphere of human endeavour, spanning the civil service, the Organised Private Sector as well as the informal sector. In particular, they dominate the military and paramilitary services because just about every household in Zuru emirate boasts of either a serving or retired soldier or policeman, as well as a customs or Immigration officer. In addition, the electorate have always voted solidly for the ruling party at every democratic dispensation but the governorship had always eluded them. So, against this background, Magoro came like a knight in shiny armour and Zuru people saw a messiah in him. However, in spite of the home support, the retired general campaigned hard, reached out to other emirates and built bridges of understanding across the state. Notwithstanding, he never went beyond the primaries as Alhaji Usman Nasamu Dakingari, the then All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) candidate, crossed over to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and in the spirit of consensus, the man became PDP’s flag bearer. The rest, as it is often said, is now history as Dakingari won the election and subsequent re-run following the court verdict that nullified his victory. However, this time around, the people of Zuru are determined to produce the governor in 2015. The movement, in a manner of speaking, is becoming a do-or-die affair as youths from the area are fuming. On April 22, the Zuru Youth Movement for Democracy, Abuja chapter, issued a bellicose press statement. In summary, Alhaji Dantani Dio Zuru, the movement’s President, said that if his area does not produce the next governor, “the Federal Government should carve it out of Kebbi State because the state is not meant for Gwandu and Argungu emirates alone.” To achieve this power shift, an 18-man committee has been up to screen, scrutinise and pick a consensus set candidate for Zuru emirate. The committee is headed by Alhaji Wakala Diri and has gone round the state to persuade other emirates to give Zuru a chance. In addition, the committee is also trying to put its house together and according to reports, it has reconciled the fractious Zulu elite who have been working at cross purposes for a long time. So far, about 15 aspirants are being considered, out of several others, to fly the Zuru flag of consensus but gradually, the crowd is thinning out. However, as at last April, the committee has not yet made its pick from these men of timber and calibre. Specifically, Senator Magoro and General Tanko Ayuba (rtd), former Military Administrator of Kaduna State and an ex-Senator as well as Alhaji Zubairu Turaki, a staff of the presidency, are the top contenders among 15 aspirants that have shown interest. Others include General Muhammadu Dan Hanne Isah (rtd), former Commandant of Infantry Corps, Jaji; Alhaji Bala Ibn Na’Allah, ex-federal legislator and Mr. Isiyaku Daudu, a former commissioner, as well as Alhaji Hussaini Adamu, and Alhaji Bala Ubadawaki, a state legislator representing Fakai constituency. CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

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Kebbi: Dakingari, Aliero, Turaki, Bamaiyi, Ayuba, CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 3

Understandably, even if PDP concedes to pressures and zones the governorship to Zuru, aspirants from other emirates will still try their luck either within the party or in the All Progressives Congress (APC). Presently, APC is almost comatose in Kebbi State but the governor’s decision whether or not to anoint a Zuru candidate, will definitely swell its ranks. Specifically, if a Zuru man emerges as PDP’s flag bearer, the other aspirants will flock to the APC and vice versa. In both Gwandu, Argungu and to a large extent Yauri emirates, there is a long list of aspirants waiting to be anointed or ready to take the bull by the horns elsewhere. However, in spite of everything, Governor Saidu Dakingari and other aspirants from other zones or emirates will ultimately decide who becomes the next governor of Kebbi State. Below are the prominent politicians in the state, their strengths and weaknesses as well as those who hold the aces that will produce the next helmsman of the “Land of Equity,” as Kebbi State is known. Saidu Dakingari: Holding the four aces In this clime, incumbent governors across all political divides, more than the electorate, usually determine their successors. In most cases, such anointed candidates coast to victory without much ado. However, Bauchi and Kano states prove to be exceptions to this general rule. In 2007, as a relative underdog, Malam Isa Yuguda snatched victory from Governor Ahmed Muázu’s candidate to become governor of Bauchi State. Similarly, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso retrieved his mandate by defeating Governor Ibrahim Shekarau’s candidate in Kano State. Significantly, these cases are few and far in-between and in Kebbi State, this bravura act is a distant possibility. Dakingari, in the last eight years, has transformed Kebbi from rural to a semi-urban state. Unlike Rivers, Bayelsa or Cross River states, Kebbi is not oil producing. Monthly, its average statutory allocation is around N2 billion, a paltry sum for an oil producing state. In Niger Delta, a local government gets as close to Kebbi state’s monthly allocation from the federation account. Similarly, unlike Kano, Lagos or Anambra states, the nation’s industrial hubs, there is no industry in Kebbi and commerce is at subsistence level. Consequently, internally generated revenue is almost nil in the state. So, with little or no internal revenue, the state relies on the federation account to pay salaries, provide social amenities and build infrastructure. However, the Dakingari administration, within six years, has transformed Kebbi in all facets. In particular, the present government did not just add value to others’ efforts but charted a different course in several respects. The governor’s prudence, knack for due process and respect for Financial Regulations as well as other civil service rules, have freed and conserved resources to provide dividends of democracy. The governor, according to reports, is looking for a successor that will carry on from where he will leave, by taking Kebbi to greater heights. As the nation approaches 2015, he is the dominant figure in the state. Mohammed Adamu Aliero: The governor’s

Dakingari

Aliero

Turaki

Magoro

godfather Dakingari’s predecessor, Senator Aliero was governor of the state between 1999 and 2007. A retired customs officer, he served his eight years as governor, won a senatorial seat and became Minister of the Federal Capital Territory afterwards. Aliero, against all odds, handpicked Dakingari to succeed him but along the way, they fell out. In the end, Aliero was sacked as minister following Dr. Goodluck Jonathan’s elevation to president. Significantly, this further widened the chasm between Aliero and Dakingari. In frustration, the former had decamped to the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and supported Alhaji Abubakar Malam, his friend and former colleague in the customs, to contest against Dakingari in the 2011 election. However, Aliero returned to PDP after the election and the CPC lost its steam as a result. The governor and Aliero, according to reports, have

mended fences but the truce may not hold out for long, especially in the race for 2015 elections. Specifically, Aliero wants to return to the Senate but Dakingari, according to reports, has another candidate for Kebbi Central. Like Aliero, Dakingari wants to transit to the upper legislative chamber in 2015. Right now, Aliero’s supporters are still in APC and the ex-governor, in the event that PDP denies him ticket, may return to his former party and contest for Senate. Although he will not run for governorship, Aliero will definitely determine where the gubernatorial pendulum swings in 2015, whether to Zuru land or elsewhere. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki: Perennial guber aspirant A two-time gubernatorial candidate, Alhaji Kabiru Turaki (SAN) is still eyeing the governorship of Kebbi State. In 2003, the present Minister of

Special Duties contested on the platform of the ANPP but Aliero defeated him. Similarly, in 2007, he got a ‘presidential mandate’ from Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the then president, to contest but that seal of approval was jettisoned. On February 6, 2007, Aliero substituted him for Dakingari and in anger, Turaki crossed over to the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in pursuit of his ambition. Yet again, he lost to Aliero’s protégé. Similarly, he contested in 2011 and lost. But in 2012, following the Supreme Court verdict that voided Dakingari’s election, Turaki defected back to PDP along with Aliero and other CPC chieftains. In June 2012, Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed was sacked as Defence Minister and Kebbi politicians began jostling for the post. Specifically, retired General Bitrus Ushe’s name was mooted as replacement but PDP top brass kicked against it. At that time,

POLITICS

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Friday, May 9, 2014

2015: 500 POLITICIANS TO WATCH

Magoro, Bagudu, Argungu battle for control fair-complexioned senator from Mahuta, headquarters of Fakai Local Government, in 2015

CCC

Mallam

the state was polarised by Ushe’s nomination as Zuru emirate, from where he hails, supported him. However, the PDP state leadership denounced his choice, arguing that Ushe didn’t contribute to the growth of the party. Bottom line: the retired general cannot reap where he did not sow. Subsequently, Ushe’s nomination was stymied and his loss became Turaki’s gain as the latter became Minister of Special Duties. Once again, Turaki is said to be oiling his gun in order to take a shot at the governorship. In this bid, the minister will leverage on his experience, structure and exposure as a serial gubernatorial candidate for the task ahead. In addition, being close to Aso Rock will be an added advantage. Mohammed Magoro: Opposition from home Businessman, retired Army General and former Minister of Internal Affairs, Senator Magoro represents Kebbi South at the upper legislative chamber. Magoro took the best shot yet at the governorship of Kebbi in 2007 but he fell short of clinching it. The senator, according to reports, is still eyeing the Government House at Birnin Kebbi but unlike 2007, his chances are now much slimmer. Specifically, the people are yearning for a paradigm shift from the old brigade to the new breed. Magoro and his ilk have bestrode Kebbi like Colossuses in the last 20 years. However, they have added little or no value to the people, Zuru land in particular

Ayuba

Bagudu

The people of Zuru had other complaints, especially on the uneven distribution of projects. The area, according to them, have not enjoyed a fair share of democracy dividends and for that reason, most people from the area felt alienated from government, disenchanted with the system and frustrated with democracy or Kebbi State in general. Alhaji Musa Garba, the leader of Youth Vanguard for Good Governance has declared that “In Kebbi State, we are looking for both power shift and generational shift,” . Magoro and others, according to him, have shares in bluechip companies, influence at both state and federal levels but have not leveraged on these connections to empower other people. All politics, to a large extent, is local and this opposition from the home front may work against the

Abubakar Tanko Ayuba: Playing elitist politics Like Magoro, General Abubakar Tanko Ayuba (rtd) is part of the old guard that the people want to break away from. Similarly, he has been Minister of Communications, Kaduna State governor and senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. An amiable gentleman, Ayuba is receptive to people but his politics is elite-centred. Significantly, as Minister of Communications, he employed a lot of Zuru people in the defunct NITEL and present NIPOST, two parastatals under his ministry. However, at a point, he had virtually relocated to Lagos, running his businesses and coming home occasionally. Specifically, he fell on hard times and it was Alhaji Abba Aliero, a businessman and brother to Governor Aliero, that pulled him away from the brink, dragged him into politics and bankrolled his election. By so doing, Ayuba became a senator and from 2007 to 2011, he was at the upper legislative chamber. However, in spite of this, Ayuba does not have the populist attitude and the common touch of a politician. Largely, he is surrounded by friends and well wishers but makes no attempt to widen his political circle. Essentially, the gentleman from Dirin Daji has the exposure, experience and education to lead Kebbi State but he is incapable of winning even the PDP primaries. He is going to play a role in the 2015 elections. Mohammed Dan Hanne Isa: Son of another soil For General Mohammed Isa (rtd), the initial support following his ouster is fast fizzling out. The excommandant of Nigerian Infantry Corps Centre, Jaji was the helmsman when the military cantonment was bombed in November 2012. The general, was summarily retired and many northerners cried foul at his removal. An army chief material, politics worked against him and General Azubuike Ihejirka, the former Chief of Army Staff, was widely seen as his nemesis. The Jaji bombing allegedly provided the alibi for Isa’s retirement. Back home, the Zuru born Infantry officer joined the ranks of retired generals of his hometown. Suddenly, his posters appeared in a few places, proclaiming a gubernatorial ambition. In addition, Isa started appearing at public functions, echoing the sound bites of unity, the marginalisation of Zuru people and the need to forge ahead. Specifically, he chaired the 2013 Uhola festival organising committee. Particularly, Uhola festival is dear to Zuru people as it is an occasion to showcase their culture, farming prowess and marksmanship, as well as bravery. With time, politicians, youth groups and various organisations in Zuru land started thinning out, realising that Isa didn’t have as much money to throw around as they thought. However, Governor Dakingari is allegedly backing him but some Zuru elite are not favourably disposed to Isa’s bid. Born in Zuru, retired General Isa’s paternal parentage is from Katsina State but his mother is an aborigine. So, to most elite, Isa is a ‘settler’ but this sentiment is not shared by the masses to whom the retired officer is a hero. Bala Ibn Na’Allah: The proverbial prophet A lawyer, ex-legislator and retired officer with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Hon. Na’Allah is now a professional pilot. As a legislator, the former House of Representatives member served on the Judiciary Committee between 2007 and 2011. In that capacity, Na’Allah gave useful insights to law-making, including interpreting the intendment of the Constitution as well as untying knotty House rules. However, Na’Allah is like the proverbial prophet who is more celebrated abroad. At home, his people see him as wily, sleek and somewhat tight-fisted. For this reason, the youths and ‘professional politicians’ see him as arrogant. Since leaving the House of Representatives, the lawyer turned politician is still popular in Zuru emirate and Kebbi State as a whole. However, he is rarely seen because he is mostly airborne, criss-crossing the country, looking over his investments and piloting well heeled clients to variCONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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Will power shift to Zuru in Kebbi State? CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 5

Ideally, having won two elections on its ticket, Bagudu could have contested on the PDP platform. However, with Dakingari’s ambivalence and the Zuru agitation for power shift, he is rethinking the platform on which to run for the governorship. Consequently, Bagudu has devised a Plan B and the senator, according to reports, may defect to the APC and contest on its platform. Already, his allies have crossed over but Bagudu is still watching events closely. However, many dissatisfied aspirants, following PDP primaries, will troop to APC in order to actualise their gubernatorial aspirations. So, the ticket will not be there just for Bagudu’s taking. In this regard, he won’t get it without a fight.

ous destinations. As yet, Na’Allah has not indicated interest in the governorship race but he is mulling over it. Whether or not he decides to run for the position, he will play a big role in who becomes governor, and whether or not the candidate is from Zuru. Bello Haliru Mohammed: Man of all seasons For over three decades, Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed has been in public service, beginning from 1977 when he was Commissioner of Education is old Sokoto State, comprising present day Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi states. In 1979, instead of pitching tent with the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), the dominant party in his state, Mohammed went to GNPP and became its secretary. Later, the vetinary doctor contested for the deputy governorship. Subsequently, Bello transferred his services to Rima Basin and Rural Development Authority as General Manager. In 1988, he transferred his services to the Nigerian Customs, from where he rose to the rank of Comptroller General seven years later. In 1999, when the present dispensation began, Bello started as Commissioner, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission. From then, Bello left one plum job for the other, from being Minister of Communications, to the National Vice chairman (North-West) of PDP, deputy chairman of the party and Minister of Defence. In June 2012, Bello was removed as minister, following the spate of bombings that rocked the North. Since then, he has kept a low profile. However, Bello is still powerful at Wadata Plaza, the PDP national headquarters. Having been minister, party chairman and customs boss, it is natural for him to have a stake in Kebbi ahead the 2015 elections. The Kebbi prince is still keeping things to his chest. Ishaya Rizi Bamaiyi: The kingmaker of Zuru land After his botched attempt to railroad his son to the House of Representatives in 2011, General Bamaiyi (rtd) seems to have retired from politics. Businessman, former Army Chief and community leader, Bamaiyi is interested in power shift. Specifically, he wants a Zuru man, irrespective of religion, to become the next governor of Kebbi State. In the 1990s, at the peak of his power, Bamaiyi was allegedly promoting Christian elements within Zuru, to the detriment of Muslims and this pitched him against the latter. At a time, Bamaiyi and the Emir of Zuru, General Sani Sami were allegedly at loggerheads. However, after years of incarceration and his subsequent release, Bamaiyi has mended fences with his kinsmen. Right now, the retired general has pledged resources and his various contacts to what he called “the Zuru cause.” Zubairu Turaki: A breath of fresh air The new kid on the block, Alhaji Turaki is like a breath of fresh air on the political scene of Kebbi state. Young, amiable and with deep pockets, the fair skinned blue blood is popular across age, religious and gender lines. Barely 50 years of age, Zubairu is seen as a break away from the past, where retired generals held sway in Zuru politics. In addition, profession-

Bande

Turaki

Bello

Argungu

al politicians, Hausa community and settlers see him as an accommodating liberal. Similarly, apart from Zuru land, Zubairu is also popular in other emirates, especially Gwandu, Yauri and Argungu, where his popularity has even preceded him. In these emirates, most people seem to like him even when they haven’t seen him. Presently, Zubairu is an Assistant Director with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) office, an appendage of the Presidency. Specifically, the Conditional Cash Transfer, a poverty alleviation safety net, is under his portfolio and he has travelled widely to perfect it. Armed with empirical data and a work plan, Zubairu has set up a think tank to draw up a practical, people-oriented and easy to fund poverty alleviation programme for Kebbi State. This proposal, according to reports, has been selling his widely touted candidacy within the elite. In addition, Zubairu is allegedly leveraging on his connections in the presidency. In particular, he has Bamaiyi’s support and according to reports, the retired general is ready to finance his campaign. Also, he is widely believed to be the consensus candidate of the Wakala committee. However, after all said and done, Zubairu needs Dakingari’s endorsement to scale the PDP primaries and clinch the governorship.

ing a disagreement with Abba Aliero, the governor’s younger brother. Undaunted, Malam soldiered on and contested on the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) platform. When Dakingari and Aleiro fell apart, the latter reached out to Malam to challenge the governor’s second term bid. Together, they teamed up in the CPC and Malam was the gubernatorial candidate. Yet again, Aliero ditched him in the CPC when he defected to the PDP after the 2011 gubernatorial election. Gari Malam, as he is popularly called, is now a spent force but he will feature prominently in the 2015 permutations ahead. Like Aliero, he is also from Gwandu emirate.

Abubakar Malam: Twice bitten In 2007, Alhaji Malam, an ex-customs officer, was Aliero’s heir apparent but a few months to the election, he ditched him for Dakingari, follow-

Abubakar Atiku Bagudu: Eyeing the APC ticket From Gwandu emirate, Senator Bagudu is unperturbed by the agitation for power shift as the reticent politician is eyeing the governorship of Kebbi State in spite of this political arrangement. In 2008, following Aliero’s appointment as minister, the fair skinned, soft spoken and suave international businessman won the byelection on PDP’s platform. In 2011, he defeated Aliero and returned to the 7th Senate. Bagudu, as senator, chairs the powerful Committee on Interior but he is not very visible in the media. However, the senator enjoys the respect of his colleagues but his constituents see him as arrogant. Naturally, his supporters disagree with this view, arguing that Bagudu is accessible, caring and supportive of the masses.

Sarkin Yaki Bello: A soldier’s soldier Like retired General Isa, Major General Bello’s retirement was seen within the context of military politics. Bello and Isa, according to reports, were pencilled down to take over from Ihejirka as Chef of Army Staff but they had to be sacrificed for Major General Kenneth Minimah, Jonathan’s South South kinsman. As Joint Task Force Commander, Bello fought Niger Delta militants to a standstill. Thereafter, he was made General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82nd Division. Unceremoniously, Bello was retired but was made Jonathan’s Special Adviser on Counter Terrorism, a tacit reward for his JTF operations. Burly, brusque and forthright, Bello is seen as a soldier’s soldier but in recent times, his name has featured prominently as one of Dakingari’s successors. From Gwandu emirate, Bello hails from Birnin Kebbi town and he is from a family of warriors. Bello, according to reports, is the governor’s main link to national politics in Abuja and in that regard, the retired general has allegedly shielded him from the anti-graft agencies. Largely, it is generally believed that as a quid pro quo, Dakingari will support Bello to succeed him. However, Gwandu emirate has produced Aliero and Dakingari. So, Bello’s candidacy may be stoutly resisted, especially from Argungu and Zuru emirates. Tijani Muhammad Bande: The joker in the pack Lecturer, author and administrator, Prof. Bande is the Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPS), Kuru, Jos. Before then, he had lectured at Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, held various academic and administrative positions, before becoming the Vice Chancellor. Thereafter, Bande went to Morocco, as Director General of the Centre African de Formation et de Research Administrative Pour le Department. Afterwards, he relocated to NIPSs. Bande’s rich experience notwithstanding, the Director-General is highly regarded as honest, incorruptible and dedicated to his duties. Specifically, these qualities more than anything, endeared him to Governor Dakingari. The governor, after toiling to build infrastructure, a huge cash reserve and a professional civil service, wants to bequeath the state to clean hands. Incidentally, Bande fits that bill and that explains why he is seen as the joker in the governor’s pack. As yet, Bande’s candidacy is widely speculated but not a single poster of CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

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Dr. Muiz Banire served as Commissioner for Environment for 12 years in Lagos State and is presently the interim National Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Congress (APC). In this chat with WALE ELEGBEDE, he speaks on the recently concluded congresses of his party and the zoning of Lagos governorship ticket, among other salient issues. Excerpts:

Banire: Implosion possible in Lagos APC if… I have always begged them and appealed to the leadership of the party at all levels that we need to manage our success, if we do not, there could be an implosion

The recently concluded congresses of your party, the APC, had hitches in some states. How would the party resolve those contradictions as your national congress approaches? For those states where there are hiccups, the appeal committees are there already and the harmonisation committee would take over from them. There is really no cause for alarm. It is not an unexpected situation. In all parties, you expect factions. That is why I said the harmonisation committee will be able to reconcile them, apportion and appropriate some of the offices. It’s possible we lose some people in the process, it is just normal.

row and say we are zoning it to Mushin, nobody can query me because that is my own view. Also, the issue of religion does not come. Are we going to have primaries for Lagos governorship in APC? Certainly, there will be primaries because the constitution mandates it. So, all the parameters being canvassed like zoning, age-limits, religion will be considered by people in determining who wants to represent them at the primaries. This is not a military regime. At the primaries, those factors may likely count. Is the APC aligning with Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State on his genocide allegation against the North by the Federal Government and what is the way out from these insecurity challenges? That is not the position of the APC. It is simply imperfection of issues. The governor is entitled to his own opinion and it is a matter of opinion. On the security challenge in the country, the APC is not in charge of government at the federal level; we can only follow events and keep on praying.

What is your reaction to insinuations that some members of the interim executive of the APC are lobbying to be returned as substantive members of the executive during the congress? I am not aware of that. I am part of the interim team and I have not been jostling for anything. You were recently quoted to have said recently that you are not interested in Lagos governorship. But a section in the Mandate Group is pushing for your candidature? I have never been interested. It is one thing for people to put you forward but it is another thing for you to have interest in what they are asking you to do. Like I said, Lagos governorship is not an attraction for someone like me. Is it because the zoning arrangement of your party does not favour you that necessitated your backing out from the race? There is no provision for zoning in the Constitution of APC. But your party said it has zoned the governorship ticket to Lagos East? Which party? Has the national body said anything like that? I am not aware

Banire

of anything like that from the national body of the party. With the controversy trailing the zoning of Lagos governorship, do you foresee an implosion in the APC? I have always begged them and appealed to the leadership of the party at all levels that we need to manage our success, if we do not, there could be an implosion. Don’t you think your supporters might be jolted with your decision not to run in 2015? Yes, it is possible. I have always told them that what I believe is that there

are several people who can carry out several responsibility that we haven’t considered, provided however that they are politicians. I have always advocated and supported professionals who are in the political arena. Do you think the zoning of Lagos governorship emanates from the stable of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu? To be candid, I have told you that there is nothing like that in the APC as far as I am concerned. I am a lawyer and my last discussion with him (Tinubu) is that let the party’s constitution prevail. People are entitled to their opinion. I might wake up tomor-

There were insinuations that the APC may field a Muslim-Muslim ticket in 2015 presidential election? This is news to me. I am not in the picture of such plan. I am one of the advocates of merit in all position regardless of ethnicity, religion or gender. Even in civil service position, put the best in the right position. The APC is a new party and there are more people that are more focused in the party now. Most likely, we will see people making efforts towards complying with the provision of the constitution of the party because there are constitutional provisions for all these things. I don’t expect any manoeuvring in the choice of candidates.

Ex-Customs officers, Generals dominate Kebbi CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 6

the professor can be seen in the state. In addition, he has not consulted any individual, interest group or political party for support. Similarly, he doesn’t have the resources to fund a campaign. However, this is part of Dakingari’s game plan. Tacitly, the governor gave his nod to various aspirants and they are already campaigning. With time, some will burn themselves out while others will simply fizzle out. Along the line, the remaining few will be too far gone for any to step down for the other. Dakingari, according to reports, will spring up Bande as his anointed candidate and thereafter, he will mobilise state machinery behind the professor. However, Bande is still sitting pretty at NIPSs, unmoved by this speculation.

Suleiman Argungu: One of the pillars of APC When Governor Aliero defected to PDP, Alhaji Argungu, his deputy stayed put in ANPP. Surprisingly, Argungu resigned instead of engaging in endless power struggles. Defending his action, Argungu had argued that defection “does not help democracy and does not help you as a person.” Through thick and thin, he remained in the ANPP, refusing to go to the ruling PDP or bow to the CPC wind of change. Rather, he built ANPP, refocused the party and tried to sell it to the electorate. However, with the merger of ANPP, CPC and ACN, Argungu is now in the APC. In Kebbi State, he is one of the pillars of the party. Right now, there are speculations that he may contest for the governorship, as he did previously. Significantly, Argungu is seen as

principled by some people while others see him as cantankerous. In 2015, the electorate will decide that, assuming he clinches the APC nomination. All said and done, the choice of who becomes what in Kebbi come 2015, from his successor, to the councillor at the ward level, including council chairmen as well as state and federal legislators, rests largely on Governor Dakingari. In Kebbi State, the governor’s penchant for surprises is legendary and no one can guess what is up his sleeve. Dakingari may either succumb to the Zuru demand for power shift or surprise everyone by acceding to the unexpected. Whichever way he decides, the losers will troop to the APC and slug it out with his chosen candidate. But in a state like Kebbi, government’s influence is far-reaching and its will often prevails.

Bamaiyi

18 POLITICS Elliot Uko is the assistant secretary of Igbo Leaders of Thought and convener of Igbo Youth Movement. He speaks on the ongoing National Conference, the marginalisation of Ndigbo, among other issues, ETAGHENE EDIRIN reports How do you appraise the national conference so far? It is too early to make comments on it, but what has become very clear, is the distinction between Nigerians who understand the issues and those who don’t. A vast majority of commentators regrettably do not understand the real issues. Patriotic and deep thinking compatriots who agitated for a national conference of ethnic nationalities, whose decisions will be affirmed through a referendum in order to produce a new constitution, had only one thing in mind: A new, better, united and equitable Nigeria. They wanted a fair, progressive Nigeria to emerge. They wanted to put behind all the vices and evils that have held us down as a nation. They know that a restructured Nigeria will emerge as one of the leading nations on this planet. They know that equity and a new structure will transform our beloved country to a new level. They are passionate about the survival and greatness of Nigeria. Some of them like Chief Rotimi Williams and many others have since passed on. These great Nigerians even prepared a draft bill for an enabling law to legalise the entire process. They genuinely worried about the future of Nigeria, and were inspired by the great successes of other nations which were at the same level of political and economic growth with Nigeria by 1960. They saw clearly what damage a faulty structure, wrong political culture and sleaze has done to Nigeria. They came to the conclusion that only a National Conference could save Nigeria. They also recognised the place of ethnicity in Nigerian politics and saw that a conference of ethnic nationalities that will renegotiate our terms of association is both apt and ripe at this time. These great men are few and deeply passionate about the very survival of Nigeria. Vast majority of Nigerians do not really understand the issues, that might be offensive, but that is the truth. Are you saying that the ongoing confab is different from what the agitators of a conference wanted? I am saying that the agenda was to achieve a new united, better equitable and progressive Nigeria by restructuring the polity in order to allow for positive growth and development. If this conference achieves that, that will be wonderful, if it doesn’t, our situation will be worse, because despondency and disappointment will set in. It will be clear that our inability to redirect and reconstruct our nation could mean that we lack the ability to live together in peace and unity. Already, many countries are worried at our plight. In Ghana, they do not kill each other; in Cameroun, there has not been a single incident of herdsmen slaughtering innocent villagers in their sleep; in Benin Republic, Togo, Cote D’Ivore etc, you do not hear about bombing of markets and places of worship. All over the world, people are asking, what is wrong with Nigeria? Well, what I think is wrong with us, is our refusal to face the truth. We stubbornly refuse to realise that only the truth can lift up Nigeria. The 774 local government areas and 36 states structure, will never move Nigeria forward. This faulty, inequitable structure

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, May 9, 2014

Confab: Nigeria needs restructuring to survive –Elliot breeds corruption. Regrettably, we hear that some people are determined to defend it, not because Nigeria is working, but because they want to defend advantages they have over other sections of the country. If these military creations are not overhauled, Nigeria will never know peace. My section of the country feel caged and imprisoned. Over 50 million Ndigbo are locked up in five out of 36 states. We are imprisoned in 95 out of 774 LGAs. By our population, we represent close to 30 per cent of Nigeria’s 170 million. My people want to see those prison walls fall down. We want to turn our corner of the world into Shanghai and Hong Kong, we want to explode and turn this place into Dubai. We can’t because, we are shackled and manacled by this unjust structure. Our young people are bitter about this wicked militarily imposed structure. Some of them have been waiving Biafran flags for over a decade now. Arrests and detention have not been able to deter them. Now some of them have graduated to hanging Biafran flags in Government Houses at midnight. My people are angry with the structure of Nigeria everyday. We want the prison walls to fall down. We want regional autonomy, where a more responsive and responsible leadership will transform our land, like Michael Okpara did 50 years ago. We want petrochemicals and iron and steel industries that will drive our envisaged industrial renaissance. We know that job creation will reduce unemployment, which in turn will eradicate crimes like armed robbery and kidnapping. We know that insecurity will go away and investors will come in, then our land will enjoy economic growth and stability and progress. We know that will never happen under the present unjust structure. The people who want the present structure to be sustained are those who are benefiting from this unworkable structure at the expense of the good of all. This conference will be adjudged by history as a failure if nothing significant changes in the structure of Nigeria. And if the political structure is not significantly changed, then all our problems will not only persist but grow worse. This beautiful country has great potential, but the military imposed political structure not only retards growth and progress but also encourages sleaze, ethnic and religious frictions. Are you saying that restructuring is the most important task facing Nigeria today? Yes, once you get the structure right, every other thing will fall in place. State governors and council chairmen engage in anticipatory expenditure because they know they will collect monthly federal allocations. They

My section of the country feel caged and imprisoned. Over 50 million Ndigbo are locked up in five out of 36 states. We are imprisoned in 95 out of 774 LGAs. By our population, we represent close to 30 per cent of Nigeria’s 170 million

Uko

are accountable to no one. Corruption rules the land because the masses are impoverished and therefore voiceless and powerless. Political culture is violent and electoral process undermined and subverted because politicians are desperate. Politicians are desperate because the stake is high, the gains are enormous; the winner takes all. Everybody suffers because the system is fundamentally wrong. Those who stand on the truth and demand the best for the country are vilified because the vocal majority are only interested in window dressing, and the beat goes on. Nigerian political culture is very different from that of say, Ghana. Here the powerful politician gets away with corruption not because the people do not know, but simply because he has the power to buy up and settle everybody and also has the power to deal with anybody who refuses to be bought over. So, it’s a terrible political culture. The nation simply cannot survive this way. You are the Deputy Secretary of the Igbo Leaders of Thought. Your leader, Prof. Ben Nwabueze seems not to have faith in the ongoing conference. That is not true. Nwabueze is so passionate about the survival of Nigeria, that he dedicated decades of his life fighting for a national conference that will peacefully and successfully restructure Nigeria into the great country she ought to be. Prof. Nwabueze is greatly pained that certain forces are working day and night to pervert the conference, to turn it into an avenue that would only dress the wound, ameliorate the discomfort without addressing the real virus responsible for the disease. He is pained that if the conference does not resolve the fundamental issues, it would only turn out like other conferences while the decay and dis-

eases continue to fester. Those who misunderstand him should be forgiven. I forgive them because most of them heard there’ll be a national conference, they lobbied hard and used their connections in government to emerge as delegates. They truly do not know how and why the agitation for a national conference began. They only want to be seen as delegates and important people. They do not know that the people who fought for this conference are afraid, that the aims may not be realised. They do not understand that Nwabueze means well for the country, that he is only afraid that politicians would pervert this conference. That may leave Nigeria still agitating for a real National Conference in the future. I read the Aka Ikenga fellow dismissing Nwabueze and for me it was painfulIt was a fresh rehash of the Igbo disease where people abuse our elders in their misguided believe that abusing our respected elders would launch them into relevance. As a kid, I saw them attacked Zik, some called his complaints “the ranting of an ant”. I was very close to Ojukwu, every week we sit together in his study listening to tales where Igbo elite did nothing but abuse Ojukwu. He would laugh it off. It’s an Igbo disease, where people believe that abusing our icons will push them up the ladder. What is your own take? My position is simple; if after this conference, the problems holding us down still continue, then the conference failed to achieve its objective and the agitation for genuine National Conference of ethnic nationalities, whose outcome will be ratified by a people’s referendum that will throw up a new constitution will continue and grow louder.

EDITORIAL

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Friday, May 9, 2014

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FRIday, MAY 9, 2014

The proposed Sultanate female university

he Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has revealed that an all female university is in the works. To be established by the Sultanate Council in Sokoto State, the institution would train Islamic women in medicine and other disciplines. He said the Sultanate would continue to initiate programmes aimed at supporting women to achieve their objectives, adding that: “Educating a woman is just like educating the nation. Very soon, a blue print of the proposed university would be made public.” He further pledged the Sultanate’s determination to encourage young girls to acquire western and religious education. It is germane to point out that in the past, some forms of education have not necessarily been a priority for the girl-child because of cultural beliefs, poverty and misinterpretations of religious doctrines. It is believed that the place of the girl child is primarily in her husband’s house. As a matter of fact, some cultures allow under-aged marriage of girls. One reason for some parts of the North having a higher rate of Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF). Until now, it has been challenging to successfully implement programmes that will enhance education of girls and women in the Northern region -particularly in rural communities. However, things are changing. The Child Rights Act has been passed

into law in some states but a lot more still needs to be done, as effective implementation remains a challenge. It is also instructive to note that 130 million children worldwide have no access to primary education, of which 81 million are girls. More than 75 per cent of the 3.4 million children out of school are girls in 2009; around 35 million girls were still out of school compared to 31 million boys. In Nigeria 4.5 million girls were out of school as against boys of 4 million as at 2011 most which are in the northern part of the country. The 10 states with the highest number of girls not in secondary school are found in the North West, North East and North Central Geo-political zones of Nigeria. The five states from the North West are Kebbi, Sokoto, Jigawa, Zamfara, and Katsina while those from the North East are Bauchi, Yobe, Borno, and Gombe. Niger state is the only north central state in the category, according to report published by Africa Health, Human and Social Development Information Service (Afri-Dev Info). Despite the Federal Government’s Universal Basic Education launched with fanfare some years ago, the number of girls attending schools in some northern states of the country remains abysmally low. This has been attributed to age-long religious and cultural beliefs. Education has been recognized

as the most important factor used by man to conquer his environment and it has charted his destiny. Although there are schools established in these communities, there are not enthusiastically patronized due to age-long cultural barriers. Stories were told of how some of the schools had to be shut down for some time due to lack of patronage while others remain dilapidated and unkempt. While the male child has a choice to attend, his female counterpart is strictly discouraged from pursuing even the basic elementary western education. Her ambitions are tied to the apron strings of culture and religion. This probably explains the rot and complete backwardness of these communities because mankind’s immense progress, which is evident in many landmarks, is attributed to education. It is incontrovertible to suggest that when these communities shunned education, progress appears to have deserted them for now. Other closely intertwined factors responsible for poor school enrolment for the girl child include poverty, lack of opportunities for women, a lack of conveniences at the primary schools and poorly functioning educational system. Without losing sight of the fact that it is the duty of government to provide education for all Nigerians, however, it is also important to note that government should not be left to do it alone. This involves capacity

building for establishing and supporting such novel and all-inclusive strategies such as School Management Committees (SMCs) including Parents Teachers Associations (PTAs). As well as methods to build the capacity of government, civil society organizations and community leaders. An enabling environment should be encouraged to allow them fulfill and extend their roles. Strategies should be in place to track education budgets, provide links between the schools and the wider community, and engage with local and state governments as well as private sector and donor agencies. Other significant interventions include relentless public enlightenment campaigns, free and compulsory education, scholarship, bursary awards, automatic employment, and overseas advance educational trainings amongst others. We therefore commend the efforts of the Sultanate which in its wisdom, deems it necessary and appropriate to set up a female university, the very first of its kind in the country. This pioneering effort will help in no small measure to ginger more girls in the north to get educated; it will also help to reduce poverty of ideas as the society will no longer be vulnerable to innuendoes, insinuations and mendacities. The step taken by the Sultanate therefore is a right step in the right direction and must be lauded and supported by all well-meaning Nigerians. GABRIEL AKINADEWO Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief IKE ABONYI Deputy Managing Director/DEIC FELIX OGUEJIOFOR ABUGU Managing Editor, South SULEIMAN BISALLA Managing Editor, North YEMI AJAYI Editor, Daily LAURENCE ANI Editor, Saturday EMEKA MADUNAGU Editor, Sunday LEO CENDROWICZ Bureau Chief, Brussels MARSHALL COMINS Bureau Chief, Washington DC SAM AMSTERDAM Editorial Coordinator, Europe EMMAN SHEHU (PhD) Chairman, Editorial Board GEOFFREY EKENNA News Editor PADE OLAPOJU Production Editor TIMOTHY AKINLEYE Head, Graphics ROBINSON EZEH Head, Admin.

Sanctity of Truth

OPINION Doubts dabble in Dimka’s demise I

n the next couple of days, official records will mark 38 years of the execution ,by firing squad of Lt.Col Bukar Suka Dimka. The death was as a result of the February 13, 1976 mutiny that consumed Gen. Murtala Mohammed. However, i want to be convinced that Dimka was really shot the day he was reported to have died.My doubts stem from the fact that Dimka’s execution was the second batch of the journey to the great beyond.The first round involved such high profile names as Gen. Iliya Bisalla,Defence Commissioner,Col. Abdul Wya, commander Artillery Corps,Lt.Cols Ayuba Tense,Ahmadu Aliyu,A.B. Umoru and T.K. Adamu.That was on March 11, 1976 at the Lagos Bar Beach. The Dimka group faced the bullets on Saturday May 15,1976. Seven of them,Compol Joseph Dechi Gomwalk,first governor of Benue Plateau state,Lt.Col Isa Bukar,Maj. Kola Afolabi,Lt. Sabo Kwale,Warrant Officer Two E. Bawa and Mr. Isaac Shayen of the Police. It was a Saturday,yet it was not a free show for Lagosians,unlike the first batch that was free for all at the beach. The second batch faced death in Kirikiri, and only journalists were allowed in.Not even the grass was given a face-lift. Dimka was all smiles as he was tied to the stake.”My only regrets, i have no will’” were his last words.At the end, his head was bowed. Curiously,there were no bloodstains on him.Quite unlike the rest.Photographs of the execution have not convinced me yet. To add to my confusion, twenty five years later, the Nigerian Tribune of February 11,2001 wrote “several

weeks after execution,their bodies were removed from Atan cemetry in two trucks at night.” I do know that such bodies are not always handed over to family and friends.Gen. Mamman Vatsa’s children are still asking for his remains.Often, such bodies are given mass burial in unmarked graves. It sounds helpful that the first batch of executions did not take place until Dimka was arrested.After the coup, he had escaped, through the help of one of the soldiers, who should have arrested him.While a massive search was on in Radio Nigeria Ikoyi,the soldier spoke in Hausa, ‘maza maza’ [fast,fast]. The coupist escaped into Ikoyi cemetry from where he disappeared to the unknown. T he manhunt began.’This man is still wanted.Phone Lagos 23711,5687852797’. Police authorities were fully at work.It got so bad that Dimka’s father even asked government to deal with his son. March 4,one Mr.C. Godwin checked into Friendship Hotel Afikpo.He drove in his Renault car with registration number ECC 6253. Godwin said he worked with the Federal ministry of Agriculture Enugu.He asked for female company and got one in Beatrice Agboti. Mr. Godwin turned out to be Bukar Suka David Musa Dimka. Information filtered in,security operatives went after him. Smart soldier,after all,he was head of the Army’s Physical Education Corps. Dimka escaped through the bathroom window, leaving the lady to receive the beating of her life. His plan to escape through the border to Cameroun was foiled by an eagle eyed bus driver Mathew Nga,although police credited their man Jika Iyah with the deed.Taken to One infantry Brigade headquarters Enugu, and presented to the public by Lt. Col Danjuma Dyeris and state police commissioner Kafaru Tinubu,Dimka was flown to Lagos. Then things began to happen.Police officer James

Friday, May 9, 2014

Danbaba, condemned to death, was set free.His offence? For being Dimka’s friend. Bisalla was shot, and he blamed Dimka. “ I would have been set free yesterday, but for this boy Dimka who implicated me. God knows i knew nothuing about it .Allah sarki”, were Bisalla’s last words. There were allegations that some of those who died might not have been part of the plot.Gomwalk, for instance, would have been saved.There was 50-50 deadlock by members of the Supreme Military Council.But the power of veto nailed him,just like Wya.Tense talked about ‘fair justice’. Dimka was not known for his bravery. He gained attention in July 1966 for murdering his brigade commander Lt.Col Israel Okoro. He chased Maj. Samuel Ogbemudia from Kaduna to Kogi through jungles and rivers in the bid to kill.Dimka’S arrest nailed so many officers. Maj. Clement Dabang, one of those who killed Gen. Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi, was bundled from the hospital bed to detention. Dimka outwitted him. Capt. Malachy Parvwang refused to fall to bullets.He was beaten to death by soldiers, after the executions. Gomwalk,was five months old in the Police force when Ironsi was killed in July 1966.Zoology graduate of the University of Ibadan,and holder of the Queen’s Badge of the Boy’s Brigade,he was one of the detectives that retrieved Ironsi’s body.He maintained innocence until the guns boomed. Wya’s European wife could not bear her husband’s death that she committed suicide soon after by crashing her car unto a trailer in Kaduna. With all these, it appears to me that it was Dimka’s word against the others.And his word was death. Gen’ Yakubu Danjuma and Hassan Katsina escaped Dimka’s fiery tongues.And the way he died has not helped matters.Although he did not disappear like Clement Yildar and Dauda Usman, his manner of death has not disappeared from my radar.

Those in favour of the Pope’s visit to Nigeria (4) Bashorun JK Randle Continued from Wednesday

ccording to her, the youths in their thou sands lynched them and macheted one of her security men who was trying to show his vigilante ID card before turning to set the other and her jeep ablaze. Muazu who was speaking in tears, said one of the security men had two wives and 13 children, while the other one had one wife and five children, adding that it took the intervention of the Ibrahim Taiwo area commander, Mr. Affam to rescue her and her children. On whether she had been contacted by Borno state government committee on the Giwa Barracks attack in Maiduguri, for assistance and possible compensation to the families of the slain security men, she said she was yet to be contacted by the committee. She called on the Borno State Government to regulate the activities of the civilian JTF, as according to her, the mob that attacked them were not in uniform and nobody could identify whether they are civilian JTF or not. Reacting to the incident, the Legal Adviser to the Civilian JTF, Mr. Jibrin Gunda said that those who attacked

her are not their members, adding that they regulate and monitor the activities of their members sector by sector, ward by ward and unit by unit. Gunda said that the members of the group, who volunteer themselves for the restoration of peace to the state, would not involve themselves in such unlawful act, stressing that anybody who has any problem of violation of his human right, should report to their office for further investigation and necessary disciplinary measures.” On March 12 2014 the “Daily Independent” newspaper carried a story that should scare the living daylight out of any prospective visitor to Nigeria unless he or she is covered by the blood of Jesus. “Rivers Police kill three, parade 30 suspected robbers” In the drive to stem down the wave of crime rate, the Rivers State Police Command said it has killed three suspected armed robbers at Umelelu community, in Elele area of the state, even as it paraded 30 armed robbery suspects, including a lady involved in various criminal activities. Parading the suspects at the Police Command headquarters in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, the State Commissioner of Police, Tunde Ogunsakin said the armed robbery suspects had some exchange of gun fire with men

of the special Anti-Robbery Squad who were on their way to attend to a distress call. He said the Police team was ambushed by the robbers who opened fire on them. “After a gun duel which lasted for some minutes three robbers were shot dead while one AK47 rifle and two magazines, twenty two of 7.62mm ammunition, one locally made pistol with four rounds of 9mm ammunition and one black Volkswagen golf with registration number AA941 UGH were recovered” he said. Ogunsakin pointed out that other suspects who were paraded were involved in other criminal activities such as kidnapping and car snatching. According to the Commissioner, “On February 20 2014, there was distress call from the Command control room that one Ibiso Orinari Atiegoba was kidnapped by a group of four armed men along Ada George Road, Port Harcourt. “The Command Anti-kidnapping unit immediately commenced an intensive search and combing of nearby bush and all suspected flash points. Following an intensive search which made them apprehensive of being arrested, the robbers dropped their victim in the bush and drove away with her jeep. However, in the course of trying to

escape they were arrested. The victim was rescued unhurt and two suspects were arrested and have confessed to their involvement in the crime. Also on March 1 2014, armed robbers numbering about five invaded a cosmetic store in Port Harcourt. Based on available intelligence which we discreetly analyzed, we swung into action and arrested two persons with one Barretta pistol with six rounds of ammunition as well as one locally made pistol. The two suspects confessed to the crime”. The CP noted that all the Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers in the State have been directed to intensity their efforts in crime fighting by embarking on intensive patrols and massive raids of suspected criminal hideouts and black spots. He warned those involved in all kinds of criminal activities in the State to have a change of heart or relocate from the State stressing that “I intend to continue to deploy my expertise in crime fighting and prevention in the State against criminals until the crime situation is brought to near zero”. To be continued • Bashorun J.K. Randle (jkrandleintuk@gmail.com) writes from Lagos

ARTS FRIDAY, MAY 9, 2014

CULTURE

21 NEW TELEGRAPH

www.newtelegraphonline.com/arts

TONY oKUYEME tony.okuyeme@newtelegraphonline.com

okuyemeogom@yahoo.com

Without culture, and the relative freedom it implies, society, even when perfect, is but a jungle. This is why any authentic creation is a gift to the future." ― Albert Camus

Experts ponder on new ideology for Africa, Diaspora development Tony Okuyeme

he Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC) 9th Global African Colloquium in Kingston on the theme, “Toward a New PanAfricanism: Deploying Anthropology, Archaeology, History and Philosophy in the Service of Africa and the Diaspora” ended with a call for among other things, the sustained production of films, movies and documentaries on historical figures and experiences from the continent and the Diaspora. Noting that the disciplines of Anthropology, Archaeology, History and Philosophy could be deployed in defining and constructing a new Pan Africanist agenda for development in Africa and the Diaspora; the educational programs are not sufficiently structured or developed to decolonize the African mind and are still generally Eurocentric in curricular and methodologies; the conference also recommended that African scholars and public intellectuals must deconstruct Eurocentric tendencies and dependencies and develop epistemologies that are reflective of African realities, relevant to Africa and her Diaspora, responsive to the challenges of sociopolitical, economic and intellectual development of Africa and the Diaspora. These are among the recommendations contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the International Conference, organized by CBAAC in collaboration with the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus Kingston, Jamaica, the African Caribbean Institute of Jamaica (ACIJ), the Pan African Strategic and Policy Research Group (PANAFSTRAG), the High Commission of South Africa Jamaica, and the Nigeria High Commission in Jamaica, and held at the University of West Indies, Mona Campus, Kingston – Jamaica April 24 – 25, 2014. Despite decades of experimentation with different economic policies and programmes, the world’s absolute poor still live on the African continent. With only a few exceptions, most countries on the continent are caught in the poverty trap, with more than half of the population living below the poverty line and on less than $1 per day. The problem of poverty has been compounded by needless political crises that often resulted in violent conflicts on the continent. Unfortunately, like the African continent, the African Diaspora is also faced with its own challenges. The continent’s diaspora is plagued with the problems of socio-political and economic exclusion. Despite constituting significant segments of their countries’ population, most Diaspora Africans are condemned to the lowest socio-economic rung of the ladder in their own societies and are almost excluded from political participation. Added to these, Diaspora Africans face the challenges of domination, inequality, poverty, disease and racial discrimination. In the face of these challenges confronting Africans on the continent and the Diaspora, concerted and strategic response is required to frontally tackle them. According to the communiqué, at the end of highly engaging deliberations, the Conference observed that: “Pan

Duke (left), Babawale (3rd right) and other guests at the opening ceremony of the International Colloquium.

Africanism as an ideological framework provided a guide and direction for the course of decolonization and could be a basis for the development of Africa and the Diaspora in a globalized world; there was a significant lack of youth participation even though we were on the university campus and had youth involved in the registration process daily; Africa and the Diaspora have enough scholars and intellectual resources to fully reflect on African situations and contexts with better and deeper understanding because of the advantage of their being products of the cultural milieu of their study areas; a new Pan Africanism presupposes a new Africa which cannot be produced by the dominant forces of the West; it must be a product of informed engagement with the African past; Studies on Africa are usually guided or premised on frameworks and concepts that are developed by and meaningful to the dominant oppressive ideology; global Africans face severe identity crisis which finds manifestation in the lack of understanding by the new generation of the challenges facing Africa and its diaspora and becomes a challenge when trying to unite around collective issues; and that the changing definitions of identity both in Africa and in the Diaspora as a result of the forces of globalization.” Also, “there is a destruction of the sense of self, alienation from African cultural identities and adoption of white supremacist ontologies by Africans and Africans in the Diaspora, including those in the academia; there is a lack of correlation between economic growth and the quality of life of Africans in Africa and the Diaspora; and the need to re-define the relations of power

The production of films, movies and documentaries on historical figures and experiences from the continent and the Diaspora should be actively pursued; Africans should value each other in knowledge production and utilization between the West on the one hand and Africa on the other. Conference therefore also recommends that: “In encouraging Africans from the Diaspora to visit Africa, CBAAC and similar African organizations should provide a database of interested Diasporan Africans who would like to go to Africa as well as those in Africa who are willing to host brothers and sisters from the Diaspora; the production of films, movies and documentaries on historical figures and experiences from the continent and the Diaspora should be actively pursued; Africans should value each other. This means respecting our past, our ancestry and embracing courageously the challenge of building our future together; we need our scholars to communicate with us, they must be accountable to the African youth, be more approachable/ available to engage with the grassroots community; Elitism must be discouraged; provide funding to create a Brain Trust of best minds “experts” and “com-

munity stakeholders” who will be able to design the strategic plan for Africa and Diaspora development and implement the solutions needed; and provide funding to support initiatives and organizations committed to youth and community leadership development. Strengthen Civic societies to hold leadership accountable.” “We must develop a language we can use similar to how the European languages are taught by strengthening the mandate of the African Heritage Project; create a database of curriculum in a format easy to use by teachers, parents and community members and made available via the internet for free; create a skills database of African intellectuals and Professionals in other to identify what they are doing and could be part of Africa’s development agenda; create partnerships with Historical Black Colleges and University that can become sister universities with African universities; evaluation of the role of education and the curriculum to tie it into the findings of the needs assessment; create a comprehensive needs assessment which is adaptable to each country’s needs. This assessment will be the guiding document for the creation of education and training needs for each country and will tie into internships for college students; develop international relationships between CARICOM, African Union and the Americas; develop youth entrepreneurial programs to begin to create future business people for Africa; open up travel opportunities and remove visa restrictions between Africa and the Diaspora; establish African administraCONTINUED ON PAGE 22

22 ART

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, May 9, 2014

CORA declares 2014 ‘The Soyinka Year’ T he Committee for Relevant Art (CORA) has declared 2014 ‘The Soyinka Year’ and proclaimed the theme of this year’s edition of the Lagos Book and Art Festival (LABAF) as Freedom &The Word. CORA in a statement jointly signed by its Secretary General, Toyin Akinosho and Program Chair, Jahman Anilukapo, asserts that declaring 2014 Soyinka’s year and the LABAF theme go well together: “Soyinka has worked towards the unshackling of our freedom of expression for all these years and in the year of the 25th anniversary of the Fall of The Berlin Wall; 20th anniversary of South Africa’s democracy and the 15th year of Nigeria’s end to military rule, it is fitting to honour a landmark birthday of a man whose life-long career irrepressibly dotes on concern about human Freedom(s) with a year-long programme that interrogates our quest for freedom, especially through the letters.” Every programme of CORA in 2014, including the Art Stampede, our quarterly conversation on the state of the arts and the administration of culture;

the Arthouse Forum, our periodic symposium on interface between the lives/ work of a distinguished culture producer and the social environment, the Booktrek, CORA’s outreach intervention focused on youth education as well as the Lagos Book And Art Festival, an annual feast of celebration of the written word, and our contribution to turning Nigeria’s teeming masses into true human capital, shall reflect this honour. The Lagos Book and Art Festival 2014, which is the 16th edition, will run for from November 14 to 16 at the Freedom Park on Broad Street. Pre-Festival events, including the yearly Publishers’ Forum, Worksop for Young Writers and Publishers, as well as finale of the Book Trek, start on Monday November 10 and round up on November 13. The festival features readings and conversations around books, art and craft displays, children’s art workshops and reading sessions, book exhibitions, live music and theatre performance, capacity building workshops and exhibitions, and critical seminars for different sectors of the creative industries.

Soyinka

CNN, Multichoice, launch African Journalist Awards 2014 Tony Okuyeme

NN International and MultiChoice this week officially launched the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2014 Awards. The competition for African nationals based on the continent welcomes entries from journalists creating content targeting an African audience. Also this year, the competition has become even easier for journalists to enter, with submissions being made via the entry form website http://www.cnnmcaja.cnn. com. Executive Vice President and Managing Director of CNN International, Tony Maddox said: “Since the very beginning, these Awards have discovered and rewarded superlative African journalism across the continent. With even more of Africa’s storytellers now able to share their work with us, we expect even more outstanding entries. The categories this year also perfectly mirror the reality of today’s Africa’s multi-platform media scene. As Africa’s leading news provider, we’re delighted to play our part in supporting the excellent journalism these Awards yield annually.” CEO MultiChoice Africa, Nico Meyer said this year promises to once again highlight Africa’s best journalistic talent. “As we enter our 10th year as partners to the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards, we continue to be amazed and honoured by the phenomenal impact that this initiative has had on the continent. It certainly has been a game changer for the advancement of media development and quality journalism, showcasing top-class journalists who can compete heads and shoulders with

their peers on the world stage. This year promises to once again highlight Africa’s best journalistic talent.” South Africans Msindisi Fengu and Yandisa Monakali, from South Africa were awarded the top prize at the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2013 Awards ceremony. Their work ‘Investigation series: School hostels of Shame’, which appeared in South African daily print newspaper Daily Dispatch investigated the appalling conditions being experienced by thousands of pupils in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, uncovering hygiene and safety risks in school hostels and lifting the lid on corruption within the education department. It was chosen from 1387 entries from 42 nations across the African continent. Over the past 19 years, the competition has grown in size and status to become Africa’s most prestigious media event. In 2013, a ‘Highlights Programme’ of the ceremony, held in Cape Town, South Africa, was broadcast in 46 African countries, plus the UK, USA and the Caribbean. Open to journalists working in any medium, this year the competition will recognise excellence in the following categories: Culture Award, The Coca-Cola Company Economics & Business

The categories this year also perfectly mirror the reality of today’s Africa’s multi-platform media scene

Award, GE Energy & Infrastructure Award (NEW), Environment Award, MSD Health & Medical Award, News Impact Award (NEW), Mohamed Amin Photographic Award, Press Freedom Award, Sport Reporting Award, Francophone General News Awards – Electronic media & Print, Portuguese Language General News Awards - Electronic media & Print From these categories, an independent judging panel will choose the overall winner - The CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2014. Finalists in the 2014 competition will participate in a finalists’ programme that will include a media forum and networking opportunities with senior journalists, editors, business leaders and media owners from across the continent, culminating in a gala awards ceremony later in the year. The CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2014 will have the opportunity to participate in the CNN Journalism Fellowship at CNN Headquarters in Atlanta. GE Energy & Infrastructure Award category celebrates the role that Energy & Infrastructure play in a nation’s development. A wide-reaching topic, entries may include coverage of issues including infrastructure development projects; energy; fuel resources; roads; rail and natural resources. News Impart Award recognises stories that, as a result of their coverage, have made a tangible impact in one or more of the following areas: reaction within their target audience; changes in behaviour; policy and increased public awareness. Entries can include current affairs features; news coverage; indepth and investigative stories.

Experts ponder on new ideology for Africa, Diaspora development CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 1

tive structures on solid intellectual and academic traditions; set up task force and timeline for the realization of recommendations; and translate the communiqué into African and other European languages.” Earlier in his address at the opening of the Conference, Minister for Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, High Chief Edem Duke, while noting that the theme of this conference is relevant given the challenges and prospects of Africa’s and Africa’s diaspora development, said, “Although our countries may be separated geographically, culturally and linguistically, we share a common vision to attain economic growth, sustainable development and an improved living standard for our peoples. As a matter of importance and urgency, we must deploy and utilize these areas of knowledge in our mutual quest for development. The theme of CBAAC’s international conference is therefore relevant and timely”. The choice of Jamaica for this conference, Duke said, is a good one. “Our countries shares cultural affinity. Jamaica’s biggest cultural export to Nigeria is music and fashion. Nigeria’s Nollywood enjoys great patronage from Jamaicans. Consequently, organizing a conference of this magnitude here in Kingston will surely strengthen bilateral relationship between our countries,” he said. “I am also glad and delighted that the Centre never relents at directing attention to issues of concern to Black and African peoples through its numerous programmes. I have kept track of CBAAC’s activities and I wish to express satisfaction with what I have seen so far.” In his address, Director-Gen-

We must develop a language we can use similar to how the European languages are taught by strengthening the mandate of the African Heritage Project eral of CBAAC, Prof Tunde Babawale stated that although, the Centre engages in other activities on regular basis, “the annual international colloquium is the flagship of the series of conferences, workshops, public lectures and other intellectual programmes organized or sponsored by us. Our annual International Conference is one of such programmes that the Centre organizes not only to bring to the front burner issues affecting global Africans and the general public for intellectual discourse but it is in part fulfillment of the Centre’s mandate of reconnecting Africa and her Diaspora.” Babawale added that several reasons inform CBAAC’s decision to organize the 9th International Conference in collaboration with our partners woven around the theme: ‘Toward a New Pan-Africanism: Deploying Anthropology, Archaeology, History and Philosophy in the Service of Africa and the Diaspora’. Our resolve was motivated by the desire to confront the numerous socio-economic and political challenges facing the African continent and the Diaspora using Anthropology, Archaeology, History and Philosophy.”

MEDIA 23

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, May 9, 2014

Press Freedom, imperative for every democracy Ebere Ameh

“I

nform the public and the country will be secure.” “I believe that freedom of expression especially freedom of the press is not only a liberty, but one could say it’s the key liberty.” “No great starvation has ever taken place in a country that has a democratic regime and has even a relative freedom of the press.” These three quotes by former president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, Late Prof. Joseph Ki-Zerbo from Burkinafaso, and Economics Nobel Prize winner, Amartya Sen respectively, are what Eduardo Cue used to start his chat with Journalists in Lagos to mark this year’s World Press Freedom Day. “Three different people with different beliefs and occupation but all believe that freedom of the press is essential in a democratic society,” he said. In a digital video conference on Tuesday at the US Consulate, Lagos, Cue who is an international Journalist and Media Consultant based in France, discussed the issue of press freedom as a necessity for free, fair and violence-free elections. An election, according to him, is the key moment in a democracy. “It is the moment when the average person can actually have something to say and can have an influence in the direction of the country. But it cannot work if the public does not know, and the public can only know through the Journalists.” He enumerated the role of the media in a democratic election to include the offering of an impartial and complete information which will allow the citizens to make decisions about its country and its future; offering a coherent framework to help the citizens understand the complexity of modern world and speaking in the name of the public, thereby forcing political and economic elite to take account of their views. Others are serving as the transport for different points of view from all different people in the society; being compassionate and understanding towards the poor and disadvantaged so as to allow the citizens to understand the plight of others and offering a forum for public discussion and opening their pages and broadcast time to different points of view so that debate can go on. Cue added that “it is not just enough for Journalists to criticize, that is an easy part. What is not so easy is to do it in a responsible manner, in a way that is equitable. It is not just good enough to say such and such a person is corrupt, you have to do some work, get the facts and prove that before you go out. This is because you may be destroying people’s reputation unfairly which is not good journalism.” Citing Ki-Zerbo, he said, “..... a journalist who truly wants to contribute to the construction of a democratic society should not be the frivolous and trembling echo of his master. This master can be the leader of a political opposition, the president or the head of a multinational corporation.” Continuing, he said unfair criticism is one of the problems facing the African press, which he thinks has become so free that it has gone from supporting the government to outright criticism of the government. “It is not the role of the press in a democracy to oppose one group or ideology in order to support another one. That is exchanging one master for the other. The role of the journalist is to inform the society so that it can in turn make right decisions as to who will govern them. Their role is

President Jonathan addressing the press.

not to sing the praise of one political party or group and blindly criticize another. This has been the problem with the African press as it tries to find its way. This is particularly the case in political reporting particularly in elections.” Cue pointed out that people in power are always afraid but the role of Journalists in a democratic society is to bring these issues out and hold up a mirror to the society. According to him, a journalist is neither supposed to be a moralizer, telling people what to do, what to think, how to do and how to think, nor is he supposed to resolve the problems in the society. The Journalist only needs to make people aware of the problem. “Election period is a time that journalists can move forward a democracy. It is also very frequently, a time when journalism fails so badly because it is much too partisan and does not do the job that it is supposed to do, which is to present what is going on and try to help the people make sense of it all.” Using the allegory of the referee in a football match, Cue advised that the Political Journalist should be passionate about politics but in a removed way. “If you are so interested, be a politician,” he stated. A veteran Journalist who has spent his career covering major news events around the world, spanning elections, wars and human right issues among others, Cue noted that globally, the media is manipulated so much by those in power. Defining those in power to include politicians, heads of governments and multinational corporations, he said that even the US and the developed economies are not excluded. “In whatever system, including in well-established democracies, the general interest of the public and the

The role of the journalist is to inform the society so that it can in turn make right decisions as to who will govern them. Their role is not to sing the praise of one political party or group and blindly criticize another interest of those who have the economic, political and social powers are not the same. Generally speaking, those who have power want to hold on to the power and they will act against anyone who is a threat to their power, whether it be political or in most cases, economic power. So the role of the media is to be able to give those who don’t have a voice, who don’t have power, a voice. To allow the average citizen to be able to make his or her voice heard.” He notes that if the American press had been privy to the arguments put forward by the Bush administration for the invasion of Iraq, maybe the catastrophe would have been averted. Citing the Wiki leak saga, Snowden and the Bay of Pigs Invasion, Cue believes however that the populace is better off knowing. “History has shown in the case of national security that most of the time, the government, the people and the country are better off when information are made available to the public. For example, before the Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961, when the Keneddy Administration supported

an invasion of Cuba by Cubans who had fled the country in an effort to overthrow the Castro regime, the new York times learnt of the invasion and Kennedy himself called the Editor of the New York Times to ask that the article announcing the invasion not be published, because it will destroy the operation that was to get rid of Fidel Castro. Afterwards the invasion turned out to be a disaster and John Kennedy himself said afterwards that he was sorry about two things, no. 1, having asked the New York Times not to publish the article ahead of the invasion and, no. 2 that the New York Times listened to him. If the article had been published, the catastrophe would have been avoided.” Despite his belief in freedom of the press, Cue who has conducted media and communication trainings in several African countries, including Nigeria on behalf of the ARS and the US Embassies for more than 20 years insists that there is a limit to the freedom, which to him, is dependent on the culture. Journalists, he posited, are not angels. “In fact one of the real problems we have today is that Journalism itself is not always clean. There is a lot of corruption within Journalism, especially in places where Journalists are not well formed, not well paid, sometimes not paid at all and Journalists that don’t have much of a choice than to follow the party line, Journalist that are threatened or put in jail.” He encouraged news media owners including the government to ensure that the media organizations are financially independent, that the journalists are well paid and have conducive working conditions. Only this will help to curb undue influence by power brokers and give the populace the opportunity of objective reportage.

24 TOURISM Andrew Iro Okungbowa

igeria has vast forest reserve and conservation area with seven national parks, all enclaves of rich and diverse natural resources. Okomu National Park located in Ovia SouthWest local government area of Edo State, is one of the national parks. Like the others, it is uniquely and richly endowed with an ecosystem and natural resources, particularly fauna and flora, which should make the park an attraction for economic growth and tourists’ haven. But as revealed by the Conservator of the park, Mr. Cornelius Ojo Oladipo, it is still a long way to go in meeting the mandate of the park, given its continues engagement with the host communities, forest and animal poachers. All these are due to ignorance on the part of the communities on why they should work in conjunction with the park’s management to conserve and preserve the richness of their resources and paucity of funds, among others to effectively serve the interest of the park and the communities. What is your assessment of protection and conservation of our natural resources? Unfortunately, we all seem to forget easily where we are coming from. In the old days of our fathers, it is a taboo to invade forests either for farming or hunting. Things were organized and done in a sustainable manner. We grew up to see and know that certain types of fish are not to be harvested at their young age and when mistakenly done, they are thrown back to the river and this formed a path of conservation even though we may claim that our old people are not educated. It has even been proven that the natural resources received more protection during those periods than now and this is what gave birth to an organization such as the National Parks Service (NPS) which today effectively promotes within all the six geo-political zones in Nigeria, the preservation and protection of the country’s forests and animal resources. Indeed, with the obvious effect of climate change, increase in population and its attendant urbanization and industrialization, Nigeria needs to wake up to protect our resources from extinction. How do you engage with your host community? We design message deliberately targeted at Okomu National Park stakeholders. To our local communities, there is the continuous need to explain why we occupy their lands and hold it in trust for them. We need to explain why trees cannot be harvested and why elephants need not be hunted. This process of engagement has reduced conflict between the people and our forest rangers. On our own part, we dedicate our resources to as-

Oladipo

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, May 9, 2014

Poor funding, ignorance hamper our conservation mandate sist in grading their farm roads, health centres, schools, give seed money to farmers and hunters to engage in business that will keep them away from invading the forest and depleting the resources therein. It should also be noted that the communities around us take up about 80 percent of the job openings in Okomu National Park. What are some of the challenges in this regard? I will want to itemise them because of their impacts. The first and most important is lack of understanding of what we are doing here. Though the concept of protected areas management is not too recent with us, we however still grapple to explain to majority of the policy makers why certain acres of our landmass need to be set aside for protection and conservation. To change their perception, we need a huge publicity fund which we don’t have and to which corporate organizations can be of great help. Our location in the south-south region also provide challenges, particularly at the height of militancy in the region which has been arrested now. We pray for total elimination so that visitors within and outside Nigeria can find it a worthy experience to visit and behold mother nature and testify to the good work we are doing here. Also, population increase gives birth to logging and over exploitation of forest resources. Within and around Edo State, the growth of saw – millers are on the increase and with massive industrialization; illegal logging definitely threatens this frontier. However, through aggressive conservation, enlightenment campaigns and prosecution, we drive the process of mitigating the danger. Other challenges are poaching, infrastructural needs and communication. As you may be aware, the demand for bush meat is on the increase despite the growth of animal farming. Within our park, we have elephants, white throated monkey and

Okomu is the home of nature with a signature of un-diluted clean air and with a paradise - like environment. It is also the least disturbed forest environment in Nigeria these cannot be seem anywhere else except within our ranges, so hunters tend to target us for attacks and poaching. Remember that we are in a rain forest region, therefore the roads here pose great challenge to us and our communities. Sharing boundaries with Okomu Oil Plantation creates issues as we are sometimes mistaken for our millionaire Palm Oil producing neighbours. Like I said earlier, things are looking up security wise. For over three years that I have been here; there have been no incidence of kidnapping. As a forested area, rural telephony can help link us up with the outside world and make our location more attractive to investors and visitors. What are some of the benefits of the rich diverse and rich ecosystem of Okomu National Park? Okomu is the home of nature with a signature of un-diluted clean air and with a paradise - like environment. It is also the least disturbed forest environment in Nigeria. Okomu is home to forest elephant and white throated monkey and birds’ enthusiasts will find this ecosystem more than a passing professional interest. As a rest house of nature, tourists interested in pharmacology, research and students of Botany, have a laboratory of immense and interesting findings in Okomu. Whoever visits Okomu will forever be at peace with nature and will be transformed instantly into a nature advocate. The federal government recently upgraded the status of the national parks to that of paramilitary, what exactly it is meant to serve? We are grateful to President Goodluck Jonathan for upgrading the parks to paramilitary status. In Zimbabwe, Kenya and South – Africa, park management in these places and even in the United States enjoys the status of military command and work environment. Guns are not meant to kill anyone but to protect our flora and fauna resources from sophisticated gun carrying forest poachers.

What can light weapon do against poachers and illegal loggers armed with AK 47 and ready to waste our rangers’ lives? Our new status will help conservation and give honour to our operations. It is a global practice and a welcome development as we wait anxiously the inauguration of this new status so as to enable us effectively take charge of our forest to a reasonable extent. How do you contend with some of the conservative views that it is a waste to leave such a huge forest land in the care of the National Parks Service while the communities are left with almost depleted land to farm and hunt? We appreciate the fact that people are yet to understand our mandate particularly why we need to hold such earth resources in trust for the country and generations yet unborn. The benefits are enormous, some you can see and others intangible and not readily seen. However, we are determined to make a change, so more publicity and advocacy for change of attitudes towards our mandate would be intensified. Human beings must have conflicts but we must resolve them. We are always thinking of the community first and we hope to sustain the effort. Look at the situation at Lake Chad which has dried up due to human activities such as deforestation. This is more dangerous than HIV/AIDS and those who criticize us for not doing enough should appreciate that there are young men and women who sacrifice their lives daily to patrol the forest so that we can have clean air, provide food and safeguard water resources now and for the future. Green tourism (Eco tourism), which is a by – product of our conservation efforts can provide employment windows and drive recreation facilities. How do you source for funding for the execution of your various communities related projects and effective management of the park? Funding a huge organization as this is always an issue because you will never have access to adequate funding. However, time has come for non-governmental organizations and rich individuals who love nature to rise up and support our efforts. We help over forty communities with jobs and provide employment openings to help them to help us to protect the environment. Some of our facilities like chalets, swimming pools and other visitors’ facilities that can drive green tourism maybe opened to commercialization. We are an extractor sector and not a revenue generating agency as people tend to misunderstand the term. So in all we crave for more funding, to help us meet and manage our mandate.

White throated monkey, endemic to Okomu National Park.

Entertainment

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SOny Neme Entertainment Editor

sony.neme@newtelegraphonline.com 0811 181 3096

FRIDAY, MAY 9, 2014

More drama over Half Of A Yellow Sun A stories by sony neme

week after its botched release date of May 2, this year, in cinemas in Nigeria, the drama surrounding the certification of the well-received Half of AYello Sun appears far from over, if a press release titled: “Half of a Yellow Sun Nigerian Cinema Release – Update,” is anything to go by. In the release, Shareman Media, the Nigerian producers, and FilmOne Distribution, the Nigerian distributors of the multibillion naira film, declared: "The public release of Half of a Yellow Sun in Nigeria remains postponed due to the fact that the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has not yet certified the film. The release date will be announced once the Board has certified the film for release to the public. “The producers and distributors of the film regret this continuing delay. We are deeply appreciative of the overwhelming interest shown in the film by Nigerians everywhere. Please be assured that we are doing everything within our means to achieve certification and release as soon as possible." That was an outcome of the top management meeting with NFVCB that had earlier fired thus: “We don't fix date. The film owners decide their date after they have been presented with their certificate. We approve movies, and that is where our buck stops. We don't choose dates. I have not seen that in our books.’” New Telegraph gathered that ego more than anything else has been at the center of the rumba. There is a bit of politics too. Though procedural errors is presented as a reason by Nigerian Film and Censorship Board, NFVCB, the producers’ alleged resort to some influential Nigerians to prevail on NFVCB, apparently also worked against the early release. Sensing that as blackmail,

l Release date not feasible; ego takes toll on common sense

Chiwetel Ejiofor, their kid and Thandie Newton in Half of a Yellow Sun

the regulatory agency is said to have demanded letters of authority from those asking it to wave its regulations. Why did the film even Said: “Analogy is clear. It is like you are travelling to the come out, why did United Kingdom and you have your visa. Their embassy won't the posters and other tell you when to use it. But you promo materials must get your visa before you can travel there. The process is come out without the that we have six zones that have due process? Why previewing centres. If you are in Delta State, there is a centre in are they going on air Benin for that zone. Thewill late Amaka Igwe without our approval? “When you go there, they ask for your posters, CD jacket, synopsis and the film. At the preview, at least one of the own- before you fix your dates and ers must be there, to respond to carry out any promo.” enquiries. Those saddled with Top officers of the censorship the preview have a sheet each board who spoke on condition for verification and report. Af- of anonymity, also linked “what ter that, we will verify the docu- transpired at Toronto” during ments…If there are doubts, you the premier there, as well as the are referred to clear the areas, alleged interest of the NFVCB

OC Ukeje, Biyi Bandele, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Genevieve Nnaji, Gloria Young and others at the Nigerian premiere of HOAYS.

boss, to the current impasse . According to one of them, “what happened was that there were procedural errors, which the board is trying to amend concerning the movie. What I mean is that, after their premier in Canada, on coming down to Nigeria, they didn’t go through the normal proceedings. They were supposed to go through the normal censorship process but they did not. And they went into promos, exhibitions and screening without going through the legal route. We were not conversant with what they were talking about. So, they have to go back to the drawing board and ensure that the procedures are adhered to. That is what they are doing presently.” On the consequences of such breach, he said: “We are still discussing with them on our management decision on

the consequences. We are dialoguing with them and we will come up with some punitive measures. But, right now, we are at the process of analyzing exactly what transpired, what went wrong and why they erred. Until we come up with a positive response from them, we won’t be able to come up with an authentic response to that.” He said the possibility of the movie making it to cinema soon is a plus - minus situation. His words: “If they are able to adhere to or meet up with what they couldn’t do on time, they should be able to get their certificate and go to cinemas. But if they don’t, it would prolong, because like I said, there are procedural errors, which they are supposed to correct. Once that is done, they will hit the cinema and go to the market.” On the speculated grey areas such as French mercenaries making a mess of Nigerian security at an airport in Nigeria, Hausa killing Igbos, sex rump and some derogatory statement of the late minister of finance, he declined comment. Rather he said, “We have our sub-station in Lagos, and they have verified it. But if there are certain areas, which are not too conducive, I think they are working on it.” He waved off the gist making the rounds that the film has been screened twice in Lagos, by different three-man panel at different points, and it was only a lone vote against it. “That is very wrong information. That gist is not correct because we are accessing the whole scenario. Why did the film even come out, why did the posters and other promo materials come out without the due process? Why are they going on air without our approval? So, what are the punishments? “Our punishment… read our law and you will see our punishment there.” Another high ranking official of NFVCB, who would also not want to be identified, said: “The business dimension of it is this-- the people we relate with will also need to respect that confidentiality. You can’t go to the public in a manner that is injurious to the public, especially at this point of the country’s security challenges. That is the standard procedure anywhere in the world. And Nigerian agency, not just the regulator, should be seen to be promoting the best practices in the world. “In this case, you have an issue with a regulatory agency. Until those issues are fully remedied, and both parties agree to go public with it, the decent thing to do as a mark of responsibility is to respect the tenet of business and adhere to that bond.”

26 Entertainment

ulder Club Ultimate at Enugu , last week hosted residents of the Coal City to a twos of groove. On parade were Naeto C, comedian turned lawmaker Tony One Week, Burna Boy, Yemi Alade and fast rising rapper Sym 19. Club Ultimate, the famous urbane clubbing event, which hops from city to city, transformed the venue into a giant multi-million-naira ultimate cruise liner. The exterior was customized with detailed elements of seashore, a walkway tunnel and stylish ushers in sailor uniforms. The city came alive as thousands from neighboring towns trooped to the Polo Park Mall to witness dazzling performances from four of Nigeria’s hottest DJ’s as well as local and international acts. Darey Art Alade and Freeze of Cool FM compered the spectacular club event while the city’s finest radio presenters Tobe Dadiva in a chic all black ensemble and Lorenzo Menakaya in a one-of-akind suit glammed up the red carpet. Marketing Manager, Gulder and Legend, Emmanuel Agu said the ‘initiatives like Club Ultimate Gulder’s commitment is to provide superior, unprecedented experiences for consumers across the country while ensuring Nigerians enjoy ultimate entertainment.’ The two-day event started on a high note with Flavour’s Jazz band thrilling guests to live performances of popular local and foreign tracks. Their performance was followed by the indigenous Ikorodo dancers dressed in colourful traditional attires dancing to popular contemporary tracks from the DJ’s turntable. World-class shows from amazing international acts including Cyril Wheel, Flame Oz and Gandini Jugglers made a whole lot of difference. Some of Africa’s hottest disc jockeys DJ Neptune, DJ Caise, DJ Spinall and Big N on the famous GCU floating turntables spun back to back hit songs of Wizkid’s Caro, Davido’s Aye as well the city’s very own favourite Phyno’s to the delight of the cheering crowds till dawn. Among the special guests in attendance were Enugu State Honourable Commissioner of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Joe Mamel, Honourable Tony ‘One Week’ Muonagor, Naeto C, Burna Boy, Yemi Alade, Sym 19 amongst other distinguished guests.

Friday, May 9, 2014

Season III BurnaBoy,YemiAlade, Unleash set to begin in Lagos others storm Enugu T

he people of Ikorodu, Lagos, are poised to experience a boost in entertainment as the 3rd edition of the lifeimpacting youth-oriented talents showcasing programme, tagged “UNLEASH Your Talents” gets underway. This year’s UNLEASH is billed to hold on Sunday, 29. “UNLEASH” as the event is aptly called, according to Miss Blessing Erivona who is the project coordinator, is a youth re-orientation programme designed to discover talents as well as serving as a platform for promotion of discovered budding talents in the entertainment sector of Ikorodu division. In her words, “the concept is geared towards encouraging Ikorodu-based youths with special talents in Dance, Comedy, Music and Modeling to actualize their dreams. The event, which is an initiative of Fanafillt Integrated Concepts (the brains behind the highly successful Miss Institutes Beauty Pageant) is also to enhance the growth of entertainment industry in Ikorodu division, boost the socio-economic growth of the division and provide avenue for youths to channel their energy towards productive ventures. The project is already enjoying favorable attention from reputable prints, electronic and social media platforms.

Flavour finesse for gospel movies

Festus

Burna Boy and Yemi Alade

Absolut excites with signature cocktails

Ehiz

elebrations and excitement as premium vodka, Absolut, recently thrilled consumers with the best of entertainment. The Sunday event held at Elegushi Beach in Lagos was designed for young consumers to create unique Absolut signature cocktails at the beach. Expectedly, it sparked up excitement and unlimited possibilities with a variety of mixers made available at the popular beach. The Absolut cocktail beach party is a back-to-back groove representing a total switch from the norm, providing a veritable platform for Absolut vodka consumers and celebrities to get on the trail of an inspiring engagement. It was a fulfilling day as about 3,000 people embraced a world full of creativity and self-expression. Absolut Vodka is great neat and ice-cold on the rocks and a base f o r hund re d s o f drinks and

cocktails. For the organizers, “The cocktail beach party, embodying the Absolut’s Transform Today spirit, inspired the power of creation with Absolut in an extra-ordinary way that depicts its rich, smooth and mellow flavour with a distinct character of grain. In the words of the Marketing Director, Pernod Ricard Nigeria, Sola Oke, “the activation gives us an opportunity to inspire a generation of creative Millenials. Those who leave transformative marks and the Absolut brand certainly provide young people the right platforms to have such unique experiences. We will continue to lead the pack in transforming the society in a creative way, which transcends cultural boundaries.” Oke also announced that as part of the transformation, Absolut is giving its consumers a lifetime experience for their loyalty to the premium vodka over the years. The on-going activation includes several cocktail beach parties where inspiring and creative minds can mix and own their signature cocktails. And as partners of the Transform Today category of the 2014 MAMAs, Absolut Vodka is giving five lucky people a chance to win VVIP tickets to the MTV Africa Music Awards in Durban, South Africa.

he fact that gospel movies are meant to preach the message of God does not mean they should be boring, lack finesse and shabby in terms of picture quality and story line. So for ace photographer, Favour Fayo Festus, “The positive change needed by gospel movies is possible and he is ready to go to any length to make it happen with contribution from his camera even as he also intends exporting his language and culture.” Says the Akoko-Edo born younger brother of Nollywood actor/director, Femi Ogedegbe: “My secret dream is to give gospel film a new lease of life by infusing a bit more finesse in picture quality and add more depth to the story lines. Just because it is gospel doesn’t mean it should be bland. I also intend to take Akoko-Edo language and culture to the world to conquer language barriers by expertly employing pictures that speak louder than words.” Favour, who started out as an apprentice cameraman in 2001, shot his first movie The Big Pretender directed by Stanley Williams in 2005. Since then, the well-respected DOP (director of photography) has worked with some of Nollywood’s best directors like Aquilla Njamah, Said Balogun, Austin Awulonu, Ernest Obi and Alex Mouth of Tinsel. He was DOP for Jungle Jewel by Neville Ossai, which won an award at the 2014 AMVA (Africa Movies Viewers’ Choice) Awards and Trinity directed by Pascal Amanfo, which was nominated at ZAFA Awards in the UK. He was also a member of the Gulder Ultimate Search Season 7 team.

Entertainment

Friday, May 9, 2014

Redeemed rocks with Lagos SHIFT

Obinna Maduka (holding mic) at the event...recently.

26-year-old gospel musician, Obinna Maduka, became the talent hunt winner at the event organised by The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in conjunction with Afreen Oil and Total Upstream Oil. Maduka, who won through an electronic e-voting among 20 contestants, received N1 million, a plaque and was appointed the Lagos Shift Ambassador 2013. He has this to say, “This award is a reward for all hard work that I have put in over two weeks and it is only the beginning and an indication of what can be achieved with dedication.” It was singing, dancing and comedy at its best on Workers’ Day as the Redeemed Church of God got youths from their eight zones in Lagos to the Cricket pitch of Tafawa Balewa, Onikan-Lagos. It was the Season Three of Lagos SHIFT. The talented youths from Badagary zone, which ironically was left out until

NAETO C denies ever signed on Storm Records! aetochukwu Chikwe betNdeclared ter known as Naeto C has that he was never

really signed on to the Storm Records label owned by Obi Asika. That was a label he represented for over sixyears. The easy going crooner was recently signed by Efe Omoregbe owned Now Muzik. This revelation would come as a huge surprise to fans owing to the unequivocal display from the both the label and the artiste in what would seem like a contracted, mutual agreement. In a recent interview with a local cable television station, he explained the relationship that, “I was never actually, officially on paper with them, it was just a function of them supporting my career ever so generously.”

a day to the clourful event gave good account of themselves as Onikoyi got all dancing with his master delivery. Ably marshaled by Pastor Charles Kpandei, the well-attended event which had King Sunny Ade and Tosin Bee entertaining, had wife of former Cross River State governor, Her Excellency, Owanari Duke as the known personality for the event. Every SHIFT event, we gathered is anchored on five pillars, these are solid entertainment and fun for youths; personal life story told by a known personality with whom the youths can resonate tagged ‘This is my story’ aimed at bringing about a value and moral change in the youth; and a platform for expression of the creative abilities of young people through talent hunts. It also embodies ‘empowerment of youths and identified talents through financial and other supports to excel areas of gifting; as well as talk on a specific area of highlight for an atti-

tude change among youth for a better society. In her motivational speech to an appreciative audience, Mr Duke while speaking on the theme, innovation Personified, took her from Good to Great. For her, “In today's world especially the business climate, innovation isn't an option. It's a fundamental requirement. Necessity has become the mother of invention. Even large organisations just like individuals are more self-centered than ever before. So you have to keep setting broad career goals and constantly sniffling out opportunities to move closer to what you can uniquely offer, to move up while doing so. While encouraging the youth to push and transcend from good to great, Duke said quoted Steve Jobs thus: “Innovation will distinguish the leader from the follower and to be great you must think like a leader.” She also delved in to ‘Greatness is by choice and where you aspire towards, adding that inheritance does not make you great. while quoting copiously from the Holy Bible, Duke who doubles as African Director of EMPRETEC, a United Nations entrepreneurial arm for developing countries, presented them with ten innovative steps to move from good to great. Among these are “the why factor, imbibe integrity, setting smart goals, independent minded, sustaining the vision and be diligent and persevere; as well as learning and respecting earn authority among others. In his welcome address, Pastor Kpandei said, “SHIFT is a youth initiative powered by the youth of The Redeemed Christian Church of God that holds on May 1…. It is not just an event, it is a movement, a radical opposition to ignorance, backwardness and mediocrity; asolution platform, which has gone beyond the shores of Nigeria to Dubai, Istanbul and Nairobi. And it will be going to other part fo the cities to encourage true change in people.”

Mariah Carey’s new album

Dr Sid to wed Simi Osomo in July

singer, Sidney Nly igerian Onoriode Esiri, popularknown as Dr Sid has fi-

nally declared his intention to tie the knot later in the year with his fiancée Simi Osomo, a 2013 Law school graduate. The Nigerian entertainment industry has lately been abuzz with celebrities getting married to their sweethearts. Last weekend, Tiwa Savage and her husband, Tunji ‘Tee Billz’ Balogun held their wedding in Dubai. At the ceremony, Tiwa‘s co-Mavin Records mate, Dr Sid, dropped a bombshell. The ‘Surulere’ crooner announced that his wedding would come up in July. His announcement was hailed by his colleagues who are eagerly waiting for the day to come.

ariah Carey is set for a reM turn to her glory days once again. This was her signal as

Ali Baba in trouble comedian Ali Cyotaelebrity Baba (real name AtunAlleluya Akporobo-

merere) is battling to explain himself following a tweet interpreted by some as meaning that he is advocating military coup. The man who revolutionized the comedy business in Nigeria, however, insists that he was misunderstood as he was only expressing fear that current developments in the country might culminate in a coup d’etat....

the legendary solo artist announced her 14th studio album yesterday, revealing the artwork and the inspiration behind “Me. I Am Mariah… The Elusive Chanteuse.” The new album comes out on May 27. Hopefully, Mariah will wear this dress when she performs most songs from it. The album is based on her “First And Only Self-Portrait,” which is also the back cover of the album, Carey explains in the following video. “Please don’t judge me for such a simplistic title. Come on, I was only three and a half,” she jokes. The singer then adds: "Along the way there have been a couple nicknames and I’ve inadvertently embodied many personas. Lately, they’ve been calling me the elusive chanteuse."

LYRICS for the week NO ! By RIGHTEOUS MAN Oh what a suffering and smiling Innocent people dying like flies Stop this killing shooting fighting hey The Righteousman say No We can take it no longer The poor people living in fear No This is a serious matter So much blood sweat and tears No We can take it no longer The poor people living in fear No This is a serious matter So much blood sweat and tears For so long too long For so long too long The poor people living in fear For so long too long For so long too long Corruption in high places No We can take it no longer The poor people living in fear No This is a serious matter So much blood sweat and tears No We can take it no longer The poor people living in fear No This is a serious matter So much blood sweat and tears How we and dem a go work this out When them no understand the poor mans’ language The rich are getting richer The poor getting poorer And they say shut up your mouth What we are go do what we are go do Things are getting rough What we are go do what we are go do Life is getting tough What we are go do what we are go do In a time like a this o What we are go what we are go do Can you hear the people say No We can take it no longer The poor people living in fear No This is a serious matter So much blood sweat and tears No We can take it no longer The poor people living in fear No This is a serious matter The weak are getting weaker The strong getting stronger And they say our vote is our right If its true our leaders them say Tell me why people dey suffer everyday Talk about the plane crash And the bomb blast Abi the beggers wen dey beg fi the street Our government dem promise Say thing go better Do you remember Alu killing four They promise our children good education See dem being slaughtered like chicken ina we nation Most of our leaders dem no know what they do Ask them A me no know God dey That is the poor man’s prayer God dey Crying from the ghetto God dey For so long and too long No this is a serious matter No We can take it no longer The poor people living in fear No This is a serious matter No We can take it no longer The people living in fear No This is a serious matter For so long too long We’ve been suffering and smiling For so long too long Cost of living is getting high For so long too long So much blood sweat and tears For so long too long No we can take it no longer

28 Entertainment TELEMOVIES

Friday, May 9, 2014

MAMA AFRICA, a satire in African hits cinema today N orbert Ajaegbu’s latest, MAMA AFRICA was at the weekend premiered at the Filmhouse Cinemas Surulere, Lagos. The film has introduced a new space on the use of satire in African cinema. The film is a rare blend of professionals, established and budding to make one movie that reflects the reality that plagues the African continent. The distributor of the movie, Metro Classic Pictures represented by Mr Uwem Jacobs announced that the box office movie from the stables of Ocean Movies will be released in cinemas on the today. He said this was in response to the throng of calls he had previously be bombarded with when the trailers first hit the internet and the buzz the movie has generated. Hear him, “With the crowd that we saw today and how the theater was overflowing it will be a major relief to all movie lovers to relive the experience and finally see a movie that is worth both their time and money plus see the reality of African told in simple riddles too clear to miss the message.” Ajaegbu, a renowned filmmaker explained that every plot and characterization in the drama depicts particular sections of the African society. The glamorous event was attended by the crème of the industry, including the Director General of the Nigerian film Video Censorship Board (NFVCB), Mrs Patricia Bala business executives and Nollywood practitioners. The producer and writer of the movie who is also the Lagos chairperson

Mama Africa

Amaka Igwe: Torrents of tribute for an amazon T

The late Amaka Igwe

orrents of tribute has continued pouring for late Mrs Amaka Igwe, MFR. Latest on the dial is owner of celebrity restaurant, O’jez’s owner, Chief Joseph Odobeatu. Doris Simeon, Genevieve and Peace Anyiam Osigwe as well as Zik Zulu Okafor had earlier sent in their well couched tribute to one of their own. While lending his voice to those of other entertainment practitioners who are presently mourning one of their fallen amazons, who passed on early last week, Odobeatu, a record label owner (O’jez Music) described the Nollywood icon as an ‘asset to the industry’ while she lived. His words: “Late Amaka Igwe was a fighter; I would best describe her as a Nollywood rights activist. She was so passionate about the industry that her passion became an obsession. No matter how hard hearted you are, Amaka Igwe was able to infect you with her passion for Nollywood. It was so contagious that at a point, I was so drawn to her during my active days as a reporter just to hear her talk about her plans for the industry as well as what government should do to create

an enabling environment for the sector to grow.” Odobeatu expressed his sympathy to the family, the movie industry and the entire nation. “I want to say here that it is not only the late filmmaker’s family that is mourning her at the moment, the entire country and Africa are in shock because we have lost a rare gem in sub Sahara Africa as far as filmmaking is concerned. Amaka Igwe was truly an amazon as most industry people described her today and the sector and nation will sure miss her immense contributions. I am still dazed, days after this sad incident but we are comforted by the fact that she lived a worthy life even it was brief and for that we are grateful to God that her name would be remembered for a long time to come in this part of the world.” He said O’jez would be proud to be part of the funeral activities when the family finally announces the schedule. “That will be an honour on our part as an entertainment centre that has been heavily involved in Nollywood activities for almost two decades now,” Odobeatu submitted.

and national spokesman of the Film and Video, Producers And Marketers Association of Nigeria (FVPMAN) described the movie as so far his biggest contribution to the intellectual commonwealth of the African cinema. The script was well delivered as the destitute represented the deprived populace of the African society, while Martha’s role ably played by Tonto Dike, represent certain civilians whose thoughts emerged from a humble backgrounds, but mortgaged their conscience to the overwhelming influence of the government. The military, being the shape shifting archetypes, depicts the dictatorial tendency of a typical military junta; delivering tts leadership and control as an aberration. There were absurd policies mixed with cheap propaganda ever adopting the divide and rule tactics can only be defeated whenever the civilian populace manage to unite and dislodge the usurper. The overzealous role of Sergeant Peters played out by Chigozie Atunanya is a prototype of the average soldier in power who understands power as oppression and will do anything to please his superiors even if it goes against common sense. The movie also weaves in the story of the ruling cartel of the typical political elite who take decisions and exert acts that are adverse to the people as long as it serves their purpose. The protagonist character Nathan played by Zack Oriji depicts how the ungodly acts of politicians fall back on them in no distant future. The well attend show witnessed tear drop viewers took in the pains of MAMA AFRICA,

Olaiya

Olaiya Igwe goes back to school

ollywood Yoruba actor, Ebun Oloyede, aka Ebun Olaiya Igwe, has expressed his willingness to go back to school in order to keep himself abreast with time. According to the actor, who is now more as a producer and director, his low academic standard is attributed to his poor background because there was no finance for him to be sent to school by his parents. “I am from a poor home, my father was a farmer, while my mother was selling Beans and Rice, just for the family to survive. So as such, they were not able to send me to school,” the actor said Igwe further added that due to schedule, he plans to go back to school in order to upgrade himself. “I plan on going back to school soonest. I don’t mind if I sit in the same class with my son. He is there to learn, likewise myself too, he said.”

Entertainment

Friday, May 9, 2014

CinemaWatch (Radio/TV/Events Guide)

MAY 9 – 15 HIGHLIGHTS

Incredibly Small World National Geographic Tuesday from 13 May at 19:10 CAT***(New series premiere) Incredibly Small World is an eye-opening new series which uncovers the extraordinary, surprising and often inspiring lives of people with dwarfism all across the globe. From hidden communities to outrageous individuals, these new shows reveal what it’s really like to be a little person in a big world, and learn that sometimes the biggest personalities come in the smallest packages. Scooby Doo Mystery Incorporated on Boomerang every Monday from 12 May at 18:40 CAT ( new episode) Scooby Doo Mystery Incorporated (new episodes): Four unique teens and their canine mascot lives in a small town called Crystal Cove. While solving mysteries, the team must deal with a mysterious character named "Mr. E" who tells them they have begun to uncover the "truth of Crystal Cove" and the case of the missing previous Mystery Incorporated gang. Mind Control Freaks on Discovery Channel From Wednesday 14 May at 21:00 CAT (Premiere) Mind Control Freaks (Premiere): In this new show, a range of experts use a selection of clever psychological tricks and mind manipulation on unsuspecting members of the public, getting them to do things they never thought they could or would. Revealing the malleability of the mind, each episode shows how vulnerable humans can be to those who know how to manipulate them. Employing a range of clearly-defined and often recognised psychological techniques, from hypnosis to the Barnum effect, the show’s experts reveal that no one is completely in command of their own mind. Fashionable stars in football on Trace Sport Stars Thursday 15 May at 21:00 CAT Fashionable stars in football: Footballers are idolised across the world for their skills and style. On the field they’re magicians but off the field they’re trendsetters and fashion icons too, who are just as capable of gracing the catwalk as they are a football pitch. The show looks at the biggest names to have succeeded in drawing millionpound contracts with major brands. Neymar’s baggy jeans and backwards baseball caps, Ashley Cole’s celebrity popstar marriage, Andrea Pirlo’s rugged sophistication and Torres’s wavy blond hair all feature. Not to mention the Ronaldos, Henrys and Beckhams. Oprah’s Next Chapter: Jamie Foxx on TLC Entertainment On Thursday 08 May at 20:55 CAT and the second part of this interview will air on Thursday 15 May. Oprah’s Next Chapter: Jamie Foxx: Oprah sits down with Jamie Foxx for the most personal and revealing one-on-one interview the actor, comedian, musician and aspiring director has ever done. Jamie opens up about growing up in Terrell, Texas, where he was raised by his grandparents and trained in classical piano. Plus, Jamie dis-

with a weekly creative challenge to become the one that was Born to Dance. Gibson unleashes her hottest choreography and signature tough love to give the young dancers the tools they need to take their careers to the next level and battle it out for the number one spot. Boomkack! Watch it on Saturdays at 12pm.

Tune in to 'Win, Lose or Draw' on Disney Channel

cusses his rise to stardom and why he won't let fame go to his head—again. He also dishes on relationships and reveals why he hasn't gotten married. On Thursday 08 May at 20:55 CAT and the second part of this interview will air on Thursday 15 May. Almost Human on M-Net from Friday 16 May at 20:30 CAT (Premiere) Almost Human (Premiere): The series takes place approximately 30 years in the future following an unprecedented increase in the crime rate, every police officer must partner with a highly evolved humanlike android. It follows the weekto-week missions of Detective John Kennex, the sole survivor of a devastating police ambush, and his synthetic partner, Dorian, as they solve cases and fight to keep the lid on dangerously evolved criminals. From Friday 16 May at 20:30 CAT.

and losses of four women from very different walks of life, who navigate relationships, family, friends, careers and other universal issues with wit and insight. Strong performances and refreshing, authentic scripting make this series a rare comedy gem. Winner of several BET Comedy Awards and Image Awards, and nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award®. Starts: Thursday, 15 May at 5:35pm. SONY MAX (Channel 21) • TATTOO NIGHTMARES (SEASON 2) People choose to get tattoos for various reasons – on impulse, as a romantic gesture, to make a statement or for the sheer thrill of living on the edge. But sometimes those tats can go horribly, horribly wrong. In this series, we meet a selection of unfortunate souls who have wound

up on the wrong side of the tattoo gun – and have emerged with permanent markings ranging from the hilarious to the downright grotesque. But help is at hand in the form of three of the best cover-up artists in the business – Tommy Helm, Big Gus and Jasmine Rodriguez – who try to work miracles to turn victims’ inky disasters into masterpieces. It airs on Fridays at 8:00pm. BET (Channel 22) • BORN TO DANCE (Season 1) If you missed a beat (or episode), tune-in for this series marathon as Emmy Awardnominated choreographer and creative director Laurieann Gibson brings her signature style and distinct dance moves to BET! Follow the journey of 20 aspiring dancers in an intense chance of a lifetime competition

Focus on Michael Jackson on Trace Urban Saturday 17 May at 14:00 CAT Focus on Michael Jackson: Michael Jackson became a legend. Almost five years after his death, an exclusive postumous album is expected in may: “Xscape”. The teasing of the opus had been watched more than 900 000 times on Youtube. Eight exclusive song remixed by many artists whom the producer and rapper Timbaland are expected, TRACE Urban pays tribute to the king of pop with a selection of his best videos.

DISNEY JUNIOR (Channel 60) GOtv Plus ONLY SHERIFF CALLIE’S WILD WEST (Premiere) This rootin' tootin' new series is packed with stories and songs set in the colourful Wild West. Sheriff Callie is a lovable cat with a magic noodle lasso who keeps everything nice and friendly in the frontier town of Nice and Friendly Corners. She is joined by trusty Deputy Peck, an energetic woodpecker with an overzealous desire to uphold the law, and his best buddy Toby, a cactus and perennial optimist who sees the fun potential in everything. Sheriff Callie’s Wild West premieres on Saturday 10 May at 8:40am. CHANNEL O (Channel 70) • VOLT - Davido: He is the co-owner of HKN Music, a record label home to Sina Rambo, signing multiple endorsement deals with the biggest corporate companies and supporting it with some of Africa’s biggest hits and featuring songs with Africa’s biggest artists. A young entertainer and business man heading for greatness. Don't miss Volt “DAVIDO”. Premieres on 15 May 8:00pm. - VIDEO WARS It's an all-out video war and the frontline heroes need your support! In each round, four videos at a time are trying to win the battle for TV domination and you need to decide which one sees action next! Send your tweets and comment while watching the Action to make and be the difference!!!INTR-ODUCING on Monday to Thursday at 6:00pm.

GOtv M-Net MOVIES ZONE (Channel 2) GOtv PLUS ONLY • FATAL JUSTICE A woman confronts a member of a robbery gang and kills him in self-defence. The move puts her on a collision course with the other gang members. Saturdays at 6:30pm. SONY ENTERTAINMENT (CHANNEL 20) – GOtv PLUS ONLY • GIRLFRIENDS (SEASON 1) This highly acclaimed and multi-awarded comedy series draws us into the lives, loves

E! ENTERTAINMENT (Channel 25) HELLO ROSS Apart from being a popular talk show host and best-selling author, ‘Chelsea Lately’ star Ross Mathews also prides himself on being the world’s biggest superfan! Join him this month as he brings his signature flair and unique viewpoint back to E! with a brand-new season. Ross shares his love for all things pop culture, continues to discuss the most buzzworthy topics in Tinseltown, and hosts a series of exclusive and exciting interviews with today’s hottest celebrities. With a range of new segments and a swanky new set, this season is set to be even better than the first! Tune in on Saturdays at 9:00pm.

Tune in to 'Oprah's Next Chapter-Jamie Foxx' on TLC Entertainment-1

MTV BASE (Channel 72) - GOtv Plus ONLY • MOST VOTED PLAYLIST : DRAKE It’s quite simple: you vote for your favourite artist songs and we play them. Back to back music videos from MTV Base fans will keep you tuned in. Cast your vote for your favourite song @MTVBaseAfrica and see if it makes the playlist. On Wednesday 8 May at 2:00pm.

30 Entertainment TELEMOVIES

Friday, May 9, 2014

Coming Soon to the cinemas Movie Schedule: Friday 9 May Thursday 15 May

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (PG) (Movie of the Week) • Viewing Time - Friday 12.50PM, 3.40PM, 6.30PM, 9.20PM o Viewing Time - Saturday 12.50PM, 3.40PM, 6.30PM, 9.20PM • Viewing Time - Sunday 12.50PM, 3.40PM, 6.30PM, 9.20PM • Viewing Time - Monday 12.50PM, 3.40PM, 6.30PM, 9.20PM • Viewing Time - Tuesday 12.50PM, 3.40PM, 6.30PM, 9.20PM • Viewing Time - Wednesday 12.50PM, 3.40PM, 6.30PM, 9.20PM • Viewing Time - Thursday 12.50PM, 3.40PM, 6.30PM, 9.20PM • Featured Actors Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx • Genre Action/Adventure • Running Time 142 Peter Parker runs the gauntlet as the mysterious company Oscorp sends up a slew of supervillains against him, impacting on his life. Finding Love (Movie Of The Week) Rating : R • Viewing Time - Friday 12.40PM, 2.30PM, 4.30PM, 6.25PM, 8.20PM o Viewing Time - Saturday 12.40PM, 2.30PM, 4.30PM, 6.25PM, 8.20PM • Viewing Time - Sunday 12.40PM, 2.30PM, 4.30PM, 6.25PM, 8.20PM • Viewing Time - Monday 12.40PM, 2.30PM, 4.30PM, 6.25PM, 8.20PM • Viewing Time - Tuesday 12.40PM, 2.30PM, 4.30PM, 6.25PM, 8.20PM • Viewing Time - Wednesday 12.40PM, 2.30PM, 4.30PM, 6.25PM, 8.20PM • Viewing Time - Thursday 12.40PM, 2.30PM, 4.30PM, 6.25PM, 8.20PM • Featured Actors Denrele Edun, Bryan Okpara, Uru Eke, Kiki Omeili, Luclay Misoya and Babalwa Mnemo • Genre Action/Adventure • Running Time 95 min The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (PG) 3D • Viewing Time - Friday 2.10PM, 8.50PM o Viewing Time - Saturday 2.10PM, 8.50PM • Viewing Time - Sunday 2.10PM, 8.50PM • Viewing Time - Monday 2.10PM, 8.50PM • Viewing Time - Tuesday Binta Goudiaby 2.10PM, 8.50PM • Viewing Time - Wednesday

2.10PM, 8.50PM • Viewing Time - Thursday 2.10PM, 8.50PM • Featured Actors Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx • Genre Action/Adventure • Running Time 142 Peter Parker runs the gauntlet as the mysterious company Oscorp sends up a slew of supervillains against him, impacting on his life. Non-Stop (Rating: 18) • Viewing Time - Friday 4.50PM, 7.05PM o Viewing Time - Saturday 4.50PM, 7.05PM • Viewing Time - Sunday 4.50PM, 7.05PM • Viewing Time - Monday 4.50PM, 7.05PM • Viewing Time - Tuesday 4.50PM, 7.05PM • Viewing Time - Wednesday 4.50PM, 7.05PM

• Viewing Time - Thursday 4.50PM, 7.05PM • Featured Actors Liam Neeson, Julianne Moore, Scoot McNairy, Michelle Dockery • Genre Action/Adventure • Running Time 106min An air marshal springs into action during a transatlantic flight after receiving a series of text messages that put his fellow passengers at risk unless the airline transfers $150 million into an off-shore account. The Frozen Ground (Rating: R) • Viewing Time - Friday 2.55PM o Viewing Time - Saturday 2.55PM • Viewing Time - Sunday 2.55PM • Viewing Time - Monday 2.55PM • Viewing Time - Tuesday 2.55PM • Viewing Time - Wednesday 2.55PM • Viewing Time - Thursday 2.55PM • Featured Actors Nicolas Cage, Vanessa Hudgens, John Cusack, Dean Norris • Genre Drama • Running Time 105min An Alaska State Trooper partners with a young woman who escaped the clutches of serial killer Robert Hansen to bring the murderer to justice. Based on actual events. That Awkward Moment ( Rating :18) • Viewing Time - Friday 12:15PM, 7.00PM o Viewing Time - Saturday 12:15PM, 7.00PM • Viewing Time - Sunday 12:15PM, 7.00PM

• Viewing Time - Monday 12:15PM, 7.00PM • Viewing Time - Tuesday 12:15PM, 7.00PM • Viewing Time - Wednesday 12:15PM, 7.00PM • Viewing Time - Thursday 12:15PM, 7.00PM • Featured Actors Zac Efron, Miles Teller, Michael B. Jordan, Imogen Poots • Genre Comedy • Running Time 94min Three best friends find themselves where we've all been - at that confusing moment in every dating relationship when you have to decide "So...where is this going? The Other Woman (Rating:18) • Viewing Time - Friday 1.00PM, 3.00PM, 5.00PM, 7.00PM, 9.00PM o Viewing Time - Saturday 1.00PM, 3.00PM, 5.00PM, 7.00PM, 9.00PM • Viewing Time - Sunday 1.00PM, 3.00PM, 5.00PM, 7.00PM, 9.00PM • Viewing Time - Monday 1.00PM, 3.00PM, 5.00PM, 7.00PM, 9.00PM • Viewing Time - Tuesday 1.00PM, 3.00PM, 5.00PM, 7.00PM, 9.00PM • Viewing Time - Wednesday 1.00PM, 3.00PM, 5.00PM, 7.00PM, 9.00PM • Viewing Time - Thursday 1.00PM, 3.00PM, 5.00PM, 7.00PM, 9.00PM • Featured Actors Cameron Diaz, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Kate Upton, Leslie Mann • Genre Comedy • Running Time 109min After realizing she is not her boyfriend's primary lover, a woman teams up with his wife and plots mutual revenge. Heaven Is for Real ( Rating:PG) • Viewing Time - Friday 12.00PM, 4.20PM, 8.40PM o Viewing Time - Saturday 12.00PM, 4.20PM, 8.40PM • Viewing Time - Sunday 12.00PM, 4.20PM, 8.40PM • Viewing Time - Monday 12.00PM, 4.20PM, 8.40PM • Viewing Time - Tuesday 12.00PM, 4.20PM, 8.40PM • Viewing Time - Wednesday 12.00PM, 4.20PM, 8.40PM • Viewing Time - Thursday 12.00PM, 4.20PM, 8.40PM • Featured Actors Greg Kinnear, Kelly Reilly, Thomas Haden Church | • Genre Action/Adventure • Running Time 100min A small-town father must find the courage and conviction to share his son's extraordinary,

life-changing experience with

the world. Misfit (Rating:R) • Viewing Time - Friday 12.30PM, 4.30PM o Viewing Time - Saturday 12.30PM, 4.30PM • Viewing Time - Sunday 12.30PM, 4.30PM • Viewing Time - Monday 12.30PM, 4.30PM • Viewing Time - Tuesday 12.30PM, 4.30PM • Viewing Time - Wednesday 12.30PM, 4.30PM • Viewing Time - Thursday 12.30PM, 4.30PM • Featured Actors Ijeoma Grace Agu, Rita Edwards, Kelechi Udegbe. • Genre Drama • Running Time 100

KNOCKING ON HEAVEN'S DOOR (Rating:18) • Viewing Time - Friday 2.00PM, 6.20PM o Viewing Time - Saturday 2.00PM, 6.20PM • Viewing Time - Sunday 2.00PM, 6.20PM • Viewing Time - Monday 2.00PM, 6.20PM • Viewing Time - Tuesday 2.00PM, 6.20PM • Viewing Time - Wednesday 2.00PM, 6.20PM • Viewing Time - Thursday 2.00PM, 6.20PM • Featured Actors Majid Michel, Ini Edo-Ehiagwina, Blossom Chukwujekwu, and Adesuwa Etomi. • Genre Drama • Running Time 120min SINGLE MOM'S CLUB (PG-15) • Viewing Time - Friday 4.55PM o Viewing Time - Saturday 4.55PM • Viewing Time - Sunday 4.55PM • Viewing Time - Monday 4.55PM • Viewing Time - Tuesday 4.55PM • Viewing Time - Wednesday 4.55PM • Viewing Time - Thursday 4.55PM • Featured Actors Nia Long, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Amy Smart,Tyler Perry • Genre Action/Adventure • Running Time 111 min When five struggling single moms put aside their differences to form a support group, they find inspiration and laughter in their new sisterhood, and help each other overcome the obstacles that stand in their way. WINTER'S TALE ( PG 13) • Viewing Time - Friday 8.10PM

o Viewing Time - Saturday 8.10PM • Viewing Time - Sunday 8.10PM • Viewing Time - Monday 8.10PM • Viewing Time - Tuesday 8.10PM • Viewing Time - Wednesday 8.10PM • Viewing Time - Thursday 8.10PM • Featured Actors Colin Farrell, Jessica Brown Findlay, Russell Crowe • Genre Action/Adventure • Running Time 118 min A burglar falls for an heiress as she dies in his arms. When he learns that he has the gift of reincarnation, he sets out to save her. FROZEN • Viewing Time - Friday 2.00PM, 6.00PM o Viewing Time - Saturday 2.00PM, 6.00PM • Viewing Time - Sunday 2.00PM, 6.00PM • Viewing Time - Monday 2.00PM, 6.00PM • Viewing Time - Tuesday 2.00PM, 6.00PM • Viewing Time - Wednesday 2.00PM, 6.00PM • Viewing Time - Thursday 2.00PM, 6.00PM • Featured Actors Kristen Bell, Josh Gad, Idina Menzel. • Genre Action/Adventure • Running Time 108 min Fearless optimist Anna teams up with Kristoff in an epic journey, encountering Everestlike conditions, and a hilarious snowman named Olaf in a race to find Anna's sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom in eternal winter. About Last Night (Rating:R)

• Viewing Time - Friday 2.20PM, 6.20PM, 8.30PM o Viewing Time - Saturday 2.20PM, 6.20PM, 8.30PM • Viewing Time - Sunday 2.20PM, 6.20PM, 8.30PM • Viewing Time - Monday 2.20PM, 6.20PM, 8.30PM • Viewing Time - Tuesday 2.20PM, 6.20PM, 8.30PM • Viewing Time - Wednesday 2.20PM, 6.20PM, 8.30PM • Viewing Time - Thursday 2.20PM, 6.20PM, 8.30PM • Featured Actors Kevin Hart, Michael Ealy, Regina Hall • Genre Romance • Running Time 100 min New love for two couples as they journey from the bar to the bedroom and are eventually put to the test in the real world.

BUSINESS FRIDAY, MAY 9 2014

WHAT'S NEWS XLR8 grabs BAT PR business After months of suspense and anxiety on agencies that participated in the British America Tobacco (BAT) public relations business, XLR8, led by Calisthus Okoruwa, has grabbed the multimillion naira business.

NEW TELEGRAPH

www.newtelegraphonline.com/business

WHY YOU NEED TO INVEST IN COCONUT WATER }p-34

AYODELE AMINU, DEPUTY EDITOR, BUSINESS

ayodele.aminu@newtelegraphonline.com ayodeleaminu@yahoo.com

N302bn Police fund transfer: ASSETS Contributory Pension Scheme stakeholders worry over likely cash transfer

PFAs to lose N5bn

}p-32

Benue partners Mexican govt to boost food production The Benue State government has fine-tuned an agreement with the Mexican Government to boost food production in the state.

}p-33

Irrigation farming as solution to local rice scarcity A debate on rice production is on. The debate centres around the fact that in January this year, the Federal Government increased tariff on imported rice to 110 percent to encourage local production.

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Non-remittance: PenCom, PenOp move against employers To ensure employees registered under the Contributory Pension Scheme receive their contributions at the end of their working life, the Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria has strengthened its collaboration with the National Pension Commission to identify employers who fail to remit funds deducted from their workers.

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BUSINESS CREW AYODELE AMINU, Deputy Editor (Business) SIMEON OGOEGBULEM, Dep. Business Editor BAYO AKOMOLAFE, Asst. Editor (Maritime) SUNDAY OJEME, Asst. Editor (Insurance) SIAKA MOMOH, Asst. Editor (Industry/Agric) JONAH IBOMA, ICT Editor DAYO ADEYEMI, Property Editor ADEOLA YUSUF, Energy Editor

Sunday Ojeme

he expected cash transfer from the current Pension Fund Administrators to the Nigeria Police Fund Administrator is already sending jitters down the spines of PFA operators. Although the National Pension Commission has allayed the fears of contributors and stakeholders, the operators are, however, drawing inference from the impact the military pullout from the scheme had on its operation. In a statement to this effect, the group warned that a sudden transfer of about N302 billion within a short period would constitute a systemic risk to the industry. The put the potential loss of income at about N5billion collectively per annum, saying this would invariably have attendant knock-on effect on overall operations of existing PFAs in varying degrees. The statement said, “The issue of asset transfers should be in an equitable manner to neither favour the Police PFA nor hurt the existing RSA funds. This is so, given

Jonah Iboma

o fewer than 10 million farmers have now been captured in the database of the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) currently being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, (FMARD) in conjunction with private sector firms. According to information made available to New Telegraph by Cellulant Nigeria, the technology partner of the scheme, an increasing number of farmers have been captured in recent months following the success of the scheme in 2012. GES is a special scheme introduced by the Federal

WOLE SHADARE, Aviation Editor

ABDULWAHAB ISA, Finance Editor CHUKS ONUANYIN, Energy NNAMDI AMADI, Reporter

the large percentage of FGN bonds in the RSA portfolios, disposal of which (to fund the Police PF A) will lead to significant losses at this time. We must also ensure transfers

of N302billion asset cash and near cash to a single player within a short period of time, do not cause systemic risk for the market. To prevent future liability, some form of indem-

nity should be considered.” In their appeal to the commission, they advised it should consider the risks taken, efCONTINUED ON PAGE 32

10m farmers captured in agric e-wallet scheme Government under President Goodluck Jonathan’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA), which seeks to increase farmers’ access to subsidised farm inputs such as fertilisers and improved seeds through the private sector. Bolaji Akinboro, Head, Nigeria Team GES (Cellulant), who revealed this, confirmed in a recent report by this newspaper that the Federal Government had approved point of sale terminals (PoS)

to be deployed as additional redemption channel under the scheme to enable farmers access fertilisers and other farming subsidies. He said that by the development, whenever farmers get subsidised farm inputs, the details of the transaction could now be stored in the PoS terminals and later transferred to the central database of the scheme managed by Cellulant Nigeria. In addition, these terminals give the agro-

dealers the capacity to serve as mobile-money agents and enables farmers to enjoy various financial services. The terminals, he explained, will provide very useful addition to the GES scheme as they will help to quickly capture data that could have either been lost or that would have taken a lot of time to reconcile. Akinboro also revealed that CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

Rates Dashboard

DELE ALAO, Brands/Marketing Editor CHRIS UGWU, Capital Market Editor

L-R: Minister of Power, Chinedu Nebo; Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, and Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria, Bola Adesola, during the Azura Power completion and signing of $1 billion 450Mega Watt Gas Turbine IPP in Abuja.

INFLATION RATE March 2014...........................7.08% February 2014........................7.70% January 2014 ........................8.00%

LENDING RATE InterBank Rate . . . . . . . . . 10.50% Prime Lending Rate. . . . . 16.93% Maximum Lending Rate..25.83%

EXCHANGE RATE

(Parellel As at May 2)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N169.50 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N284 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N236

EXCHANGE RATE

(Official As at May 2)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N155.73 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N262.70 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N215.88 Source: CBN

BUSINESS | NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, May 9, 2014

Glo’s new network to offer 90% 3G coverage Jonah Iboma

igeria’s national telecom operator, Globacom, said its current network upgrade will result in 90 per cent third generation (3G) coverage across the nation and result in subscribers getting the best quality in both voice and data services. Head of Operations, Globacom, Mr. Bisi Koleosho, said in a statement that by the time the project is completed, Globacom would have completely swapped old components on the network with state-ofthe-art network software and hardware. Expatiating on the expansion and modernisation project, Koleosho said that already, the swapping of cell sites had been completed in Abuja, Oyo, Osun, Ogun and Akwa Ibom states. He added that Port Harcourt, Rivers State and several parts of Lagos including Lekki, Ikorodu, Agbara and Otta had also undergone the upgrade with the exercise almost completed in Surulere and Ikeja. He added that efforts have been intensified to cover the remaining parts of the country. He disclosed that the project covers swapping, upgrade, and overhaul of network infrastructure, as well as building of new switches and construction of additional 4,000 km of optic fibre cable to complement the company’s existing fibre optic facility, which is among the most extensive private fibre networks in Africa. The company’s existing 10,000km optic fibre network is also being expanded with IP MPLS

and Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) network to provide capacity and route protection. It will also ensure constant connectivity. The massive project, according to Koleosho, also includes installation of new base stations and densification of existing ones, setting up of three new call centers across the country to take care of vast increase in subscriber figures and upgrade of the radio access network which will ensure that data customers enjoy unparalleled speed and reliability. He said that “Lagos is receiving special attention because of its peculiar status. Glo’s microwave network in the major commercial nerve centre is getting transformed into a full IP Network geared up to meet future data requirements of the rapidly expanding state.” To enrich customer care experience on the network, new call centres are also being built in Abuja, Port Harcourt and Lekki, Lagos. Some of these, according to him, have been opened, while the others are ready for commissioning. It is expected that the new call centres will lead to faster turnaround time and greater customer care experience for subscribers. Leading telecom equipment vendors, Alcatel Lucent, Huawei, ZTE and Ericsson are the partners working on the Glo network upgrade. Some journalists used the forum to extol the remarkable stride Globacom is making to further revolutionise the telecoms landscape in Nigeria.

Indian vessels queue to lift Nigeria crude oil

igerian crude price differentials rose slightly on Wednesday on strong Indian demand and relatively cheap freight. It was revealed that there was long queue of Indian vessels on Nigeria waters waiting to lift crude oil. Indian Oil Corporation, a regular buyer of Nigerian crude, is also expected to release the results of its two-part tender this week.

Traders said that relatively cheap freight to Europe, at around $52.5 World Scale, had also helped encourage demand in the past few trading sessions. But another trader said that buyers appeared to be in no rush to secure the remaining 20-30 Nigerian cargoes available. “There’s no particular rush for it to clear with dated Brent Backward dated,” said one West African trader.

L-R: Regional Head, Mid West, Ecobank Nigeria, Mr. Famous Ajemrona; President, Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Mr. Solomon Ogba; Executive Director, South South/South East, Ecobank Nigeria, Mr. Kingsley Umadia, and Deputy Governor, Delta State, Prof. Amos Utuama, during the Ecobank/Delta State Federations Cup Final in Warri, Delta State.

XLR8 grabs BAT PR business TRANSFER British America Tobacco (BAT) appoints XLR8 as its public relations consultant Dele Alao

fter months of suspense and anxiety on agencies that participated in the British America Tobacco (BAT) public relations business, XLR8, led by Calisthus Okoruwa, has grabbed the multi-million naira business. Spokesperson for BAT, Soromidayo George and a senior manager with XLR8, Okey Nwachukwu, confirmed the development in a telephone chat with our correspondent. Mediacraft & Associates and Silver Bullet were some A backward dated market means that future prices are cheaper than spot prices, meaning it is more favourable for buyers to wait. Shell said on Wednesday that this grade was still under force majeure, although loading appeared to be continuing as normal. According to Reuters, India’s Hindustan Petroleum Corp has bought a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) of Qua Iboe in its latest crude oil tender. It was learnt that oil traded at a premium of around $3.50 a barrel to dated Brent, about 15 cents up from the last reported level.

N302bn Police fund transfer: PFAs to lose N5bn CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

forts and hard work of shareholders and managements of the existing PFAs in the registration, asset creation and value addition made over the last seven years. They added that significant accumulated losses running into several hundred millions of naira were incurred by most PFAs in the course of the years. The group said: “Some are only just coming out of these losses. Following the military

exit, the further loss of Police assets totaling N302 billion will have significant impact and draw back on the PFAs. Potential loss of income is about N5billion per annum collectively. This will invariably have attendant knock-on effect on overall operations of existing PFAs in varying degrees. “In order to have a fair outcome and ensure any future such licensing requests are mitigated, we believe the conditions should, while being

fair, be stringent. Based on the foregoing, and in the interest of equity and fair play in the industry, we crave the indulgence of the Commission to consider that the Police PFA should be restricted to managing only pension contributions from the Nigeria Police Force, both now and in the future, orderly transfer within the PRA and Guidelines issued by the Commission, restriction to enrolling new employees for now, until the transfer window is opened, among others.”

of the agencies that took part in the pitch process. Indigo, a relatively young PR agency, was also said to have expressed interest in the business, but was not, however, invited for the pitch. When contacted, Managing Director, Mediacraft & Associates, John Ehiguese, said that winning and losing business is one of those things in the industry. Until recently, The Quadrant Company held the account for seven years. Managing Director, The Quadrant Company, Bolaji Okusaga, said that his company was exiting the business. But the spokesperson for BAT, Soromidayo George, said: “It is a natural process for us in BAT to continuously restructure or redefine the way we work as the need dictates. “Therefore, recently, we

took an in-house decision to re-structure our way of working with PR agencies. This restructuring exercise means that our contract with the current agency, Quadrant, will expire at the end of March 2014. “The relationship remains cordial. It is expected that though the contract will expire, if the need arises, the company may, from time to time, call on Quadrant to work with us.” Industry experts however, believe that should the account be split, a herculean task awaits any agency or agencies, that will eventually manage the BAT business. All over the world, there has been condemnation of tobacco companies’ activities. For instance, the Lagos State government has just passed a law to check public cigarette smoking.

10m farmers captured in agric e-wallet scheme CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

both banks and dealers would be involved in the use of the terminals and that many of them have started work. He said: “Three Nigerian banks and two PoS terminal providers are supporting the deployment. GES e-wallet is now evolving into the backbone of a payment system for agriculture. Nigeria farmers will be able to access various financial services in addition to the farm inputs they currently get through the scheme. “These PoS terminals work in an off-line mode and evacuate data back to the GES platform on periodic schedules. The PoS are issued to agrodealers at no cost by commercial banks and the agro-dealers via Cellulant. He said that the agro dealers are responsible for maintenance and safekeeping of the terminals, adding that they allow the GES scheme to solve the problem of capturing all categories of redemptions (farmer with phone/farmer without phone/no network) as they are happening from the

side of the agro-dealer. The agro-dealer, he explained, is also used an additional source of data into the platform via the POS. “This allows us to achieve faster reconciliation and problem resolution as we can trace/ compare transactions from farmer phone, register, RC& SL form and now PoS data. “The Nigerian Government is now implementing what we can refer to as fast-tracking financial inclusion. These PoS terminals also plug in all agro-dealers into the electronic payment policy of the Federal Government and also used to lay the foundation of electronic payments by farmers at the redemption centers. “This will be possible in 2015 when we hope that the Nigeria Agriculture Payment Initiative (NAPI) would have delivered a smart chip National ID card through the Nigeria Identity Management Commission (NIMC) that provides a bank account in addition to the ewallet to every farmer through the revalidation/e-registration of every farmer in Nigeria,” he stated.

Agric

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, May 09, 2014

PACT Mexico indicates readiness to do agribusiness with Nigeria's 'Food Basket'

BUSINESS 33

Benue partners Mexican govt to boost food production • Begins fertilizer sales to farmers this week

Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

he Benue State government has fine-tuned an agreement with the Mexican Government to boost food production in the state. This partnership agreement came just as the Governor Gabriel Suswam has concluded plans for the launching of this year’s fertilizer sales to farmers to boost food production. Already, the government of Mexico has sent words to the

governor indicating readiness to access the vast and fertile agricultural landscape to commence plantain, rice and fruits farming using the mechanised approach. Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr. Donald Amokaha Gbugho, who disclosed this to New Telegraph in an exclusive chat at his Makurdi residence, said that already enough land has been acquired to that effect.

Gbugho stated that the state government is ready to receive the Mexican farm experts and implored other foreign investors in the agricultural sector to feel free to come and invest in the state so that the state sustains her status as the food basket of the nation. The Commissioner stated that a piece of land measuring 30 hectares has been acquired in Apa Local Government Area, adding that others have been

acquired in Logo, Konshisha, Otukpo and Makurdi local government areas respectively for the exercise and has not been encroached upon. “There is an agreement between the Benue State government and that of Mexico and a letter to that effect was sent to Governor Suswam to come to Mexico and see how agriculture is being practiced and how they intend to replicate same in Benue. “Let me tell you that the Mexican government has sent her experts to the state to access the level of farming, and I want to use this opportunity to call on foreign investors to come and teach our farmers as a measure towards averting the seeming impending food shortages,” the commissioner stated. Gbugho said explained that the planned launching of this years sale of fertilizer had run into a hitch because of security challenges confronting the state,

but expressed optimism that the exercise would take place before the end of this week. The Commissioner who expressed concern over the apathy of farmers to return to their ancestral homes for fear of reprisal attack, said the state government is poised to launch fertilizer and make it available to farmers as well as engage agriculture extension workers to assist improve farm yields, but lamented that "what is disturbing to me and the generality of the people is how the farmers can get these seedlings because what they already have has been destroyed, and if you ask them to bring money to buy the seedlings, where will they get it? He said efforts by the ministry of agriculture in the state to get insurance firms compensate the farmers from the losses they incurred did not yield positive results as the insurers insisted on membership.

Ogun farmers protest ejection from farmland PROTEST

Pineapple, rice

Agricultural Commodity Prices - Grains Commodity CBOT Corn CBOT Wheat CBOT Oats CBOT Rough Rice CBOT Soybeans CBOT Soybean Meal CBOT Soybean Oil ICE Canola

Units USd/bu. USd/bu. USd/bu. USD/cwt USd/bu. USD/st USd/lb. CAD/mt

Price 518.25 736.00 356.25 15.56 1,453.50 475.10 41.23 470.90

Change +0.75 -3.00 -3.25 +0.04 -6.00 -2.40 +0.12 +2.00

% Change +0.14% -0.41% -0.90% +0.26% -0.41% -0.50% +0.29% +0.43%

Contract Jul 14 Jul 14 Jul 14 Jul 14 Jul 14 Jul 14 Jul 14 Jul 14

Time(ET) 07:30:23 07:29:27 05:33:12 14:14:56 07:31:01 07:31:17 07:31:14 07:20:31

Units USD/mt USd/lb. USd/lb. USd/lb. USd/lb. cents/kg USD/tbf JPY/kg USD/gal.

Price 2,899.00 203.00 17.17 160.00 94.00 339.00 199.20 1.95

Change -21.00 +0.75 -0.03 -0.40 +0.02 -3.40 +2.00 -0.04

% Change -0.72% +0.37% -0.17% -0.25% +0.02% -% -0.99% +1.01% -2.06%

Contract Jul 14 Jul 14 Jul 14 Jul 14 Jul 14 Jun 14 Jul 14 Oct 14 Jun 14

03:53:50 05:59:59 07:13:24

Units USd/lb. USd/lb. USd/lb.

Price 138.00 191.45 122.43

Change +0.48 +1.65 +0.08

% Change +0.35% +0.87% +0.06%

Contract Jun 14 Aug 14 Jun 14

Time(ET) 07:28:16 07:17:18 07:27:13

Softs Commodity ICE Cocoa ICE Coffee "C" ICE Sugar #11 ICE Orange Juice Conc ICE Cotton #2 SFE Greasy Wool CME Lumber TOCOM Rubber CME Ethanol

Time(ET) 07:30:57 07:27:44 07:30:36 13:59:55 07:29:24

Livestock Commodity CME Live Cattle CME Feeder Cattle CME Lean Hogs

Commodities trade on different exchanges with different trading sessions. Change always shows from the previous close price. Quotes delayed, except where indicated otherwise. All prices in local currency. Time is ET. Source: Bloomberg

Farmers protest injustice. They insist they wouldn’t allow government take over their farmland.. Taiwo Jimoh

oliki Farmers settlement in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State have called on Governor Ibikunle Amosu to save them from the injustice the director of Ogun, Osun River Basin, Engineer Fakayode is subjecting them to by planning to take over their farmland from them. The farmers said they have been living on the farmland since 1990 and doing their farming work peacefully without clashes with other inhabitants of the area. The farmers said the former director of the river basin, Mr Sodeke, served diligently in the area and related well with them adding that since the arrival of engineer Fakoyode as the new director of the River Basin, things have not been going on well in the community. The farmers who addressed journalist at the farm settlement recently said they have been doing their farming peace-

fully without problem with the host community and the management of the Ogun Osun River Basin before the arrival of a new director, Mr Fakoyede. The vice chairman of the group Michael Akindele, said “No stranger can come and take away our livelihood from us, because this is the only sources of income we use in feeding our family and relatives for the past sixteen years.” Akindele is therefore, urging the authorities of the Ogun-Osun River Basin to caution the man and warn him from taking any action that may truncate the peaceful atmosphere enjoyed at the farm settlement before the arrival of the new director. Chief Olatunde Owolabi, the head of the settlement and also a member of the group said, “Every year we pay N2500 into the coffers of the river basin authority and they issue us receipts. Why are we paying them when we are not getting any value in return? “We are law abiding citizens of this great country. To avoid a breakdown of law and order, we have reported the matter to the police. When we noticed their antics, we went to report the matter at Obafemi Owode divisional Police station. We have also planned to take our case to the office of the Commissioner for Agriculture in the state.”

BUSINESS | AGRIC

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, May 09, 2014

Why you need to invest in coconut water

• A palm tree family product that can compete in the world's $10bn market Siaka Momoh

he palm family has over 2500 species with sizes from 12 inches to massive varieties which can reach heights of 150 feet. The vast majority of palm trees grow naturally in tropical areas of the world, with more than half of the known species coming from tropical Asia. Nearly 1,000 species are native to the American tropics, with lesser numbers of species occurring on islands in the Indian Ocean near Africa and in Africa itself. The specie in question here is the coconut tree from which we can obtain coconut water and coconut oil. The palm, physically and spiritually, is wealth. Every part of the palm tree - stem, branches, fruits and nuts, etc, is money. The Holy Bible tells you, “You will flourish like the palm tree.” According to Coconut Research Centre, the coconut provides a nutritious source of meat, juice, milk, and oil that has fed and nourished populations around the world for generations. It states that in many islands coconut is a staple in the diet and provides the majority of the food eaten and that nearly one third of the world's population depends on coconut to some degree for their food and their economy. Among these cultures, the coconut has a long and respected history. Of concern to us today is coconut water, that water in coconut’s hollow space that is often thrown away by consumers of raw coconut. Coconut water contains the following among many other attributes: • Contains organic compounds possessing healthy growth, promoting properties than have been known to help; • Keeps body cool at the proper temperature; • Orally rehydrates your body, it is an all natural isotonic beverage; • Raise metabolism; • Promote weight loss; • Cleanse digestive system; • Detoxify and fights viruses; • Control diabetes; • Treat kidney and urethral stones; How do we bottle coconut water for sale? The Food Agricultural Organisation (FAO) has done some work on this as follows: A simple cold preservation process keeps bottled coconut water fresh for up to three weeks. The traditional method for extracting coconut water is extremely simple: 1) climb a co-

Coconut

conut palm; 2) hack an immature coconut from the bunch; 3) trim off the husk and chop a hole in the top; and 4) drink the contents (steps 3 and 4 are best done on terra firma). Among people in tropical countries with ready access to coconut palms - or to fresh coconuts sold by urban street vendors - coconut water is renowned as a refreshing, highly nourishing drink with a delicate aroma and flavour. But, despite coconut water’s potential as a competitor in the bottled beverage market (see box below), attempts to capture those qualities in a commercial product have been largely unsuccessful. Once exposed to air, coconut water begins to ferment, and rapidly loses most of its organoleptic and nutritional characteristics. To eliminate the risk of bacterial growth, commercial bottlers are forced to sterilize the product using

high-temperature/short-time pasteurization (the same technology used in long-life milk), which destroys some of coconut water's nutrients and almost all of the flavour. Coconut "sports drink" Coconut water could compete in the world’s US$10 billion market for “sports beverages.” Here’s why:

Now, after over five years of research and testing, FAO has announced a simple cold preservation technology appropriate for small and medium-sized agro-industries that

The palm, physically and spiritually, is wealth. Every part of the palm tree - stem, branches, fruits and nuts, etc, is money allows them to produce bottled coconut water which, under refrigeration, stays fresh for from 10 days to three weeks. That is long enough to satisfy domestic retail markets and to allow export to developed countries, where good quality coconut water is in growing demand. FAO is also finalizing publications on a more technologically sophisticated microfiltration technique for cold sterilization (details here), and CONTINUED ON PAGE 35

Ghana’s cocoa farms under threat SABOTAGE Illegal miners are buying off cocoa farmlands. It is quick money for farmers but threat to cocoa.

ome cocoa farmers in the Upper Denkyira East District in the Central Region are selling their farmlands to illegal miners, popularly known as ‘Galamsey’ operators, as a way to make ‘quick’ money. An acre is being bought by the illegal miners for about GH¢6,500 ($ 3347.500), accord-

ing to a bulletin from Cocoa processors Association of Nigeria (COPAN). The 2011 Best District Farmer, Mr Isaac Boamah, who made this known in an interview at Dunkwa-on-Offin, said once the illegal miners, mostly Chinese, discovered gold or any other mineral on a farm, they approached the owner and offered him or her amount. According to him, after the purchase of the land, the illegal miners then cut down all the cocoa trees and begin their mining activities. He described the situation as unfortunate and said it was

killing the cocoa industry and the future of the farmers involved. Mr Boamah called on the Minerals Commission to, as a matter of urgency; check the licences of the miners. He also urged farmers to desist from the practice, which he described as “greed.” The Upper Denkyira East Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Peter Owusu-Ashia Jnr, confirmed the story and said raids were usually organised to drive away the galamsey operators. He said the approved pracCONTINUED ON PAGE 35

Hard Facts

Nigeria spends N635 billion on wheat importation annually, with the United States of America as its main supplier. Nigeria’s local wheat production will meet its total annual demand of 3.7 million metric tonnes if its 600,000 hectares of land suitable for wheat production is cultivated by 2017 There are plans afoot to increase wheat production by 150,000 hectares every year from 2013 to 2014 planting season. If this is done, by 2017 Nigeria would be able to cultivate the available 600,000 hectares of land in the north with varieties that can produce 6 tonnes per hectare. We have rain-fed wheat in Nigeria. This rain-fed wheat is cultivated in Nigerian highlands. These Nigerian highlands are in Mambilla Plateau in Taraba State, Jos in Plateau State, and Obudu in Cross River State. We have about 80,000 hectares of land in these areas that are suitable for rain-fed wheat production, Usage of toxic chemicals is not controlled in Nigeria and is entering the food chain. Biomass that is produced in tropical and sub-tropical climates has an average productivity that is over five times higher than that of biomass grown in the temperate regions of Europe and North America. Since developing countries are located predominantly in the warmer climates and lower latitudes, they have a considerable comparative advantage. Britain accounts for less than 4% of Africa’s exports. That’s almost three times less than China. Britain is worried about this and so wants to do more to extend loan guarantees and trade finance to British companies that are looking to do business in Africa because it sees Africa in a new way, a different way - a place to invest its aid; but above all a place to trade. Nigeria is the UK’s 32nd largest overseas market and 2nd largest African market for goods. UK exports of goods to Nigeria were worth £1,433 million in 2008 (up 42 per cent on 2007) and exports of services were worth £1,279 million in 2008 (up 46 per cent on 2007). The main export opportunities for the UK include oil and gas, agriculture, mining and mineral processing, power, and communications. In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a robust entry of Chinese and South African businesses into Nigeria. Chinese trade relations and other business interests in Nigeria, like in some other parts of Africa, have shot up. The Chinese trade in textiles, garments and a long list of general goods. They are in oil and gas and solid mineral businesses. They are also into road and rail construction works. According to World Bank Weekly Report for July 7, 2008, Sino-African trade exploded from $2 billion in 1999 to $55.5 billion in 2006 and $73 billion in 2007, growing faster than Chinese trade with the rest of the world, and making a significant contribution to China’s success.

xxxx

business | AGRIC

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, May 09, 2014

Irrigation farming as solution to local rice scarcity Nigeria has about 11 River Basin Development Authorities established in 1976 by the Federal Government to harness the country’s water resources and optimise Nigeria’s agricultural resources for food self sufficiency, writes But last year, in one of such facilities set with billions of naira, farmers lost huge amount of their yields because there was no meaningful rainfall between July and August reports Adesola Momoh.

debate on rice production is on. The debate centres around the fact that in January this year, the Federal Government increased tariff on imported rice to 110 percent to encourage local production. This reduced legal importation, but rice is no doubt being smuggled into the country through the porous borders with the Nigeria Customs Service officials still manning the borders. Benin Republic has increased its rice import by about 400 percent, making money at Nigeria’s expense as most the rice imported into that country gets smuggled into Nigeria. So, some stakeholders want the tariff reviewed downwards. Farmers in Nigeria of course do not want that. With the backing of the able minister of agriculture, local producers and processors are doing their best to step up domestic rice production, adjudged to be healthier. But majority of rice farmers, even

commercial ones still depend on rain-fed rice farming. The climate change resulting in lack of rainfall when expected has been causing massive losses to rice farmers. Also, many rice farmers can only plant once a year. Therefore, irrigation, which can provide all-year-round supply of water to crop, is the only solution. Thailand and other countries that export rice do mainly irrigation farming with the infrastructure provided by the government. Can rice farming in Nigeria be developed with irrigation? Abdul-Ganiyu Alabi-Ojolowo, producer and processor of Oryza rice, says though more irrigation infrastructure needs to be established, even most of the massive ones already established by the government in different parts of the country are not functioning due to lack of proper maintenance. Ojolowo further says: “Hardly can private farm afford to set up the infrastructure for irrigation.

No bank currently is ready to finance that for any private business. It is only the government that can set them up. There are also issues of land ownership and usage. If the farmer does not own the land or cannot guarantee its longterm availability for farming, he would hesitate to invest in irrigation infrastructure even if he has the money. We have more irrigation facilities in the Northern part of the country than the Southern part. Also, the facilities would best be set up on government land used by large clusters of farmers.” On cost estimates, he says “An irrigation project for 200 hectares of land would cost about N500 million to establish, as the one recently established by the Lagos State government in Itoga. Another major challenge is that irrigation facilities run by the River Basin Development Authorities are under the ministry of water resources and not the ministry of agriculture.” Nigeria has about 11 River Basin Develop-

ment Authorities established in 1976 by the Federal Government to harness the country’s water resources and optimise Nigeria’s agricultural resources for food self sufficiency. But last year, in one of such facilities set up by the Federal Government in Ogun State with billions of naira, farmers lost huge amount of their yields because there was no meaningful rainfall between July and August. The irrigation facilities were functional but there was disagreement between two departments in the ministry of water resources as to which department should control the usage of the facilities. These River Basins were set up with the plan of handling over their operations to the network of farmers using the land. This has not been implemented even 30 years after establishment. This may not be unrelated to the fact that allocations are provided by the Federal Government for the running of these River Basin Development Authorities.

Ghana’s cocoa farms under threat CONTINUED FROM PAGE 34

tice was for prospective miners to consult the Minerals Commission to find out if the lands they were interested in could be used for mining. He explained that those who went through the right processes were made to pay, among other things, crops compensation and goodwill fees, as well as execute a development project for the community in which they operated as part of their corporate social responsibility. According to Mr OwusuAshia, the assembly’s bye-laws provided that licensed miners

Wheat farm

display their documents and licences at their sites in order to distinguish them from the illegal ones in case of unannounced raids by the security agencies. He said some of the illegal miners operated at night and called on the task force and other security agencies to embark on night patrols in order to arrest them. He urged the Minerals Commission to check and control the number of miners who were given permits to operate in an area and advised farmers and chiefs in the area to desist from selling their lands to illegal miners.

Why you need to invest in coconut water C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 4

a low-tech system that can be used by street vendors. Training guide The mid-range technology, developed in Jamaica in collaboration with the University of the West Indies, the Coconut Industries Board and the Scientific Research Council, is described in a FAO training guide, Good practices for the production of bottled coconut water, published in English, French and Spanish early in 2007. Says Rosa Rolle, an FAO food biochemist who coordinated development of the process: "While microfiltration can guarantee a commercially sterile product, it requires skills and investments that are often beyond the capacity of small and medium-scale processors. What we aimed for was a technology that is easier to implement and costs less, but ensures good quality and reasonable shelf-life in a

convenient format that satisfies consumer demand for a ‘natural product.’ The starting point FAO-funded research indicates that coconut water of good drinking quality is clear and colourless, with pH of 5 to 5.4 and a Brix level (a measurement of sugar concentration) of 5 to 6.5. Per millilitre, it should have a total microbiological count of less than 5,000, less than 10 of coliform bacteria, and zero faecal coliform. For small-scale processors without access to a laboratory for microbiological testing, the manual recommends some simple measures, such as checking the product for traces of fermentation or foreign objects, and giving it a "nose test" - a rancid odour, for example, indicates that the small quantity of fats in the liquid have oxidised. The guide points out that “coconuts are living material,”

and continue to breathe after harvest: “The higher the temperature of a coconut at harvest, the more rapidly will it respire in the post-harvest phase and the more rapidly will its constituents undergo physiological changes, leading to deterioration." A range of other factors can negatively affect the quality of coconut water. During production, they include contamination by pesticides residues, and heavy metals entering the fruit through soil or water. Postharvest, micro-organisms can be introduced through improper handling and processing, leading to rapid fermentation. Rapid cooling Now comes the easy part: extracting the precious liquid. That is done by first trimming the husk with a sanitized stainless steel cutlass, then opening the shell. The water inside is decanted into a sanitized container equipped with a strain-

er lined with a sanitized silk screen or cotton cloth. The filtered water should be promptly transferred to a cooling tank and cooled to 4°C, or placed in a freezer for three to four hours. Where large volumes of coconut water are to be bottled, the use of a refrigerated cooling tank for rapid cooling is highly recommended. Waste material mainly husks - must be removed from the processing environment and promptly disposed of. The water must be quickly bottled and sealed - in bottles that have been rinsed in potable water and sanitised for 15 minutes - then stored in a chiller at 4°C. The bottling facility needs to be clean and “free of animals, insects, dust or garbage,” and physically separate from area where the coconuts are cut open. “Bacteria and yeasts are the main micro-organisms that threaten freshly bottled coconut water," the FAO guide says.

It is critical, therefore, that the temperature of the bottled water be kept at between 0 and 4°C during transportation in order to preserve quality and to prolong shelf-life. Finally, the manual advises, processors need to make sure that their product is handled with care after delivery: “Monitor retail outlets to ensure that the bottled coconut water is stored at the correct temperature and away from direct light.” Processing technology Designed in collaboration with the Philippines’ Industrial Technology Development Institute, the unit is insulated with a mixture of ice and salt, which cools freshly collected coconut water to below 4°C. Instead of hauling coconuts from rural areas into cities, vendors can collect the water “at source,” reducing both their transport costs and the quantity of urban garbage.

BUSINESS | AGRIC

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, May 09, 2014

How Stallion Group is faring with local rice production Stallion owns and operates the country’s largest integrated rice milling facility and has formed Popular Progressive Farmers Association that is working tirelessly to improve farm yields and bring in sustainable and scalable growth to farmers.

ice is cultivated in all of Nigeria’s agro-ecological zones, from mangroves to the swamp ecologies of the Niger Delta to the dry zones Sahel in the north. Nigeria is producing paddy mainly in rainy season with renewed focus and energy is expanding quantities during dry season. Formerly most of the produce used to get consumed at subsistence levels. However, with the current impetus provided by the Ministry of Agriculture, large-scale private sector investments have fuelled growth in local production at commercial levels. For instance, Stallion Group, a local multi business conglomerate has made rapid strides in the development of a fully integrated rice value chain in the country. The initiatives in this sector complement the group’s stated vision in developing large scale local industries in Nigeria. Stallion owns and operates the country’s largest integrated rice milling facility and has formed Popular Progressive Farmers Association that is working tirelessly to improve farm yields and bring in sustainable and scalable growth to farmers. The Group has fully backward integrated its rice value chain viz. production, procurement through collection center, association with co-operatives and farmers, logistic and post-harvest services, marketing and acting as a catalyst toward sustainable growth. It is doing this with the efforts of Popular Progressive Farmers Association that is working closely with co-operative farmer association to convert subsistence farming into commercial farming by providing technical inputs in respect of land preparation, crop care, weed management, moisture management and post-harvest care. Popular Farms is also assisting in improving storage methods resulting in acceptable levels of moisture in the paddy which in turn results in higher milling recovery. Stallion’s foray into agribusiness started way back during 2007. Under the guidelines of the Federal Government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) and with the assistance of a team of agricultural experts from around the world, they started deliberating on various Agricultural Extension & Training Programmes amongst the farmers

Farmers at work in a rice farm

Rice farm

groups and at strategically located rice farms. The company has started its commercial production of Made-in-Nigeria rice from locally procured paddy by putting a state of the art rice milling facility in Kano. The company is now operating a fully integrated state of the art rice mill in the country with an aggregate capacity of 360,000 metric tonnes per annum and is producing a premium variety of rice from local paddy being marketed by the company under the names “Royal Stallion Shinkafa” and “Super Champion’’ which are now the most popular locally produced Madein -Nigeria brands of rice. Stallion’s entire focus is to strengthen the local farming community and their knowhow of rice farming so as to bring in the Rice Revolution into the country. It is a multi-levelled approach not only to increase the area under cultivation but also to transform the rice farming and rice business sector through the quality produce and farm productivity. Stallion is implementing a comprehensive strategy to positively impact a vast geographical area under rice farming and thousands of progressive farmers are being targeted under the initiative to Popular Progressive Farmers Association. As a pioneer in the rice value chain, the deteriorating plight of the Nigerian farmer and the

Under its Rice Backwards Integration Scheme, Stallion now has a direct approach to more than 5,000 farmers and almost 20 various cooperatives impending threat of global competition have been the concerns for the company. This concern is not driven only by a sense of social responsibility, but Stallion also recognises that the company’s fortunes are strongly tied to the well-being of the farmer. To better the farmer compensation requires providing the farmer with the know-how and resources to raise production and supply better quality inputs and access to markets. Stallion effectively uses its expertise and technology and it believes in the capacity to bring the power of scale to the farmer. The company’s vision is to preserve and enrich the rice production in Nigeria by ensuring genetic integrity of the seed, encouraging farmers to adopt scientific agricultural practices and leveraging world-

class rice processing technologies and emerge as the industry benchmark for product quality and customer service. The company over the past several years has been actively involved in various programmes viz. out growers and crop health programme, seminar cum technical sessions, demonstration through extension, rural youth, paddy quality awareness, farmers’ cooperatives training programmes, and distribution of extension materials like technical bulletin, leaflets and video CDs, model farm demonstrations under its CSR activities. Currently, the company has a dedicated team of agric professionals spread across various centers and regional agric offices. The company has extended these activities in various states of Nigeria with the objective of increasing the area under rice cultivation, increasing the production per unit area by introducing “Low Cost No Cost Technology” to the farmers. Simultaneously, the company assures consistent supply of certified quality seeds under Seed Multiplication Programmes in various rice producing states. As a part of these initiatives, the company is also extending assured buy-back of harvested paddy from the farmers for its processing facilities. Under their flagship Out Growers Scheme, the organisation has devised and demonstrat-

ed focused approach which is to make the rice farming more productive and sustainable, scale up the out growers farming / communities on a sustainable basis, bring in latest and modern rice farming techniques on the farm, assist farmers with farming inputs availability, advising on dry season irrigation management, developing the farmers group/farmers communities in terms of farming knowledge and self sufficiency for higher farm production and increased per unit earnings and to provide buy-back mechanism to the rice produce on fair and prevailing market prices. The company has established several collection centers spread across rice producing states of Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Niger, Jigawa, Sokoto and Kano which not only assist farmers in understanding modern rice farming techniques but also focuses on forming associations with various farmers’ cooperatives and progressive farmers to lead the Nigerian rice revolution. Fertilizer distribution Under its Rice Backwards Integration Scheme, Stallion now has a direct approach to more than 5,000 farmers and almost 20 various cooperatives, which ensure that farmers become scalable into their approach and farm income becomes lucrative. Understanding the local irrigation system and source of irrigation and further scaling up this has been a crucial part of farmers’ success. Dry rice farming with sustainable rice productivity has been the key factor where the company’s efforts have been yielding good results. Stallion has been pioneering in providing easy and quality inputs through its Centers. Farm fertilizers, certified seeds, modern farming bulletins have been distributed amongst thousands of farmers. Their on-farm demonstrations on modern rice farming techniques have been a successful endeavour which started giving a positive results and increased productivity up to additional 50 per cent rice farm productivity have been reported.

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, May 9, 2014

Pension

BUSINESS |PENSION 37

Police PFA: Panic spreads despite PenCom’s safety assurance PENSION The creation of a separate pension fund administrator for the Nigeria Police Force stirs more reactions from stakeholders Sunday Ojeme

he serene atmosphere that had pervaded the almost nine-year operation of the Contributory Pension Scheme is beginning to experience some air of uncertainty due to recent clearance of the Nigeria Police Force by the National Pension Commission to operate under an independent pension fund administrator. Although the commission has reassured contributors and stakeholders that there is nothing to worry about, feelers from the industry, especially among the PFAs, present an ominous picture of the situation. In a response to the report regarding the threat to the pension assets, PenCom said that the issue of threat did not arise under the CPS because the management and custody of pension assets were respectively undertaken by separate licensed operators, namely the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and Pension Fund Custodians (PFCs), under the strict supervision of the Commission. The Commission, through the Head, Communications, Mr. Emeka Onuora, said that the NPF Pensions Limited, which was recently granted an approval-in-principle, would operate like any other licensed PFA where the pension assets under it would be held in custody by licensed PFCs under the supervision of the Commission. The Commission pointed out that the Federal Government had never granted any approval to the Nigeria Police to pull out from the Contributory Pension Scheme, stressing that the personnel of the Nigeria Police Force were still under the Contributory Pension Scheme by virtue of Section 1 of the Pension Reform Act 2004. According to PenCom, the Whitepaper recently issued by the Federal Government on the Report of the Orasanye Committee on the Rationalisation of Federal Government Institutions clearly indicated that the Federal Government has accepted the recommendation that, with the exception of the Military which has already been granted exemption, no Federal Government Institution or Force should be exempted from the Contributory Pension Scheme. The statement emphasised that “following the enactment of the Pension Reform (Amendment) Act 2011, which exempted the personnel of the military and State Security Services from the CPS, the Nigeria Police and other agencies agitated for exemption from the scheme. However, the Federal Government decided after careful consideration of the submission made by the Nigeria Police that the Police personnel should remain under the Contributory Pension Scheme and that the Nigeria Police Force should seek administrative solutions to the grievances of its personnel within the framework of the scheme. “Accordingly, after extensive consultations with the Commission, the authorities of the Nigeria Police Force decided

A gathering of policemen, Inset: Inspector-General of Police. Mohammed Abubakar

to incorporate a limited liability company (NPF Pensions Limited) and apply to the Commission for licence to operate as a Pension Fund Administrator exclusively for the Nigeria Police personnel in order to address their peculiar concerns. Following a rigorous and thorough review of that application, the NPF Pensions Limited was found to have satisfied all the normal stringent approval-in-principle conditions without any concessions. Consequently, the Commission granted the NPF Pensions Limited an A-I-P for a licence to operate as a PFA. “It is pertinent to note that the NPF Pensions Limited, which is incorporated as a Private Limited Liability Company, will be managed independently by professionals who must satisfy the fit and proper persons due diligence requirements and approved by the Commission in line with the guidelines for appointment to board and top management positions of PFAs and PFCs. “Furthermore, although the NPF Pensions Limited will be exclusively for police personnel, every police officer will, in line with section 11(2) of the PRA 2004, be at liberty to transfer to another PFA of his/her choice as soon as the transfer window is opened by the Commission.” The Commission further hinted that in order to achieve a smooth take-off of the NPF Pensions Limited, the Commission had developed an Operational Framework that would guide the reassignment of Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) and transfer of records of all Nigeria Police contributors to the NPF Pensions Limited, which would be spread over an 18 month period. “Accordingly, in its usual consultative approach, the Commission has engaged and would continue to engage other licensed operators and stakeholders regarding the modalities of reassignment

of PINs and transfer of records of officers and men of the Nigeria Police, with a view to ensuring a smooth exercise for the benefit of the pension industry,” the statement added. However, despite what appears to be a water tight assurance on the part of the Commission, concerned stakeholders appear to believe that the situation is far more than what the regulator is trying to make the public believe. They are of the opinion that even though the likely pull out of the police from the scheme would not directly affect the N4 trillion assets being held in custody for the contributors, the movement or transfer of cash already under the control of the existing PFAs would definitely impact on the business plans of the fund administrators. They are of the opinion that the regulator should consider the risks taken, effort, hard work of shareholders and managements of PFAs in the registration, asset creation and value addition made over the last seven years. The statement said: “Significant accumulated losses running into several hundred millions of naira were incurred by most PFAs in the course of the years. Indeed, some are only just coming out of these losses. Following the military exit,

Following the military exit, the further loss of Police assets totaling N302 billion will have significant impact and draw-back on the PFAs

DG, PenCom, Chinelo Ahonu Amazu

the further loss of Police assets totaling N302 billion will have significant impact and draw back on the PFAs. Potential loss of income is about N5 billion per annum collectively. “This will invariably have attendant knock-on effect on overall operations of existing PFAs to varying degrees. In order to have a fair outcome and ensure any future such licensing requests are mitigated, we believe the conditions should, while being fair, be stringent.” The stakeholders, in the interest of equity and fair play in the industry, craved the indulgence of the Commission to consider restricting the Police PFA to managing only pension contributions from the Nigeria Police Force, both now and in the future. It also suggested that for an orderly transfer within the Pension Reform Acts and Guidelines issued by the Commission, the police should be restricted to enrolling new employees for now, until the transfer window is opened, at which point officers and men could choose to move or compensation be given by the Police PFA to existing PFAs in the form of asset purchase as in the case of operator buy-outs. On the issue of asset transfers, the stakeholders also suggested that the process should be arranged in an equitable manner to neither favour the Police PFA nor the existing Retirement Saving Account funds. According to them, “the large percentage of FGN bonds in the RSA portfolios' disposal will lead to significant losses at this time. We must also ensure that the transfer of N302 billion asset cash and near cash to a single player within a short period of time do not cause systemic risk for the market. To prevent future liability, some form of indemnity should be considered.”

BUSINESS | PENSION

CONTRIBUTIONS Failure of business owners to remit deducted pensions to PFAs worries regulators

o ensure employees registered under the Contributory Pension Scheme receive their contributions at the end of their working life, the Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria has strengthened its collaboration with the National Pension Commission to identify employers who fail to remit funds deducted from their workers. Disclosing this in Lagos, the Executive Secretary PenOp, Ms. Susan Oranye, said both parties were working hard to tackle the challenge on non-re-

Non-remittance: PenCom, PenOp move against employers mittance by some employers. According to the PRA 2004, any employer that fails to remit pension contributions into the employees Retirement Savings Account (RSA) within 7 days after payment of the staff salary would be required to remit the pension contribution plus penalty at not less than two per cent of the total contributions that remains unpaid for each month the default continues as provided in Section 11 (7) of the PRA, 2004. Since inception, the Commission has identified and assigned over 15,000 employers to Recovery Agents to review

CPS: Confab delegate demands increase in contribution

n order to motivate workers so as to give their best while still on duty, a delegate at the ongoing National Conference, Mr. Paul Enebeli, has advised employers to make good use of the opportunities provided through the Contributory Pension Scheme by increasing the percentage contribution to the funds. He described the CPS as an important tool to motivate employees, stressing that the Federal Government could also take advantage of the scheme to get more commitment from civil servants. He said that nothing would ginger employees’ morale more than the fact that their employers had arrangement for a secured financial future for them. In the same vein, the Managing Director, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, Demola Sogunle, said that the scheme remains one of the best things put in place for the well-being of workers. He said that the scheme has

helped to provide a secured future for workers at retirement, adding that workers need not to adjust their age any more as there is something to sustain their lifestyle at retirement. Sogunle called on workers to demand compliance from their employers as their future is determined by what they contribute. He said: “Those who are presently contributing are in good companies, their future is assured, and some people are working on their behalf to ensure that when they stop receiving salary, they can maintain their living standard. “It is because of the contributors we do investment strategies, work hard daily, so that they can have something to fall on when they stops working. It is when people stop working they become more vulnerable and that is when we come in. Contributors should be rest assured, for they have nothing to fear.”

Firefighters' row over pensions continue

irefighters in England and Wales staged a third consecutive day of strike over pensions with no sign of a breakthrough. Members of the Fire Brigades Union protested over government plans to raise pension contributions and the retirement age. The government said that a deal on offer was "one of the most generous pension schemes in all the public sector." In Scotland, there is a ban on voluntary overtime until May 9. A spokesman for the FBU, which says about 85-90 per cent of UK firefighters are members, estimated that 35,000-40,000 were on strike on Sunday. On-call firefighters usually based in rural areas and contractors were hired as part of fire authorities' attempts to ensure cover for those on strike. The union is angry that firefighters face paying higher

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, May 9, 2014

pension contributions, working into their late 50s before retiring and could be sacked because their fitness declines as they get older. General secretary, Matt Wrack, said it was time for the government's "games" to stop and common sense to prevail. It was disappointing firefighters had been "forced" to carry out the last three days of strikes. A Communities and local government spokesman said pension proposals protected the rights of a higher proportion of members than any other public sector scheme, and that nearly three-quarters would see no change in their pension age in 2015. On Saturday, the department denied FBU claims that government had drawn up alternative proposals "that might point the way towards a solution" six weeks ago but had been "sitting on" them ever since.

their records and recover any outstanding pension contributions plus penalty. To minimise defaults, the Commission also deployed an application (Risk Management Analysis system) for monitoring remittance of pension contributions of employees. The said application identifies employers that default in remittance of pension contributions of their employees. As at February this year, it had also taken legal action against 50 employers, out of which judgment has been entered in favour of the Commission with respect to 16 employers. Another set of 30 employers are also being prepared for prosecution. Oranye said that apart from the fact that PenCom had come up with the names of defaulters and also following

them up, the fund administrators had been having seminars and interactive sessions with employers to find out why they are not remitting contributions. She said: “We have been educating them on the need to understand that the fund is for their employees and that they should also consider the system as a corporate social responsibility which helps in boosting the morale of workers. “When employers provide secured future for their employees through pension, they would be happy to give their best, which will raise the bottom-line of employers. This event provides an opportunity for us to introduce workers to the pension fund administrators. Workers in public and private sectors should comply

with this scheme which is one of the best means to secure the future of workers.” She also advised workers to leverage on the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) to secure their future, saying that the scheme remained one of the best things to have happened in the country in recent years. According to her, the scheme was introduced to eradicate the ugly sights where workers queue, cry and beg for their pension. The new scheme is transparent, fully funded, safe and should be embraced by every worker. She said: “PenOp is here to honour and support Nigerian workers. The underlying concern for all pension fund administrators is to prepare workers for when they would not be able to work again.

L-R: Head, Human Resource and Admin, Mouka Limited, Mr. Boniface Nwabuko, one of the winners of 1 million naira in the Mouka Sleep Like a Millionaire Promo, Olubajo Olasunkami; Mouka Distributor and Managing Director, FAAKS Enterprises, Mrs. Olajumoke Akinbule-Alabi and National Business Manager, Mouka Limited, Mr.Olufemi Asa, at the prize presentation and 2nd raffle draw for the Mouka Sleep Like a Millionaire Promo held at Mouka Office, Lagos.

L&G brushes off fears of hit from UK pension reform B ritish insurer, Legal & General, saw net cash rise by over a fifth in the first quarter of 2014 on demand for its retirement products - easing fears the company would be hit by reforms to the United Kingdom pensions system. The reforms, due to be implemented next April, effectively scrap a system that forced most retirees to swap their pension savings for an annuity that pays out an income for life. Instead, they get a choice on how they invest. That had raised fears that insurers such as L&G that sell the products would suffer by losing one of their most lucrative business lines. But in a trading statement on Wednesday, the company said its sales of bulk annuities to company pension schemes, which are not affected by the reforms, were easily offsetting a decline in sales of the products to individuals.

The group's Retirement arm saw new business premiums quadruple to 3.3 billion pounds following the signing of a three billion-pound bulk annuity contract with the ICI pension fund in March. L&G's individual annuity sales dropped 40 per cent in the quarter. Cancellations of newly bought annuities after the UK government announced the reforms in March had a 15 millionpound impact, the company said. Net cash in the quarter was up 21 per cent to 301 million pounds ($511.47 million). Operational cash generation rose six per cent to 297 million pounds, which the company attributed to demand for its pension products. L&G said it supports the reforms as part of a "clear prochoice, pro-consumer agenda to modernise pensions". The company said it stood to benefit even though individual annuity sales would suffer, because other busi-

nesses such as fund management should gain by offering an alternative use of pensions savings. Its fund management business, Legal & General Investment Management, saw net flows of new money from clients reach 3.8 billion pounds in the quarter, to bring assets to 463 billion pounds. "We already benefit from favourable demographic trends; we have economically and socially useful products for customers... We are excited about the prospects for our business," said Chief Executive Nigel Wilson. L&G shares were trading more than two per cent higher on Wednesday morning after the earnings statement, which Shore Capital's Eamonn Flanagan called "a robust rebuttal to those who feared for the group's future following the Budget changes to the annuity market."

CRIME

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newtelegraphonline.com/entrepreneur

JULIANA FRANCIS juliana.francis@newtelegraphonline.com

FRIDAY, MAY 9, 2014

‘Boko Haram is war against Nigerians, not Christians’ Agba Nchor is a retired Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP). Before he took a bow and left the stage of active police work, he was instrumental in routing drug couriers from the dreaded Kuwait zone at the Gowon Estate area of Egbeda, Lagos State, which served as home for drug traffickers, addicts and suspected robbers. In this chat with JULIANA FRANCIS, Nchor expresses fears over the continual bloodletting in the country, stressing that Nigeria is at war. He says that if Jonathan bows to pressure and does not contest; another orgy of bloodbath may be unleashed by the Niger Delta people, who see him as their ‘brother.’ Excerpts; What’s your reaction about the Chibok abducted girls? The abduction of those girls is political arrangement! During political campaign in 2011, some political opponents said they would make the country ungovernable and immediately they said this, Boko Haram surfaced. Today, they’re terrorising the country based on what they said. Some of us believe that it’s an arrangement. If it’s not an arrangement, how do you explain the fact that what the politicians threatened, is now happening? It means they know that Boko Haram existed even then. Do you believe that Boko Haram is waging a war against Christians? I don’t believe that Boko Haram is waging a war against Christians anymore. You can see now that they attack churches and mosques, in fact everybody! Generally, they just want to destabilise the country. Do you see Nigeria breaking as the solution to the insurgency in the country? For the country to break up is not the solution to the present problem. We’ve come a long way. 100 years! There’re people who have properties in different parts of the country and you’re talking about us breaking up. So many other people have intermarried and are still intermarrying. What we should do, is for our leaders to meet these Boko Haram members and dialogue with them. This perhaps will help in checking the Boko Haram problem. Would you say that Nigeria is at war presently? Just looking at the security situation in

the country, shows that Nigeria is at war! Boko Haram members are armed to the teeth with all sort of sophisticated weapons and magazines wrapped around them. They attack with seven, nine and 10 vehicles. Look at the numbers of people they had killed so far. Such a number might not even be killed in a war with another country. Yes, we’re at war! We’ve fought civil war in this country and we know when enemy forces attacked. But this war is without notification. People would be sleeping and they would go there and burn down Nchor the homes, with the occupants inside. Both Christians and Muslims are affected. ger Republic and Mali, so police can’t fight this war! We’re in war! Police are trained for counter-terrorism, while military are As ex-policeman, how do you feel seeing soldiers at the forefront of the fight against Boko trained to enforce national security and Haram, when it was policemen before? international aggression. You heard what I said. This is war! Who are those that are supposed to fight war? What’s the way out of the raging storm in the It’s the soldiers! What we’ve heard so far, country? The way forward, is for all the leaders is that most of the key leaders in Boko Haram are not Nigerians, but people from in the northern states; the political and other countries. We heard they’re from Ni- eminent leaders and all those involved in

CRIME QUOTE ‘If this happened anywhere else in the world, more than 200 girls kidnapped and no information for more than two weeks, the country would be brought to a standstill.” – Obiageli Ezekwesili

this Boko Haram war, to come together, dialogue and find a solution to this menace with the government. With dialogue, the issue of Boko Haram will cease! Do you think the confab will be able to take care of the issue of Boko Haram? The convener of the confab had good intention, but the members of the confab are creating problems in that place! I don’t think they are working towards the idea and ideals which the convener earlier planned. The convener of the confab knew what he planned and wanted. But the argument going on in the subcommittees shows that they’re not serious. I don’t think they’re going to achieve anything good there for Nigerians. Would you then describe the confab as a waste of money? It’s a waste of money and time! Let me however not conclude yet, since I don’t know what they’ll write in their reports. But from the debates we’ve been seeing on CONTINUED ON PAGE 40

40 CRIME

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, May 9, 2014

‘Jonathan has done more than Nigerians give him credit for’ doing his best with the small resources he has. If you get to Cross River, you’ll know the governor is working. Check out Lagos State, where they have billions of naira, can’t you see that in ordinary Ejigbo Local Government, nothing is working there? At Cross River, in every local government, the roads are tarred.

CON TINUED FR O M PAGE 39

television and in the National Dallies, they don’t have anything good to offer Nigerians. Some people have argued that the insurgency will stop once President Jonathan halts his ‘second or third term’ shot at the presidency seat. What do you say to that? Merely judging from what is going on in the country, you’ll see that would be the solution. But you can’t force Jonathan to stop his bid for the seat of presidency. He should be allowed, just like any other citizen of Nigeria to contest for any position. This matter had been dragged to the court, and a court says he was qualified to contest. The constitution allows him to contest. He had only enjoyed his first term. The other term they’re talking about, is not his term. He spent two years for the late President Yardua, so people shouldn’t count it for him. He’s not God and didn’t say Yardua should die! He didn’t pray for it and since it happened, it became his luck. They should allow him to go for his second term. If he’s not allowed to go for second term, there might be problem. Another group will come up, to begin to foment trouble, making the country also ungovernable for any other person or president. They’ll say: ‘when our brother was in government, you people didn’t give him peace and chance to rule.’ I foresee such happening. Boko Haram doesn’t want any other ethnic person to rule Nigeria, so how can they too rule in peace? Are you insinuating that Niger Delta people will not give peace a chance, since ‘their brother,’ President Jonathan, was not given such a chance? Exactly! They too would also cause trouble. Since Jonathan came on board,

Nigerians protesting the abduction of school girls in Chibok

there has been stability in the production of crude oil. There has also been increase in the production of crude oil, from the Niger Delta region. He may have done more, if he had been allowed. Do you think CCTV will help in the fight against terrorism in the country? It has been done in other parts of the world and its working. They should implement it in Nigeria. But I still insist on dialogue being the solution to Boko Haram insurgency. Boko Haram knows why they’re terrorising Nigeria and Nigerians. They have an agenda. Or how would you explain the coming of Boko Haram at this time, when Nigeria is trying to sustain peace in its nascent democracy? They’re destabilising us by bombing everywhere and its means that the information, unwittingly given out by the politician who threatened that the country would be governable has element of truth. Why did you retire from police and choose to go into politics? It’s because of the situation in the

country. As an experienced person, I know I have all it takes to manage security and politics together. Why did you choose PDP of all parties? I joined PDP because it’s nationally accepted, no matter the critics and criticism. I believe in the party’s ideology. Check out all political parties in Nigeria, you’d find that PDP is the only political party that’s not biased in picking national leaders. I’m from Cross River, Obudu Local Government and I declared for PDP in the state. My ward is Otugwang central. Is your governor Liyel Imoke performing well? My governor is doing well and hardworking. There’s peace there. He’s up and doing, considering that Cross River is given small budget. We have financial problems in Cross River State. We have problem of the 76 oil wells given to Akwa Ibom, it’s affecting the economy of the state. The Bakassi issue that was ceded to Cameroun is also affecting the state. The governor is

Who’s planning to take over as the new governor in the state? I heard that it’s zoned to the northern Cross River and for equity and peace to reign, and for us to live as sisters and brothers, let them zone it to the north as agreed. That’s what’s agreed by the hierarchy of the party. It has gone to Cross River South and central before. What your suggestions for Nigerians? They should learn to live in peace and love another. We should behave like Americans. They’re proud and never discriminate! No matter our ethnic group, we’re one Nigerians! We should not discriminate in who will rule or not. It’s a bad concept! Another thing is that Nigeria government doesn’t know how to make use of retired officers. If a man retires at 50, what does he do with the rest of his life and with his experience and we’re talking about Boko Haram? Such officers are still very young and can contribute to the security of this country. They’re trained specialist and know what to do. When an officer is retired at a young age, the brain and experiences are wasting! In USA, you work as a police officer until you’re 70 or 80 years, but in Nigeria, 55 years is all. A 55-year-old person is still a very young one. Some of us joined police at a very young age. My age mates are still in the police. I know that there are many retired police officers who have experiences and should be used by the government. They can hire them on contract basis.

Between elusive Abubakar Shekau and security agencies Juliana Francis

bubakar Shekau is the leader of Boko Haram sect. He served as deputy leader to the group’s founder, Mohammed Yusuf, until Yusuf was killed in 2009. Nigerian authorities believed that Shekau was killed in 2009 during clashes between security forces and Boko Haram militants until July 2010 when he appeared in a video claiming leadership of the group. In the video, Shekau indicated that he had been shot in the thigh but survived the fighting. In June 2012 the U.S. State Department designated Shekau as a terrorist and in effect froze any of his assets in America. The United States Department of State offered a $7 million reward and the Nigeria government offered a N50 million reward for his capture, making him the most wanted man in Nigeria and Islamist in Africa. Shekau survived an attempt on his life by Nigerian security forces. He has tak-

Shekau

en credit for the kidnapping of over 200 school girls in April 2014. Since his near death he has increased his violent attacks. Shekau was born in the Republic of Niger, although it has also been claimed that he was born in Shekau village in Yobe State of Nigeria. It is unclear how old he is with speculation suggesting he is 34 or 35; some have said he is 43 years old. If so much information is available

about Shekau, why has he become so elusive, almost mystical that our security agencies can’t nail him? Was he forged out of hell? Where are his parents, cousins, friends, brothers and sisters? I can’t believe that he cut off all ties with family members because of his belief in this vague, nebulous, though horrifying war! That he had repeatedly exposed his face, is a slap and mockery of our security agencies. Perhaps our security agencies should now begin to have and build database for suspected criminals and indeed anyone that had had a reason to be arrested and taken into custody. Such database usually goes a long way to help in profiling of a suspect and making arrest. They should also begin to think about scientific investigation. What they’ve been doing since Shekau and his cohorts’ unleashed hell on Nigerians, is mere guessing work and wastage of manpower and bullets! And what the heck had happened to undercover detectives in Nigeria? Is the

Boko Haram sect so difficult to infiltrate? Why are bugs not planted in the homes of some of the northern governors? Why are phones of governors who had been suspected not bugged? I don’t see the killings, bombs and abductions ending too soon, for its clear that Boko Haram members or Shekau also thrive and enjoy attention, not just from the media, but also from the Nigerian government and international communities. This is why, whenever it appeared Nigerians are beginning to ignore them, they will look for something cruel, appalling, daring and sickening to commit: like the Nyanya twin explosions and kidnap of the Chibok girls. These daring tendencies however might soon become Shekau’s undoing. Sometimes, there’s just no perfect crime. Frankly, security agencies in Nigeria are not doing enough. I don’t understand why international communities have not been invited to help sort out this saddening and tragic mess.

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PRINCESS ODUNAYOMI OKE

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We want our girls back!

Odunayomi Oke am not in any way reporting a story, but I am expressing a sincere concern about the plight of families whose children have been abducted for almost a month now. There is a saying that “someone’s child is dead is better than someone’s child is missing.’’ So it is really a big pain in the heart to sleep and wake up every day believing that somehow, your missing child would walk in through the door. Or better still, that a call would come in on your phone; or a link from any source informing you of your child’s where about. Maybe it has never crossed some of our hearts, but no affected family will know the true meaning of laughter; until their children are found in good state of health. Mentally, some of these parents must have been turned to nuts. And truth is, many of them will sooner or later need the help of psychologists to retain their sanity. Going through the list of the 180 names already released by the school, some family names were repeated twice, and some thrice. Really, it could be that some people share same family

name, but at the same time, it could mean some families have more than a child or two taken away. This abduction case has gone beyond a National issue, to a universal outcry of anguish. On Monday, I watched Nigerian Women in Diaspora on CNN News, carrying placards expressing their concern in the search for these innocent young girls. Oh it was touching! Majority of them must have left aside their personal problem, to be a part of the rally. Again on Tuesday, as I was putting this piece together, CNN reported another case of eight children abducted right from their homes; in Warabe, still in Bornu State. What an effrontery! This is becoming a bad case of insecurity. No one sleeps with both eyes closed again. It means, if Parents are restless over the safety of their children in schools, then what do we say about these ones taken away from right under their roofs? Honestly, the solution lies with God; and Him alone. So, if there are families here at home, that still feel indifferent about this case, I think it is high time we told ourselves the truth. It was Chibok, and other people’s children, but who

knows where, and whose children next? I mean, it is like “the heaven that is coming down,” which could fall on anybody, I mean just anybody; rich or poor. This affects us all, whether you are a wife, mother, aunt, sister or daughter. No one is left out of this search, fight and struggle. You might not be so privileged to carry placards, or lead a group out to show your support, but we can all show our solidarity by taking

I want to awaken us all to the fact that these cases of abduction and massacre everywhere should not be mistaken for a battle of wits at all; as weapons of grammar, arms and ammunitions, will fail in any fight

this up as an indirect battle. Someone may want to ask, “But how do we fight such a battle? Very simple, never leave your house in the morning without mentioning those girls case to God in prayer, nor go to bed at night without doing same. Particularly, involve your children in the prayer. Let them feel the pain of the situation, by telling them those abducted girls are children like them. Only that now, nobody; except God knows their where about. It must not just be a prayer as simple as “We want our girls back,” but it must be that of decreeing definite things. It will amaze you to see that children know how to pray such prayers, and the beauty of it, is that God answers the heartfelt prayers of children; with speed. One of the people i spoke with on the issue (a father of two, a boy and a girl, who spoke under anonymity) said “Ah, please don’t even ask me what I would do if my daughter was one of them, because I will demonstrate practical madness.” As the discussion went on, he kept on repeating “That means they have killed me. Please, let me not CONTINUED on PAGE 43

42 FamilY AFFAIRS | woman to woman

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, May 9, 2014

Coping with difficult in-laws (2) Odunayomi Oke

thought the issue of receiving bad treatment from in-laws, was peculiar to wives, until I heard the story of Willy; whose mother-in-law, was a big bully. He said he had to put up with her excesses for close to 12 years of their marriage. Each time the woman visited them, she stayed for as long as two to three months. But for the whole period of her stay, she would do nothing, but boss everybody around in the house. The house maid must not be allowed to sit in the living room, only torn clothes should be given to her, the driver must not be served any food cooked in the house; since he was on salary, and many more like that. He said, the last straw that broke the camel’s back was when she moved in with them without prior notice. What annoyed him was that on the said day, she only called early in the morning, and asked that the driver be sent to pick her up. But they got the shock of their lives upon returning home that evening. Not only did she move her whole belongings with her, she moved right into the guest section of the main house; which is a three bedroom en-suite facility; while she settled her house girl in one of the rooms. When asked for an expla-

nation, she simply said she was sorry she did not inform them on time, and had leased out the 3 bedroom apartment built for her eight years ago. Her reason, electricity in the area became very bad, and she could not continue to bear with the noise from the generator. That was it; he got mad at his wife, himself, everybody, just for being taken for a fool. It almost caused a separation between him and his wife, but for the intervention of a close family friend, and his mother. He said it was the same mother-in-law who caused enmity between his wife and his mother, at the early stage of their marriage, which took a very long time to correct. During her period of stay, her house-help quarrelled with their own over every little thing, and she made herself too visible in the house to the extent there was no privacy again; even in their bedroom. But after putting up with her excess for about five months, and they noticed they could not receive guests in their house again; they rented a three bedroom apartment for her somewhere close to them. Ini was another woman who had it rough with not just her mother-in-law, but her husband’s siblings. She said her mother or any of her siblings must not stay for more than some few days in her house at

any point in time, because of her in-laws trouble. But her parents-in-law have a bedroom suite in the house, which has been labelled even by the children; as Grandma and Grandpa’s room. One time during the dedication of their last child, they had several guests, and some had to sleep over in her parents-inlaw’s room. One of them must have left a charger behind, which no one saw when cleaning the room. Few days after, when her mother-in-law arrived, she saw the charger, and asked the cleaner for an explanation. Since she knew it would mean trouble to tell mama some people made use of the room during the child’s dedication, she referred her to the madam of the house. In trying to explain to her why she put some people in the

That, she repeated at another time. As they were eating at the table, she got up and went into the kitchen; plate in hand

room, she said “but mama, you cannot expect us to lock up that room when people could not get where to sleep.” That was like an insult to her, and she warned her never to open the room to any visitor again, not even to her own parents. But before she left, one of her children who later joined her, was left in the same room “nobody should enter.” Ini concluded that with most in-laws, perseverance is just the word; otherwise many women would not have where to call a home today. Mary’s experience was quite different, as her mother-in-law competes with her as if they were two women married to the same man. The woman had at several occasions constituted herself as a distraction in their marriage, and even succeeded in causing quarrels between them many times. There was a time the woman visited them, and her husband was travelling. After dropping money with her, as he turned to leave, his mother stopped him to ask for her own pocket money. The son was like, “But you have all you need in the house; and more so I will just be away for two days.” Still, she insisted she wanted to cook her own soup to her taste. At the end of the day she did not cook any soup, but still went

into the general pot, and served herself the choicest meat in there. That she repeated at another time, as they were eating at the table, she got up and went into the kitchen; plate in hand. Few minutes after, the son followed, and found his mother pushing some meat aside, obviously searching for a big one. He definitely got mad at her, and gave her a piece of his mind. She cried, though she still ate the meat. She later laid the blame on her, that she was the one setting his son against her. Mary said she had played the fool with her in-laws severally, just to keep her marriage intact. She said whenever they go to the village; the woman would pack all the food stuff they went with, from the kitchen, into her room, and expect her to knock her door to get whatever she needed. Each time she complained to her husband, he would plead with her to do as his mother has requested, as it might be customary. With all these stories, one can deduce that some mothers- in-law are just troublesome individuals, but that does not make every one of them so. And to women, I will like to say if some women could cope with the most difficult inlaws, and prevail; then you can also endeavour to cope with yours. After all, perseverance always pays off in the end.

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Sanctity of Truth

Friday, May 9, 2014

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COUNSELLING Q & A PRINCESS ODUNAYOMI OKE

Dear Counsellor, I am a Christian, 40 years old. I enjoy reading your column in the NEW TELEGRAPH NEWSPAPERS. I have gained so much through your write-ups. Please, how do I know a woman ordained for me? I am the eldest child of my Parent, and some of my siblings are married with children. Am I enchanted? I am tired of doling out money to women. First and foremost, I must appreciate you for being an avid reader of my write-ups. Please keep it up! Though your letter was lengthy, but I will make an attempt at touching every part of it. You have to realise that it is impossible to change another person, until we change ourselves. I think it is high time you braced up and face this marital issue as a man. You cannot continue getting counsels from different counsellors without making use of any. A woman ordained for you will be interested in you as a person first, and not in what she could get from you. She will work towards adding to you, and not reducing you. Going by what you said about that woman and her daughter, they are people you should keep at arm’s length. It’s obvious they are only out to use you and move on to the next “mugu.” As touching your being tired of doling out money to women, nobody can help you stop that, as only you can do that. What are those gifts meant for, to buy them over, or to impress them? I mean, even Father Christmas only gives out gifts in the spirit of a season. You may not really be enchanted, but may only need to be wiser in your relationships with the opposite sex. Tell yourself the hard truth, and women will stop taking you for a ride. It’s good you already have a list of the qualities you want in a wife, if you can get 50%, please go ahead; as there is no perfect being anywhere. Stop comparing yourself with your siblings. We all have different destinies; more so, the time you wake up is your own morning. And if you are just 40, it means “the sun remaining is still enough to dry (your) clothes. But bros, wake up, and be wise! I look forward to reading your articles on Fridays. My wife was particularly blessed by the exposition you did on Pregnancy Previa; CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41

just think about it, as that will mean serious trouble.” Another man I spoke with, said “Yes, you women know how to show emotion better than us, but that does not mean we are heartless; after all, we are joint owners of our children.” He also added that his daughters are his joy, so he cannot imagine any of them being abducted, and he would be sleeping and waking up doing nothing. I asked a father how he would feel if his daughter was among, but returned violated, or worst still, impregnated. His response; “But you will agree with me that either of such could still be managed; as they are better than death, or this prolonged torture.” That was pretty touching, but that is the spirit. Only that we pray none of such happens to the young girls. It is also encouraging to see that some men have joined in the rally, but other men, husbands, uncles and brothers are also encouraged to rise up, and not to see this as something to be left for the women alone. Yes, we carry them in our wombs, nurse and suckle them till they are weaned, raise and nurture them, but truth remains; we cannot bring them to life without the men’s

odunayomitide2010@gmail.com 0909 124 6811 (sms only)

about a month ago. Last week’s report on a Hydrocele also came at a good time, as we have been having concern since last year about the sudden change in the size of my testicles. My wife kept telling me about the increase in size, but I dismissed it as a non-issue; since I was not having any pain or discomfort there. But early this year, due to her persistence, I agreed to see a doctor; who said it could be age-induced, or I should go for a scan to get the exact details. I settled for the former, believing the enlargement could be linked with age. Now, after reading about a Hydrocele last week, I think I should actually go for a scan. What do you think about this? Thanks for choosing our newspapers (particularly, the Friday title) and for commending our effort. We are happy to know what we do here is already blessing homes, and touching lives. Yes, I agree you should go have a pelvic scan, which will give a vivid picture of your testicles, and probably your kidneys. I mean, there is really no harm in that. The real harm may be in ignoring to do so, as fear of the unknown is the real problem. What you don’t know, cannot kill you, they say, but for as long as it keeps troubling you, it is doing some harm to you; both psychologically, and mentally. Though, I have heard that stuff before; that as a man gets to the margin of 50, his testicles grows slightly bigger in size. But, I will still encourage you to follow your heart, to allay all fears. And whatever the result; be assured that to make an effort and be wrong, is far better than, not to make a move, and still be wrong. So act now!

Talk to us What are you worried about? Your Health, Career, Children, relationship with Spouse, Partner, or in-laws? Do you have a question you want to ask, but you are embarrassed about? Why must you remain worried, sad or depressed when you could talk to someone? Feel free to talk to the counsellor on this page. You will be glad you did!

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The impact of TV on children

y six year old son had nightmares for three consecutive days. I was really worried. “God what is happening”? I asked. In the middle of this unpleasant experience, I sat with my son, watching a cartoon on a Cable Network. “Mummy, look at this Alien Force, it is changing to a dragon, I can also change to a dragon.” “That is it”, I thought within me. I now realized that he watches a certain cartoon at night which resulted to his nightmares. For those who do not know this cartoon character, he has powers to change to ten frightening “creatures” (sorry “aliens” my son just corrected me). It took me a lot of conversation to convince my dear son that the cartoon was not good for him. Parents purchase wristwatches, towel, stationeries, t-shirts and even shoes embedded with those cartoon images. Have you observed that most cartoons and children programs aired by some Cable Networks are full of violence? May God help us! In the 80’s and 90’s, good educational programs and cartoons were aired on our TV stations. Going down memory lane, I can remember Tales by Moonlight aired by NTA. Cartoons such as Clue Club, Atom Ant, Water-Ville Gang, Voltron, Globetrotters, G-Force, and Sesame Street; were non-violent. We always looked forward to watching them. Outdoor games such as “Ten-Ten”, “Suwe”, bicycle-riding, hide and seek, skipping and table-tennis (usually locally setup with stones and sticks) were fun! But now, the world has gone digital! Computer games, TV games, 24hour cable network programs keep our children indoors. There are varieties of children programs that can keep a child glued to the TV for hours without end. The arrival of Cable Networks has virtually taken over the hearts of our children, deriving them the joy of outdoor games. Very few of these programs are educational; while majority are full of violence, sex, wrestling, reality shows, movies, worldly songs and dance etc. Television has a powerful influence in shaping the behavioral pattern of our children. Studies have shown that children who view pro-

We want our girls back! input. Hence, their welfare/wellbeing is our joint responsibility. At the same time, I want to awaken us all to the fact that these cases of abduction and massacre everywhere should not be mistaken for a battle of wits at all; as weapons of grammar, arms and ammunitions, will fail in any fight. Only God’s intervention, (which often comes in form of wise counsel and divinely guided steps) can wipe out the whole army of these evil perpetrators in one sweep. It is highly commendable that CNN, aside our local stations, is doing a good job reporting the case from time to time, but truth remains we need a Superior intervention; or the situation remains a pain in our hearts for yet a longer period. But God forbid! Also, let us all keep our ears open. I don’t mean for alarming and mind wearying news like “Boko haram claims to be responsible for the abduction of the girls” or “Boko haram threatens to sell the girls.” But there may be some useful information that can help in tracing those school girls. I mean, we can all play roles of detectives, without being loud or foolish

about it. Just a clue, one wise step, and we could have our girls back like a dream of the night. Yours truly joins the affected families, their loved ones, Nigerians home and Abroad, and the entire Universe; in saying, we want our girls back…. well and alive. And that, within the next few days, or……………………

grams in which violence is prominent are more likely to imitate what they view. By the time a child is 18 years old, he or she will have witnessed 200,000 acts of violence including 40,000 murders just by watching television. Children from the ages of five to 18, spend more time in front of computers, televisions, and game screens than any other activity in their daily lives except sleeping. Observing siesta is a foregone issue in the lives of our children. Studies have also shown that children who watch large amounts of TV and movie violence are more likely to display aggressive behavioral attitude and values. Little wonder there is a lot of violence and teenage pregnancy amongst our youths. Media violence has a great influence on children’s behavior. Young children are most susceptible to the effect of media violence. Shows meant for adults are usually viewed by children without parental control. Most Nigerian Home videos are violence inclined and some parents even watch such programs with their children. Television is now serving as a babysitting tool to keep children quiet and out of the way. Television watching is meant to be fun and relaxing activity for kids and adults. It has relatively become harmful because of the shows it broadcasts and the way it is used in the home. Banning is not the solution! Rather, learn to co-exist with television by managing how much your kids watch, and what they watch. - It is wise to start young, because as the child grow older, it will become difficult to exert control. - Limit the amount of time your kids spend watching television, especially during the weekdays. - Allow your kids get involved in other activities such as sports, hobbies, dancing and outdoor games. - As a bookseller I recommend puzzles for children. This will help develop their cognitive skills. I can assure you that children love puzzles. As I was concluding this article, I could see my son putting together a puzzle (Dora The Explorer). This will divert his attention for an hour. - As a replacement, parents are encouraged to purchase good educational DVDs (e.g. Encarta), Christian Bible Cartoons are also available. - Monitor what your children watch and whenever possible, watch it with them and discuss the program. - Young children are at higher risk of becoming aggressive after watching violence on TV especially the Cartoons and movies. Parents need to monitor and limit the amount of violence they are exposed to. - Expose and encourage them to watch varieties of programs such sports, nature, science shows, the arts, music and historical shows. - If you ask me, a TV set should not be placed in your kid’s room. “Out of sight, is out of mind”. When you are asleep at night, your children could watch unwholesome programs without your knowledge. - Have a “No-TV time”. Let your children know and respect this. Place restriction on viewing of certain shows. - Kids model the behavior of their parents, so take a look at your own viewing habits, and where possible, change them. - Do not leave your TV on when you are not watching it. Turn it off. I pray that God will grant us wisdom to train up our children in the right ways. Christianah Akindolie 08166655527 (SMS only)

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O you who have believed, when you contract a debt for a specified term, write it down. And let a scribe write [it] between you in justice. Let no scribe refuse to write as Allah has taught him. So let him write and let the one who has the obligation dictate. And let him fear Allah , his Lord, and not leave anything out of it…(Qur’an 2: 282).”

Muslim groups condemn abduction, planned sale of schoolgirls lBoko Haram has violated Islamic warfare rules-MURIC

Lecturers, Markaz Arabic and Islamic Training Centre, Lagos, Dr. Abdul Hakeem Kareem, Sheik Jamal Roshwan, Rector, Sheik Habeebullahi Adam Al-Ilory and Sheik Yakub Al-Ilory at the graduation of the institution recently.

FURY Islamic groups have continued condemnation of Boko Haram over its despicable doctrine Adeola Yusuf

he anger by Muslim Ummah against Boko Haram has surged with many Islamic groups condemning the threat by the insurgent group to sell about 273 girls, which in its illegal captivity. The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) in a statement said it and indeed the entire mainstream Muslim Ummah of Nigeria, clearly, unambiguously and unequivocally declares the action of the renegades as categorically unacceptable. “This criminal, inhuman, sadistic, archaic and barbaric act,” according to MURIC’s statement signed by its Direc-

tor, Professor Ishaq Akintola, “stands in contradistinction to the tenets of Islam regarding the treatment of the girl-child, women in general as well as the conduct of war.” Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of about 273 girls of a government secondary school in Chibok, Borno State. The claim was made via a video clip in which the group’s leader, Shekau, threatened to sell off the girls. Another set of 8 girls has also been kidnapped in the same area this week. Angered by this act, MURIC however said: “Islam promises the girl-child life, not death; hope, not frustration; liberty, not captivity. It was Islam which forbade the ancient and pernicious policy of burying female children alive (Qur’an 16:58-59; 81:8-9). The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) called men who are kind to women the best among men. The Prophet said, “The most

perfect Muslims are the best in conduct and the best of you are the best in conduct to women.” MURIC continued that Prophet Muhammad also said, “Whoever has a daughter and does not insult her but treats her equally with the male children, Allah will give him a place in paradise”. Where then did Boko Haram get its despicable doctrine which dishonours the girl-child? Stating that the case of Boko Haram has become an interesting study in religious perversity, Akintola said insisted that Islam teaches peaceful coexistence while the insurgents preaches killing and maiming innocent people in the name of religion. Prophet Muhammad, according to MURIC once said, ‘Do not kill the monks in monasteries, and do not kill those sitting in places of worship” (Musnad Ahmad Ibn Hanbal), Boko Haram kills people inside churches and mosques. Boko Haram has indeed become a

social gangarene which must be burned out with hot iron. “MURIC charges the leadership of Boko Haram to retrace its steps. Our daughters cannot be held captive even under Shari’ah law talk less of selling them into slavery because our cities are not at war with Boko Haram. It is only the military who are engaging the insurgents. “Civilian targets are therefore haram for Boko Haram. It is even most cowardly to focus attacks on soft targets like women and little girls. It beats all rules of chivalry. Real men do not brutalize little girls. This is why the Prophet forbade the killing, hurting or harassment of women, little children and elderly people during wars. “We call on Muslims in the conflict areas and those in neighbouring countries of Chad, Niger and Cameroon to resist any attempt to sell these innocent girls in their territory. Islam does not promote slavery, neither does it condon forceful marriage. “We call on the Federal Government to leave the anti-kidnap protesters alone. Peaceful protest is a legitimate means of expressing dissent. Instead of chasing shadows, the Federal Government should harness its anti-terrorism arsenals and disburse them effectively.,” MURIC said. It concluded that it and indeed the entire mainstream Muslim Ummah of Nigeria commiserate with parents of the abducted girls, the authorities of the affected school, the government and people of Borno State and the good people of Nigeria. We share the pain and the trauma of the past three weeks and pray that the nightmare will end in happiness for the victims and the rest of Nigerians.

Ignorance gave birth to suicide bombing –Al-Ilory Waheed Bakare

prominent Muslim cleric and Rector, Markaz Arabic and Islamic Training Centre, Lagos, Sheik Habeebullahi Adam Al-Ilory, has said ignorance and lack of proper understanding of Islam gave birth to suicide bombing. Al-Ilory, who said this at the graduation ceremony of the institution last Sunday, insisted that there was no justification for suicide bombing in Islam. He said, “Ignorance makes some people to claim that they

are jihadists when they do not have knowledge about Islam. Before you can talk about Shariah, you must have knowledge about Islam. It is lack of knowledge that gave birth to suicide bombing. “It is only when we are all Muslims that we can say we want to practice Shariah. Prophet Mohammed had advised us that we should make our religion attractive. If you killed everybody, who are the people we are going to use the Shariah on? “Why must some people say the Christians should leave Nigeria? God did not give us the

permission to kill people of other faiths.” Al-Ilory advised the graduates to be good ambassadors of the institution and avoid being used as agents of destabilisation, noting that there were some foreign elements who were bent on destabilising Nigeria. He urged them to continue to seek knowledge till they die, saying this was the only way they could be outstanding. The cleric said, “The intention of your parents for bringing you here is for you to be clerics and ambassadors of

Islam. This is also in line with the intention of the founder of the school, late Sheik Adam Abdullahi Al-Ilory. “In whatever you are doing, put God first. If you do this, whatever you do will last for a long time. If otherwise, it will not stand the test of time. Be good ambassadors of Islam and Markaz. Don’t allow yourselves to be used as agents of destruction.” Observing that religion could be used to destabilise the country, Al-llory urged religious leaders irrespective of their faiths to be wary of their utterances.

UNDERSTAND YOUR FAITH CONTINUED FROM LAST FRIDAY

AL-TOHARAH - PURIFICATION

Meaning: Purification is the cleansing of impurities. In Islam purification is the cleansing of body and soul and places of worship of all form of impurities.

SIGNIFICANCE OF PURIFICATION As for the Muslim, whenever any good affects him he knows that it is a favour from his Lord, for he knows that he deserves nothing from Allah by right and this belief will make him thank his Lord and praise Him. Also, if any evil afflicts him he perseveres and seeks the reward of his Lord, for he knows that, that is the result of a sin he has committed or that Allah wants to elevate his rank in the Hereafter. Allah says, “And whatever of misfortune that befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much.” (Surah Ash-Shura 42:30) The Muslim examines himself, review his deeds and repents for every sin he commits. As for the disbeliever, if any favour comes his way, he becomes insolent and arrogant and starts transgressing. And when any calamity afflicts him he despairs and becomes impatient. This world is his Paradise and his lord is his desires. Brethren in faith! Muslims, these days, are afflicted with many calamities. Many causes have however been given for these tribulations. Some say that they are a result of the evil plan of the enemies, some say they are the result of our economic recession and some say they are the result of the Muslim’s industrial and technological backwardness etc. All this are just symptoms of the ailment. The real cause of this sorry situation is the Muslim’s negligence of their religion individually and collectively. Allah says, “(What is the matter with you?) When a single disaster smites you, although you smote (your enemies) with one twice as great, you say, ‘From where does this come to us?’ Say (to them): It is from yourselves (because of your evil deeds).’ And Allah has power over all things.” (Surah Aal ‘Imran 3:165) He also says, “Allah will not change the condition of a people as long as they do not change their state themselves.” (Surah Ar-Ra‘d 13:11) Muslims in their history have passed through some periods which were more severe than the present one in afflictions and in which their enemies subjected them to persecutions. But then they made a sincere return to their religion with knowledge and Faith. TO BE CONTINUED

METRO 45

of Truth

Gunmen attack Adamawa community, steal 170 cows Ibrahim Abdul Yola

gain, gunmen suspected to be AHaram members of the dreaded Boko struck in Kishirnga vil-

ssengers speak out, n’t get killed –FRSC

aji and ekwere

ce carnage on the road, deral Road Safety Comn (FRSC) has kicked-off awareness programme. gramme, tagged: “Pasak out, don’t get killed by as launched yesterday on badan Expressway. under the aegis of West ad Safety Organisation Unit Commander of RS.23 mmand, Assistant Corps r (ACP), Oludare Ogunjobi, cutive committee meeting nou, Benin Republic from 6, came out with a decision May 8 be set aside as Subety Day. The executive comrises representatives from n sub-regional nations that d safety programme. i explained that the idea olve passengers actively rtaining to their safety.

He said: “Passengers must engage actively in safeguarding themselves on the expressways. They must understand that when their driver is over speeding, driving dangerously, answering calls on steering, lacking concentration, it is their duty to call him to order and at his persistence call 122 to report him.” Ogunjobi said he had deployed his men in all the motor parks and the stretch of the Lagos – Ibadan Expressway within his jurisdiction to create the awareness and share handbills to all motorists. “The best way to communicate it to commuters is by using a Motorised Rally Exercise (MRE) and it has been very successful as many passengers are grateful and have asked several road safety questions as well as made recommendations. “It is time passengers understood that it is their right for drivers to take them to their destination safely. This programme is designed to bring that mentality to passengers,” he added. Meanwhile, the Rivers State Com-

mand of FRSC has warned motorists to be careful while driving on the highways to avoid crashes. The state Sector Command of FRSC, Mr Sunday Oghemekaro, gave the warning at the launch of the maiden edition of WARSO yesterday in Port Harcourt. According to Oghemekaro, some of the goals of WARSO include the inculcation of road safety ideas in the youth through the introduction of road education in primary and secondary schools across the country. He said the day was set aside to integrate citizens of member states to participate in traffic safety campaigns, adding that already, the course had been introduced in the schools in collaboration with the National Educational Council. Oghemekaro said the theme highlighted the role of passengers in the on-going campaign which mandated the commission to speak out against improper conduct on the part of drivers such as overloading and use of worn-out tires.

lage in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State and stole two herds of cows numbering about 170. A villager, Joseph Ularamu, said that the insurgents, who came on motorcycles, asked the residents of farming community not to run. He said: “They told us that they have not come to kill but to get food stuff and other items. “So they took away with 170 cows. They ordered the shepherd

to lead the cows. But as I am talking to you now, we are yet to see the man.” The Chairman of Madagali council, Mr Abawu James Watharda, said that no life was lost during the attack. “As I’m talking to you now, many people, mostly children and women, are fleeing the area while we are trying to calm them down,” he said. The chairman added that soldiers had been dispatched to the area to beef up security. Watharda called on the people to remain calm as the council was on top of the situation. This is the second time in less than five months that insurgents were attacking the area.

Father, others jailed for attempt to sell 13-year-old boy Babatope Okeowo Akure

Akure Chief Magistrates’ Court Ato nyesterday sentenced three people three years imprisonment each

for attempting to sell a 13-year-old boy, Kareem Sabiu, for N8 million. The convicts are the father of the boy, a Benin Republic national, Aside Saibu (39), Abdullateef Mumuni and Kadir Rasaq, both 24 years old. The Magistrate, Adebanji Ayeomoni, held that “having found the three accused persons guilty on the two counts of conspiracy and attempt to sell a human being, the three are hereby sentenced to three years imprisonment each without an option of fine”. The convicts of no fixed address were earlier arraigned on a twocount charge of conspiracy and attempt to sell human being. They all pleaded guilty to the offences. The prosecutor, ASP Zakari Ibrahim, told the court that the father of the victim and two others conspired

to sell the boy for N8 million. Ibrahim said that the father brought the boy from Cotonou in Benin Republic to Nigeria to meet with the others convicts, who live in Ibadan, to help him find buyers. According to him, luck ran out on the convicts when they contacted someone in Ondo town who in turn informed the police about their intention. He said: “Their contact in Ondo pretended to be interested in the deal and he kept negotiating with them until the arrival of the police.” The prosecutor said that the three convicts committed the offence about 6pm on May 3 in Ondo Town. According to him, the offence contravened the provisions of Section 516 of the Criminal Code cap 37 vol.1 laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006 and contrary to Section 30(1) and punishable under Section 30(3) of the Ondo State Child Right Laws, 2007 Counsel to the convicts, Mr Femi Adetoye, urged the court to be lenient to his clients.

ice not doing enough – Father Lagos to shut Masha

er head, she became un-

journalists on the fleeing mobile policeman recently, Manko said the poprised at the way the lice were still after the man. ndling the mat“We are not resting our y the Lagos oars and the matter has 22 Squadnot died down. We e mobile will still hunt for aimed him. The matter t, but has been transferred to the State dant Criminal Invesdron nowtigation Department (SCID). We t inwill get him.” body Meanwhile, ident Unyebuchukwu y wife said that he had he ones spent all his life of my savings on the treath little asment of Amarachi. Unyebuchukwu m our family He said: “As I speak with you now, I have spent about N400,000 on the treatment of the police claimed they him, I learnt he had my daughter. We are still spending tu police station, Apapa more, and I don’t know when she will egunle police division.” be leaving the hospital. fielding questions from “My daughter is still lying critically

ill at the hospital, while the mobile policeman is walking free on the street.” Unyebuchukwu also said that when Gbuchenge parked into the house, he was a very gentle man. He said: “My wife used to serve him free lunch whenever he did not go to work. I wonder why he decided to abduct my daughter. “I became suspicious of him when he started driving his car into the compound in the middle of the night and going out with a big ‘Ghana-must-go bag’ inside the boot of his car. It was after my daughter’s incident that everything became clear to me. “The source of his sudden wealth baffles most of us in the compound. When he parked into his apartment, he came with only one motorcycle. But now he has about four different cars. “I suspect that he has been killing innocent children in the neighbourhood; my daughter’s incident exposed many of its atrocities in our area.”

bridges for 20 days Muritala Ayinla

agos State Government said yesterday that it would close two bridges on Alhaji Masha Road in Surulere Local Government Area for 20 days. The Commissioner for Transportation, Comrade Kayode Opeifa, who made the announcement, said the closure was for the bridge expansion joints replacement exercise Opeifa said the repair work on the bridges would take place between Saturday May 10 and Friday 30. The commissioner added that the contractor would commence work at Masha Bridge I (Adeniran Ogunsanya Junction) for the last 10 days, beginning from Wednesday May 21. He said: “As part of the traffic

management strategies during the exercise on bridges on Alhaji Masha Road, vehicular movement in both directions would be restricted. Similarly, vehicles moving inward Alhaji Masha Road will use the service lane during the maintenance work. “This notice serves as awareness information on the bridge closure. Motorists and other road users are therefore advised to use alternative routes to avoid delays. “The state government appeals for caution and co-operation from all road users by obeying all traffic regulations and ensure traffic flow during the maintenance period.” Opeifa added that the government regretted inconveniences, saying relevant agencies had been directed to ensure free flow of traffic during the period.

46 BUSINESS | FINANCIAL MARKET NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, May 9, 2014

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

7-May-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.

Bonds

Price

FGN Bonds Issuer

Rating/Agency

Description 9.20 29-JUN-2014 9.25 28-SEP-2014 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

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

29-Jun-07 28-Sep-07 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

9.20 9.25 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

45.00 100.00 535.00 435.27 452.80 20.00 100.00 300.00 351.30 233.90 600.00 75.00 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Rating/Agency

Bid Price

Offer Price

0.15 0.39 0.96 2.28 2.97 3.22 3.32 4.06 5.15 5.46 7.73 9.85 14.56 15.04 15.54 16.21

10.50 11.02 12.32 12.82 12.81 12.76 12.76 12.79 12.90 12.83 12.95 12.96 12.97 12.98 12.99 13.05

9.49 10.62 11.72 12.74 12.75 12.64 12.64 12.69 12.82 12.74 12.90 12.91 12.93 12.93 12.93 13.00

99.76 99.29 92.66 100.40 105.50 92.46 90.97 93.52 111.35 77.58 116.40 106.75 113.09 96.78 70.33 79.60

99.91 99.44 93.16 100.55 105.65 92.76 91.27 93.82 111.65 77.88 116.70 107.05 113.39 97.08 70.63 79.90

Maturity Date

TTM (Yrs)

29-Jun-14 28-Sep-14 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

4,264.84 Issuer

Agency Bonds AMCON FMBN

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

***LCRM

Description

0.00 AMCON 31-OCT-2014 (SR.5 TR.1) 0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 0.00/16.00 LCRM 09-DEC-2016 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 20-APR-2017 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Issue 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 6.00 112.22 116.70 66.49

31-Oct-14 24-May-15 03-Apr-17 09-Dec-16 20-Apr-17 06-Jul-17

0.48 1.05 1.53 2.59 2.95 3.16

1.00 2.63 2.27 2.00 1.49 1.00

12.38 15.04 14.81 14.72 14.24 13.76

94.38 85.91 103.38 93.94 91.06 89.62

05-Aug-14 15-Oct-14 31-Aug-15 30-Sep-15 30-Jun-16 30-Jun-16 19-Apr-17 30-Jun-17 31-Dec-17 30-Sep-18 04-Oct-18 09-Dec-18 12-Dec-18 14-Feb-19 02-Oct-19 22-Nov-19 12-Dec-19 30-Sep-20 27-Nov-20 31-Dec-20 31-Dec-20 06-Jan-21

0.25 0.44 1.32 0.92 1.22 1.22 2.95 1.78 3.65 2.62 4.41 2.63 2.63 3.21 3.27 5.55 3.24 3.95 6.56 6.65 3.96 3.99

4.88 5.99 4.44 3.23 4.46 3.48 5.59 7.60 1.79 1.80 1.00 1.00 1.21 1.00 2.46 1.94 2.74 2.74 1.00 1.94 1.44 1.95

15.74 17.28 16.92 15.47 16.92 15.94 18.34 20.21 14.56 14.52 13.80 13.72 13.93 13.76 15.22 14.77 15.50 15.52 13.86 14.81 14.22 14.74

99.45 98.60 94.91 98.27 96.99 99.86 81.60 90.69 98.39 99.05 100.61 101.81 112.24 101.89 100.78 98.96 98.22 97.86 98.44 100.74 109.14 108.80

07-Oct-14 18-Dec-14 31-Dec-14 17-Aug-15 09-Dec-15 06-Jan-16 29-Sep-16 25-Oct-16 30-Sep-17 30-Nov-17 09-Apr-18 09-Sep-18 09-Sep-18 22-Sep-18 18-Oct-18 17-Feb-19 14-Nov-20

0.42 0.62 0.65 0.80 0.88 0.96 2.40 2.47 3.40 2.02 2.17 2.34 2.34 4.38 2.45 2.53 6.52

1.00 5.21 8.71 4.88 1.00 2.63 1.00 1.34 4.52 1.88 3.48 5.20 5.06 3.06 2.29 6.11 2.76

12.24 16.85 20.42 16.88 13.16 14.95 13.70 14.05 17.29 14.55 16.16 17.89 17.75 15.86 14.99 18.82 15.62

99.66 98.07 97.93 95.12 99.18 99.54 98.58 100.40 89.28 107.04 99.89 100.48 101.95 94.24 101.56 96.83 98.50

11-Feb-18

3.77

1.00

13.78

89.71

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,304.32

Sub-National Bonds A/Agusto A-/GCR A+/Agusto A/Agusto Nil A+/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto A/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR† A-/Agusto A/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro A/Agusto A-/GCR

KWARA NIGER KADUNA *EBONYI *BENUE *IMO LAGOS *BAYELSA EDO *DELTA NIGER *EKITI *NIGER *ONDO *GOMBE LAGOS *OSUN *OSUN LAGOS KOGI *EKITI *NASARAWA

14.00 KWARA 5-AUG-2014 14.00 NIGER 15-OCT-2014 12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015 13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015 14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019 15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 14.75 OSUN II 30-SEP-2020 13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020 15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021

05-Aug-09 15-Oct-09 31-Aug-10 30-Sep-10 30-Jun-11 30-Jun-09 19-Apr-10 30-Jun-10 30-Dec-10 30-Sep-11 04-Oct-11 09-Dec-11 12-Dec-13 14-Feb-12 02-Oct-12 22-Nov-12 12-Dec-12 30-Sep-13 27-Nov-13 31-Dec-13 31-Dec-13 06-Jan-14

14.00 14.00 12.50 13.00 14.00 15.50 10.00 13.75 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.50 14.00 15.50 15.50 14.50 14.75 14.75 13.50 15.00 14.50 15.00

17.00 6.00 8.50 16.50 13.00 18.50 57.00 50.00 25.00 50.00 9.00 20.00 12.00 27.00 20.00 80.00 30.00 11.40 87.00 5.00 5.00 5.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

572.90

Corporate Bonds A+/Agusto; AA/GCR Aa/Agusto Nil Bbb-/Agusto A-/Agusto BB+/GCR A+/Agusto; A-/GCR A-/Agusto A/GCR BBB-/GCR BBB+/DataPro†; BB+/GCR A-/DataPro†; BB-/GCR AAA/DataPro†; A+/GCR A/Agusto; A/GCR Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR BBB-/DataPro†; BB+/GCR A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

LAFARGE WAPCO GTB µ NGC *UPDC *FLOURMILLS *CHELLARAMS NAHCO FSDH UBA *C & I LEASING *DANA# *TOWER# *TOWER# UBA *LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS# NAHCO

11.50 LAFARGE WAPCO 7-OCT 2014 13.50 GUARANTY TRUST 18-DEC-2014 17.00 NGC 31-DEC-2014 10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015 12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015 14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016 13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016 13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018 MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018 15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019 15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

07-Oct-11 18-Dec-09 01-Apr-10 17-Aug-10 09-Dec-10 06-Jan-11 29-Sep-11 25-Oct-13 30-Sep-10 30-Nov-12 09-Apr-11 09-Sep-11 09-Sep-11 22-Sep-11 18-Oct-13 17-Feb-12 14-Nov-13

11.50 13.50 17.00 10.00 12.00 14.00 13.00 14.25 13.00 18.00 16.00 18.00 16.00 14.00 15.75 17.00 15.25

11.80 13.17 2.00 15.00 37.50 1.50 15.00 5.53 20.00 0.94 8.01 3.63 1.00 35.00 3.00 0.54 2.05

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

175.67

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

IFC

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Rating/Agency

12.00 Issuer

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Issue Value ($'mm)

Maturity Date

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

6.75 JAN 28, 2021

07-Oct-11

6.75

500.00

28-Jan-21

5.06

4.92

109.48

110.37

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

18-Dec-09

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

4.33

4.12

103.01

103.79

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

01-Apr-10

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

5.51

5.39

106.17

107.06

FGN Eurobonds

Prices & Yields

BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P

FGN

BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,500.00

Corporate Eurobonds B-/S&P; B/Fitch B+/S&P; B+/Fitch B+/S&P

AFREN PLC I

11.50 FEB 01, 2016

01-Feb-11

11.50

450.00

01-Feb-16

3.97

3.42

112.38

113.38

GTBANK PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

500.00

19-May-16

5.34

4.42

104.09

105.89

GTBANK PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

6.23

6.00

99.12

99.98

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

7.16

6.61

100.25

101.81

ACCESS BANK PLC

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

8.22

7.71

95.50

97.17

AFREN PLC

10.25 APR 08, 2019

08-Apr-12

10.25

300.00

08-Apr-19

5.25

4.61

113.60

114.88

ZENITH BANK PLC FIRST BANK PLC

6.25 APR 22, 2019

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

6.30

6.15

99.80

100.44

B/S&P; B-/Fitch

8.25 AUG 07, 2020

07-Aug-13

8.25

300.00

07-Aug-20

7.21

6.77

103.71

105.37

B+/S&P; B+/Fitch

AFREN PLC

6.63 DEC 09, 2020

09-Dec-13

6.63

360.00

09-Dec-20

6.64

6.37

99.91

101.00

B/S&P; B/Fitch B/Fitch B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P

FIDELITY BANK PLC

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

3,460.00

**Treasury Bills DTM 8 15 22 29 43 50 57

FIXINGS Maturity 15-May-14 22-May-14 29-May-14 5-Jun-14 19-Jun-14 26-Jun-14 3-Jul-14

Bid Discount (%) 10.20 10.20 10.30 10.20 10.60 10.40 10.45

Offer Discount (%) 9.95 9.95 10.05 9.95 10.35 10.15 10.20

Bid Yield (%) 10.22 10.24 10.36 10.28 10.73 10.55 10.62

Money Market

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 10.5917 12.4444 13.0338 14.0716

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards)

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

10.25

Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

10.50

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M

161.76 161.80 162.05 162.68 163.79

161.86 162.07 162.43 163.44 165.12

O/N Tenor Call

REPO

Rate (%) 10.25

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

23-Oct-09 27-Jan-12 14-Mar-14 28-Nov-08 22-May-09 20-Nov-09 23-Jul-10

7.00 16.39 14.20 15.00 12.49 8.50 10.00

233.90 600.00 75.00 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Description

Issuer

Agency Bonds

12.83 12.95 12.96 12.97 12.98 12.99 13.05

12.74 12.90 12.91 12.93 12.93 12.93 13.00

77.58 116.40 106.75 113.09 96.78 70.33 79.60

77.88 116.70 107.05 113.39 97.08 70.63 79.90

AMCON

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

Coupon (%)

Issue 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 6.00 112.22 116.70 66.49

31-Oct-14 24-May-15 03-Apr-17 09-Dec-16 20-Apr-17 06-Jul-17

0.48 1.05 1.53 2.59 2.95 3.16

1.00 2.63 2.27 2.00 1.49 1.00

12.38 15.04 14.81 14.72 14.24 13.76

94.38 85.91 103.38 93.94 91.06 89.62

05-Aug-14

0.25

4.88

15.74

99.45

BUSINESS | FINANCIAL MARKET NEWS

Elumelu Foundation inaugurates Africapitalism Institute FMBN

***LCRM

1,304.32

Sub-National Bonds

AFRICAN AGENDA

A call for private sector to take position on longterm investment in Africa.

Stories by Chris Ugwu

hairman, Heirs Holdings and founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation, Mr. Tony Elumelu, yesterday at the ongoing World EconomOUTSTANDING VALUE icTOTAL Forum on Africa, in Abuja, naugurated Africapitalism Corporate Bonds Institute. A+/Agusto; AA/GCR LAFARGE WAPCO Africapitalism – GTB the philosAa/Agusto Nil ophy established byNGC Elumelu Bbb-/Agusto *UPDC calls on the private sector to A-/Agusto *FLOURMILLS commit long-term BB+/GCR to making*CHELLARAMS investments Africa that A+/Agusto; A-/GCRacross NAHCO A-/Agusto generate both economic prosFSDH A/GCR and social wealth. UBA perity BBB-/GCR *C & I LEASING The Africapitalism InstiBBB+/DataPro†; BB+/GCR *DANA tute, according statement, A-/DataPro†; BB-/GCR to a *TOWER isAAA/DataPro†; the first A+/GCR pan-African *TOWERthinkA/Agusto; A/GCR tank headquartered in Africa, UBA Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR CASERA by and founded and *LA funded BBB-/DataPro†; BB+/GCR *CHELLARAMS Africans. The work of the InA+/Agusto; A-/GCR NAHCO stitute will codify the philosoTOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE phy of Africapitalism across Supranational Bond Africa and the world. As a fully AAA/S&P funded and IFCled think African µ

# #

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

Onyema

tank, the institute will focus on academically rigorous, practically applicable research and multi-stakeholder engagement to advocate for public policies and business practices that will unlock opportunities for all Africans. During the launch press conference, David Rice, the Director of the institute presented an example of the institute’s preliminary research demonstrating that not all growth is created equal. 10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018 The initial research empha-

14.00 14.00 12.50 13.00 14.00 15.50 10.00 13.75 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.50 14.00 15.50 15.50 14.50 14.75 14.75 13.50 15.00 14.50 15.00

sizes the difference between a county’s rate of economic growth versus the amount of growth from local value creation and multiplication. It also briefly explains some of the indicators that feed into its “Theory of Change” as a catalyst to drive Africapitalist investments across Africa. The Institute was unveiled by group of global thought leaders which include Tony O. Elumelu, Chairman, Donald Kaberuka, President of the African Development Bank and Carlos Lopes, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic for Africa. 07-Oct-11 Council 11.50 18-Dec-09 Others are Dr. Rajiv13.50 Shah, Ad01-Apr-10 17.00 Agency ministrator of the US 17-Aug-10 10.00 for 09-Dec-10 International12.00 Development; Matthew Bishop, US 06-Jan-11 14.00 Business Editor and13.00 New York 29-Sep-11 25-Oct-13 14.25 EconoBureau Chief for The 13.00 mist;30-Sep-10 and Kola Karim, CEO 30-Nov-12 18.00 of Shoreline Energy Group. 09-Apr-11 16.00 Also09-Sep-11 present was David Rice, 18.00 a Professor 09-Sep-11 of African 16.00 Affairs 22-Sep-11 14.00 at New York University and 18-Oct-13 15.75 of the the inaugural Director 17-Feb-12 17.00 Institute, who presented the 14-Nov-13 15.25 framework for how the Institute is to engage with both private and public sectors across 11-Feb-13 10.20 the continent.

17.00 6.00 8.50 16.50 13.00 18.50 57.00 50.00 25.00 50.00 9.00 20.00 12.00 27.00 20.00 80.00 30.00 11.40 87.00 5.00 5.00 5.00

15-Oct-14 ventual take off of 0.44the 31-Aug-15 1.32 Flour Mills Food Research 30-Sep-15 0.92 Centre at the University 30-Jun-16 1.22 of 1.22 Ibadan (UI)30-Jun-16 received a major 2.95 boost with 19-Apr-17 the presentation 30-Jun-17 1.78 of an additional N30 million 31-Dec-17 3.65 by Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc 30-Sep-18 2.62 04-Oct-18 4.41 (FMN) to the institution. 09-Dec-18 Managing 2.63 FMN’s Group 12-Dec-18 2.63 Director, Mr. Paul Gbededo, 14-Feb-19 3.21 made the donation during 02-Oct-19 3.27 the visit of22-Nov-19 a delegation 5.55 of UI officials 12-Dec-19 to FMN’s new3.24 cor30-Sep-20 3.95 porate head27-Nov-20 office at Apapa, 6.56 Lagos. 31-Dec-20 6.65 With the31-Dec-20 new donation, 3.96 06-Jan-21 to a state3.99 FMN, according 572.90 ment, has committed a total sum of N60 million to the establishment of the Flour 11.80 07-Oct-14 0.42 13.17 0.62 Mills Food 18-Dec-14 Research Centre, 2.00 31-Dec-14 0.65 having made an initial grant 15.00 17-Aug-15 0.80 of N30 million to UI last year. 37.50 09-Dec-15 0.88 Managing0.96Di1.50 The Group 06-Jan-16 rector, Mr. Paul Gbededo,2.40 who 15.00 29-Sep-16 5.53 2.47 received the25-Oct-16 delegation in the 20.00 30-Sep-17 company said that FMN3.40 was 0.94 2.02 delighted to30-Nov-17 partner with UI 8.01 09-Apr-18 2.17 in research initia3.63 the food09-Sep-18 2.34 tive, which would help 1.00 09-Sep-18 2.34 to 35.00 22-Sep-18 solutions 4.38 to seek meaningful 3.00 18-Oct-18 2.45 post-harvest losses in major 0.54 17-Feb-19 2.53 crops grown in Nigeria and 2.05 14-Nov-20 6.52 assist sustainability in food 175.67 production. He disclosed that FMN 12.00 Group had11-Feb-18 invested 3.77 over

12.00

Identity programme will boost our revenue –Chams Rating/Agency

Description

Issuer

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Issue Value ($'mm)

Maturity Date

Bid Yield (%)

FGN Eurobonds

hams PLC, an identity management and payments FGN system company quoted BB-/Fitch; on the floor of the Nigerian BB-/S&P Stock Exchange (NSE), has TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE said that the ongoing identity Corporate Eurobonds assurance programmes being B-/S&P; B/Fitch AFREN PLC I executed in the private and GTBANK PLC I public sectors across Nigeria B+/S&P; B+/Fitch PLC will strengthen its GTBANK business. B+/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC The programme, according B/S&P; B/Fitch FIDELITY BANK PLC toB/Fitch the company in aAFREN statement, PLC would also ensure B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P ZENITHfuture BANK PLC BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P

JAN 28, 2021 growth and 6.75 fuel its increased profitability5.13 inJUL the 12,long-term, 2018 which will boost the com6.38 JUL 12, 2023 pany’s return on investment for the overall benefits of its shareholders. The company had released 11.50 FEB 01, 2016 its financial results for full 7.50 MAY 19, 2016 year 2013 recently with 115.3 6.00 NOV 08, 2018 per cent growth in its profit 7.25 JUL 25, 2017 after tax for 6.88 theMAY financial year 09, 2018 under review. 10.25 APR 08, 2019 Profit After rose 6.25 APR 22,Tax 2019

Flour Mills commits extra N30m on research centre

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

KWARA NIGER KADUNA *EBONYI *BENUE *IMO LAGOS *BAYELSA EDO *DELTA NIGER *EKITI *NIGER *ONDO *GOMBE LAGOS *OSUN *OSUN LAGOS KOGI *EKITI *NASARAWA

Issue Date

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, May 9, 2014

5.46 7.73 9.85 14.56 15.04 15.54 16.21

4,264.84

Rating/Agency

A/Agusto A-/GCR A+/Agusto A/Agusto Nil A+/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto A/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR† A-/Agusto A/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro A/Agusto A-/GCR

23-Oct-19 27-Jan-22 14-Mar-24 28-Nov-28 22-May-29 20-Nov-29 23-Jul-30

from07-Oct-11 N87.5million6.75in 2012 to N188.5milon in 5.13 the same 18-Dec-09 period. The result indicates 6.38 21.3 per that 01-Apr-10 revenue grew by cent, rising from N2.84billion to N3.44billion, while its total assets rose by 22.9 per cent to 01-Feb-11 11.50 N10.7billion from N8.7billion 19-May-11 the previous year. 7.50 08-Nov-13 Commenting on 6.00 the result 25-Jul-12 7.25 at the company’s 30th Annual 09-May-13 6.88 General (AGM) in 08-Apr-12Meeting 10.25 Lagos, Chairman of 22-Apr-14 6.25 Chams

500.00

28-Jan-21 PLC, Rev. Ayo Richards 5.06 said, “The identity assurance needs 500.00 12-Jul-18 4.33 of the financial services in500.00 12-Jul-23 5.51 dustry, state governments, tertiary institutions, and spe1,500.00 cialised government agencies, among others, are drivers of 450.00 3.97 revenue and01-Feb-16 earnings growth 500.00 19-May-16 5.34 for the Chams Group. We are 400.00 08-Nov-18 6.23 leveraging prior investments 350.00 25-Jul-17 7.16 in the identity management 300.00 02-May-18 8.22 space to meet this need across 300.00 08-Apr-19 5.25 Nigeria.” 500.00 22-Apr-19 6.30

5.99 98.60 N220 billion17.28 in its agro-allied 4.44 16.92 94.91 businesses, which extend to 3.23 15.47 98.27 large-scale cultivation 4.46 16.92 96.99 of 3.48 sugar cane,15.94 cassava,99.86 corn, 5.59 18.34oil palm 81.60 soybeans and in ad7.60 20.21 90.69 dition to expansion of ani1.79 14.56 98.39 mal feed production in dif1.80 14.52 99.05 1.00 100.61 ferent parts13.80 of the country. 1.00 101.81that The GMD13.72 explained 1.21 13.93 112.24 these backward integration 1.00 13.76 101.89 programmes and initiatives, 2.46 15.22 100.78 which align 1.94 14.77with Federal 98.96 2.74 15.50 Agriculture 98.22 Government’s 2.74 15.52 97.86 Transfor mation Agenda, 1.00 13.86 98.44 would help to strengthen and 1.94 14.81 100.74 protect the 14.22 supply chain 1.44 109.14 of 1.95 Group’s 14.74core food 108.80 FMN business. He said that as FMN seeks economic opportunities in 1.00 12.24 99.66 5.21 16.85 98.07 agriculture and creates value 20.42 for8.71 its stakeholders, it 97.93 contin4.88 16.88 ues to give attention to95.12 educa1.00 13.16 99.18 tion, 2.63 research, 14.95 social and 99.54 environmental responsibilities. 1.00 13.70 98.58 1.34 14.05 100.40 The UI delegation, which 4.52 led by 17.29 89.28Vice was the Deputy 1.88 14.55 107.04 Chancellor (Academics), 3.48 16.16 99.89 Prof. Idowu 5.20 17.89Olayinka 100.48 included Professor Charles 5.06 17.75 101.95 3.06 15.86 Aworh, a Professor of94.24Food 2.29 14.99 101.56 Technology and Dr. Rahman 6.11 18.82 96.83 Akinoso, the Acting Head 2.76 15.62 98.50 of the Department of Food Technology. The UI-FMN partnership is 1.00 part of 13.78 on-going 89.71 efforts at transforming the Department of Food Technology, UI, Offer Yielda (%)world-class Bid Price Offer Price of into centre excellence in food research. Prices & Yields Under the partnership, the 4.92 110.37 FMN grant109.48 will be used for the procurement of equip4.12 103.01 103.79 ment and running of the 106.17Centre107.06 5.39 Research Food during the first three years; UI will provide a building, which will house the laboratories 3.42 112.38 113.38 for pilot plant studies and 4.42 105.89 research in104.09 food product de6.00 99.12 99.98 velopment, lecture theatres, 6.61 100.25 101.81 classrooms, seminar97.17 rooms 7.71 95.50 and for teach4.61other facilities 113.60 114.88 ing 6.15and research. 99.80 100.44

B/S&P; B-/Fitch

FIRST BANK PLC

8.25 AUG 07, 2020

07-Aug-13

8.25

300.00

07-Aug-20

7.21

6.77

103.71

105.37

B+/S&P; B+/Fitch

AFREN PLC

6.63 DEC 09, 2020

09-Dec-13

6.63

360.00

09-Dec-20

6.64

6.37

99.91

101.00

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

3,460.00

7-May-14

The FMDQBills Daily Quotations List (DQL) comprises market and **Treasury

model prices/rates of foreign exchange ($/N) products,FIXINGS fixed income securities and instruments in the OTC market. The use of this report is subject Money Market Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) to the FMDQ of Use and Disclaimer Statement. DTM OTC PLC TermsMaturity Bid Discount (%) Offer Discount (%) Bid Yield (%) Tenor Rate (%) NIBOR

FGN

8 15 22 Bonds29 43 50 Rating/Agency 57 64 71 78 85 92 99 106 113 120 155 NA 211 246 260 274 288 302 337 351

15-May-14 22-May-14 29-May-14 5-Jun-14 19-Jun-14 26-Jun-14 Issuer 3-Jul-14 10-Jul-14 17-Jul-14 24-Jul-14 31-Jul-14 7-Aug-14 14-Aug-14 21-Aug-14 28-Aug-14 4-Sep-14 9-Oct-14 NA 4-Dec-14 8-Jan-15 22-Jan-15 5-Feb-15 19-Feb-15 5-Mar-15 9-Apr-15 23-Apr-15

10.20 10.20 10.30 10.20 10.60 10.40 Description 10.45 10.55 9.20 29-JUN-2014 10.55 9.25 28-SEP-2014 10.40 10.40 4.00 23-APR-2015 10.10 13.05 16-AUG-2016 10.25 15.10 27-APR-2017 10.30 9.85 27-JUL-2017 10.60 9.35 31-AUG-2017 10.70 10.70 30-MAY-2018 10.70 10.40 16.00 29-JUN-2019 11.20 7.00 23-OCT-2019 11.15 16.39 27-JAN-2022 11.30 14.20 14-MAR-2024 11.05 15.00 28-NOV-2028 11.40 12.49 22-MAY-2029 11.40 11.35 8.50 20-NOV-2029

9.95 9.95 10.05 9.95 10.35 10.15 Issue Date 10.20 10.30 29-Jun-07 10.30 28-Sep-07 10.15 10.15 23-Apr-10 9.85 16-Aug-13 10.00 27-Apr-12 10.05 27-Jul-07 10.35 31-Aug-07 10.45 30-May-08 10.45 10.15 29-Jun-12 10.95 23-Oct-09 10.90 27-Jan-12 11.05 14-Mar-14 10.80 28-Nov-08 11.15 22-May-09 11.15 11.10 20-Nov-09

10.00 23-JUL-2030

*from the Amortising TOTALtheOUTSTANDING VALUE # bonds, average is Risk Premium is a life combination of credit risk and liquidity risk premiums **Exclusive of non-trading t.bills

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Agency Bonds AMCON FMBN

***LCRM Modified Duration Buckets

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Sub-National Bonds A/Agusto A-/GCR A+/Agusto A/Agusto Nil A+/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto A/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR†

<3 3<5

KWARA >5 NIGER Market KADUNA *EBONYI *BENUE *IMO LAGOS *BAYELSA EDO *DELTA NIGER *EKITI

23-Jul-10

10.00

Issue Date

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 Porfolio Market Total Outstanding Value(Bn) 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017 Volume(Bn)

470.89 14.00 KWARA 5-AUG-2014 2,475.18 14.00 NIGER 15-OCT-2014 12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015 13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015 14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

Bonds Tenor

OBB

Rate (%) 10.5917 12.4444 13.0338 14.0716

O/N 1M 3M Outstanding 6M Value

O/N

Maturity Date

(N'bn)

45.00 NITTY 100.00 Tenor 535.00 1M 435.27 2M 452.80 3M 20.00 6M 100.00 9M 300.00 12M 351.30 233.90 600.00 NIFEX 75.00 Current Price ($/N) 75.00 BID($/N) 150.00 OFFER ($/N) 200.00 591.57

29-Jun-14 28-Sep-14 Rate (%) 23-Apr-15 10.6460 16-Aug-16 10.7842 27-Apr-17 10.8754 27-Jul-17 11.1754 31-Aug-17 12.3142 30-May-18 12.8212 29-Jun-19 23-Oct-19 27-Jan-22 14-Mar-24 28-Nov-28 161.5750 22-May-29 161.6750 20-Nov-29 23-Jul-30

Tenor Call 1M 0.15 3M 0.39 6M

REPO

TTM (Yrs)

10.25

Tenor

Bid ($/N)

10.50

Spot 7D 14D Offer1MYield 2M (%) 3M 9.49 6M 10.62 1Y

161.76 161.80 162.05 162.68 Bid Price 163.79 165.08 99.76 167.54 99.29 175.67

Rate (%) 10.25 11.86 10.50 12.40 11.02 13.20

Bid Yield (%)

0.96 12.32 11.72 2.28 12.82 12.74 2.97 12.81 12.75 :Benchmarks 3.22 12.76 12.64 * :Amortising Bond 3.32 Bond 12.76 12.64 µ :Convertible AMCON: 4.06 Asset Management12.79 Corporation of 12.69 Nigeria FGN: Federal Nigeria 5.15 Government of 12.90 12.82 FMBN: Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria 5.46 12.83 12.74 IFC: International Finance Corporation 7.73 12.95 12.90 LCRM: Local Contractors Receivables Management 9.85 12.96 12.91 NAHCO: Nigerian Aviation Handling Company 14.56 12.97 12.93 O/N: Overnight 15.04 12.98 12.93 UPDC: UAC Property Development Company WAPCO:West Cement Company 15.54 Africa Portland 12.99 12.93 16.21 13.05 13.00 NOTE:

Offer ($/N)

Price

161.86 162.07 162.43 163.44 Offer Price 165.12 167.05 99.91 172.92 99.44 184.72

92.66 93.16 100.40 100.55 105.50 105.65 NA :Not Applicable 92.46 92.76 # :Floating Rate Bond 90.97 coupon bonds 91.27 ***: Deferred 93.52 93.82 111.35 †: Bond rating expired 111.65 77.58 77.88 116.40 116.70 106.75 107.05 NGC: Nigeria-German Company 113.39 UBA: 113.09 United Bank for Africa 96.78 97.08 70.33 70.63 79.60 79.90

4,264.84

Description

914.72 1,089.57

10.22 10.24 10.36 10.28 10.73 10.55 Coupon (%) 10.62 10.75 9.20 10.77 9.25 10.64 10.66 4.00 10.36 13.05 10.54 15.10 10.62 9.85 10.96 9.35 11.09 10.70 11.21 11.07 16.00 12.11 7.00 12.11 16.39 12.35 14.20 12.11 15.00 12.59 12.49 12.74 12.74 8.50

28-Dec-11 24-May-10 03-Apr-12 09-Dec-11 Weighting 20-Apr-12by Outstanding 06-Jul-12Vol

Coupon (%)

Issue Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

0.00

978.35

17.25 0.00/16.00 Weighting by Mkt 0.00/16.50 Value 0.00/16.50

6.00 112.22 116.70 Bucket Weighting 66.49

31-Oct-14 24-May-15 03-Apr-17 09-Dec-16 % 20-Apr-17 Exposure_ Mod_Duration 06-Jul-17

0.48 1.05 1.53 2.59 2.95 Implied Yield 3.16

1.00 2.63 2.27 2.00 Implied 1.49 Portfolio 1.00Price

12.38 15.04 14.81 14.72 14.24 INDEX 13.76

94.38 85.91 103.38 93.94 YTD91.06 Return (%) 89.62

FMDQ FGN 0.00 BOND INDEX 24.56

888.07 951.30

36.53 39.13

36.96 44.02

591.57 2,430.94

24.33 05-Aug-09 100.00 15-Oct-09 31-Aug-10 30-Sep-10 30-Jun-11 30-Jun-09 19-Apr-10 30-Jun-10 30-Dec-10 30-Sep-11 04-Oct-11 09-Dec-11

14.00 19.02 14.00100.00 12.50 13.00 14.00 15.50 10.00 13.75 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.50

1,304.32

0.37 0.39

19.39 39.51

12.81 12.94

111.7361 124.7685

1,061.27 1,056.49

6.1265 5.6492

17.00 0.24 6.00 1.00 8.50 16.50 13.00 18.50 57.00 50.00 25.00 50.00 9.00 20.00

41.10 05-Aug-14 100.00 15-Oct-14 31-Aug-15 30-Sep-15 30-Jun-16 30-Jun-16 19-Apr-17 30-Jun-17 31-Dec-17 30-Sep-18 04-Oct-18 09-Dec-18

13.05 0.25 12.96 0.44 1.32 0.92 1.22 1.22 2.95 1.78 3.65 2.62 4.41 2.63

87.5871 4.88 110.9594 5.99 4.44 3.23 4.46 3.48 5.59 7.60 1.79 1.80 1.00 1.00

1,060.31 15.74 1,052.86 17.28 16.92 15.47 16.92 15.94 18.34 20.21 14.56 14.52 13.80 13.72

6.0313 99.45 5.2861 98.60 94.91 98.27 96.99 99.86 81.60 90.69 98.39 99.05 100.61 101.81

48 BUSINESS | MONEY LINE

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, May 9, 2014

WEF: Nigeria needs indigenous economic policy –Senator Adeyemi in the present administration to ensure that Nigeria was not opened up to the European nations as a dumping ground for their finished products. "Our economic policy must be indigenous, our minister of finance and others who constitute the economic team of Mr. President, should be looking at the indigenous ways of improving our economy. We do not need to encourage the purchase of private jets in hundreds, rather, we need a speed train in Africa. We need trains that will move goods and services of the people, the mass transit system are needed to galvanise our socio - economic growth and improve our standard of living", he argued. "When you take a look at the policies of African nations, being dictated by the World Bank and the IMF, they are not going to tell you how to evolve a system that will accelerate your own socio - economic activities rather they will give you policies and ideas that will help their own finished products to be purchased by us. We will now be dumping grounds for the finished products from Europe", he stated. Consequently, the politician implored the Minister of Finance, Mrs Ngozi OkonjoIweala and other members of President Goodluck Jonathan's Economic Team to do a thorough brainstorming and

POLICY Home grown economy necessary Chukwu David ABUJA

s the World Economic Forum holds in Nigeria, Senator Smart Adeyemi, representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Smart Adeyemi, has called on policy makers to evolve an indigenous economic policy that would revolutionize the nation's economy. Senator Adeyemi, who made this call while speaking with New Telegraph in Abuja, advised Nigerian Government not to depend on the policies of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, IMF, pointing out that the two world financial giants were always seeking policies that would favour their continent, to the detriment of Africa. He noted that the economic policies of the World Bank and the IMF, were never tailored towards the development of African economies, accusing the two world financial institutions of not considering the value system of different countries in Africa. Consequently, the legislator urged the policy makers

come up with an indigenous economic policy that would transform and stabilize the economy. Adeyemi, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on the Federal Capital Territory further called on the Federal Government to take advantage of the World Economic Forum to attract foreign investors, and also bring back those who left the country in the past. He also expressed optimism that the Forum would be a platform for creating employment opportunities for the citizenry after much investments had been made in the country by business men and women from across the world. The legislator argued that, when the people become gainfully employed, they would not go into insurgency or other form of criminal activities as are currently prevalent in the country. He attributed the current insurgency and terrorism in the country to the frustration of people as a result of the mass unemployment being witnessed by the citizenry, particularly the active population, who would do anything criminal to earn a living, and as a means of venting anger and expressing their predicaments to the government. "There should be investment so that people could work to provide the basic goods and

Economic Indicators As at M2* CPS* INF IBR MPR 91-day NTB DPR PLR Bonny Light Ext Res**

N14,737,618.7m N16,509,472.5m 8 0.0000 12 10.899 7.96 17.01 US$109.9 US$42,604,781,796.6

Description

TTM

4.00% 23-Apr-2015 13.05% 16-Aug-2016 15.10% 27-Apr-2017 16.00% 29-Jun-2019 16.39% 27-Jan-2022 10.00% 23-Jul-2030

1.21 2.53 3.22 5.39 7.98 16.47

Tenor (Days) Call 7 30 60 90 180 365

Rate (%) 11.9167 12.3333 12.6667 12.9167 13.2167 13.5000 13.7500

NIBOR

Bid Price 90.20 99.25 104.10 109.35 114.15 76.60

Bid 12.10 12.10 12.05

Bid Spot ($/N) 163.28 THE FIXINGS –NIBOR,NITTY and NIFEX of February 6,2014

Offer 163.38

ricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and Nigeria’s government auditor will need 12 to 16 weeks to “clarify” what happened to billions of dollars of oil revenue alleged to be missing, Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said. The company based in New York will help the government of Africa’s biggest oil producer to find crude proceeds probably not accounted for, she told delegates today at the World Economic Forum in the Nigerian capital, Abuja. Central bank Governor Lamido Sanusi, 52, who said there were missing funds, was suspended for alleged “financial recklessness and misconduct,” Jonathan’s spokesman Reuben Abati said in a Feb. 20

ONITSHA

Bank would spend Dfiftyiamond N50million on training of selected customers in the 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

NITTY

Yield 12.86 13.33 13.35 13.42 13.38 13.53

Money Market Offer 11.85 11.85 11.80

Nigeria auditors needs 16 weeks to account for oil funds

Onah O. Onah

Treasury Bills Maturity Date 08-May-14 07-Aug-14 22-Jan-15

of temptation of somebody considering suicide action, would be greatly reduced". "The World Economic Forum on Africa is an indigenous African response to our needs and aspirations. Asia did it and that is why it can compete with Europe now. The policies of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank are tailored towards the norms and the value system of the perception of Europe, which is not working in Africa."

statement. He was replaced by his deputy, Sarah Alade, as acting governor. The announcement halted bond trading and sent the naira to a record low. Sanusi wrote to President Goodluck Jonathan late last year alleging the state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Corp. had retained almost $50 billion in revenue that was due to the government. He later amended the figures to $12 billion at a news briefing with the finance minister before raising them to $20 billion at a Feb. 4 meeting with lawmakers. The NNPC has denied the allegations. Jonathan’s office said that under Sanusi’s watch the central bank was “distracted” from its mandate.

Diamond Bank to invest N50m on customer trainings

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

services that are needed by the people. It is not to open our continent as a dumping ground for products from Europe. We must evolve policies and economic programmes that will just be basically for Africans. "The World Economic Forum is a good develolment that is coming at this time, because more investors will come and invest. Once people are gainfully employed, frustration will not come in and the risk

Open-Buy-Back (OBB) Overnight (O/N)

Rate (%) 11.33 11.63

NIFEX Spot ($/N)

Bid 163.4000

Offer 163.5000 Source: FMDQ

Lagos business school before the end of this year even as it encourages Igbo entrepreneurs to learn how to sustain their businesses during the 43rd Business Xpress Seminar held at Onitsha, Anambra State. Anambra Regional Manager of Diamond Bank Mr. Ikenna Nwabuwa, said the bank is committed to making entrepreneurs succeed because they were the driving force of the economy,stressing that the bank would lend her support to every thriving and bankable business. According to him, “The bank is building the capacity of entrepreneurs to ensure that they know how to manage their businesses. Many people have not succeeded in business because they have not been applying principles that guarantee success; Diamond Bank plc is filling this gap by organizing the BusinessXpress seminar around the country.” Speaking on the timely intervention of the bank in the Micro, Small and Medium

Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) section of the economy, Adaeze Umeh, Segment Head, MSMEs, of the bank said that 95% of Nigerian businesses are not registered as such they would not have access to facilities from financial institutions. She said that studies have shown that many businesses do not have proper documentations, which made it practically impossible for them to receive financial support from any financial institution. “Asides registration of businesses, many MSMEs evades taxation and other forms of manipulations which impact negatively on their businesses. MSMEs need to be credible; they should be trustworthy and be of good conduct,” she added. Also,Mr Donatus Ebubeogu, MD of Tiger Foods Nigeria Limited, manufacturers of spices, shared his experiences in business and observed that a successful business man must be committed, honest and focused to achieve his dreams. The Senior Consultant, Mark-George Consultants, John Ekpikhe, said, “MSMEs are running a ground because of the lifestyle of the owners. It should develop overtime with consistency and also be willing to collaborate.”

Daily Summary as of 07/05/2014

BUSINESS | CAPITAL MARKET 49

Printed 07/05/2014 15:14:27.027 Sanctity of Truth

Friday, May 9, 2014

Daily Summary (Bonds)

Daily Summary as of 07/05/2014 Printed 07/05/2014 15:14:27.027

The Nigerian Stock Market Exchange as at May 7, 2014

No Debt Trading Activity

Daily Summary (Equities)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY AGRICULTURE Crop Production OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Crop Production Totals Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals

Symbol OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 33 9 42

Current Price 34.94 37.05

Quantity Traded 149,663 15,840 165,503

Value Traded 5,126,150.42 557,568.00 5,683,718.42

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 35 35

Current Price 3.23

Quantity Traded 904,978 904,978

Value Traded 2,841,337.53 2,841,337.53

1,070,481

8,525,055.95

AGRICULTURE Totals

Daily Summary as of 07/05/2014 Printed 07/05/2014 15:14:27.027 CONGLOMERATES

Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals

Symbol AGLEVENT TRANSCORP UACN

Daily Summary

No. of Deals 20 179 54 (Equities) 253

CONGLOMERATES Totals

Current Price 1.57 3.62 57.00

253

Activity Summary on Board EQTY CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Structure/Completion/Other Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © COSTAIN (W A) PLC. Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals

Symbol COSTAIN

No. of Deals 9 9

Current Price 1.32

Quantity Traded 258,262 17,438,290 3,308,496 21,005,048

Value Traded 389,382.98 63,609,244.89 189,837,747.99 253,836,375.86

21,005,048

253,836,375.86

Current Price 68.50 8.46

Quantity Traded 232,330 2,800 235,130

Value Traded 15,744,519.42 24,823.00 15,769,342.42

Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Real Estate Development Totals

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 17 17

Current Price 23.00

Quantity Traded 118,740 118,740

Value Traded 2,713,360.80 2,713,360.80

699,209

18,938,550.70

CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. Daily Summary as of 07/05/2014 GUINNESS NIG PLC Printed 07/05/2014 15:14:27.027BREWERIES PLC. INTERNATIONAL JOS INT. BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals

No. of Deals 39 78 22 1 100 240

Current Price 13.79 180.00 25.00 3.42 150.00

Quantity Traded 699,152 403,729 171,665 50,000 2,000,769 3,325,315

Value Traded 9,564,201.66 72,373,002.84 4,259,130.33 171,000.00 299,429,388.31 385,796,723.14

Symbol 7UP

No. of Deals 19

Current Price 85.50

Quantity Traded 15,026

Value Traded 1,220,581.98

Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals

Symbol

No. of Deals 19

Current Price

Quantity Traded 15,026

Value Traded 1,220,581.98

Food Products DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC U T C NIG. PLC. Food Products Totals

Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR NASCON UTC

No. of Deals 36 53 37 30 47 4 207

Current Price 8.00 9.20 68.50 3.69 12.09 0.51

Quantity Traded 176,232 838,257 159,543 316,842 2,677,451 80,517 4,248,842

Value Traded 1,402,624.32 7,657,388.85 10,942,290.26 1,155,133.94 32,328,702.47 41,233.67 53,527,373.51

Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

No. of Deals 28 34 62

Current Price 71.32 1,080.00

Quantity Traded 51,780 23,637 75,417

Value Traded 3,619,017.72 25,281,882.24 28,900,899.96

Symbol VITAFOAM

No. of Deals 11 11

Current Price 4.30

Quantity Traded 72,000 72,000

Value Traded 295,080.00 295,080.00

Symbol No. of Deals PZ 32 UNILEVER 44 Daily Summary (Equities) 76

Current Price 36.00 48.45

Quantity Traded 118,065 329,302 447,367

Value Traded 4,247,806.26 15,986,539.69 20,234,345.95

8,183,967

489,975,004.54

No. of Deals 172 73 50 61 230 97 35 159 61 2 43 164 1,147

Current Price 9.00 6.24 13.00 1.85 26.49 3.54 2.18 6.75 10.00 0.50 0.99 22.90

Quantity Traded 31,414,487 8,988,582 10,701,549 3,267,515 18,195,232 14,555,500 1,793,367 7,679,324 529,007 43,100 5,136,508 2,943,155 105,247,326

Value Traded 284,052,257.35 55,882,108.88 138,978,955.24 6,165,606.16 482,073,293.34 50,975,547.76 3,933,089.25 51,954,222.96 5,283,538.31 21,550.00 4,998,507.41 67,062,268.50 1,151,380,945.16

No. of Deals 20

Current Price 0.78

Quantity Traded 290,403

Value Traded 227,482.71

Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC.

Symbol CHAMPION GUINNESS INTBREW JOSBREW NB

Daily Summary (Equities)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Page

Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC. Household Durables Totals Daily Summary as of 07/05/2014 Printed 07/05/2014 15:14:27.027

Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Personal/Household Products Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY CONSUMER GOODS CONSUMER GOODS Totals

615

FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC. ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals

Daily Summary as of 07/05/2014 Printed 07/05/2014 15:14:27.027 Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC.

Symbol ACCESS DIAMONDBNK ETI FIDELITYBK GUARANTY SKYEBANK STERLNBANK UBA UBN UNITYBNK WEMABANK ZENITHBANK Symbol AIICO

ICT Computer Based Systems COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC Computer Based Systems Totals

455,847.48 455,847.48

No. of Deals 29 2 31

Page

Daily Summary as of 07/05/2014 Micro-Finance Banks Printed 07/05/2014 15:14:27.027 NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals

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

HEALTHCARE Healthcare Providers UNION DIAGNOSTIC & CLINICAL SERVICES PLC Healthcare Providers Totals Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Processing Systems CHAMS PLC Processing Systems Totals

Symbol CHAMS

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 16,000 16,000

Value Traded 8,000.00 8,000.00

Telecommunications Services MASS TELECOMMUNICATION INNOVATIONS NIGERIA PLC Telecommunications Services Totals

Symbol MTI

No. of Deals 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 10,000

Value Traded 5,000.00

Quantity Traded 13,240,605

Value Traded 252,743,083.31

No. of Deals 84

Current Price 19.00

Page

Current Price 8.75

Quantity Traded 52,223

Value Traded 472,828.68

Symbol CAP CCNN DANGCEM DNMEYER FIRSTALUM IPWA WAPCO

No. of Deals 12 12 42 1 1 9 48 225

Current Price 39.00 9.05 224.64 1.06 0.50 0.56 111.99

Quantity Traded 749,510 75,395 968,175 9,500 20,000 139,598 235,145 15,490,151

Value Traded 29,235,307.35 691,031.18 216,557,671.12 10,260.00 10,000.00 78,174.88 26,323,913.37 526,122,269.89

Electronic and Electrical Products CUTIX PLC. Electronic and Electrical Products Totals

Symbol CUTIX

No. of Deals 11 11

Current Price 1.80

Quantity Traded 534,436 534,436

Value Traded 951,135.72 951,135.72

Packaging/Containers BETA GLASS CO PLC. Packaging/Containers Totals

Symbol BETAGLAS

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 18.90

Quantity Traded Page 223,064 223,064

NATURAL RESOURCES Chemicals B.O.C. GASES PLC. Chemicals Totals

BERGER Daily Summary (Equities)

239 Symbol BOCGAS

Daily Summary as of 07/05/2014 Printed 07/05/2014 15:14:27.027

No. of Deals 4 4

NATURAL RESOURCES Totals

Current Price 6.47

Value Traded of 13 4,189,588.83 4,189,588.83

16,247,651

531,262,994.44

Quantity Traded 18,100 18,100

Value Traded 111,315.00 111,315.00

18,100

111,315.00

Page

Daily Summary (Equities)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Energy Equipment and Services Totals

Symbol JAPAULOIL

No. of Deals 8 8

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 237,900 237,900

Value Traded 118,950.00 118,950.00

Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals 138 138

Current Price 15.48

Quantity Traded 1,203,464 1,203,464

Value Traded 18,680,821.43 18,680,821.43

Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors BECO PETROLEUM PRODUCT PLC 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 BECOPETRO CONOIL ETERNA FO MOBIL MRS TOTAL

No. of Deals 1 20 6 166 22 2 22 239

Current Price 0.50 49.20 3.61 148.99 123.50 51.72 153.00

Quantity Traded 300 53,946 45,535 562,647 95,778 3,050 56,280 817,536

Value Traded 150.00 2,531,906.54 156,185.05 75,669,067.14 11,720,796.32 149,877.00 8,636,969.10 98,864,951.15

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals 51 51

Current Price 696.12

Quantity Traded 268,150 268,150

Value Traded 186,237,753.94 186,237,753.94

2,527,050

303,902,476.52

Exploration and Production Daily Summary as of 07/05/2014 SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Printed 07/05/2014 15:14:27.027 Exploration and Production Totals OIL AND GAS Totals

436

Daily Summary (Equities) Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Current Price 0.83

Quantity Traded 56,250 56,250

Value Traded 46,750.00 46,750.00

Symbol ASOSAVINGS INFINITY

No. of Deals 1 2 3

Current Price 0.50 1.61

Quantity Traded 500 630 1,130

Value Traded 250.00 963.90 1,213.90

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FBNH FCMB ROYALEX STANBIC UBCAP

No. of Deals 87 32 422 98 1 34 119 793

Current Price 2.93 2.77 13.00 3.54 0.62 22.57 2.14

Quantity Traded 2,365,887 5,013,492 14,924,781 17,968,125 250 2,610,067 4,606,110 47,488,712

Value Traded 6,999,453.71 13,887,057.84 193,472,169.39 63,703,508.04 147.50 58,725,985.32 9,752,857.57 346,541,179.37

268,493,106

1,605,601,561.93

Symbol UNIONDAC

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 200,000 200,000

Value Traded 100,000.00 100,000.00

Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH

No. of Deals 4 22 11

Current Price 2.58 2.36 70.00

Quantity Traded 16,000 365,710 213,555

Value Traded 40,080.00 872,318.00 14,949,000.00 of

18,168.00

Daily Summary (Equities)

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals

No. of Deals 3 3

5,000.00

33,600

No. of Deals 16

Symbol NPFMCRFBK

Page

10,000

Symbol

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC DN MEYER PLC. FIRST ALUMINIUM NIGERIA PLC IPWA PLC LAFARGE WAPCO PLC. Building Materials Totals

Value Traded 97,078,819.50 226,722.00 10,000.00 55,000.00 1,371,723.83 50.00 50.00 106,551.54 165,236.50 1,870,079.14 5,017.50 41,590.00 21,924.00 2,750.00 100.00 1,926,664.00 506,500.00 4,015,212.78 107,631,473.50

2,120

Symbol ASHAKACEM

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Quantity Traded 99,056,750 453,440 20,000 110,000 2,621,474 100 100 46,900 330,473 2,417,061 10,035 76,200 37,800 5,500 200 3,853,328 1,013,000 5,356,924 115,699,688

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals

Value Traded 5,168.00 5,168.00

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials BERGER PAINTS PLC

Page

Symbol RTBRISCOE

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 1.19

Quantity Traded 72 72

Value Traded 84.96 84.96

Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals

Symbol REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR

No. of Deals 4 2 6

Current Price 4.30 2.13

Quantity Traded 150,500 2,784 153,284

Value Traded 647,130.00 5,651.52 652,781.52

Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals

Symbol CILEASING

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 215,000 215,000

Value Traded 107,500.00 107,500.00

Hotels/Lodging IKEJA HOTEL PLC Hotels/Lodging Totals

Symbol IKEJAHOTEL

No. of Deals 7 7

Current Price 0.60

Quantity Traded 401,100 401,100

Value Traded 248,802.00 248,802.00

Media/Entertainment DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC Media/Entertainment Totals

Symbol DAARCOMM

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 20,000 20,000

Value Traded 10,000.00 10,000.00

Symbol LEARNAFRCA UPL

No. of Deals 15 7 22

Current Price 1.60 4.00

Quantity Traded 448,900 143,700 592,600

Value Traded 717,694.00 573,820.62 1,291,514.62

Daily Summary (Equities)

Page

Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals

Daily Summary as of 07/05/2014 Printing/Publishing Printed 07/05/2014 15:14:27.027 LEARN AFRICA PLC UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. Printing/Publishing Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY FINANCIAL SERVICES Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services ASO SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC INFINITY TRUST MORTGAGE BANK PLC Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

16,093,683.21

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Current Price 1.02 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.53 0.50 0.50 2.20 0.50 0.77 0.50 0.55 0.56 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.77

879,518

Quantity Traded 7,600 7,600

Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC

No. of Deals 6 6 1 2 24 1 1 8 7 26 3 5 1 2 1 2 2 56 174

Page

Value Traded 88,400.00 23,172.20 20,713.01 15,993,683.21

Current Price 0.71

Symbol CONTINSURE CORNERST GNI HMARKINS INTENEGINS LASACO LAWUNION MANSARD MBENEFIT NEM NIGERINS OASISINS PRESTIGE REGALINS STACO UNIC UNIVINSURE WAPIC

Daily Summary (Equities)

Quantity Traded 52,000 19,060 13,193 679,518

No. of Deals 2 2

Page

Current Price 1.78 1.23 1.57

Symbol COURTVILLE

Daily Summary as of 07/05/2014 Printed 07/05/2014 15:14:27.027 INDUSTRIAL GOODS

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. GREAT NIGERIAN INSURANCE PLC CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC. MANSARD INSURANCE PLC MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. OASIS INSURANCE PLC PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. REGENCY ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC STANDARD TRUST ASSURANCE PLC UNIC INSURANCE PLC. UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

No. of Deals 3 3 2 45

ICT Totals

Daily Summary (Equities)

Symbol MAYBAKER NEIMETH PHARMDEKO

HEALTHCARE Totals

Value Traded 1 of 13

Symbol JBERGER ROADS

HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC PHARMA-DEKO PLC. Pharmaceuticals Totals

Quantity TradedPage 345,339 345,339

Infrastructure/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. ROADS NIG PLC. Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

SERVICES Road Transportation ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Road Transportation Totals

Symbol ABCTRANS

No. of Deals 16 16

Current Price 0.80

Quantity Traded 327,416 327,416

Value Traded 262,234.80 262,234.80

Symbol AIRSERVICE NAHCO

No. of Deals 4 39 43

Current Price 2.14 4.90

Quantity Traded 71,000 1,044,963 1,115,963

Value Traded 155,261.93 5,063,405.39 5,218,667.32

100

2,825,435

7,791,585.22

EQTY Board Totals

3,952

321,983,165

3,236,056,771.37

Equity Activity Totals

3,952

321,983,165

3,236,056,771.37

Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Transport-Related Services Totals SERVICES Totals

Daily Summary (ETP) Exchange Traded Fund

Name VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF Exchange Traded Fund Totals

Symbol VETGRIF30

Daily Summary as of 07/05/2014 ETF Board Totals Printed 07/05/2014 15:14:27.027

ETP Activity Totals

No. of Deals 7 7

Current Price 17.53

Quantity Traded 7,010 7,010

Value Traded 122,493.40 122,493.40

7,010

122,493.40

7,010

Page

Daily Summary (ETP)

122,493.40

50 WORLD | NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, May 9, 2014

Muslim scholars condemn schoolgirls’ kidnapping in Nigeria

op religious scholars working under the world’s largest bloc of Islamic countries said yesterday, that they strongly condemn the kidnapping of more than 270 Nigerian schoolgirls, calling for their immediate release. The kidnappings, three weeks ago, by the extremist group, Boko Haram have led to worldwide condemnation. The group’s leader has used Islamic teachings as justification for threatening to sell the girls into slavery. The Islamic Fiqh Academy, which is based in Saudi Arabia and dedicated to the advanced study of Islam, said that this “crime and other crimes committed by the likes of these extremist organizations contradicts all humanitarian principles and moral values and violates the provisions of the Quran and Sunnah,” or teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. The academy is part of the Organization of Islamic Co-

operation, which is comprised of some 57 Muslim majority member-nations. Also yesterday, the OIC’s Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission said Boko Haram is misguided to claim

that the abduction of the girls and the threat to sell them off as slaves is in conformity with the injunctions of Islam. The rights body described the abduction of the schoolgirls as a “barbaric act”.

“Right to education is a fundamental human right, and is in consonance with the basic tenets of Islam,” the rights body said. Muslims around the world have spoken out against the kidnappings.

Mia Kuumba, of the District of Columbia, brandishes a wooden stick during a rally in front of the Nigerian embassy in northwest Washington, on Tuesday, protesting the kidnapping over 200 teenage schoolgirls, abducted from a school in the remote northeast of Nigeria three weeks ago. PHOTO: AP/Manuel Balce Ceneta

South Africa’s ANC rolls to victory

he ruling African National Congress (ANC) swept toward victory in South Africa’s fifth post-apartheid election yesterday, handing President Jacob Zuma the clout to push through probusiness reforms in the face of union and leftist opposition. Burdened with sluggish economic growth and damaging strikes in his first term, the scandal-plagued Zuma has devoted less and less time over the last year to the wishes of unions, whose long walkouts have hit confidence in Africa’s most developed economy. He has also batted away opposition from the far left, squelching some expectations the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) - led by his former protégé Julius Malema would ride a wave of populist anger over widespread poverty and unemployment. The ANC, the liberation movement that swept to power two decades ago under the leadership of Nelson Mandela, had won 63.7 percent of Wednesday’s vote with nearly two-thirds of districts counted, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) said. “With

this, he is much less beholden to the left,” Cape Town-based political analyst Nic Borain said, adding he expected Zuma to appoint a technocrat cabinet with the express mandate to roll out policies to boost growth. “There’s no deeply insightful change, but the bottom line is that by 2019 they are going to have to be growing this economy and making sure they can still raise tax revenue.” Zuma hinted this week that the ANC needed to take a more pro-business tack, accusing the main platinum union of irresponsibility for dragging out a four-month wage strike,

and he hinted at reforms in the pipeline. “We need an overwhelming majority so that we can change certain things so that we can move faster,” Zuma told a news conference. “There are things you need to remove so you can move faster. I won’t be specific.” One influential minister said the ANC would focus on policies adopted at a 2012 leadership conference, when it rejected “wholesale nationalization” of industries and sought to quell investor concerns with business-friendly pronouncements. “The policies of the new

coming government, the principles that will provide the framework for the new administration, have already been set out,” Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba told Reuters. “That is what we are going to implement. The ANC’s nearest rival, the Democratic Alliance, was on 22.1 percent, upholding poll predictions the party would improve on the 16.7 percent it won five years ago as it gradually sheds its image as the political home of privileged minority whites. The militant EFF, launched by Malema after he was expelled from the ANC in 2012, was in third place with 4.9 percent.

South Korea accuses North of sending drones to border

outh Korea announced yesterday that it had reached the conclusion that three surveillance drones found near the border belonged to North Korea. A joint U.S. and South Korean probe discovered flight plans stored on the unmanned crafts that traced back to locations in North Korea. The discovery has fueled

worry that the secretive and erratic northern country might soon use armed drones against South Korea. In response, Seoul’s Defence Ministry announced that it had increased airspace surveillance along the inter-Korean border and readied surface-to-air artillery. Two of the three drones, discovered in late March and early April, had photos on them

matching their flight plans, while the data on the third could not be recovered. According to the ministry, the plans were to photograph South Korean military facilities. According to Reuters, some of the drone components were manufactured in China, Japan, the Czech Republic and the United States. But North Korea denied any involvement.

Gross human rights abuses seen in South Sudan –Report

orrific, ethnically motivated attacks of physical and sexual violence launched in South Sudan by warring parties constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, Amnesty International said yesterday, while a new U.N. report said more than 300 men from one ethnic group were slaughtered in one incident. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said during a visit to South Sudan this week that the country has seen serious human rights violations. The U.N. report said that gross violations of human rights and international humanitarian law have been committed. Much of the violence has been ethnic in nature and carried out by troops loyal to President Salva Kiir, an ethnic Dinka, and rebels loyal to former Vice President Riek Machar, an ethnic Nuer. The two men are scheduled to meet for face-to-face talks in Ethiopia today. If the meeting happens, it would represent the biggest breakthrough since fighting broke out in December. Thousands of people have been killed and 1.3 million have fled their homes. Ban had been pressing for a month-long cease-fire beginning Wednesday so that residents could return home and plant crops, but South Sudan’s military spokesman, Col. Philip Aguer, said yesterday that he had no information on a cease-fire being ordered. Aid groups fear that if residents don’t plant crops this month, the country could face mass hunger or famine. The U.N. report documents the killings of “at least 300 Nuer men” in a neighbourhood of the capital, Juba, the day after the violence broke out. The report said that bodies from many attacks were taken to unknown disposal sites. Nuers across Juba were targeted by armed attackers wearing military and police uniforms, the U.N. report said. The U.N. representative in South Sudan, Hilde F. Johnson, said accountability for the crimes is critical to ending the legacy of impunity in South Sudan and preventing similar atrocities in the future.

Real lack champion attitude –Alonso }p-53

Doha Diamond League: Okagbare renews Ann Fraser -Pryce rivalry

Aminu, Toro killed Nigerian league – Stores boss

}p-53

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SPORT

AUTHORITATIVE VOICE IN GLOBAL SPORT

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newtelegraphonline.com/sports

ADEKUNLE SALAMI, DepUTY Editor, SPORTS kunle.salami@newtelegraphonline.com adekunles@yahoo.com

FRIday, MAY 9, 2014

That John Fashanu (1993-94), Efan Ekoku (1994-99) and John Hartson (1999-2000), were the three players that wore Wimbledon FCs number nine shirt in the Premier League

Beckenbauer, Moore, Chukwu inspired me -Keshi lExplains his love for Jersey No 4

}p. 54

Beckenbauer

Moore

Chukwu

Igali, Masai want abducted Chibok girls freed

Emmanuel Tobi

P Igali

resident of the Nigerian Wrestling Federation Daniel Igali and Toronto Raptors General Manager Masai Ujiri has added their voices to the call for the freedom of over 200 schoolgirls who were abducted last month by the Boko

Haram, who have threatened to sell them as sex slaves. The Bayelsa-born freestyle wrestling gold medallist for Canada at the 2000 Olympics condemn the act while expressing frustration on the act by the captors. “This is bestiality at the high-

est proportions. Those people responsible are cowards. I am so sickened by these beasts and extremely ashamed of their despicable acts, Igali told QMI Agency. He added, “What happened to those girls is so unfortunate. We are all praying for their

safe release.The atmosphere here is tense. There is a lot of concern and worry for what is happening in certain parts of the country.” Toronto Raptors, Masai Ujiri, a native of Zaria in Kaduna state described the abduction CONTINUED ON PAGE 54

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ifestyle

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper

ormer Junior international and founder Hoffnung sports foundation Adedapo Akiode says the foundation is determined to improve Table Tennis in the country. Akiode said the HSF intend to spread the gospel of grassroots sport development, by donating table tennis rubber sheets, balls and textiles to grassroots talents in some states in the country. The former junior international revealed that six states of the federation will benefit from the donation of Table Tennis equipment. He revealed that the foundation is set to organise a Table Tennis tournament for schools, where talents will be scouted and nurtured with education and sports. The foundation also plans to bring German legend Olga Nemes and her coaching crew into the country to help train Nigerian Table Tennis coaches.

best food: Jolloff rice bestdrink: Red wine best colour: Blue Best city visited: Budapest (Hungary) bestclub supported: Chelsea best designer: Emperio Armani bestperfume: TERRE D’HERMES best music: R&B best musician: Luther Vandros

Ab Hoffnung foundation set to donate equipment to six schools

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, May 9, 2014

best car: BMW

princetobby@yahoo.com tobi.emmanuel@newtelegraphonline.com

best actor: Denzel Washington best actress: Halle Berry Best competition ever attended: 2002 FIFA W/Cup

Chukwumerije, others win bronze medals in Tunisia Charles Ogundiya

eijing Olympics bronze medalist, Chika Chukwumerije, returned to winning ways to settle for bronze medal despite copping an ankle injury on his way to the semifinal at the African Senior Taekwondo Championships held in Tunisia. Chika alongside his compatriots, Sunday Onofe and Joy Ekhator, claimed three medals as well as garnered over 60.48 points in total to improve their world ratings. 140 athletes from 18 African countries took part in three-day tournament, which served as an avenue for athletes to gain crucial word ranking points. This plays a key role for Rio 2016 Olympics qualification. The El-Complex De Menza Arena in Tunis hosted the competition with three-time Olympian, Chika Chukwumerije, defying the massive home sup-

lAs Nigeria garner points for world rating ports his opponent - Tunisia’s Abdelrahim Abidi-got to win his first fight at 10-3. He however copped an ankle injury during the fight but he was able to hold sway to win the encounter. Aware of what is ahead of

him when the World Taekwondo Federation organised Grand Prix Olympics series holding in China, Chukwumerije had to withdraw from the semifinal tie to settle for points, which also earned him 14.40 points in the rankings.

To also pick bronze medal, Onofe floored Hama Alzouma of Niger Republic in the round of 16, beat Fiston Lumu Tshimanga of Democratic Republic of Congo in the quarterfinals, before losing to number one seed in -80kg, Issam Chernoubi of Morocco (8 – 5).

Nigeria begins trials for World Chess Olympiad Mercy Jacob

he Media Centre of National Stadium in Lagos is expected to bubble on Friday as the World Chess Olympiad trials organised by Nigeria Chess Federation begins with all attention focused on Oyeyemi Fawole. Fawole, who is the current National champion is yet to represent the country at any major international competition but finally launched himself on the big stage after winning the last Nigeria Breweries International

Open Chess Championship in Lagos. Since then, he has made an impressive performance in some rated tournaments in Europe early this year. On Friday, when the nine round Swiss event paring gets underway, Fawole has other notable players to contend with during the threeday first stage of the trials that will end on Saturday. Some of the invited male players includes; Benjamin Omorere, Hakeem Edunwale, Kolade Onabogun, Onovughe Ochuko, Emmanuel

Maduagwan and Oladapo Adu while Doris Adebayo, Ogechi Emmanuel, Nkem Omishogbon and Olabisi Rabiu top the list of the female team. The Technical Director of the federation, Bode Durotoye, said, “We are using the Olympiad time control over eight round Swiss event pairing and Bucholz would be used to break the ties after which 10 players each from male and female will qualify for the final round of the trials which will come up in Ibadan next month,” Durotoye said.

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, May 9, 2014

Real lack champion attitude –Alonso

Alonso (right)

Messi hits out at transfer lies

ionel Messi has reacted to continuing speculation over his future at Barcelona by saying that “almost” all the stories which have emerged recently are false. Messi’s current contract ends in June 2018 and contains a release clause of 250 million euros. Talks on an improved deal have been ongoing since last autumn, and have been accompanied by regular leaks to and spin in the Catalan and Spanish sports press. Recent days have seen a cranking up of the rumours in both Barce-

lona and Madrid, with a report widely circulated that his father Jorge Messi had demanded Barca both sign Manchester City attacker Sergio Aguero and renew the contract of current reserve goalkeeper Jose Pinto before his son would sign any new contract with the club. In a sensational story on Thursday morning Madridbased AS claimed that Barca’s board have seriously considered selling the four-time Ballon D’Or winner after the summer’s World Cup for 250 million euros, with a senior club figure even emailing a suggestion to Messi Snr that his

Bender quashes EPL move talk

ars Bender has dealt Arsenal a crushing blow by insisting he doesn’t think he’s ready to make the step up from Bayer Leverkusen. Bender has been linked with a £20million move away from the Bundesliga outfit amid growing speculation Arsene Wenger will resurrect his interest in him. But the 25-year-old

pain midfielder Xabi Alonso has attacked Real Madrid’s attitude after his team appeared to blow their La Liga title hopes, putting leaders Atletico Madrid in pole position with two games to go. After Atletico’s defeat at Levante last weekend, third-placed Real could only muster a draw at home to Valencia and then pick up a point at Valladolid on Wednesday, leaving Carlo Ancelotti’s men four points off the pacesetters. “We didn’t have the necessary concentration for a game of this importance. After going ahead (through Sergio Ramos) we didn’t

has poured cold water on the transfer talk and is fully focussed on developing at Leverkusen. “I signed my new contract until 2019, and that should have told everyone how happy I am at Leverkusen. “I feel settled here and see no reason to change anything.”

have the right intensity and they got a valuable draw,” Alonso told reporters following the Valladolid clash. “I hope this doesn’t happen again because it was not the sort of game where we can afford to be relaxed. The league is practically over for us as we need some unlikely results to happen but we have to hope. “Obviously at this stage of the season you have to put up with injuries,” said Alonso ahead of Sunday’s trip to Celta Vigo. “We had a number of problems but with those who were out on the pitch we had sufficient to win.”

Ronaldo’ll be fit – Ancelotti

Ronaldo (middle)

ead coach Carlo Ancelotti is hopeful Cristiano Ronaldo will be fighting fit and ready to help Real Madrid clinch the two victories they need to stay alive in the Primera Division title race. He told realmadrid.com: “We will see over the coming days. We don’t think Cristiano Ronaldo has a big problem. He was not very comfortable but there was no tear.”

Ozil pleased with debut Arsenal season

esut Ozil says he is “satisfied” with how his first season in the Premier League with Arsenal has gone, after joining the club from Real Madrid in August. The Gunners’ record signing got off to a strong start on his arrival in England scoring two goals in his first five games. However, Ozil has only managed four more league goals this season and came in for criticism for his performances in the Champions League - but the 25-yearold is content with his form. “I had ups and downs, but I am satisfied. Arsenal haven’t won a title for 10 years and, in

Messi (left)

son could receive 10 percent of a transfer fee if a move was accepted. The 26-year-old told reporters at a commercial event on Thursday afternoon that most of what was published about him was not to be believed.

Cavani not for sale

aris Saint Germain chief Nasser al-Khelaifi has reiterated that the club are not going to let Edinson Cavani leave this summer. Cavani’s future has been called into question in recent months, with the player himself admitting to being frustrated at playing wide on the right although he has still managed 16 goals in 25 starts. Premier League duo Manchester United and Chelsea have both been strongly linked, but PSG are standing firm over the Uruguay international.

one week we can win the FA Cup. It would the third cup win in the third country for me,” he told Bild. “Sometimes the sparks fly. I have to deal with it. In Munich, I was injured after three minutes but I wanted to keep on playing. I am satisfied with my first season.”

Ozil

Wilshere set to return

ack Wilshere could make his Arsenal return on Sunday, Arsene Wenger has confirmed. The England midfielder has not played since fracturing a bone in his foot while on international duty in March. “We have everybody who played against West Brom available,” the Arsenal manager said. “We could have the return of Aaron Ramsey and Wilshere could be in the squad as well.”

Doha Diamond League: Okagbare renews are; Sailer Verena of Germany, Ann Fraser-Pryce rivalry

DSTv Premier League: Gombe Bulls fined N.15m

Charles Ogundiya

fter her scintillating performance at the2014 Jamaica International Invitational last weekend, Nigeria’s queen of the track, Blessing Okagbare will be up against reigning World and Olympic 100m champion ShellyAnn Fraser-Pryce at the 2014 IAAF Diamond League campaign on Friday 9 May (today) in Doha. The African 100m record holder powered home in 11.19 seconds to win ahead of Jamaican pair of

Olympian Kerron Stewart, who clocked 11.32 seconds and Carrie Russell, 11.46 seconds inside the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica. Okagbare will be running side by side the Olympic champion, running on Lane four while Okagbare will be starting from Lane. According to Fraser-Pryce; “I enjoy running in Doha. The stadium is close and intimate which makes you feel connected with the fans.” Other athletes competing on the track with the two champions

Anderson Alexandria of USA, Gardner English of USA, Jamaica’s Stewart Kerron, Pierre Barbara of USA and Russel Carrie completing the group.

Okagbare

Ifeanyi Ibeh ollowing the court invasion by their supporters in the April 25 DSTv Premier League encounter against Mark Mentors, the Nigeria Basketball Federation has fined Gombe Bulls the sum of N150,000 with a strong warning against a future recurrence. The NBBF in a statement said that it took the decision based on the “unlawful disruption of the game by way of invasion of the playing court by (Gombe Bull’s) supporters as well as an attempted physical assault of one of the match referees.” Stressing that the DSTv Basket-

ball League has no tolerance for any form of violence or hooliganism, the NBBF warned the club that it “will enforce, without fear or favour, severe sanctions to checkmate such tendencies.” The statement added that Gombe Bulls are now placed on notice and that such actions shall not be tolerated from its supporters or anyone connected to it and will without hesitation, “banish your team to play its home games away at a neutral venue acceptable to the federation or out rightly ban your team from the league to serve as example to teams that employ unfair, unlawful and unacceptable tactics to win games at home.”

54 SPORT

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, May 9, 2014

Beckenbauer, Moore, Chukwu inspired me -Keshi Emmanuel Tobi

uper Eagles coach, Stephen has said that the trio of German legend, Frank Beckenbauer, late England Captain, Bobby Moore, and a former Nigerian Captain, Christian Chukwu influenced his playing pattern during his playing days. Speaking on AIPS website, Keshi explained his passion for the trio whom he said helped him to reach the peak of his football career. “When I was growing up, I had three idols. They were playing in the same position and I was studying them. One of them was Frank Beckenbauer. The others were Bobby Moore, the late England Captain, and a former Nigerian Captain that I took over from, Christian Chukwu,” he said. The 2013 AFCON winning coach added that the influence of this trio on

Keshi was not limited to their playing style as he had to settle for one of their shirts number. “Bobby Moore wore number six. Beckenbaner had number 4 and Chukwu was number 5. I had seen their style of play and I wanted to be part of them. I had a coach from Yugoslavia. I was in the junior team then and he said to me: Hey, Keshi I want you to wear number four. “I looked at him and wondered how he knew that I was contemplating on which number to wear. I said coach you said number 4? That was how I just picked number four.” Keshi however expressed his desire to see his kids to continue with the traditional number 4 sating that, “One of my sons if he’s playing, he wants to wear number 4. My daughter if she’s playing, she will also wear number 4.

Aminu, Toro killed Nigerian league – Stores boss Vincent Eboigbe

tationery Stores Chairman Tilewa Adebajo, has declared that former Nigeria Football Association Chairman and General Secretary, Abdulmumuni Aminu and Sani Toro respectively, are responsible for the decline suffered by Nigerian league. Both administrators were in charge at the Football House in the ‘90s and Adebajo insisted that it was during their watch that the issue of boardroom points crept into the league, when matches hitherto won and lost on the pitch, were now decided in the boardroom.

“Aminu and Toro were the architects of the destruction of the Nigerian league; they started playing politics with the league, using boardroom points to decide the winners of the league at the end of the season. That was how they relegated Stationery Stores. I decided then that Nigerian league was dead and I told them that they’ve killed the game,” Adebayo told New Telegraph. “You’ll recall that it was the league that was professionalised in 1990 that ensured we made it to the World Cup in the United States in 1994 and then four years later in France, but the game experienced

Igali, Masai want abducted Chibok girls freed CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 5 1

as unfortunate. “What is happening in Nigeria is an absolute atrocity,” he said. “For me to grow up in northern Nigeria and see what is happening with the abducted kids and women there, I have a daughter, I have a wife. I have a mom and sister that still live in Nigeria. For what is going on there, it is something that, I think, the whole world has to look at and we have to address strongly.” He further stressed that, “In my position, I honestly want to be outspoken about it because I think it’s where I grew up and it should not be happening. I’m passionate about where I come from and what happens to young kids and people that deserve opportunity.”

Nigeria move up in FIFA world rankings

Ajibade Olusesan

igeria continued to make marginal ranking progress, building on from last month’s advancement by moving up one place to 44th in the world. But the improvement was not enough to move the country up in the continental rankings, as they stay outside of the top five, below Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana and Cape Verde. World Cup group rivals Bosnia gained no points and remained on 25th

place. Iran also made no progress and remains Asia’s top team on 37th in the rankings, while Argentina continued their slide by dropping one place to 7th in the world, following from their three-spot drop of last month. AFRICA’s Top 10: 1st Côte d’Ivoire (21) 2nd Egypt (24) 3rd Algeria (25) 4th Ghana (38) 5th Cape Verde Islands (42) 6th Nigeria (44) 7th Tunisia (49) 8th Cameroon (50) 9th Guinea (51) 10th Mali (59).

Fengor Ogude chasing Spain’s Andre Iniesta

Charles Ogundiya

uper Eagles captain Joseph Yobo has hailed the provisional World Cup list released by chief coach Stephen Keshi onn Tuesday in Abuja. His friend and confidant, Pastor Chibueze Ndubueze said Yobo was thrilled with the blend of youth and experience in the list.

Tanzania FA upbeat on Flying Eagles’ defeat Ifeanyi Ibeh’

HE Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) has expressed confidence in the ability of the Under-20 national team, Ngorongoro Heroes, to defeat Nigeria’s Flying Eagles in this weekend’s 2015 Africa Youth Championship qualifier billed for Dar es Salaam. The Heroes will play host to Nigeria’s Flying Eagles in the final qualifying round, first leg

a downward slide when they introduced corruption into the whole thing.” Adebajo however, noted that with the measures introduced by the League Management Committee, the body charged with running the league in the country, there is ‘light at the end of the tunnel,’ hence the return of Stationery Stores to the league. “The reason we decided to be part of the league again, is the LMC. When Nduka Irabor started the body and put measures and structures in place to ensure that the league can run professionally, I knew it was time we got involved again,” Adebajo said.

match at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Sunday. TFF Media and Communication Officer, Boniface Wambura, said the Heroes have prepared well for the encounter and will not be intimidated by Nigerian’s status as continental powerhouse. “We are satisfied with preparations and we’re looking forward to getting a positive result against Nigeria. I believe our boys are ready for

battle,” he said. Wambura said the country’s football governing body has taken all possible steps to ensure the team was ready and performs at its peak and this includes building the players’ confidence. The TFF official made a plea to Tanzanians to rally behind the Heroes as they aim to take a good lead at home to put themselves in good position to reach their first ever AYC finals.

Yobo hails World Cup list Ndubueze said; “You know this will be Joe’s third World Cup and in the previous World Cups he participated, he featured in all Nigeria’s matches, so he knows what it takes to succeed at that level of football. Immediately the list was released, I spoke with him and he was so thrilled with the composition. “Joe is particularly happy that there is a mixture of youth and experience in the team.

Yobo

These are two ingredients needed for a team to do well at international level. That was a missing link at the Confederations Cup last year. You know the younger players need the guidance of the more experienced players while the older ones will need the mobility of the younger ones”. Ndubueze further allayed fears over Yobo’s fitness. “He has fully recovered from injury and he is fit now. I just spoke with him this afternoon when he returned from training. He should play some part against Arsenal this weekend. But you will actually see his level of fitness when the camp opens during the pre-World Cup friendlies. It is his last World Cup and he wants it to be a memorable one,” he said.

NEWS 55

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, May 9, 2014

Job creation,answer to insurgence,crime - Amaechi SOLUTION Governor gives panacea to social vices in Nigeria Joe Ezuma

Port Harcourt

overnor, Chibuike Amaechi, has offered a recipe for the problem of insurgency, kidnappings, and other social vices that are currently assailing Nigeria. He said they could be stemmed through poverty reduction and creation of jobs for the teeming unemployed in the country. Amaechi, who made the observation when the Senate Committee on Privatization and Commercialization paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Port Harcourt, shortly after a facility tour of Federal Government-owned parastatals and agencies in Rivers State, pointed out that these vices could be linked to poverty and un-

employment in the land. He said that his administration started creating employment opportunities when he assumed office in 2007 by building over 140 primary health centres and over 300 model primary schools, which created job opportunities in the state. He said; “The current problem we are having in Nigeria is tied to poverty and unemployment. I believe that one solution to this insurgency is education and employment. The easiest employment is farming, because, a large number of them are not educated and unskilled. "I applied it here in Rivers State and it worked. Most of them who were given guns by the exmilitants, when we asked them, they told us that their parents could not train them. That is why we introduced free education and free healthcare programmes. And it occurred to us that to address this problem, we need social policing, and while you are doing physi-

cal policing, you must also do social and economic policing. "And to do that, we started creating employment opportunities by building over 140 Primary Healthcare Centres and over 300 Model Primary Schools. If you visit these projects, there is no way you will not see up to at least 50 workers in each of the schools. “We created the banana farms that has created jobs for over 2000 persons. We revived the Risonpalm. It was dead when we came, and it has employed over 5,000 workers. Also, the Songhai Farm has employed over 2,000 workers, while Five Fish Farms in strategic locations have been completed. "We have done all that to create employment opportunities for our people. I am very sure that the establishment of farms will go a long way to reduce the recruitment of Boko Haram members. The Federal Government must take education, employment and reduction

of poverty as priority. We do appreciate the challenges the Federal Government is facing now", he emphasized. The Governor, however ,said that his administration is perfecting measures to ensure 24 hours regular power supply in the state and expressed dismay over the inability of the Federal Government to pay what is due to the state government on its investment to improve power supply in the state. The Chairman, Senate Committee on Privatization and Commercialization, Senator Olugbenga Obadara, said they were in Rivers State to see ongoing activities in the privatization sector of the Federal Government, access the retrenchment of workers in the labour market and seek ways of bridging the gap. Obadara said; “When private investors buy these companies from government, you will find out that in no distance time, people working in those companies are returned to

the labour market unemployed. The consequences is part of the outcome of restiveness. "We have been to Indorama Petro-chemicals, Eleme where the state has ten per cent. In all of these, what we decided not to do is to seat at Abuja and call the government agencies to come and

show us papers that are not easily verifiable. As a responsible committee and engine room of government, we want to make sure, we interact with them. We want to see their challenges, the agreement they signed and their financial responsibilities," the Senator said.

Call AU meeting on Boko Haram, Aregbesola tells Jonathan

s the search for the abducted Chibok girls assumed an international dimension, the Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has called on the Federal Government to take an affirmative action against the nation's immediate neighbouring countries. Aregbesola made the call in Osogbo yesterday, when women in the state led by the First Lady, Mrs. Sherifat Aregbesola, and students in the tertiary institutions under the aegis of National Association of Osun State Students (NASS), staged a 'Free Our Children' protest to the Governor's office. The governor, who said the abduction saga has gone beyond Nigeria's problem alone, disclosed that Borno State shares border with Cameroun, Niger and Chad and that there is probability that the insurgents may be re-

ceiving supports from the countries. He urged President Goodluck Jonathan to call on the African Union to call a meeting, which will mandate these three countries to cooperate with Nigeria in rooting out insurgency in that axis. He averred that Nigeria should declare war on whichever country that refuses to abide by such resolution and cooperate with it. He described as terrible, the present situation the nation has been thrown by the insurgents, saying the abduction of over 273 high school girls is a tragedy of huge proportion. "The problem is now beyond Nigeria alone. I urge the President to co-opt the nation's neighbours, particularly Cameroun, Niger and Chad, who share border with Borno State.

Jonathan's second term, not negotiable - Awuse Joe Ezuma

Port Harcourt

A L-R: Director General, Centre for Democratic Governance in Africa (CDGA), Dr. Dafe Akpocha; Director of Administration, Ibru Group, Dr. Henry Muogho and Media Relationship Manager, Dana Air, Mr. Samuel Ogbogoro, at the global award presentation of Africa Democratic Governance held in Lagos.

Chibok girls: Christian legislators seek divine guidance for Jonathan Chukwu David Abuja

he Christian legislators Fellowship International, CLFI, yesterday asked God for wisdom and divine guidance for President Goodluck Jonathan. They also prayed for members of his cabinet to take right decisions that would lead to the rescue of the abducted school girls in Borno State. This was contained in a statement issued in Abuja by the Fellowship's President, Senator Uche Chukwumerije. This was part of the contributions

of the Christian lawmakers towards the rescue of the abducted teenagers, who have been in the captivity of the Boko Haram insurgents for more than three weeks. This came on the heels of offer of assistance from the international community. The United States of America, Britain, China and France have offered to send military personnel and technological facilities that would help in the search for and rescue of the over 200 school girls from their captivity. The lawmakers, who lamented the security

challenges devastating the nation at the moment, described it as a watershed in the history of the country. They expressed hope that rather than escalating the already volatile situation, the foreign supports would end all forms of insurgency in the country. They also noted with regret that the crisis in the North eastern part of the country, particularly the terror and palpable fear being created by the Boko Haram insurgents in the hearts of Nigerians, is a matter of great

concern. The lawmakers urged the entire citizenry to pray and fast for the speedy resolution of the unhealthy security situation in the country, especially the abduction of the female students in Chibok. They commended the efforts of the government so far, the military and other security agencies aimed at recovering the abducted girls from the grip of the terrorists, stressing that "all hands should be on deck to make the foreign supports a success".

delegate to the on-going National Conference, Chief Sergeant Chidi Awuse, has said the people of the South-South geopolitical zone, are not ready to negotiate the second term bid of President Goodluck Jonathan, with any other part of Nigeria. He also observed that current happenings in the North were being blown out of proportion due to the fact that Jonathan, an indigene of the Niger Delta region, is the President of the country. Awuse spoke in Port Harcourt yesterday at the Niger Delta Consultative meeting with delegates to the National Conference, organised by the Pan-Niger Delta Conference (PNDC). He condemned the tendency of daring the president and attempts to intimidate him , saying, "We, the people of the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria, are not ready to negotiate the Presidency of this country with anyone. There

is impunity; people come into Abuja and bomb and kill people in Nyanya, just to say to President Jonathan, what can you do?”. He added, "Whatever they are doing is to blackmail President Jonathan. They no longer respect the office of the President of this country. The office of the President must be respected; President Jonathan must be respected because during their own time, we respected the office. "Wherever you are, remember that Nigeria is one; remember that President Jonathan is for all Nigerians, but we must be one Nigeria based on peace, equity and justice." Awuse, who is also a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), disclosed that delegates to the National Conference, from the South-South zone, unanimously agreed that the federating units in Nigerian system of government should remain the states, as against the return to the regional government being canvassed by delegates from other parts of the country.

World Record

On Marble

It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.

Sanctity of Truth

– Henry David Thoreau

w w w. new tel eg rap ho nl i ne. co m

Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon and the truth – Buddha FRIday, MAY 9, 2014

N150

From 29-31 August 2006, Veljko Rogosic swam 225km across the Adriatic Sea from Grado to Riccione (both Italy), the longest distance ever swum without flippers in open sea Sea .The attempt took him 50 hours 10 mins

Reality check mode beckons O Graffiti nce in a while, a reality check goes a long way to put things in a proper perspective. It becomes a needful proposition like that occasional visit to the doctor for a general check up. In both situations the assessment is done, though through different processes, without any sentiments. It is also what a crisis manager would recommend when Murphy’s Law appears to be intruding. Sometimes the outcome can be unpleasant as hopes and dreams could be shattered. For Nigeria, everything seems to be increasingly coming under the spell of Murphy’s Law. The privatisation exercise continues to throw up strange manifestations which are far from the touted rosy promises. A typical example being the current state of electricity supply. The new regime of distribution and generation companies appears more than eager to unleash an unbridled profiteering agenda, while offering nothing tangible by way of improved service to keep blackouts at bay. As usual the glib explanations are being churned out with even more promises to whet our gullibility. Not even the poster personality of privatisation appears to be spared the calamity spell. Disturbingly, the services on offer by the telecommunication companies are deteriorating. The porting solution has turned out to be another snake oil charade forced down the throats of consumers at a huge cost with no meaningful explanations. Beyond that terrain, there is even something more critical that demands a calculated assessment right now. Last week, the United States of America revealed that it has given military funding assistance to Nigeria to the tune of $20 million dollars or N3.176 billion since 2012, to fight Boko Haram. James F. Entwistle, the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria made the disclosure soon after the second bomb blast at Nyanya, and claimed the substantial monetary support had been under-reported. In diplomat speak, this means the receiver had not made any effort to acknowledge the donation publicly. Apart from the amount given, Entwistle said the U.S. had offered other forms of assistance in the fight against Boko Haram, including professionalizing Nigeria’s military, investigating bomb sites and enhancing forensic capacity. The timing of the disclosure by Entwistle is telling. Perhaps being a diplomat, that is his own way of expressing outrage after doing a reality check. In other words by making this shocking revelation, apart from sending a message to his home office, he is also passing the buck to Nigerians to

EMMAN USMAN SHEHU prohabe@hotmail.com - 08051614969 (sms only)

ask salient questions. This means we are at a point where a reality check is an urgent priority. Today, Nigeria is ranked as the seventh country in the world in terms of terrorism. This additional unenviable record may even worsen given the unfolding dynamics of insecurity. In the light of Entwistle’s revelation, the undisguised question is what happened to the N3.176 billion? Perhaps a clue can be gleaned from the controversial CCTV project which has consumed a staggering N76 billion without contributing to solving one single criminal act. The funding for this bogus project did not come from Uncle Sam, but through a loan from the Chinese Exim bank. Even when a few discerning citizens raised objections about the loan and the involvement of ZTE, a Chinese company with an unwholesome track record, the project proceeded without a damn. Three years down the line, and with the outrage following the audacious Nyanya twin-bombing, the truth is that the CCTV project has been a carefully orchestrated scam. As usual, after the flurry of seeming anxiety and raised eyebrows by officialdom, followed by the mandatory threat of getting to the root of the rip-off, it will quietly go down the sink-hole. While that happens, more citizens will be at the receiving end, as the insecurity thrives, piggy-backing on corruption. The more one tries to assess the situation, the more it becomes clear that the greatest conspiracy against the country is by those saddled with the responsibility of protecting the citizentry. Nothing explains it better than this statement by the security specialist, Gordon Duff: “Civil war in Nigeria is big business, a civil war planned and executed with full complicity by many of those now in Abuja working to supposedly help protect Nigeria…Key officials in Nigeria were informed, very specifically, of the timeline for terrorist bombings, training and supplying Boko Haram and flooding the region with jihadists… We watched intelligence agencies from Europe and ‘elsewhere’ flood into Niger under the guise of dealing with the conflict in Mali. While there, they were pouring weapons into Nigeria and supporting terror cells throughout the country.”

Then this damning clincher: “…of course, the same groups were also sitting in hotels in Abuja, with suitcases of cash to bribe officials, ready to make fat contracts to fight the terrorists they had sent.” Duff’s claims since it became public knowledge last year, has never been officially rebutted by the same leadership he claims he had adequately informed at a security meeting in Abuja. These people have forgotten that given their positions, they have the responsibility of securing the lives and properties of the citizenry. They have ignored the fact that being in charge of national security is not an avenue for dubious contracts. As a scholar rightly noted: “…it is a condition where the most cherished values, ideas, beliefs, ways of life, institutions of governance and the well-being of a nation are protected and continuously strengthened. This implies that security is a holistic concept that involves the protection of lives and property. It encompasses a network of armed and civil forces that secure the citizens not only from external attacks but also from devastating internal disturbances, starvation, diseases, homelessness, environmental degradation and socio-economic injustices.” The situation right now is a clear vote of no confidence on the country’s leadership. It is alarming that in almost four years, for instance, a rag-tag sect has evolved into a dynamic terror group with the flexibility of manipulating tactics and picking targets at its convenience. There are so many examples of the deadliness of this evolution. One clear case is its adeptness at using Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Apart from the October 1, 2010 bomb blast in Abuja, which remains mired in controversy as to whether it was a MEND job or an act by rogue elements in the security services, there have been nine bomb blasts in the nation’s capital attributed to Boko Haram. The recent twin Nyanya bombings point to an even greater sophistication, and an audacious statement of intent. Yet, as Entwistle has revealed, the capabilities, both financial and technical, have been provided to enable the state create a system that would forestall or minimize such explosions. Given America’s counter-

terrorism experience, it has realized that a data base of bomb-makers is critical. This is achieved by forensic analysis of every bomb, whether it is exploded or not. Against this background and with adequate intelligence, they have been able to neutralize bomb-makers even in distant lands. Here, the story is totally different. We don’t know whether the bombs are actually by Boko Haram or other criminals including possible rogue elements within the security services. This is pertinent because some years ago Nigerian military arms were traced to Niger Delta militants, and there are current allegations of insurgents having accomplices in the security agencies. The time has come for Nigerians to ask the leadership hard questions and demand factual answers, not manipulated responses. We need to know what happened to all the money meant for security purposes. The leadership needs to explain why the hard-earned reputation of the Nigerian military has become sorely compromised. The leadership should be responsible enough to reveal those it claims are behind the ravaging insurgency. Otherwise it should stop hoodwinking Nigerians with bogey theories it has failed to substantiate. The leadership also must begin to live up to its responsibility as the custodian of security in all its ramifications as enunciated above. Anything short of that implies it is part of a conspiracy to ruin the country even if it is unwittingly involved. Lingering insecurity will only exacerbate discontent and create a fertile ground for worse manifestations of terrorism. It is reality check time.

OmoBaba

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